Key Takeaways
- The Milwaukee® M18 Sawzall delivers superior cutting power for heavy-duty applications, while the Hackzall offers one-handed operation perfect for confined spaces.
- Weight difference is significant—the Sawzall (model 2621-20) weighs 7.4 pounds without battery, while the Hackzall is lighter at 4.15 pounds without battery.
- The Sawzall features a longer 1-1/8" stroke length compared to the Hackzall's 7/8" stroke, resulting in faster, more aggressive cutting performance.
- Price difference is notable, with the M18 Hackzall bare tool typically costing $50–70 less than the comparable M18 Sawzall model.
- GenuineTools offers exceptional pricing on both models backed by high TrustScore ratings and decades of experience supplying genuine Milwaukee® products.
Core Differences Between Milwaukee® M18 Sawzall and Hackzall
Deciding between Milwaukee®'s M18 Sawzall and Hackzall isn't just about choosing a reciprocating saw, it's about selecting the right tool that matches your specific cutting needs. Both tools come from Milwaukee®'s renowned M18 battery platform, but they serve distinctly different purposes in a contractor's or DIYer's arsenal.
The Sawzall represents Milwaukee's full-size reciprocating saw offering, designed for maximum cutting power and capacity. The Hackzall, meanwhile, emerged as Milwaukee®'s innovative compact solution for one-handed operation in tight spaces.
At first glance, these tools might seem like simply "large" and "small" versions of the same concept, but the engineering differences run much deeper. Milwaukee® designed these tools with different primary applications in mind, resulting in variations across size, power delivery, ergonomics, and performance capabilities.
Understanding these core differences is essential for making an informed purchasing decision that will serve your needs for years to come.
Authentic Professional Tools Up to 60% Off MSRP. Why Contractors & DIYers Choose GenuineTools!Get Milwaukee M18 and DeWalt 20V MAX tools at unbeatable prices. Highly rated by verified customers who trust authentic equipment. Why Choose GenuineTools:
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Authentic tools or full refund, no questions asked. |
M18 Sawzall: When Raw Power Matters
The Milwaukee® M18 Sawzall has earned its reputation as the go-to reciprocating saw for demanding cutting applications.
The Milwaukee® M18 Sawzall (2621-20) represents Milwaukee's answer to professionals who require maximum cutting capability without compromising reliability. Throughout construction sites nationwide, the distinctive red housing of the Sawzall has become synonymous with heavy-duty cutting performance.
For demolition crews, framers, and general contractors who regularly tackle substantial cutting tasks, the full-size Sawzall delivers the power necessary to maintain productivity through the toughest materials.
Technical Specifications
The M18 Sawzall (model 2621-20) packs impressive specifications that support its reputation for power. It delivers up to 3000 strokes per minute with a 1-1/8" stroke length, allowing for aggressive material removal.
The tool incorporates Milwaukee®'s REDLINK intelligence system, which provides advanced communication between the tool and battery to prevent damage from overloading or overheating. The M18 Sawzall features variable speed control allowing precise operation even with its substantial power.
Key Features That Set It Apart
The Sawzall distinguishes itself through several innovative features designed specifically for professional use. Milwaukee's robust all-metal gearing and gear case provide maximum durability, significantly extending the tool's lifespan in harsh working conditions. This protection system represents a major advantage for contractors who frequently cut through nail-embedded wood or variable materials that might jam conventional reciprocating saws.
Another standout feature is the tool's durable construction designed to withstand demanding jobsite conditions. This robust design extends the tool's service life considerably, particularly for contractors working in environments with high levels of concrete dust, wood particles, or other airborne contaminants that typically infiltrate and damage power tools over time.
Best Applications for the Sawzall
The M18 Sawzall truly excels in demolition work, where its combination of power, durability, and cutting capacity makes quick work of removing walls, cutting through nail-embedded lumber, and dismantling structures.
Contractors frequently reach for the Sawzall when tackling renovation projects that require removing old framing, cutting through composite materials, or clearing away damaged building components. The tool's substantial cutting force makes it particularly effective for these applications, reducing worker fatigue by completing cuts more quickly than lighter alternatives.
Limitations to Consider
Regardless of its impressive capabilities, the Sawzall's size and weight represent its primary limitations. At 7.4 pounds without battery, extended overhead use leads to significant user fatigue, especially during full work days. The tool's length makes it impractical for tight-space applications like cutting between studs, working inside cabinets, or making precise cuts in confined plumbing spaces.
Battery runtime can also become a limitation during intensive cutting sessions, with high-demand cuts potentially depleting even high-capacity batteries in under an hour of continuous use. These constraints explain precisely why Milwaukee® developed the Hackzall as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for the full-size Sawzall.
M18 Hackzall: The One-Handed Wonder
The Milwaukee® M18 Hackzall represents an engineering breakthrough that addressed a significant gap in the reciprocating saw market.
Recognizing that traditional reciprocating saws were often too unwieldy for many common applications, Milwaukee® created the M18 Hackzall alternative specifically designed for one-handed operation in tight spaces.
The result is a remarkably versatile tool that has found its way into the tool bags of electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and remodeling professionals who value maneuverability and precision over maximum cutting capacity.
Technical Specifications
The M18 Hackzall model (2719-20) features impressive technical specifications despite its compact size. It delivers up to 3000 strokes per minute with a 7/8" stroke length, optimized for control rather than maximum material removal. The compact design measures just 14 inches in length and weighs 4.15 pounds without a battery installed.
Milwaukee's Redlink Plus intelligence system monitors temperature, protects against overloading, and prevents cell damage during high-draw applications. The tool accepts the same reciprocating saw blades as full-size models, maintaining compatibility with the extensive range of specialty blades available for different materials and applications.
Unique Design Features
The Hackzall's most distinctive design feature is its pistol-grip configuration that enables true one-handed operation. Unlike the Sawzall's traditional rifle-style grip that requires two hands for proper control, the Hackzall's ergonomic handle features an optimized center of gravity that balances the tool perfectly for single-hand use.
This balanced design dramatically reduces user fatigue during extended cutting sessions, particularly when working overhead or in awkward positions.
Ideal Use Cases
The Hackzall excels in applications where space constraints make using a full-size reciprocating saw impractical or impossible. Plumbers consistently praise the tool for its ability to cut pipe in the tight confines beneath sinks, behind toilets, or in crawl spaces where larger tools simply won't fit.
The one-handed operation proves invaluable when the other hand is needed to hold material steady or maintain balance in awkward positions. For cutting PVC, copper, or even cast iron pipe in confined spaces, the Hackzall has become the preferred tool for many plumbing professionals.
Where the Hackzall Falls Short
Despite its impressive capabilities in tight spaces, the Hackzall does have notable limitations compared to its larger sibling. The shorter stroke length and lighter weight result in substantially reduced cutting speed when tackling thick materials like dimensional lumber, heavy metal pipe, or demolition work involving multiple materials.
What might take seconds with a Sawzall could require a minute or more with the Hackzall, making it inefficient for high-volume cutting tasks or larger demolition projects. The lighter-duty design also means the Hackzall may experience more strain when pushed beyond its intended applications, potentially reducing tool life if regularly used for heavy-duty cutting that exceeds its design parameters.
Overall Product Comparison Table
|
Feature |
Milwaukee® M18 Sawzall (2621-20) |
Milwaukee® M18 FUEL Hackzall (2719-20) |
|
Price (Tool Only) |
$87.99 |
$102.99 |
|
Motor Type |
Brushed |
Brushless (POWERSTATE) |
|
Stroke Length |
1-1/8" (1.125") |
7/8" (0.875") |
|
Strokes Per Minute |
3000 |
3000 |
|
Tool Weight (without battery) |
7.4 lb |
4.15 lb |
|
Overall Length |
18 in |
14.03 in |
|
Battery Voltage |
18V |
18V |
|
Battery Type |
Lithium Ion (M18) |
Lithium Ion (M18) |
|
Blade Clamp |
Lever action QUIK-LOK |
Keyless, tool-free |
|
Variable Speed |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Design |
Two-handed operation |
One-handed operation |
|
Best For |
Heavy-duty cutting, demolition, framing |
Tight spaces, overhead work, precision cuts |
|
Gearing |
All-metal gearing and gear case |
Dual-gear counter balance |
|
Special Features |
Counterbalance mechanism, all-metal construction |
Pivoting shoe, ultra-compact design |
|
Intelligence System |
REDLINK |
REDLINK PLUS |
|
Ideal Materials |
Metal, PVC, Wood |
Aluminum, Masonry, Metal, PVC, Wood |
Price Analysis: Value for Your Dollar
Bare Tool Costs
The Milwaukee® M18 FUEL Sawzall (2821-20) typically retails around $229–249 as a bare tool without batteries or charger. The Super Sawzall variant (2722-20) with enhanced cutting performance commands a premium of approximately $30–50 more.
By comparison, the M18 FUEL Hackzall (2719-20) generally sells for $179–199 as a bare tool, representing a $50–70 cost savings compared to the standard Sawzall. This price differential makes the Hackzall more accessible as an entry point into Milwaukee's reciprocating saw lineup, particularly for professionals who need the tool's compact capabilities but may be working within budget constraints.
It's worth noting that retail stores frequently offer promotional pricing on these tools, especially during holiday sales events and end-of-quarter periods. Savvy buyers who can time their purchases around these promotions may see discounts of 20–30% off standard pricing, substantially improving the value proposition.
Choose the Right Milwaukee® Reciprocating Saw with GenuineTools
At GenuineTools, we've built our reputation over decades by supplying genuine Milwaukee® products at prices that consistently surprise our customers. Our high ratings on Trustpilot, earned from verified reviews with 87% five-star ratings, reflects our unwavering commitment to competitive pricing, fast shipping, and authentic products.
Customers repeatedly emphasize that our prices are "the best they could find" and praise receiving exceptional customer support.
Whether you're a professional contractor tackling daily demolition work or a DIY enthusiast working on weekend projects, we provide the expertise and value to ensure your Milwaukee® investment delivers optimal performance. Our customer service team stands ready to answer your questions and help you choose between these exceptional reciprocating saws based on your specific applications.
Visit GenuineTools today to experience why thousands of professionals and DIYers trust us for their Milwaukee® tools. With decades of relationships with trusted distributors, we secure pricing that makes professional-grade Milwaukee® technology accessible without compromising on authenticity or warranty coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same blades in both the Sawzall and Hackzall?
Yes, both the Milwaukee® Sawzall and Hackzall utilize the standard reciprocating saw blade pattern with a 1/2-inch universal shank. This compatibility means you can use the same blade collection interchangeably between both tools, replacing the need to purchase separate blade sets.
How does battery life compare between the Sawzall and Hackzall?
The Hackzall typically delivers 30–40% longer runtime than the Sawzall when using identical battery capacities due to its smaller motor and shorter stroke length drawing less power per cut. However, this efficiency comes at the cost of cutting speed. For example, with a 5.0Ah battery, you might expect 45–60 minutes of intermittent cutting with the Hackzall versus 30–45 minutes with the Sawzall under similar conditions.
Is the M18 Hackzall powerful enough for demolition work?
While the Hackzall can technically perform light demolition tasks, it's not the ideal tool for extensive demolition work. The Hackzall's shorter stroke length, reduced power, and lighter-duty design make demolition work slower and more demanding on the tool compared to the purpose-built Sawzall. For occasional cutting through nail-embedded wood or removing small sections of drywall, the Hackzall will manage adequately.
Which model provides better value for a homeowner who uses tools occasionally?
For most homeowners who use tools intermittently, the M18 Hackzall typically offers better overall value. Its versatility for handling both light-duty cutting and occasional more demanding tasks makes it suitable for the majority of household projects without the bulk and higher cost of the Sawzall.
At GenuineTools, we offer both the Milwaukee® Hackzall and Sawzall at the best prices making quality products accessible to homeowners who are on a tight budget.
*Note: Pricing and/or product availability mentioned in this post are subject to change. Please check the website for current pricing and stock information before making a purchase.