There’s A Milwaukee Sawzall (or Hackzall) For Every Demo Job
In 1951, the Milwaukee Electric Tool Company introduced the world to the Sawzall. Since then, it’s become so well-known that it’s common for people to call a reciprocating saw from any brand by the Sawzall name. More than 70 years later, a lot has changed. Take a deeper dive into the best Milwaukee Sawzall models today.
Best Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Super Sawzall
The biggest, baddest model to wear the Sawzall badge is the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Super Sawzall. As the only cordless model currently carrying the “Super” designation, it exceeds the cutting performance of every other reciprocating saw in Milwaukee’s lineup—including corded. Its brushless motor is capable of 3000 SPM with a 1 1/4-inch stroke length.
It also has a very nice feature set that includes selectable orbital action, a variable speed dial, adjustable shoe, and more.
The downside is that it’s a heavy tool, weighing 12.2 pounds with a 12.0Ah High Output battery. However, if cutting speed and cordless convenience are your top priorities, there’s no better option.
Price: $249 bare, $449 kit with 12.0Ah High Output battery
Best Corded Milwaukee Super Sawzall
Milwaukee has a few corded Super Sawzalls to choose from and the 15-amp model (6538-21) is the best of the group. With selectable orbital action and a variable speed dial, its 2800 max SPM and 1 1/4-inch stroke length tear through demo jobs faster than Milwaukee’s other corded options. Plus, this one is made in the good ole USA.
Price: $199
Best Milwaukee M18 Cordless Sawzall
The majority of cordless models in Milwaukee’s lineup have brushless motors and are part of the M18 Fuel line. If you’re shooting for the lower cost of a brushed version, there’s just one model available—the 2621. It combines a 3000 SPM top speed with a 1 1/8-inch stroke length to get its work done. While that’s faster than Milwaukee’s corded Super Sawzall, there’s a clear difference in power when you’re making tough cuts.
As you’d expect from the base entry to any line, the 2621 is lighter on features than some of the more expensive options, but it does have a blade release lever on the housing that’s much easier to use than shaft-mounted designs.
Price: $129 bare, $249 kit with 3.0Ah battery
Best Milwaukee Hackzall
You might be surprised to discover that there’s no corded Hackzall—it’s a purely cordless design. Both the M12 and M18 systems have brushed and brushless options. The top choice overall is the M18 Fuel Hackzall (model 2719).
It’s larger and heavier than the M12 options, but its 7/8-inch stroke length and 3000 SPM top speed blow away most of its competition. In fact, this is one of the few one-hand reciprocating saw designs we recommend if you need to cut 2×4 in addition to sheet goods, PVC, and EMT. Most other options will make that cut, they’re just painfully slow.
Price: $199 bare, $269 kit with 5.0Ah battery
Best Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hackzall
Milwaukee’s 2520 M12 Fuel Hackzall is one of the best all-around one-hand reciprocating saws. It has the performance to match several of the popular 18V/20V Max brands but is smaller and lighter thanks to its 12V power source. The runtime is shorter, of course, but the weight and size savings are welcome when you’re cutting overhead and in tight spaces.
On the performance side, you’re looking at 3000 SPM on the top end with a 5/8-inch stroke length. Whether you’re cutting for plumbing, irrigation, or electrical, it’s an excellent go-to option.
Price: $149 bare, $159 kit with 4.0Ah battery
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall with One-Key
The Milwaukee 2822 starts with a brushless motor dialed into 3000 SPM with a 1 1/4-inch stroke length and has an IQ way beyond other reciprocating saws. One-Key does more than just track location and help with inventory management on this tool. In fact, it’s the most well-developed smart tool application we’ve seen.
There are three electronic modes to choose from and each one is customizable through the One-Key app. You can choose the speed and decide if you want a soft start. It goes much deeper, though. You can tell the app what blade you’re using and what material you’re cutting and let it choose the optimal settings to use, optimizing your cutting efficiency and blade life.
Price: $259 bare, $469 kit with two 5.0Ah batteries
Milwaukee Sawzall Blades
It should come as no surprise that Milwaukee runs deep in Sawzall blades. From bi-metal to carbide and wood-cutting to thick metal, there’s a blade for you. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available:
Milwaukee Ax for Wood/Nail-Embedded Wood
Milwaukee Ax blades are available in 6, 9, and 12-inch lengths and feature a Fang Tip on the front to help you get started.
- 3 TPI carbide blade for cutting clean wood and pruning
- 5 TPI bi-metal blade for wood/nail-embedded wood
- 5 TPI carbide blade for wood, nail-embedded wood, shingles, and cement board
Milwaukee Wrecker for Multi-Material Cutting
Milwaukee’s Wrecker Sawzall blades are your best choice for cutting everything with just one blade. Available with bi-metal or carbide teeth, these also come in 6, 9, or 12-inch lengths.
- 7/11 variable TPI bi-metal blade for cutting wood, nail-embedded wood, PVC, plastic, and thick metal
- 6 TPI carbide blade with Fang Tip for cutting wood, nail-embedded wood, PVC, plastic, plaster, drywall, and thick metal
- 6 TPI Nitrus Carbide blade with Fang Tip for cutting wood, nail-embedded wood, PVC, plastic, plaster, drywall, and thick metal
Milwaukee Torch 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 the other blade categories, they’re available in 6, 9, and 12-inch lengths.
- 10, 14, 18, and 24 TPI bi-metal blades for cutting sheet metal, rigid conduit, strut, angle iron, threaded rod, schedule 80 pipe, plastics, and more
- 7 TPI carbide blade for cutting stainless steel and thick metals such as black pipe, angle iron, cast iron, high-strength alloys, rebar, and more
- 7 TPI Nitrus Carbide blade for cutting stainless steel and thick metals such as black pipe, angle iron, cast iron, high-strength alloys, rebar, and more
These aren’t all the Milwaukee Sawzall options available, but it’s a good overview of where this iconic tool is today. What’s your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
