Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL 7-1/4-inch Rear Handle Circular Saw just got a digital upgrade. The 2931-20, announced May 19, brings ONE-KEY connectivity to the same platform as the 2930-20, same POWERSTATE brushless motor, same 6,000 RPM under load, same AUTOSTOP kickback protection. What changes is everything you can do with it from a phone.
ONE-KEY adds Bluetooth tracking, a theft-deterrence mode that locks the tool once reported stolen, and customizable speed profiles per job. For a saw that typically rides in an open truck bed on commercial framing sites, that’s a meaningful addition.
2930-20 vs 2931-20: What Actually Changes
| Spec | 2930-20 (Base) | 2931-20 (ONE-KEY) |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | M18 | M18 |
| Blade diameter | 7-1/4 in. | 7-1/4 in. |
| RPM (under load) | 6,000 | 6,000 |
| AUTOSTOP kickback protection | Yes | Yes |
| ONE-KEY tracking | No | Yes |
| Customizable speed profiles | No | Yes |
| Theft-deterrence lock | No | Yes |
Who This Is For
If you’re a homeowner with the saw in your garage, the 2930-20 cuts identically for less money. The 2931-20 targets contractors managing fleets of tools across multiple job sites, the ONE-KEY ecosystem lets a foreman assign, track, and lock individual tools through the Milwaukee Tool app. A single stolen saw typically costs more than the ONE-KEY premium.
The rear-handle geometry also deserves a note for buyers unfamiliar with the format: unlike the sidewinder saws most DIYers own, rear-handle saws position the motor directly behind the blade. That shifts the center of gravity for longer cuts, improves sightlines over the blade guard, and delivers a torque feel closer to a worm-drive without the bulk. Framing and decking crews who’ve run worm-drives for decades are the natural audience here.
When and Where
The 2931-20 is available now at Home Depot and authorized Milwaukee dealers. Check Milwaukee’s site for current pricing, ONE-KEY versions typically carry a modest premium over the base SKU.
For a broader look at rear-handle and sidewinder options across brands, see our best cordless circular saws guide. We covered the 2930-20 base model when it launched, all the cutting performance data from that review applies here. Weighing Milwaukee against the competition? Our Milwaukee vs. DeWalt comparison covers the full platform picture.