Reciprocating saws: inline vs "hump" style

[skernv99]

for cordless reciprocating saw, do people prefer the inline style vs the saws that have the "hump" ? I have the Milwaukee M12 fuel Hackzall and like it (I had to cut off the back shocks on my truck last month and it worked well) but just thinking if an inline recip saw might come in handy for tighter spots for future use.

 

[johnnyradiant]

Generally when I have a tight spot I'm reaching for my M12 not my full sized recip saws. I've burned through a couple M12's over the years and recently replaced the last one with the Fuel model. Noticable uptick in performance but also not as compact feeling for tight, awkward areas, still better than any of my full sized recip saws.

 

[Chevota Guy]

I have the old style M12 Hackzall and use it for 90% of what I typically do. The short stroke is somewhat of a downside compared to the Fuel version, but still plenty adequate.

I only haul out my 25+ yr old corded Makita JR3000V when I just need the raw power.

 

[skernv99]

I should had clarified. I’m comparing cordless inline recip saws that are of the same or similar in power. So Milwaukee M12 Fuel vs for example the Ingersoll Rand 12v in-line recip saw or the Matco 16v in-line recip saw. More interested in whether the inline design is better than the “hump” design for those that have both or worked with either. Sorry for the confusion. Thanks

 

[engineer2]

I'm debating the inline style reciprocating saws vs the rotary hammer style like the newer Makitas.

 

[RKA]

Depends on what you’re doing of course, but usually when you need brute force and that longer stroke, a standard recip saw is the go to. If you can tolerate less power and stroke, sometimes the one handed hackzall is a better choice. But I can envision tight spots where each of the above tools works better than the other. It just depends on where the obstruction is.

 

[American Locomotive]

Can you elaborate more on what you're talking about? I literally have no idea what you mean by "hump" saw?

 

[mngundog]

Can you elaborate more on what you're talking about? I literally have no idea what you mean by "hump" saw?

I believe this is what he means, as opposed to a traditional sawzall that requires two hands.

 

[American Locomotive]

Ah, I just call those "one handed saws" vs "traditional". They're okay for some things.

Makita has the stubby "traditional" saw, that's sort of a combination of both of them. I like it a lot.

 

[BLUE72CAMARO]

I have used one like this a considerable amount and dont see any disadvantage over the inline. It also has way more power and stroke than my m18 hackzall.

 

[ez-duzit]

Get a real reciprocating saw: the corded Milwaukee Sawzall.

 

[liliysdad]

Get a real reciprocating saw: the corded Milwaukee Sawzall.

Got one..and it collects dust while I use my Dewalt Brushless compact almost daily.

 

[Paul_The_Builder]

I'm an electrician and switched from a full size sawzall to a M12 fuel hackzall.

I really really like the M12 hackzall. Much more than I thought I would. The balance is so much better, its really easy to cut conduit and other stuff one handed. I also find that I cut much straighter with it, since I have more dexterity.

For larger demo jobs, like sawing through a 4x4 with nails or something, the full size saws are definitely where its at, but for every day jobsite type stuff, the "hump" style single handed saw is definitely what I prefer.

 

[Wamsutta]

I believe this is what he means, as opposed to a traditional sawzall that requires two hands.

Are those intended to be used one handed?

 

[sparky 1971]

I have the M12 and M18 Hackzalls. Neither one of them are Fuel models though. I also have two M18 Sawzalls, one of them is a Fuel. The regular sawzall will blow away either of the Hackzalls and the Fuel Sawzall beats the regular Sawzall, but not by much.

 

[mngundog]

Are those intended to be used one handed?

Both companies refer to them as one handed reciprocating saws.