Sawzall- rotating handle a benefit?

[Mike F]

I am in the market for a sawzall and was doing some research into the different options. First of all I am not a contractor and will not be using this daily. Just your basic DIY guy who would rather buy a tool like this once in a lifetime. I am set on buying Milwaukee (though I have read good things about the porter cable) and think I have it narrowed down to 3 models. The 6523-21, 6536-21, 6538-21. All 3 weigh in at about 10 lbs, each is counterbalanced ( which is why I decided against the 6519-22 11Amp model, since it is not). The 6523 and 6536 are 13 Amp, and the 6538 is 15 Amp. The 6523 has a rotating handle, which may come in handy- I have no idea. So for you guys that use these, do you think the rotating handle is important? Or is it a source of something else to break? The 15 Amp model is about $50 more than the rotating model, but hey- more power is better isn't it?
Believe it or not, my first job with this thing is to cut a bunch of tree branches, and I see that they sell a pruning blade, so I am in luck there. And I will save $$ on not having to rent a chainsaw, since I do not have enough use to justify buying one.
For anyone interested, they can all be seen here: http://www.milwaukeetool.com:80/ProductCategory.aspx?CategoryName=SC%3aSawzall®+Reciprocating+Saws

 

[rsanter]

does not seem too important, but for some jobs that can put you in an odd position it could help.
I think it is more usefull for the pro than the DIY person

bob

 

[LameBolus]

I recently went through the same process and ended up with the 6523. I took down the studs of a bathroom and switched the handle around 3 times within 30 min. I'm sure there are situations where the rotating handle will help in an odd situation, but I used it more as a comfort item. The trigger portion always stays vertical and I rotate the blade to what I am cutting. Horizontal for the top of the studs and vertical for any cross bracing. This is my first sawzall and I find the feature useful. I would buy another one again.

 

[Mike83]

I have the 13 amp model with the rotating handle. I do use that feature almost every time I use the tool. Also, I have the pruning blade (made by Skil) and it is great for trimming trees and cutting up branches! I also recommend the 25 blade kit from Milwaukee with different lengths and types of blades.

FYI - I bought my sawzall reconditioned from Amazon or CPO Milwaukee and saved a lot. That was before the warranty on reconditioned tools was shortened from 5 years to 1 year, though. I think I paid about $130.

 

[06wt]

I had milwaukee sawsalls for years but a few months ago wen my last milwaukee died i tried out the hilti d shaped sawsall. The hilti is by far the best sawsall i have ever used and i have used pretty much every brand at one point or another. But as for the op, i can think of times where the rotating handle could be useful

 

[Spookrider]

I got the 13amp non rotating Sawzall. I was looking at when I was hunting for one, to me the rotating handle seem to me be part that would break faster than the non-rotating version. So I went with the non-rotating plus I got a free tool belt. So that made even a better buy over the rotating version.
But have the rotating option would be great if you got mobility problem or tight quarters.

http://www.toolup.com/milwaukee/6536-21p.html

 

[Iron-Iceberg]

Use a sawzall just about every day. Never needed a rotating head. At the most I have had to put the blade in upside down. But I hardly ever do that.
That cut he is making on the site would be easyer with the blade in upside down and the handle up. The way he is doing it will just smash you fingers. My .02c