Ever stared at a pile of wood or a stubborn pipe and wished for a tool that could just… cut through it? That’s where the Milwaukee reciprocating saw shines. It’s the workhorse of demolition and renovation, a true game-changer for anyone tackling tough jobs around the house or on a job site. But with so many Milwaukee models out there, each boasting different features and power levels, picking the *perfect* one can feel like a puzzle. You want the best bang for your buck, a saw that’s reliable, powerful, and comfortable to use, but navigating the jargon and specs can be overwhelming.
This post is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll dive deep into what makes Milwaukee reciprocating saws so popular and, more importantly, guide you through the process of choosing the right one for *your* needs. Think of us as your personal tool whisperer, helping you understand the differences between corded and cordless, the importance of motor power, and the handy features that make a real difference on the job.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear picture of the Milwaukee reciprocating saw lineup, empowering you to make a confident purchase. Get ready to discover the saw that will make your next demolition project a breeze!
Our Top 5 Milwaukee Reciprocating Saw Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Milwaukee Reciprocating Saw Detailed Reviews
1. Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw – No Charger
Rating: 9.2/10
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw is a powerful tool for cutting through various materials. This “bare tool only” version means you get the saw itself, but you’ll need to supply your own M18 battery and charger. It’s designed for tough jobs, making quick work of demolition and construction tasks. The brushless motor provides more power and longer run time, which is great for extended use.
What We Like:
- The wear-resistant lever-actuated blade clamp makes changing blades super fast and simple.
- A metal-reinforced battery connection adds extra toughness, keeping the battery securely in place over time.
- The built-in LED light is a handy feature that lights up your work area, helping you see exactly where you’re cutting.
- The brushless motor offers excellent power and efficiency for demanding tasks.
What Could Be Improved:
- Since it’s a “bare tool only” purchase, you need to already own or buy M18 batteries and a charger separately, adding to the overall cost if you’re new to the M18 system.
- The saw can be a bit on the heavier side, which might be noticeable during long projects.
This Sawzall is a solid choice for anyone who needs a reliable and powerful reciprocating saw. Just remember to factor in the cost of batteries and a charger if you don’t already have them.
2. Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool)
Rating: 9.4/10
The Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall is a powerful and versatile cordless saw. Its compact, one-handed design makes it easy to handle in tight spaces. This tool is built for tough jobs, helping you get more done faster.
What We Like:
- The POWERSTATE Brushless Motor gives it extra cutting speed and power for difficult tasks.
- REDLINK Plus Intelligence protects the tool from overloads, making it last longer.
- REDLINK Lithium battery technology means it works longer on a single charge and holds up over time.
- Its one-handed design offers better control than bigger reciprocating saws.
- The 7/8-inch stroke length cuts through material faster.
- A pivoting shoe keeps the saw in contact with the work for smoother cuts with less shaking.
- It can last up to three times longer than other one-handed saws because of its smart technology.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a bare tool, meaning the battery and charger are sold separately, adding to the overall cost.
- While powerful, the one-handed design might not be ideal for very long or heavy-duty demolition work where a two-handed saw is preferred.
The Milwaukee Hackzall is a fantastic tool for anyone needing a powerful yet easy-to-manage saw. It’s a great addition to your toolbox for efficient and clean cuts.
3. Milwaukee 2625-21 M18 18V Hackzall Cordless One-Handed Reciprocating Saw Kit
Rating: 9.4/10
The Milwaukee 2625-21 M18 18V Hackzall Cordless One-Handed Reciprocating Saw Kit is a game-changer for anyone tackling cutting tasks. Its one-handed design means you get better control and can work in tighter spots than with a regular reciprocating saw. This tool is built tough and made with high-quality materials, so it can handle tough jobs. Plus, its light weight makes it easier to use, especially for jobs above your head.
What We Like:
- It’s easy to use and very durable.
- The one-handed design gives you great control and lets you cut in tight spaces.
- It’s lightweight, making overhead work much easier.
- The QUIK-LOK Blade Clamp lets you change blades quickly without tools.
- A built-in LED light helps you see your work clearly.
- It works with both M18 XC High Capacity and M18 Compact LITHIUM-ION Batteries.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the battery life could be longer for very extended projects.
- While versatile, it might not have the same power for extremely heavy-duty demolition as a larger, two-handed saw.
This Hackzall kit is a fantastic tool for many projects, offering excellent maneuverability and durability. It’s a smart investment for both DIYers and professionals.
4. Milwaukee 2420-20 M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion HACKZALL Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool-Only)
Rating: 9.4/10
Tackle your DIY projects with the Milwaukee 2420-20 M12 HACKZALL. This cordless reciprocating saw is a powerful tool for cutting through various materials. It’s designed for convenience and efficiency, making your work easier.
What We Like:
- It’s super versatile because it can use both HACKZALL and SAWZALL blades.
- The variable-speed trigger gives you a lot of control when you’re cutting. You can go fast or slow.
- You always know how much battery life you have left thanks to the battery fuel gauge.
- It’s a good size and easy to handle for most jobs.
- It’s a Milwaukee tool, so you know it’s built tough.
What Could Be Improved:
- Since it’s a tool-only purchase, you need to buy the battery and charger separately.
- For really tough or long jobs, a bigger battery might be needed.
- The cutting speed might not be as fast as larger, corded saws.
The Milwaukee M12 HACKZALL is a fantastic option for homeowners and DIYers who need a reliable and easy-to-use cutting tool. It offers great control and convenience for a wide range of tasks.
5. Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 18V Lithium Ion Cordless Sawzall 3
Rating: 9.4/10
The Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 18V Lithium Ion Cordless Sawzall is a powerful and versatile tool for any DIYer or professional. This reciprocating saw boasts a 3,000 RPM speed, making quick work of tough jobs. Its cordless design gives you freedom of movement, and the M18 battery compatibility means you can use it with your existing Milwaukee tools. Whether you’re cutting through wood, metal, or plastic, this Sawzall is built to handle it.
What We Like:
- QUIK LOK BLADE CLAMP: Changing blades is super easy. Just open the latch, swap the blade, and close it. You can switch for different jobs in seconds.
- ALL METAL GEARBOX: If you accidentally drop this saw, the tough metal gearbox helps protect the important parts inside. This means you can keep working without worrying too much.
- COUNTER BALANCE MECHANISM: Cutting through thick wood can cause a lot of shaking. This saw has a special balance system that cuts down on vibrations, making it more comfortable to use for longer.
- REDLINK INTELLIGENCE: This smart technology talks to the M18 battery. It stops the tool from using too much power and getting too hot. This makes your work more efficient and safer.
- M18 COMPATIBLE: It works with all Milwaukee M18 18V lithium-ion batteries. This includes popular models like the 48-11-1860, 48-11-1850, and others.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a bare tool, meaning the battery and charger are sold separately. You’ll need to have M18 batteries already or buy them to use the saw.
The Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 Sawzall is a tough and smart tool that makes tough cutting jobs easier. Its user-friendly features and durable design make it a great addition to any toolbox.
Milwaukee Reciprocating Saw: Your Go-To Guide
Choosing the Right Milwaukee Reciprocating Saw
Milwaukee reciprocating saws, often called “Sawzalls,” are powerful tools. They cut through many things. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs. We will look at important features, materials, quality factors, and how people use them.
Key Features to Look For
Power and Performance
- Motor Power: More power means it cuts faster and through tougher stuff. Look for amps for corded saws or voltage for cordless ones.
- Strokes Per Minute (SPM): This tells you how fast the blade moves back and forth. Higher SPM usually means faster cutting.
- Orbit Action: Some saws have an “orbit” mode. This makes the blade move in a slight circle as it cuts. It helps cut through wood faster.
Comfort and Control
- Variable Speed Trigger: This lets you control the speed. You can start slow for precise cuts and speed up for demolition.
- Ergonomics and Grip: A comfortable grip is important for long jobs. Look for rubberized handles that reduce vibrations.
- Weight: Lighter saws are easier to handle, especially overhead.
Durability and Convenience
- Blade Clamp System: A tool-free blade clamp makes changing blades quick and easy.
- LED Light: A built-in light helps you see your cutting line in dark areas.
- Battery Platform (for cordless): If you already own Milwaukee cordless tools, choose a saw that uses the same battery system. This saves you money.
Important Materials
Milwaukee saws use strong materials. The housing is usually made of tough plastic. The motor is built to last. Blades are made of hardened steel. Different blades are for different materials, like wood, metal, or plastic.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
- Brushless Motor: These motors are more efficient and last longer. They provide more power and run cooler.
- Anti-Vibration Technology: This design reduces the shaking you feel. It makes the saw more comfortable to use and more accurate.
- Solid Construction: Well-made tools feel sturdy. They don’t rattle or feel flimsy.
Reducing Quality
- Cheap Plastic Parts: Saws with a lot of cheap plastic might break easily.
- Overheating: If a saw gets too hot too fast, it might not be built for tough jobs.
- Poor Balance: A saw that feels unbalanced is harder to control.
User Experience and Use Cases
Milwaukee reciprocating saws are great for many jobs. Homeowners use them for DIY projects. Contractors use them for demolition and rough cuts on construction sites. They can cut pipes, wood, drywall, and even metal. Many people like the cordless models because they offer freedom of movement. The power and speed make tough jobs much easier.
Some common uses include:
- Cutting through walls for renovations.
- Removing old plumbing or electrical boxes.
- Trimming branches or small trees in the yard.
- Demolishing old structures.
- Making rough cuts in lumber.
Milwaukee Reciprocating Saw FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a corded and cordless Milwaukee reciprocating saw?
A: Corded saws plug into an outlet and offer constant power. Cordless saws use batteries, giving you more freedom to move around without being tied to an outlet.
Q: What kind of blades should I use with my Milwaukee reciprocating saw?
A: You need to choose blades based on what you are cutting. There are blades for wood, metal, demolition, and more. Always check the blade’s packaging for its intended use.
Q: How do I change the blade on a Milwaukee reciprocating saw?
A: Most Milwaukee saws have a tool-free blade clamp. You usually twist a collar or flip a lever to release the old blade and insert the new one.
Q: Are Milwaukee reciprocating saws good for home use?
A: Yes, Milwaukee offers models that are perfect for home DIY projects. Look for lighter, more compact models if you don’t need extreme power.
Q: What does “strokes per minute” (SPM) mean?
A: SPM tells you how many times the blade moves back and forth in one minute. A higher SPM usually means faster cutting.
Q: What is orbit action?
A: Orbit action means the blade moves in a slight circular path as it cuts. This helps it cut through wood more aggressively and faster.
Q: How important is the battery platform for cordless saws?
A: It’s very important if you already own Milwaukee cordless tools. You can use the same batteries for different tools, which saves money and hassle.
Q: Can I use my Milwaukee reciprocating saw to cut metal?
A: Yes, but you need to use a blade specifically designed for cutting metal. Metal cutting blades are thinner and have finer teeth.
Q: How can I make my Milwaukee reciprocating saw last longer?
A: Keep it clean, change blades when they get dull, and avoid forcing the saw through tough materials. Let the tool do the work.
Q: What is a brushless motor, and why is it better?
A: A brushless motor has no brushes to wear out. This makes it more efficient, powerful, and longer-lasting than brushed motors.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!