Advice - Which Milwaukee Hackzall to get?

[39 LaSalle]

I know I'm really stepping into muddy water here because I'm seeking opinions, but here goes. I am a DIY'er, but I like my tools to work and get the job done when I need them so a couple of years ago I got into the Milwaukee M12 and M18 series. On occasion while working on cars or other small projects around the house I have decided that a Hackzall would be handy to have. Definitely not an every day user, more like once a month...maybe. Never know what I'm going to get into, but I like to be able to finish what I start and not have the tool **** out on me halfway through.

I for sure have no need at all for a full on recip saw, so I am tossed up between the M18 2719 Fuel or M18 2625 Hackzalls. Is the Fuel really going to be worth the extra money? I know it's brushless and all, but I don't expect to be running it for extended periods of time. Maybe cut off a bolt here and there, cut an exhaust every once in a while, maybe even trim off a tree branch on occasion. I think what I'm more concerned about it is the weight, bulk, balance, and the pivoting shoe differences between the models.

What thoughts does everyone have of the pros and cons of each model?

 

[finn]

I have the brushed M12. It’s sort of useless as is. Perhaps the brushless, along with a bigger battery would be better, but at that point I would probably opt for the M18.

The M12 brushed Hacksall wasn’t one of my better tool purchases.

 

[loudog212]

I don't have any experience with the non fuel version but I do have the M18 Fuel and it is a mean machine. If there is an option for brushless, I will ALWAYS choose that option. You simply can't beat brushless paired with lithium ion tech.

 

[beamrider]

M12 Fuel. Easiest 1 handed operation for me. M18 is simply too heavy and unwieldy 1 handed. I have separation issues in both shoulders, and recurring carpal tunnel issues. It does eat batteries fairly fast, but I don't care.

 

[alcorelli]

I keep the Fuel 12v in my truck. Lightweight, cuts anything I need to cut. Even 2 inch Schedule 40 black pipe. Effortless.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

 

[CerberusM5]

I recently picked up an M12 Fuel. It made quick work of some heavier shrubs I cut down to the stump w/ pruning blades.

 

[seber]

I have an M18 hacksall brushed and an m18 brushed sawzall. The hacksall really dosn't get used. A handsaw is usually faster. Once in a while I use it just because of access, but I wouldn't replace it if it were gone.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have the m12 fuel. Works great for trimming and cutting things 2" in diameter or so around my house. If I need to hack through a 2x4 I'll do so with it. I love the little thing. IME with M12, get the fuel.

 

[darkzero]

I had the M18 brushed hackzall before the Fuel came out. Later on when the Fuel was out for a while I came across a good deal on the Fuel so I got it & sold my brushed one.

The brushed has 3/4" stroke length & the Fuel has 7/8" stroke length. I know it's only a very small difference of 1/8" but I could tell the difference in performance. Not sure if the stroke length actually made the difference in performance but every little bit helps, I assume it's the BL that made most of the difference. Don't know if it was just in my head but the Fuel seemed to run smoother, less vibration.

I like the pivoting shoe on the Fuel, I hated the fixed shoe on the brushed. Also like the Fuel better cause it doesn't have that longer hump in the back. The brushed isn't a bad tool but the Fuel is better.

 

[jshillin]

I also use the M12 Fuel and really like it. I bought it when I was doing a bunch of demo work on my remodel and it was perfect to handle a lot of the 1 handed above my head jobs.

 

[rmack898]

Another vote for the M12 Fuel.
I never would have bought this tool, I got it for a gift. It has to be one of the most reached for cutting tools I own. If it got stolen tonight, I would be buying a replacement for it tomorrow.

 

[ChevyEFI]

The M18 Fuel can get hefty if you spend some time up on a ladder or in a tree with your arm outstretched; go figure. It's the only one I have. I went with it because of deals going on at the time, the longer stroke, and no reason not to go with it. If I was trying to save weight, I guess I'd try the M12 Fuel.

 

[RKA]

What you describe sounds like it could be achieved with either tool. But I’ve never been let down with the power on a Fuel tool. Can’t say the same for a previous gen brushed tool. So in the spirit of one and done, the fuel would be my choice. A storm took down a 60 ft maple last year. I used my fuel hackzall to trim out all the foliage back to 5” thick branches before I brought out the chainsaw. Not the most efficient way to get the job done, but that’s what I chose. I wasn’t sure if it would live through that kind of abuse, but it did fine.

 

[Badgerstate]

The Fuel is the only way to go. The difference from the regular one to the Fuel is like night and day.

 

[Showkey]

The Fuel is the only way to go. The difference from the regular one to the Fuel is like night and day.

Now that FUEL prices have dropped ........maybe, the way to go ?

Still highly debated topic as FUEL tools can be 30% or more money.
The pro using a the tool 4-6 hours per day likely no question.....FUEL.
DIY guy using the tool two or thee times per month .....maybe not.

I have some older M18 brushed tools( 7-8 years old) .......that are very tried......still in light duty service............but the brushes were never and are not the problem.

 

[qqzj]

What is the difference between hackzall and sawzall?

Sent from my SM-G981U1 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[ThatSickRip]

What is the difference between hackzall and sawzall?

Sent from my SM-G981U1 using The Garage Journal mobile app

Hackzall is smaller and one handed operable vs the Sawzall

 

[Pntyrmvr]

Operator skill.


“Talk is cheap. Whiskey costs money.”

 

[qqzj]

Thanks!

Sent from my SM-G981U1 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[39 LaSalle]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm not sure if the data is making my choice easier or harder

I had the M18 brushed hackzall before the Fuel came out. Later on when the Fuel was out for a while I came across a good deal on the Fuel so I got it & sold my brushed one.

The brushed has 3/4" stroke length & the Fuel has 7/8" stroke length. I know it's only a very small difference of 1/8" but I could tell the difference in performance. Not sure if the stroke length actually made the difference in performance but every little bit helps, I assume it's the BL that made most of the difference. Don't know if it was just in my head but the Fuel seemed to run smoother, less vibration.

I like the pivoting shoe on the Fuel, I hated the fixed shoe on the brushed. Also like the Fuel better cause it doesn't have that longer hump in the back. The brushed isn't a bad tool but the Fuel is better.

This is really hitting the nail on the head for the info I'm seeking. The angles on the Fuel seem to make the whole unit less bulky. I think the big deal for me on Fuel vs. Non-Fuel with this tool is form based rather than function. Assuming that they are going to perform similarly as far as what and how they cut, it really becomes a matter of how much you can milk out of the battery. I probably wouldn't be running this any more than 2-5 minutes on any project at any one given time, so I don't think that's a big selling point for me. On other tools I have like my 1/2" Impact, I definitely went with Fuel.

Similarly, working overhead or on a ladder is not a big issue for me. My worst case scenario is going to be underneath a car cutting exhaust apart, or maybe replacing floor pans and the like. I'm pretty confident in saying that 95+% of my work is going to be on the bench or in a vise. Cutting bolts, maybe trimming out sheet metal, cutting off flat and bar stock. Stuff like that. Basically, **** I'm too lazy to want to hassle with breaking out a hand hacksaw and spending 5 minutes setting it up and cutting. Figure with a Hackzall I can do it in 15-20 seconds and move on. Weight, and concerns about using it overhead on a ladder really don't even figure into my thought process on this.

In some ways, now I'm second guessing myself and thinking perhaps the M12 Fuel (definitely not the brushed model) might be the way to go. Its more compact size would be better suited to working in tight spaces under cars, and it could be the M18s size would be a liability for that sort of thing. I think I'm just really going to have to go into the store and handle them all and see what feels best in the hand and go from there. Maybe start with buying the M12 Fuel, and if I run into a situation where I "need" the M18 Hackzall I've got a reason to buy a new tool.

 

[dacan23]

The M12 Fuel one would be a better choice than the M18 brushed non-fuel one. The M12 Fuel is great and will help if you need the smaller size in a tight spot. If getting an M18, get the Fuel its almost as capable as a full size sawzall and not much bigger than the non Fuel model.

With any Milwaukee tool the choice is always get the Fuel model, unless really on a budget. More promos on Fuel models that if you buy at the right time you can get it for better price than regular versions.

 

[sparky 1971]

I am sure to be in the minority. I have both M12 and M18 Hackzalls, but neither is a Fuel. I use the M12 waaay more often because of the compact size. The few times I got out the M18, I could have grabbed a Sawzall and made the cut even faster.

 

[dacan23]

Minority because you own a M12 & M18 or cause they are both non-fuel?

I have owned all 4 of them, the non-fuel M12 can be a life saver because of its size but it is one of the most broken & warrantied tools I have heard of. I upgraded the M12 to Fuel long ago and regretted a few times, upgraded the M18 just because it was practically a free transaction, non-fuel works good but obviously the Fuel works better and insignificant size difference unlike the M12s. When they had the M12 non fuel deal during holiday season with packout bag and 2 batteries, I bought it again to have one for future need, wish I didn't get rid of all the rare molded cases I use to have for it.

I am sure to be in the minority. I have both M12 and M18 Hackzalls, but neither is a Fuel. I use the M12 waaay more often because of the compact size. The few times I got out the M18, I could have grabbed a Sawzall and made the cut even faster.

 

[39 LaSalle]

Thanks for everyone's input. I went to HD and decided I needed a more hands on approach.

To my own surprise, I ended up deciding the M12 Fuel was what I wanted. Well, truthfully, I preferred the size and feel of the M12 non-Fuel, but from everything I have heard they are rather anemic in comparison. Initially I thought the M18 would be the way to go, but knowing the possibilities of where I would be using it, thought the size might be too much. We'll see how it goes.

 

[sparky 1971]

Minority because you own a M12 & M18 or cause they are both non-fuel?

I have owned all 4 of them, the non-fuel M12 can be a life saver because of its size but it is one of the most broken & warrantied tools I have heard of. I upgraded the M12 to Fuel long ago and regretted a few times, upgraded the M18 just because it was practically a free transaction, non-fuel works good but obviously the Fuel works better and insignificant size difference unlike the M12s. When they had the M12 non fuel deal during holiday season with packout bag and 2 batteries, I bought it again to have one for future need, wish I didn't get rid of all the rare molded cases I use to have for it.

Minority because I prefer the M12 over the M18. Also because they are non fuel. I purchased them before there was such thing as Fuel, and have never used a Fuel Hackzall. I have both models of Sawzall though, and to be honest, I don't think the Fuel is any better. The performance may be different with the Hackzalls though.

 

[ThatSickRip]

I got the M12 Fuel on some crazy deal I saw here like 2 years ago, $120? with a 4.0 battery. This Black Friday, I got the M18 Fuel with a BoGo at HD, and total cost was like $85. Theyre both great and both have their roles in what I use them for.
If I had to pick just one, it would probably be the M12

 

[javyLSU]

I had both the M12 and M18 Fuel Hackzalls, and wound up selling the M12. The M12 was a good tool, but the pivoting shoe on the M18 (M12 has a fixed shoe) makes all the difference for me.