one of the things i always find myself cutting with a sawzall (my preferred choice for this type of thing if i don't have a grinder handy) is usually front end parts on a vehicle. ball joint studs and end/sway bar links usually when the nut wont come off. i'm due for a new combo kit... looking at either a dewalt kit or a milwaukee. dewalt comes with the full size reciprocating saw, and the milwaukee comes with the 18v hackzall.. anyone ever have an issue with cutting things like these with the hackzall? kind of an odd and specific question but i want to make sure it'll handle everything i use it for.
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milwaukee m18 hackzall.. cutting solid steel?
- Thread starter Sh40674
- Start date
bcradio
Well-known member
I would try and get the fuel Sawzall personally. Otherwise go with the Dewalt.
Ign
Well-known member
It's just more difficult w the hackzall design to lever down on the blade by placing your non-trigger hand on top of the nose of the tool. I really don't know how well it will work, but the Hackzall was designed more w carpentry in mind.
Stroke length is a never-ending debate and seems to come down to personal preference. Some prefer 3/4" 'cause you're less likely to hit something behind your work, like if trimming a fender.
Last I looked the re-designed brushed Sawzall (2621 I think?) was $99. So upgrading is always an option.
Personally I'd invest in a Fuel grinder, I hate reciprocating for just about anything. However it is true the d.o.c. of a 4.5/5" wheel is limited.
Stroke length is a never-ending debate and seems to come down to personal preference. Some prefer 3/4" 'cause you're less likely to hit something behind your work, like if trimming a fender.
Last I looked the re-designed brushed Sawzall (2621 I think?) was $99. So upgrading is always an option.
Personally I'd invest in a Fuel grinder, I hate reciprocating for just about anything. However it is true the d.o.c. of a 4.5/5" wheel is limited.
yeah my only real concern was if it had enough "omph" behind it to finish the cut. i rarely have to cut a ball joint stem, and have only had to do it a couple times with a sawzall, quite a few more for an end link (hate them damn things)... i think i may go with the milwaukee kit and upgrade if i need to like you said. i have a corded saw but i like to have something in my bag if i don't have it with me
gdocktor3
Well-known member
I've seen the hackzall cut large 1" threaded rod, large strut, small pipe, etc. With that said, I was recently in this same predicament of which to choose and I went with the compact brushless Dewalt recip saw and it's bad ***. It's not as easy to use with one hand as the hackzall is, but it makes up for it with the power and 1-1/8" stroke. I'm very happy with it.
In the past I've used my mini 18v Ridgid recip saw to cut sway bar end links. Of all my cordless Ridgid tools, that and the circular saw are the only two I'm saving. The rest will be sold.
In the past I've used my mini 18v Ridgid recip saw to cut sway bar end links. Of all my cordless Ridgid tools, that and the circular saw are the only two I'm saving. The rest will be sold.
Last edited:
Trey T
Well-known member
I own M12 and M18 product and I do own the M12 hackzall version. I recommend the dewalt w/ longer stroke. The advantage of long stroke is the blade can last longer and can cut better.