Key Takeaways
- Plumbers spend most of the day cutting pipe, drilling through framing, and fastening fixtures, usually in cramped spots where a full-size tool will not fit.
- Buying one all-purpose saw or a generic drill rarely covers all four jobs cleanly, so plumbers end up forcing the wrong tool into tight spaces.
- The fix is a four-tool kit from GenuineTools: the M18 HACKZALL (2625-20) for one-handed pipe cuts, the M12 FUEL Compact Band Saw Kit (2529-21XC) for clean copper, the M18 Compact Drill/Driver (2606-20) for framing, and the M12 FUEL High Speed Ratchet Kit (2566-22) for fixtures.
- At GenuineTools, the tool-only M18 HACKZALL runs $83.99 and the Compact Drill/Driver $59.99 (vs $149.00 and $139.00 retail), while the M12 FUEL Band Saw Kit is $254.99 and the High Speed Ratchet Kit is $234.99 (vs $349.00 and $299.00 retail).
- GenuineTools stocks all four Milwaukee® tools brand new in factory packaging across the M12 and M18 systems, so plumbers can build a full kit on shared batteries from one supplier.
What Are the Milwaukee® Tools That Every Plumber Needs?
Four Milwaukee® tools cover the plumbing day from rough-in to finish: the M18 HACKZALL (2625-20) for one-handed pipe cuts, the M12 FUEL Compact Band Saw (2529-21XC) for clean copper, the M18 Compact Drill/Driver (2606-20) for framing, and the M12 FUEL High Speed Ratchet Kit (2566-22) for fixtures. All four run on Milwaukee®'s M12 or M18 battery platforms, so one truck of batteries powers the whole kit.
GenuineTools stocks every model on this list at prices well below standard retail across the M12 and M18 systems. Below, you'll find specs, prices, and on-the-job use cases for each tool, plus a side-by-side comparison table to help decide what fits your kit.
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1. Milwaukee® M18 HACKZALL Reciprocating Saw (2625-20)
The M18 HACKZALL is easy to maneuver with just one hand, unlike other full-sized reciprocating saws.
The Milwaukee® M18 HACKZALL is the one-handed reciprocating saw plumbers reach for when they need fast, controlled cuts in awkward positions. Unlike full-size recip saws that demand two hands and open space, the HACKZALL works one-handed while your other hand steadies the pipe.
How It Works for Plumbing
The HACKZALL handles confined spaces like under sinks, inside wall cavities, and below floor joists where a standard recip saw won't fit. Its compact one-handed build cuts PVC, copper, cast iron, and steel pipe cleanly without repositioning. The Dual Gear Anti-Vibration System reduces fatigue on long jobs, and it accepts standard reciprocating blades, so you're not locked into proprietary consumables.
Key Specs: 3,000 SPM, 3/4 in. Stroke, 4.1 lbs
- Strokes Per Minute: 0–3,000 SPM (variable speed)
- Stroke Length: 3/4 in.
- Motor Type: Brushed
- Compatible Battery: M18 18V Lithium-Ion
- Cuts Through: PVC, copper, steel, aluminum, wood, plastic
- Part of: M18 System (275+ compatible tools)
How Much Does It Cost?
The HACKZALL (2625-20) is sold tool-only, with no battery or charger included, which is ideal if you already run M18 batteries. GenuineTools prices it at $83.99, down from $149.00 retail, a meaningful saving on a tool you'll use on nearly every service call.
2. Milwaukee® M12 FUEL Compact Band Saw Kit (2529-21XC)
The 2529-21XC kit comes with the band saw, a metal blade, a battery, a charge, and a contractor bag.
For clean, precise cuts on copper and conduit, the Milwaukee® M12 FUEL Compact Band Saw Kit (2529-21XC) is hard to beat. It's the lightest compact band saw Milwaukee® makes, with power that rivals corded saws.
How It Works for Plumbing
Band saws produce cleaner, more consistent cuts than reciprocating saws, with less blade deflection for connections that need to seal. The POWERSTATE Brushless Motor and Constant Power Technology hold cutting speed under load, so the saw won't bog down through thick-wall pipe. It also accepts the Band Saw Reamer Attachment, letting you cut and ream in one tool on copper rough-ins.
Key Specs: 2.5 in. x 2.5 in. Cut Capacity, 6 lbs, Brushless Motor
- Cut Capacity: 2-1/2 in. x 2-1/2 in.
- Weight: 6 lbs
- Motor: POWERSTATE Brushless with Constant Power Technology
- Included Blade: 12/14 TPI Extreme Metal Blade
- Battery System: M12 12V Lithium-Ion
- Attachment: Band Saw Reamer (49-90-2029, sold separately)
- Part of: M12 System (150+ compatible tools)
How Much Does It Cost?
GenuineTools prices the kit at $254.99, down from $349.00 retail. It includes one M12 REDLITHIUM XC 4.0 Ah battery, an M12 charger, the 12/14 TPI Extreme Metal Blade, and a contractor bag, ready to work on day one.
3. Milwaukee® M18 Compact 1/2 in. Drill/Driver (2606-20)
The 2606-20 compact drill/driver can fit inside wall cavities and beneath cabinets.
The Milwaukee® M18 Compact 1/2 in. Drill/Driver (2606-20) is the reliable drill plumbers need, sized and powered for real plumbing work.
How It Works for Plumbing
This drill handles pilot holes through floor joists and studs, drives screws into hangers and strapping, runs hole saws through framing, and reaches tight mechanical spaces a full-size drill can't. At 7-1/4 inches long, it fits under cabinets and inside wall cavities where bigger drills get blocked. The Milwaukee® 4-Pole frameless motor delivers 500 in-lbs of torque and 1,800 RPM, enough to power hole saws through lumber without bogging down. The all-metal gear case and 1/2 in. metal chuck handle daily abuse, and any M18 battery you already carry drops straight in.
Key Specs: 500 in-lbs Torque, 1,800 RPM, 7-1/4 in. Length
- Torque: 500 in-lbs
- Max Speed: Up to 1,800 RPM
- Length: 7-1/4 in.
- Motor: Milwaukee® 4-Pole Frameless
- Chuck: 1/2 in. metal chuck
- Gear Case: All-metal construction
- Battery System: M18 18V Lithium-Ion
- Part of: M18 System (275+ compatible tools)
How Much Does It Cost?
The 2606-20 is sold tool-only, ideal if you already run M18 batteries. GenuineTools lists it at $59.99, down from $139.00 retail, one of the most affordable M18 drills available.
4. Milwaukee® M12 FUEL 1/4 in. High Speed Ratchet Kit (2566-22)
The 2566-22 ratchet kit comes with a soft carrying case, two batteries, and a charger.
Fastening pipe fittings and supply lines by hand in tight spots is slow work. The Milwaukee® M12 FUEL 1/4 in. High Speed Ratchet Kit (2566-22) brings pneumatic-level speed in a cordless package.
How It Works for Plumbing
The POWERSTATE Brushless Motor delivers performance close to a pneumatic ratchet without the air compressor or hose. That speeds up threaded fittings, supply valves, and fixture installs in cramped spaces under sinks and cabinets.
The 1/4 in. drive matches the fastener sizes plumbers handle most, and at 450 RPM with up to 35 ft-lbs of torque, it tightens and loosens quickly without ratcheting fatigue. At 11.1 in. deep and 1.54 in. wide, it reaches places small hand tools can't.
Key Specs: 450 RPM, 35 ft-lbs Max Torque
- Max Speed: 450 RPM
- Max Torque: 35 ft-lbs
- Drive Size: 1/4 in.
- Motor: POWERSTATE Brushless
- Dimensions: 11.1 in. (D) x 1.54 in. (W)
- Battery System: M12 12V Lithium-Ion
- Kit Includes: Two batteries, charger, and soft carrying case
- Part of: M12 System (150+ compatible tools)
How Much Does It Cost?
GenuineTools prices the kit at $234.99, down from $299.00 retail. With two batteries, a charger, and a soft carrying case included, one is always charging while the other works.
How Do the Best Milwaukee® Tools for Plumbers Compare?
|
Tool |
Model |
Battery |
Key Spec |
GenuineTools Price |
|
M18 HACKZALL Reciprocating Saw |
2625-20 |
M18 18V |
0–3,000 SPM, 3/4 in. stroke |
$83.99 |
|
M12 FUEL Compact Band Saw Kit |
2529-21XC |
M12 12V |
2.5 in. x 2.5 in. cut capacity |
$254.99 |
|
M18 Compact 1/2 in. Drill/Driver |
2606-20 |
M18 18V |
500 in-lbs torque, 1,800 RPM |
$59.99 |
|
M12 FUEL 1/4 in. High Speed Ratchet Kit |
2566-22 |
M12 12V |
450 RPM, 35 ft-lbs torque |
$234.99 |
Build Your Plumbing Kit Around These Four Tools at GenuineTools
GenuineTools ships most orders within a single business day.
Cutting, drilling, and fastening fill a plumber's day, and the M18 HACKZALL, M12 FUEL Compact Band Saw, M18 Compact Drill/Driver, and M12 FUEL High Speed Ratchet handle each job in tight spaces where full-size tools won't fit. Built on Milwaukee®'s M12 and M18 platforms, the four share batteries and chargers, so adding one tool doesn't mean adding hardware to the truck.
GenuineTools stocks all four models brand new in factory packaging at prices well below standard retail, with 1 business day handling from the Oregon warehouse. Browse the four tools to start a kit, or reach out for help putting one together from scratch.
Shop for Milwaukee® power tools at GenuineTools today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Milwaukee® tools do professional plumbers use most?
Most plumbers rely on four core tools: the M18 HACKZALL for pipe cutting, an M18 compact drill/driver for framing, an M12 band saw for clean copper and unistrut cuts, and an M12 high-speed ratchet for fixture installs. Together they cover most rough-in and finish work.
Is the Milwaukee® M18 or M12 system better for plumbing?
The M18 system delivers more power for heavy cutting, demolition, and drilling through thick lumber. The M12 system is lighter and fits tighter spaces, which suits finish work. Most plumbers run both, but plan ahead since M12 and M18 batteries aren't interchangeable.
Can the Milwaukee® HACKZALL cut through PVC and copper pipe?
Yes. The M18 HACKZALL (2625-20) cuts PVC, copper, aluminum, steel, wood, and plastic with the right blade: bi-metal for copper and steel, wood or demo for PVC and plastic. At 0–3,000 SPM with a 3/4 inch stroke, it handles common plumbing sizes cleanly one-handed.
Are Milwaukee® tool kits better value than buying tools individually?
Usually yes if you're starting fresh, since kits bundle batteries and a charger below their separate prices, like the M12 FUEL High Speed Ratchet Kit at $234.99 vs $299.00 retail. If you already own batteries, tool-only buys like the HACKZALL ($83.99) or Drill/Driver ($59.99) win.
What Milwaukee® tools are available at GenuineTools?
GenuineTools stocks all four models from this guide: the M18 HACKZALL (2625-20), M12 FUEL Compact Band Saw Kit (2529-21XC), M18 Compact Drill/Driver (2606-20), and M12 FUEL High Speed Ratchet Kit (2566-22), all brand new in factory packaging at prices below standard retail.
*Note: Pricing and/or product availability mentioned in this post are subject to change. Please check the GenuineTools website for current pricing and stock information before making a purchase.