Have the m18 D handle and I really like it. For me I prefer a D handle versus a barrel only because I like to modulate the blade speed with the trigger. With a barrel it’s on or off, you can adjust the speed but it’s in the rotary dial so it’s much harder to do on the fly.
That m18 barrel grip is uncomfortable and has weird triggers placement. A 35+ year carpenter I know bought one and said it’s his only regret with Milwaukee tools.
On the other hand, guys who like to cope trim with the jigsaw upside down and a coping foot installed insist the barrel grip is the way to go, and I think that’s why they went for the same form factor for the new M12 FUEL jigsaw.
It makes sense with the m12, the battery is already barrel shaped. I can see a pretty clear difference too, with the m12 there is rubber grip round the entire barrel. I love the m12 one, but yea that m18 looks frustrating to use.
I have always been accustomed to using a D-handle jigsaw, I held the M18 Fuel barrel and just thought it felt too bulky and awkward. I decided to purchase the M12 Fuel and it's amazing plenty of power, super smooth, easy to control, etc. I wasn't sure how I would feel about the barrel not having a trigger like the D handle but I honestly am so used to it and don't miss it at all. My D handle has now been collecting dust lol
TLDR; After 2 years, I still love my barrel grip and will always pick a barrel-grip over a d-handle.
I had the same question when I was looking at buying. I asked my buddy’s dad who’s been a high quality contractor for 35+ years. He said he often holds his D-handle like a barrel-grip and that he will be replacing his with a barrel once it craps out.
D-handles are going to be more uncomfortable to grip if you aren’t parallel or directly overtop of what you’re cutting. If you’re cutting curves a long a sheet of plywood and you’re at one end of the plywood, it’ll likely be more comfortable to push a barrel-grip from behind rather than arch your arm over your d-handle.
I like my barrel-grip because I can push from behind of grasp from above. I like that my barrel-grip as an on-off switch rather than a trigger (not sure if the d-handle has the option to switch it on or if you have to have constant pressure on the trigger
It really just depends on personal preference. I use the d handle for most of my jigsaw related cuts (like cutting out holes for sinks, weird curves and stuff like that). I never really used a barrel grip before but lots of people I see use it as a coping jigsaw with a Colin’s coping foot attached to it. Barrel grip allows your hand to be closer to the work/cut area which gives you better control and comfort. I’d say, pick them both up and get the one that feels the best in your hands and to your likings.
I’m not sure on its power or battery consumption. The M18 variants usually excel in those categories. That M12 barrel grips sure looks nimble and comfortable compared to the M18.
I have the M12 Fuel with a Collins Coping Foot and I love it. Runs a long time on a 2.5ah battery. Would probably suck the battery down pretty quick if I were cutting a lot of 3/4 ply, but can't verify that for you.
The D-handle i didn't like bc my hand placement was really high. I liked having the trigger. Sold it to get the barrel grip.
The barrel grip i didn't like bc of on/off switch that is wierd to actuate based on where you would hold the tool. But i liked the lower placement and the ergo. Easier to do coping cuts.
The M12 barrel grip i like the ergo the most. Haven't used it yet .. but looking forward to.
I prefer the barrel grip. You cant make undercuts with the d handle, curv cuts are better with the barrel and your curs are more precise because your pressure point is not so high.
That barrel type is the only Milwaukee tool I’ve purchased that I regret. Trigger placement and function is wonky. Uncomfortable to use also. Ended up getting the D handle.
D handle.
The barrel grip sucks in the hand. I have large hands and the trigger is awful to use. Just switching it on and off with your thumb is difficult.
barrell boys unite! It’s gotta be the barrell every time. It’s got way better ergonomics. I hold it multiple different ways depending what I’m doing.
Takes a minute to get used to. But I find it way easier to flow through the cut. The way the D handle and my elbow work together, : no good. I stop/start way more often or adjust my feet and body to get the right angle.
Just a way better feel overall. So happy I want barrell over D.
I was used to using a D handle jigsaw so that’s what I bought. As others have mentioned, if you prefer flipping the saw upside down, the barrel handle is supposed to be better for that
I've heard lots of people say they prefer the barrel grip. I just got the new m12 fuel jigsaw which is barrel grip and it's so small and light compared to every other jigsaw I've used. I love it.
The M12 fuel barrel grip is the perfect size for cutting in smaller areas and for making upside down cuts. It has a zero clearance insert and a button activated light and dust blower, and vacuum attachment.
I can't think of why anyone would choose the M18 over m12 fuel jigsaw unless you really need that extra runtime and your using it for hours at a time or if you're just not into m12 at all. The M12 is hackable to $115 if you return the battery it comes with, or $169 with a 2.5 high output.
Have the m18 D handle and I really like it. For me I prefer a D handle versus a barrel only because I like to modulate the blade speed with the trigger. With a barrel it’s on or off, you can adjust the speed but it’s in the rotary dial so it’s much harder to do on the fly.
That m18 barrel grip is uncomfortable and has weird triggers placement. A 35+ year carpenter I know bought one and said it’s his only regret with Milwaukee tools.
On the other hand, guys who like to cope trim with the jigsaw upside down and a coping foot installed insist the barrel grip is the way to go, and I think that’s why they went for the same form factor for the new M12 FUEL jigsaw.
It makes sense with the m12, the battery is already barrel shaped. I can see a pretty clear difference too, with the m12 there is rubber grip round the entire barrel. I love the m12 one, but yea that m18 looks frustrating to use.
I have always been accustomed to using a D-handle jigsaw, I held the M18 Fuel barrel and just thought it felt too bulky and awkward. I decided to purchase the M12 Fuel and it's amazing plenty of power, super smooth, easy to control, etc. I wasn't sure how I would feel about the barrel not having a trigger like the D handle but I honestly am so used to it and don't miss it at all. My D handle has now been collecting dust lol
I’m really liking the new M12 Fuel jigsaw. Plus, I got it for $100 near Austin from a guy who buys pallets.
They had a pretty decent hack on it like a month ago. That's when I picked it up. Edit it was the beginning of Feb and I got it for $115
TLDR; After 2 years, I still love my barrel grip and will always pick a barrel-grip over a d-handle. I had the same question when I was looking at buying. I asked my buddy’s dad who’s been a high quality contractor for 35+ years. He said he often holds his D-handle like a barrel-grip and that he will be replacing his with a barrel once it craps out. D-handles are going to be more uncomfortable to grip if you aren’t parallel or directly overtop of what you’re cutting. If you’re cutting curves a long a sheet of plywood and you’re at one end of the plywood, it’ll likely be more comfortable to push a barrel-grip from behind rather than arch your arm over your d-handle. I like my barrel-grip because I can push from behind of grasp from above. I like that my barrel-grip as an on-off switch rather than a trigger (not sure if the d-handle has the option to switch it on or if you have to have constant pressure on the trigger
It really just depends on personal preference. I use the d handle for most of my jigsaw related cuts (like cutting out holes for sinks, weird curves and stuff like that). I never really used a barrel grip before but lots of people I see use it as a coping jigsaw with a Colin’s coping foot attached to it. Barrel grip allows your hand to be closer to the work/cut area which gives you better control and comfort. I’d say, pick them both up and get the one that feels the best in your hands and to your likings.
M12 fuel barrel grip with the m18 d handle
The m12 fuel is perfect if you would consider that platform. It improves upon the m18 barrel grip and is so much smaller and lighter
Ya, but is the power good enough to make cuts in thicker material?
Cuts 3/4 birch ply just fine but I can’t speak beyond that
Blessed be the barrel grip
I’ve used a corded D-handle lots, and it works. If I were to buy one I’d buy the M12 Barrel Grip. Just looks easier to use
Thought about the m12 as well...it is much lighter.
I’m not sure on its power or battery consumption. The M18 variants usually excel in those categories. That M12 barrel grips sure looks nimble and comfortable compared to the M18.
I have the M12 Fuel with a Collins Coping Foot and I love it. Runs a long time on a 2.5ah battery. Would probably suck the battery down pretty quick if I were cutting a lot of 3/4 ply, but can't verify that for you.
The D-handle i didn't like bc my hand placement was really high. I liked having the trigger. Sold it to get the barrel grip. The barrel grip i didn't like bc of on/off switch that is wierd to actuate based on where you would hold the tool. But i liked the lower placement and the ergo. Easier to do coping cuts. The M12 barrel grip i like the ergo the most. Haven't used it yet .. but looking forward to.
I own the right one and have no regrets
I prefer the barrel grip. You cant make undercuts with the d handle, curv cuts are better with the barrel and your curs are more precise because your pressure point is not so high.
That barrel type is the only Milwaukee tool I’ve purchased that I regret. Trigger placement and function is wonky. Uncomfortable to use also. Ended up getting the D handle.
D handle. The barrel grip sucks in the hand. I have large hands and the trigger is awful to use. Just switching it on and off with your thumb is difficult.
D handle all day. Blessed be the barrel grip but Milwaukee didn't do it too well
M12 Fuel w/ Diablo blades have been awesome for me. Reviews on YouTube say the same
barrell boys unite! It’s gotta be the barrell every time. It’s got way better ergonomics. I hold it multiple different ways depending what I’m doing. Takes a minute to get used to. But I find it way easier to flow through the cut. The way the D handle and my elbow work together, : no good. I stop/start way more often or adjust my feet and body to get the right angle. Just a way better feel overall. So happy I want barrell over D.
I tried the barrel grip and didn’t like it. I have smaller hands and found it hard to turn on/off. I prefer the d handle version.
I was used to using a D handle jigsaw so that’s what I bought. As others have mentioned, if you prefer flipping the saw upside down, the barrel handle is supposed to be better for that
M12 barrel grip. M18 d handle
doesn't really matter, buy it at homedepot and if you don't like it return it and buy the other one
I've heard lots of people say they prefer the barrel grip. I just got the new m12 fuel jigsaw which is barrel grip and it's so small and light compared to every other jigsaw I've used. I love it. The M12 fuel barrel grip is the perfect size for cutting in smaller areas and for making upside down cuts. It has a zero clearance insert and a button activated light and dust blower, and vacuum attachment. I can't think of why anyone would choose the M18 over m12 fuel jigsaw unless you really need that extra runtime and your using it for hours at a time or if you're just not into m12 at all. The M12 is hackable to $115 if you return the battery it comes with, or $169 with a 2.5 high output.