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In-depth review

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2737B-20 Barrel Grip Jig Saw Review (2027)

The Milwaukee 2737B-20 pairs a barrel grip with six speeds and a gentle auto-control start. Our research-based verdict on the M18 precision saw.

TGBy TrueGear Research TeamIndependent editorial teamLast updated How we researchResearch-based assessment · Jigsaws
Specs verified against manufacturer docs
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Updated 2026-10-29
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2737B-20 Barrel Grip Jig Saw Review (2027) featured graphic
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Barrel Grip Jig Saw, Bare Tool (2737B-20)

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Barrel Grip Jig Saw, Bare Tool (2737B-20)

The barrel-grip twin of the M18 flagship: same 3,500 SPM ceiling, a low hand position and gentle auto-control starts.

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Our verdict

The 2737B-20 is the precision instrument of the M18 jigsaw pair: a barrel grip that drops the hand to blade level, six speed settings spanning 800 to 3,500 SPM, ambidextrous switches, and an auto-control start that ramps speed gently so the blade does not jump at cut entry. It shares the flagship's 3,500 SPM ceiling and four orbital positions, but its character is control, not speed. The caveats are specific: a wide barrel for small hands, a switch position that trigger users must relearn, and a 5.0Ah pack limit on bevel cuts.

What we like

  • Barrel grip gives a low, controlled feel that suits detailed scroll and curve work
  • Brushless motor with 800 to 3,500 SPM across six speed settings for fine speed matching
  • Ambidextrous switches let left and right handed users work without repositioning
  • Auto-control start ramps speed gently so the blade does not jump at cut entry

What to watch out for

  • Barrel diameter feels wide for small hands on extended sessions
  • Battery pack size limit for bevel cuts (no larger than 5.0Ah) catches buyers who own bigger packs
  • Switch position draws complaints from users who expect a trigger-style control

What owners report: Milwaukee M18 FUEL Barrel Grip Jig Saw, Bare Tool (2737B-20)

Synthesized from recurring themes in long-term owner feedback.

Most praised

  • Barrel grip gives a low, controlled feel that suits detailed scroll and curve work.
  • Ambidextrous switches let left and right handed users work without repositioning.
  • Auto-control start ramps speed gently so the blade does not jump at cut entry.

Common complaints

  • Barrel diameter feels wide for small hands on extended sessions.
  • Battery pack size limit for bevel cuts (no larger than 5.0Ah) catches buyers who own bigger packs.
  • Switch position draws complaints from users who expect a trigger-style control.

Who it is for

M18 owners doing detailed scroll work, tight curves and fine cutouts, including left-handed users who value ambidextrous controls.

Six speeds and a soft start

The speed range is the story: 800 SPM at the bottom for delicate entries and fine curves, 3,500 SPM at the top for fast open work, with six steps between. The auto-control start complements the range by ramping gently at entry, so the blade bites instead of jumping, which is the moment most curve cuts go wrong. Together they make this the most speed-controllable saw in the guide, and the reason it leads the curve-cutting ranking.

Ambidextrous by design

Switches on both sides let left and right handed users work without repositioning, a genuine distinction in a category where most saws assume a right-handed trigger hand. The barrel grip supports the same idea: the guiding hand stays low and centered over the blade regardless of dominant hand. For shared shops and left-handed buyers, this is a working advantage, not a specification footnote.

The bevel pack limit and the learning curve

The operator manual's bevel rule deserves attention: do not attempt a bevel cut with a battery pack larger than 5.0Ah, because the larger pack interferes with the tilt. Owners with big packs in their kit must swap down for bevel work, which is an easy habit once known and a frustrating surprise until then. The switch position also draws complaints from users expecting a trigger, and the barrel diameter feels wide for small hands on extended sessions.

Key specifications

Orbital action
4 positions
Stroke length
1 inch
Power
18V M18 FUEL, brushless, bare tool
Stroke speed
800 to 3,500 SPM, 6 speed settings
Bevel
0, 15, 30, 45 degrees; use packs up to 5.0Ah for bevel cuts, per operator manual
Weight
4.59 lb

Also consider

Research-based assessment. TrueGear has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.

Questions, answered

Why is there a battery limit for bevel cuts?

Per the Milwaukee operator manual, packs larger than 5.0Ah interfere with the bevel tilt on this barrel-grip body. Use a 5.0Ah or smaller pack for bevel work, and save larger packs for straight and curve cuts where the limit does not apply.

Is the 2737B-20 better than the 2737-20?

For detailed curves and scroll work, yes: the barrel grip, six speeds and soft start are built for that job. For general cutting and plunge starts, the D-handle 2737-20 is the better all-rounder. They share a platform and a top speed, so the choice is grip and control style, not power.

Can left-handed users operate the 2737B-20 comfortably?

Yes, that is one of its strengths. Ambidextrous switches mean left-handed users do not need to reposition or reach across the saw to control speed, unlike trigger-style saws designed around a right-handed grip.

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