Buying New Saw: Hackzall vs Hacksaw vs Mini Hack

[ddc9999]

Hello, I tried searching and couldn't find much, so I wanted to ask people's opinions. I know very little about hacksaws and have little practical experience using them. I don't really own any saws at all as I normally will just use a cutoff wheel: Dremel for small stuff a Milwaukee 18V 5" Angle Grinder for bigger. I also already have extra M12 and M18 batteries.

I tend to buy stuff towards either adding to my mobile tool bag which I bring with me for any job where someone asks me over to fix something and I have no clue what I'm in for since they don't either. I tend to keep it light enough that on it's own I can throw extra stuff in it that I need based on guessing what they say is wrong, but normally it can fit only about one power tool after that. Aside from jobs like that, I tend to be packing a bit heavier to fix something on a car at which point I'm carrying extra power tools anyways (I my cars at a family members house and I fix their cars as well whenever possible, city living has its cons).

So I don't have a saw for drywall, wood, or metal. I was debating between these options:

Hacksaw Mini: I saw small ones that seem handy for leaving in my tool bag. They have a blade that can sink into the handle and an attachment point midway on the blade. Allows it to fit in a lot of spaces, but can't hold a blade super tight and the middle pin could get in the way of making larger strokes with the blade. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YVI7S/?coliid=I31IP41830MKQD&colid=1BYCH163E596Q&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Regular Hacksaw: Seems bulky to leave in a tool bag and I worry about storing the blades so they don't ruin my other stuff in the bag, or dull out the blades themselves as I throw the bag around. It can apply a lot more tension to the blade though which may be necessary.

Jab Saw or Folding Jab Saw: I saw some with a fixed blade that looks tailored for dry wall, or a changeable blade so you can put it whatever you need. Guessing I'd need this no matter what other hacksaw I get?

Hackzall: Obviously the power here has it's perks. Question would be if it's too big for automotive use. I'm talking German cars here. If not, would you think it'd be better to go 12V or 18V? I'd have to imagine the most I'd need out of it would be to cut a frozen bolt on the suspension or something. I don't touch exhaust work.

Really any advice would help. As of now I'm thinking I get the Jab Saw for drywall OR the Folding Jab Saw. Then I'd buy one of these hacksaws: mini, reg, or hackzall. Possibly the mini to leave in the tool bag and get a hackzall at a later date. I just feel if I got the folding jab saw, hackzall, and mini hacksaw I could just use the same blades for all of it which keeps how much stuff I need to carry around way lower. Any advice appreciated! I trust you all with more experience than me on this one. Like I said, I've been grinding things away and using cutoff wheels anytime I can, so when it comes to sawing I'm a novice. It's like I cut math class my whole life and now I'm coming to terms with it lol.

 

[ChrisLS8]

For drywall stick to a fixed blade saw and a utility knife. If you need to cut outlets or whatnot get a rotary bit for your Dremel.

 

[kctyphoon]

I dont think any tool kit is complete with a cordless sawzall. I have both of the little Milwaukee hand held ones too. The non folding saw for drywall, and the folding one that uses a sawzall blade. I have nothing bad to say about either, other than i dont like that the keyhole saw doesn’t come with a sheath. Easily remedied with a piece of cardboard and some electrical tape, but still - anything that sharp SHOULD come with a sheath in my opinion.

Only you are gonna be the best judge for what you need. Nobody here knows what you do, better than you.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...6E4KIh4pm5mbF6oTCuhoCAdMQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...PIPHorizontal2_rr-_-202206142-_-202525764-_-N

 

[Wamsutta]

Great Neck #BUC42016

I highly recommend it.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Actually the old school guys just use the tip of their tape measure to measure and cut their sheet, snap it then clean it up with a proform lol

 

[DFB]

Once you use a power Hackzall you will virtually never pick up a frame hacksaw again!

Nobody doing rock should ever be without a jab saw

One of the screw lock handles that holds multiple type blades is indispensable for any tool kit. I have nice rubberized Stanley. There's always that one time you need it.

Though you don't mention owning any battery platform sounds like you need not overbuy if your adding a battery tool based on your projected needs. Something minimum like a Milwaukee or Bosch 12v will probably be more than enough to just cut bolts without being excessively large.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

For drywall I like a good old jab saw, oscillating tool for plaster. I'm not a fan of the mini-hacksaws because it's very easy to pinch them and bend the blade. I have a regular hacksaw but it pretty much only gets used to cut EMT on occasion.

The Hackzalls are a great tool to have for many uses. I wouldn't bother with the brushed versions, but both the M12 and M18 Fuel versions are excellent tools. The one-handed use comes in handy a lot cutting plumbing, tree branches, wood or metal stock, exhaust pipe, plenty of uses. I have the M18 Fuel Hackzall and I've never felt like I really needed a full size Sawzall.

The Fuel versions also have potted electronics and a weep hole in the motor housing, definitely a big plus when working around water or high moisture. I've heard many stories of the non-Fuel M12 Hackzall getting drywall dust in the motor and the tool died.

 

[ddc9999]

Thanks for all the input. I'm gonna grab a jab saw and folding hand saw. I'll skip the mini hacksaw since my fears are confirmed regarding it's rigidity.

Since a hacksaw seems only mildly less cumbersome to lug around as a M12 Fuel Hackzall at the end of the day, maybe it makes sense to go power. I'd have to imagine using a hacksaw on your back under a car is a terrible experience compared to a hackzall.

Any suggestion for M12 Fuel or M18 Fuel? I'm thinking it would at most need to cut through a suspension bolt. I don't do much carpentry at all and if I'm cutting wood with the hackzall, it's not going to be a large piece. I'm thinking more about it's usefulness cutting through metal in situation where the angle grinder can't get in there and the dremel is way too small.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I would definitely go with the M12 hackzall in that case

 

[jd_1138]

Have a reciprocating saw? I bought a Makita 12 amp corded one off Offer Up for like 40 bucks. Like brand new. He only used it once to demo an old porch.

With the right (quality) blades, it will cut basically anything. It paid for itself twice over 2 weeks after I bought it. An elderly friend needed an old metal basketball pole removed. I dug around it, and cut that out (it was thick steel), and I had it covered up with dirt. All in 30 minutes. I cut the pole in half and dragged the pieces to the street for a scrapper.

 

[DFB]

Any suggestion for M12 Fuel or M18 Fuel? I'm thinking it would at most need to cut through a suspension bolt. I don't do much carpentry at all and if I'm cutting wood with the hackzall, it's not going to be a large piece. I'm thinking more about it's usefulness cutting through metal in situation where the angle grinder can't get in there and the dremel is way too small.

If you intend to cut wood now go no less than a Fuel unit in M12 though the 18v brushed is still both cheaper and more powerful. Don't worry much about water or sheetrock dust either not that those cant contaminate and ruin a tool but you are not sounding like you will be in those abusive situations. M18 FUEL is top of the line in hackzalls now, runs about $50-$60 more than the brushed baretool.

I have a m12 brushed its small, smaller than any frame hacksaw IMO does everything I need it to do on my jobs that I would think of doing with any hacksaw and then some, like cutting out framing. It's easy to carry in a tool bag, Probably can get one for $60 bucks tops

 

[kctyphoon]

I think you will be better off deciding what kind of tools you want - and then asking people for suggestions on those tools. What youre asking about covers a pretty broad scope.

Just about every brand of hand and power tool will be suggested though.. lol.

 

[ddc9999]

I think you will be better off deciding what kind of tools you want - and then asking people for suggestions on those tools.

Like I said, you all have more experience with what type of saw is ideal than me for what I do. I got a lot of good feedback towards that cause that helped a lot. As for what brand to get? I’m open to suggestions but I know what companies make good tools and what the specialize is. And honestly, for how often I plan to use, and since I’m surrounded by home depots, Milwaukee is perfect.


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[Firebrick43]

Like I said, you all have more experience with what type of saw is ideal than me for what I do. I got a lot of good feedback towards that cause that helped a lot. As for what brand to get? I’m open to suggestions but I know what companies make good tools and what the specialize is. And honestly, for how often I plan to use, and since I’m surrounded by home depots, Milwaukee is perfect.


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I have all the tools listed including a m12 fuel hackzall. It's my go to now. Weather cutting drywall outlets, emt, or pruning trees it's awesome. With Milwaukee drywall blades work wonderfully. Even all the black lp pipe I put in was marked with a ridgid number 2 and cut with the hackzall. It saves time as deburring was minimal compared the the pipe cutter.

 

[ddc9999]

I have all the tools listed including a m12 fuel hackzall. It's my go to now. Weather cutting drywall outlets, emt, or pruning trees it's awesome. With Milwaukee drywall blades work wonderfully. Even all the black lp pipe I put in was marked with a ridgid number 2 and cut with the hackzall. It saves time as deburring was minimal compared the the pipe cutter.

Cutting black pipe? I’m sold. Mind recommending a blade? Looks like you go Milwaukee on the blades. I remember reading a while back that diablo makes good ones. Was debating between those two.


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[Firebrick43]

Blades are a mixed bag. The ability to cut one handed is from two seperate thing. One is reduced stroke. It's half of a standard sawzall. The other is the hackzall specific blades. They are thinner and less agressive. Again allows for better control. The drywall blade is pretty good as is the pvc pipe. The emt blade keeps the cut controllable on thin pipe but life is pretty lousy. On larger materials (such as black pipe) I use Lennox heavy metal blade in a fine tooth count. Aggressive blades should not be used.

The jig saw type blade is awesome for well, jig saw style cutting with your hackzall but lousy life. I only use it were a jig saw won't fit or I need it to be cordless as I don't have a cordless jigsaw.

Now while I love my hackzall it's NOT a replacement for a sawzall. If your demoing something or cutting 3x3 angle use a sawzall(or better yet a portaband).

The hackzall is not the best at everything but is damn handy and using one handed when in a weird location or on a ladder makes it worth it's weight in gold even if something else is faster.

 

[jw3]

Cutting black pipe? I’m sold. Mind recommending a blade? Looks like you go Milwaukee on the blades. I remember reading a while back that diablo makes good ones. Was debating between those two.


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You can’t go wrong with either blade. They are of comparable quality. I prefer the Diablo carbide tipped blades, but that’s just a personal preference. Both brands are on my service trucks


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[ddc9999]

Blades are a mixed bag. The ability to cut one handed is from two seperate thing. One is reduced stroke. It's half of a standard sawzall. The other is the hackzall specific blades. They are thinner and less agressive. Again allows for better control. The drywall blade is pretty good as is the pvc pipe. The emt blade keeps the cut controllable on thin pipe but life is pretty lousy. On larger materials (such as black pipe) I use Lennox heavy metal blade in a fine tooth count. Aggressive blades should not be used.

Even before starting this thread I knew I definitely didn’t need a sawzall so that’s safe to rule out. Can you one hand the M18 and the M12 or just the M12? I’m assuming it’s both since they aren’t drastically different in size.

And are all hackzall blades thinner to allow them to be more flexible, or do you they come in varying stiffnesses like a putty knife does? Reason I ask is if I also grab that foldable hand saw, I’m wondering if I should be thinking about if I get a stiff or flexible saw blade. Does that make sense? I didn’t think stiffness was gonna come into this decision at all. Always more nuanced the more you dive into things lol.




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[ddc9999]

FYI. I’d get a fuel one for sure. I prefer brushless for lots of reasons.


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[Firebrick43]

Even before starting this thread I knew I definitely didn’t need a sawzall so that’s safe to rule out. Can you one hand the M18 and the M12 or just the M12? I’m assuming it’s both since they aren’t drastically different in size.

And are all hackzall blades thinner to allow them to be more flexible, or do you they come in varying stiffnesses like a putty knife does? Reason I ask is if I also grab that foldable hand saw, I’m wondering if I should be thinking about if I get a stiff or flexible saw blade. Does that make sense? I didn’t think stiffness was gonna come into this decision at all. Always more nuanced the more you dive into things lol.




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The hackzall uses any sawzall style blade. The Milwaukee specific ones are slightly thinner and shorter. I think they have a drywall one, emt, pvc pipe, and a jigsaw. If you need a stiffer or longer blade just use a finer tooth sawzall blade. Just avoid overly agressive blades such as the Milwaukee axe blades.

 

[ddc9999]

The hackzall uses any sawzall style blade. The Milwaukee specific ones are slightly thinner and shorter. I think they have a drywall one, emt, pvc pipe, and a jigsaw. If you need a stiffer or longer blade just use a finer tooth sawzall blade. Just avoid overly agressive blades such as the Milwaukee axe blades.

Thanks. And I saw the M18 and M12 can be one handed. I think from here I just have a bunch of reading to do on my own. Thanks for all the help!!!!


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[Danglerb]

For drywall stick to a fixed blade saw and a utility knife. If you need to cut outlets or whatnot get a rotary bit for your Dremel.

This ^^^^^^^^, For a lot of general work sawzall.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

I've got a non-fuel M18 hackzall. i needed something smaller than a full frame to fit in the space I needed to work. it does the job, and I probably needed to change the blade out a while ago. goes through batteries like candy, but doesn't lack power. it was inexpensive and I don't regret it.

for larger demo projects I use a circular saw whenever possible. sometimes that just doesn't work though.

 

[Rickster]

I have the Bosch 12v single handed hachsaw/sawsall. Love this thing! Surprised me how many times I used it. If Milwaukee is your brand then get one!

 

[gtsgarage]

There is a heck of a deal right now on the m18 hackzall kit.

This is a great deal and if I don’t have the m12 versions I’d have bought it today.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...-Battery-and-PACKOUT-Case-2997-23PO/305723323