Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Fuel 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cor

The Verdict

Let’s be blunt: the Milwaukee 2720-21 is not the newest reciprocating saw in Milwaukee’s lineup, and it knows it. But four years after its release, this M18 Fuel Sawzall still holds a 4.2-star rating across 210 reviews — and that staying power tells you something. This is the saw that built Milwaukee’s cordless reputation, and it remains a legitimate contender if you can find it at the right price.

What’s Actually in the Box

The 2720-21 is a bare tool — just the saw. No battery, no charger, no case. If you’re already running M18 tools, that’s fine. If you’re starting fresh, factor in another $150-$200 for a starter kit or two batteries and a charger. The saw itself features the POWERSTATE brushless motor, REDLINK PLUS intelligence, a variable-speed trigger (0-3,000 SPM), and a 1-1/8" stroke length. Weight comes in at 8.7 pounds with an XC 5.0Ah battery attached.

How It Actually Performs

The headline here is power. The 2720 delivers sustained cutting force that genuinely rivals corded Sawzalls — something reviewers consistently mention. One buyer put it plainly: “I’ve used this to cut through 4-inch cast iron and it didn’t even slow down. My old corded saw collects dust now.” That’s the real-world experience you’ll get on demolition, plumbing, and framing work.

The Quik-Lok blade clamp is a genuine time-saver. No tools, no fiddling — pull the lever, swap the blade, done. The adjustable shoe gives you solid control for plunge cuts, and Milwaukee’s REDLINK PLUS does its job quietly in the background, preventing thermal shutdowns during extended use.

What Buyers Praise (and What They Don’t)

The praise is consistent: power, durability, and cut speed. Multiple reviewers note dropping the saw on job sites and it keeps running. The trigger response is smooth — you get fine control at low speeds for precision cuts, and full rip when you need it.

The criticisms are equally consistent, and they’re fair. Vibration is the big one. The 2720 doesn’t have the counterbalance system found on Milwaukee’s newer 2821 model, so your hand will feel it after sustained cutting. One reviewer noted: “It works great, but after 20 minutes of cutting you know it.” The weight is also a factor — 8.7 pounds gets heavy overhead, and the bare-tool packaging frustrates buyers who didn’t read the listing carefully.

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You’re already in the M18 ecosystem and need a reliable, powerful reciprocating saw for demolition, plumbing, or general framing. You’ll get 90% of the performance of Milwaukee’s newest model for significantly less money if you shop around.

Skip it if: You’re starting fresh with cordless tools, you do extensive overhead work (the weight will wear you down), or vibration sensitivity is a dealbreaker — the newer 2821 is worth the premium for its AV system.

FAQ

Q: Does this saw come with a battery? A: No. The 2720-21 is a bare tool. You need at least one M18 battery and charger to use it. Budget accordingly.

Q: Can it cut metal? A: Yes, with the right blade. It handles cast iron, copper, steel pipe, and rebar without bogging down. Just use a quality metal-cutting blade and let the saw do the work.

Q: Is the newer Milwaukee 2821 worth the extra money? A: If you cut all day, every day — yes. The anti-vibration system on the 2821 is significantly better. For the occasional user or weekend warrior, the 2720 delivers nearly the same cutting power at a better price.

The Verdict: 4.2/5

The Milwaukee 2720-21 is a proven workhorse that still delivers serious cutting power. It’s not the lightest, not the smoothest, and the bare-tool packaging catches people off guard — but for power, reliability, and value in the M18 ecosystem, it’s hard to beat.

Buy it if you want corded-class cutting performance without the cord and you’re already invested in Milwaukee. Skip it if you need the newest anti-vibration tech or you’re not prepared to buy batteries separately.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.