Recommendations on a cordless sawzall.

[evintho]

I'm a frequent flier when it comes to junkyard scrounging and I can't count how many times a cordless sawzall would've saved the day. Today was an absolute necessity and I didn't have one! Now I gotta go back tomorrow with more tools!

DeWalt is good, Milwaukee is probably better but I'd like to hear some recommendations from guys that actually use them in the field. I know it's mostly about the batteries. Are the lithium's better than the regular 18v?

I want something that's gonna slice through bracketry, exhaust pipes, bolts and maybe even frames if necessary. Opinions welcome!

 

[ADSR]

I've beat the hell out of my dewalt 18 and it just keeps going.

 

[the1nonlyjl]

get any with orbital/other movement capabilities... but cordless usually don't last that long if you are gonna use most out of it. My suggestion is corded one with 12 amp. Milwaukee is good.

 

[MattPersman]

I've ragged out my dewalt 18v and its been good, runs through batteries obviously if you are hard on it

 

[cookefab]

I'm partial to Makita...I have 18V 3.0 AH batteries, and for occasional use it does just fine. Heavy use will still drain a battery quick - like frame rails, but it'll still make 2 frame cuts and then some on a full charge. The Makita battery packs are simple to recell compared to other makes, IMO...

 

[padronanniversary]

Which ever 18 or 20v system u buy into

 

[neblinc]

Milwaukee M18 for me. Nice smaller size and I was able to cut up a 12 x 12 wooden dock in thirds, cutting through all the top planks on one battery and still had 2 bars on the battery indicator. I was impressed.
The new Fuel battery may even be better.

Randy

 

[BFHtime]

Lithium batteries are a must, for cordless tools. Higher voltage is better than lower voltage.

Corded 15 amp Milwaukee or 15 Amp porter cable.

I find Milwaukee blades tend to last longer. Definitely get a variety of lengths of metal cutting blades, since that is what you are looking to cut.

I would keep my eye out for a brushless cordless sawzall. My brushless cordless tools definitely last longer than my brushed by quite a bit. I look forward to getting one.

 

[805gregg]

Use what the contractors use Dewalt

 

[Zelatore]

Had an 18v Dewalt for years - it never failed me but ate batteries like crazy. Recently a scumbag liberated it along with all my other Dewalt stuff from my truck, so I switched over to Milwaukee M18 red lithium stuff. Just got the saw, so I have only used it for some very minor stuff so far but I do like the other tools in the line and the batteries have been much better than my old Dewalt (no surprise since I changed technology).

A good blade will do wonders for you though no matter what you go with. I think you could get by with any of the good brands (Makita, Dewalt, Bosch, Milwaukee) so I'd base it more on which system you like instead of just the saw.

 

[Big-Foot]

Makita LXT 18v

I have used the heck out of this tool. It outperforms my Milwaukee SawzAll in almost any situation.

Yes I know the blade is upside down I was cutting out plumbing at the time.. A very hard working saw...

 

[BFHtime]

Milwaukee offers the greatest number of tools of the brands. I have been happy with my lithium Makita tools. If I had to get all new tools I would probably go Milwaukee, just because of the number of different tools they offer.

 

[BFHtime]

Bigfoot what batteries are in your sawzall?

I love your GT40 project. I hope you finish it and enjoy it. Although something like that is never really finished.

I was thinking about getting a cordless sawzall for a project, but ended going with with the corded 15 amp version of Milwaukee. I was concerned about having enough power. Maybe I should consider that sawzall. Hmm.

 

[Big-Foot]

Thanks BFH... The GT40 is one of those life-long dreams and no time-table on the project..

The batteries are the 3.0 AH.. They do start losing some of their edge after a few months, but the convenience of not having a cord and the weight of this saw is pretty close to the same as my corded SawzAll.. Well quite honestly, I haven't run into anything I needed to break out the corded one for in over a year.

 

[Big-Foot]

I should have also noted that there are two versions of the LXT Reciprocating saw, this is the more expensive of the two. Easiest way to tell is the grip on it and the chrome blade shoe. I like the motor control as it is very precise and has great torque in the lower speeds so it does not stall..