There is a Milwaukee Sawzall (or Hackzall) for every demo job
In 1951, Milwaukee Power Tools introduced Sawzall to the world. Since then it has become so well known that it is very common for people to refer to any brand of reciprocating saw by the Sawzall name. Over 70 years later, a lot has changed. Take an in-depth look at today's finest Milwaukee Sawzall models.
Best Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Super Sawzall
The biggest and worst model to wear the Sawzall badge is the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Super Sawzall. As the only cordless model currently earning the "Super" designation, it outperforms all other reciprocating saws in Milwaukee's line in cutting performance—including corded saws. Its brushless motor is capable of 3000 SPM with a 1 1/4 inch stroke length.
It also has a really nice feature set, including selectable track actions, variable speed dials, adjustable shoes, and more.
The downside is that it's a heavy tool, weighing 12.2 pounds with a 12.0Ah high-output battery. But if cutting speed and cordless convenience are your top priorities, there's no better choice.
Price: $249 bare, $449 kit with 12.0Ah high output battery
Best Wired Milwaukee Super Sawzall
Milwaukee has a few corded Super Sawzalls to choose from, the 15 amp model (6538-21) is the best in its class. With selectable orbital action and variable speed dials, its 2800 maximum SPM and 1 1/4" travel length get through presentation jobs faster than Milwaukee's other corded options. Plus, this one is made in good ole USA.
Price: $199
Best Milwaukee M18 Cordless Sawzall
Most of the cordless models in the Milwaukee range feature brushless motors and are part of the M18 Fuel range. If you're looking for a lower cost brushed version, there's only one model available—the 2621. It combines a top speed of 3000 SPM with a stroke length of 1 1/8 inches to get the job done. While that's faster than Milwaukee's corded Super Sawzall, there's a noticeable difference in power when it comes to tough cuts.
As you'd expect from a basic entry of any line, the 2621 is functionally lighter than some of the more expensive options, but it does have a blade release lever on the housing, which is easier to use than a shaft mount design.
Price: $129 bare, $249 kit with 3.0Ah battery
You might be surprised to know there's no wired Hackzall—it's a purely wireless design. Both the M12 and M18 systems are available in brushed and brushless options. Overall, the first choice is the M18 Fuel Hackzall (model 2719).
It's bigger and heavier than the M12 option, but its 7/8 inch stroke length and 3000 SPM top speed beat most of the competition. In fact, this is one of the few one-handed reciprocating saw designs we recommend if you need to cut 2×4s in addition to lumber, PVC, and EMT. Most of the other options can do this, just painfully slowly.
Price: $199 bare, $269 kit with 5.0Ah battery
Best Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hackzall
The 2520 M12 Fuel Hackzall from Milwaukee is one of the best all-around one-handed reciprocating saws. It is comparable in performance to several popular 18V/20V Max brands, but is smaller and lighter due to its 12V power supply. Sure, the runtime is shorter, but when you're cutting overhead and working in tight spaces, the weight and size savings are welcome.
In terms of performance, you're looking at a high-end 3000 SPM with a 5/8" stroke length. Whether you're cutting plumbing, irrigation, or electrical, it's a great choice.
Price: $149 bare, $159 kit with 4.0Ah battery
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall One Button
Powered by a brushless motor that spins at 3000 SPM and has a 1 1/4 inch stroke length, the Milwaukee 2822 outsmarts other reciprocating saws. One-Key not only tracks location and helps with inventory management with this tool. In fact, it's the most complete smart tools app we've seen.
There are three electronic modes to choose from, each customizable through the One-Key app. You can choose the speed and decide if you want a soft start. It goes deeper, though. You can tell the app which blade you're using and what material you're cutting, and let it choose the best settings to use, optimizing your cutting efficiency and blade life.
Price: $259 bare, $469 kit with two 5.0Ah batteries
Milwaukee Sawzall Blades
It's no surprise that Milwaukee is running deep in the Sawzall Blades. From bi-metal to carbide, from cutting wood to thick metal, there's a blade for you. Here's a breakdown of what's available:
Milwaukee Ax for Wood/Nail-Embedded Wood
The Milwaukee Ax blade is available in 6", 9" and 12" lengths and has a Fang Tip on the front to help you get started.
- 3 TPI carbide blades for clean wood cutting and trimming
- 5 TPI Bi-Metal Blade for Wood/Studded Wood
- 5 TPI carbide inserts for lumber, studded lumber, shingle and cement board
Milwaukee Wrecker for multi-material cutting
The Wrecker Sawzall Blade from Milwaukee is your best choice for cutting everything with one blade. Available with bimetal or carbide teeth, these are also available in 6, 9 or 12 inch lengths.
- 7/11 Variable TPI bi-metal blade for cutting wood, studded wood, PVC, plastic and thick metal
- 6 TPI carbide blade with pointed tip for cutting wood, studded wood, PVC, plastic, plaster, drywall and thick metal
- 6 TPI Nitrus Carbide Blade with Pointed Tip for Cutting Wood, Studded Wood, PVC, Plastic, Plaster, Drywall and Thick Metal
Milwaukee Torches for Metal Cutting
When metal is on the menu, Milwaukee has options for cutting thin sheet metal, thick cast iron, and even stainless steel. Like other blade categories, they are available in 6, 9, and 12 inch lengths.
- 10, 14, 18 and 24 TPI bi-metal blades for cutting sheet metal, rigid conduit, stanchions, angle iron, threaded rod, 80 gauge pipe, plastic and more
- 7 TPI carbide inserts for cutting stainless steel and thick metals such as black pipe, angle iron, cast iron, high strength alloys, rebar, etc.
- 7 TPI Nitrus Carbide blades for cutting stainless steel and thick metals such as black pipe, angle iron, cast iron, high strength alloys, rebar, etc.
These aren't all of the Milwaukee Sawzall options available, but it's a good overview of the current state of this iconic tool. what do you like the most? Let us know in the comments below!