I am in the market for a 18volt or 20volt hacksaw or milwaukee calls it hackzall style saw. I am wanting to choose either a brushless DeWalt atomic Dcs369b , or Milwaukee fuel brushless 2719-20 or a Milwaukee brushed 2625-20. I have plenty of batteries so runtime is not an issue but durability is, which one would outlast the others on durability and tool failure.
what cordless 18 volt hacksaw is the most durable?
- Thread starter man-a-fre
- Start date
Okay lets just say steel for the sake of durability of the tool , even though i may be cutting wood most of the time.
I'd probably go with either the DeWalt or the brushless Milwaukee. Honestly, I think all three are up to the task (Milwaukee even advertises their non-Fuel model as capable of cutting various metal materials just fine). However, the brushless models are likely the better overall option, as tool companies tend to build their higher grade versions with enhanced durability and performance in mind. The key here, though, is using the right metal-cutting blade and ensuring proper cooling/lubrication while cutting with the right battery. A good blade, battery, and technique will go a long way in preventing stress or overload on any of the tools.
stingry
Well-known member
Personally I think they would all serve you well. I use Makita and have had good luck. I’d go with the lightest and the one that feels good in the hands.
finn
Well-known member
Stay away from the non fuel Milwaukee M12. It’s weak. I have one and am not a fan.
Milwaukee M18 and Dewalt 20v are about the same, as far as durability goes in my experience. The Dewalt offerings in the one handed recip saw configuration are the 12v Extreme and the 20v Atomic, both brushless. I don’t see any brushed versions advertised.
Looks like Milwaukee offers both brushed and brushless in the M12 and M18 lines. The brushless versions get generally good reviews.
Since both seem ok, buy on price or whatever battery you have the most of. I think the Dewalt Atomic is still free at HD if you spring for their battery promotion.
Milwaukee M18 and Dewalt 20v are about the same, as far as durability goes in my experience. The Dewalt offerings in the one handed recip saw configuration are the 12v Extreme and the 20v Atomic, both brushless. I don’t see any brushed versions advertised.
Looks like Milwaukee offers both brushed and brushless in the M12 and M18 lines. The brushless versions get generally good reviews.
Since both seem ok, buy on price or whatever battery you have the most of. I think the Dewalt Atomic is still free at HD if you spring for their battery promotion.
RegeSullivan
Well-known member
Milwaukee, Dewalt, Makita pick your color! I've had great experience Makita. 12 years and it's been in muddy trenches, dropped out of trees, cut lots of drywall and studs, created my share of sparks cutting live wires (unintentionally and intentionally) removed lots of 1 1/2" & 2" galvanized pipe from old houses (hot water heat). It look bad... still runs.
You'll spend more on blades than you will on the saw. The cheap blades aren't worth messing with. I like the Milwaukee Torch for demo work.
You'll spend more on blades than you will on the saw. The cheap blades aren't worth messing with. I like the Milwaukee Torch for demo work.
I beat the heck out of my Makita, its great. I killed a Dewalt one within a year. Makita has been going strong for 4-5 years. My brother has the M18 Fuel Milwaukee and really likes it, he uses it almost daily and its held up for years. I think its probably the best deal and seems to cut slightly faster than my Makita.
I have used and abused the 12volt version of the Milwaukee (2520-20) for years and it hasn't blinked. Great for one handed jobs and situations where access is limited. I would expect the 18volt version to perform comparably. I've never owned a Makita tool that disappointed. Dewalt has put out some duds.
strength_and_power
Well-known member
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- Apr 26, 2015
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I used a Milwaukee Hackzall a lot last year. 18” of cutting per store, 125 stores. The 6.0 amp battery was a good weight to power/runtime. I used various metal cutting blades from Home Depot. Im sure Dewalt and Makita have decent offerings, I’d be looking at what other tools I’d be using for the project, do I have enough batteries/ chargers to never be waiting on a battery to charge.
stingray1966
Well-known member
I have the M12 Milwaukee and love it I used the hell out of it and it had never let me down
sparky 1971
Well-known member
I have the old style M18 but in the several years that have gone by since I bought it as part of a kit, have probably only used it five times. It's too damned big so it just stays in the garage collecting dust. It does work great when used, but I have better, more user friendly options in the shop. I also have the old school M12 on my service truck and it saw a ton of work cutting EMT in the days before the M12 bandsaw and has performed way better than expected. I could only assume the M18 would be the same. But, everything is a **** shoot, for every 50 tools that work fantastic, there are probably going to be a few of the same model that are lemons.
I have the old M18 nonfuel and an M12 fuel and am more impressed by the M12 fuel. For an M18, buy only the fuel. It has 7/8” stroke versus 5/8” for the M12 fuel. It will get more done sooner. M18 batteries hold more power — if you want to run a 12” pruning blade for tree limbing, the M18 is better (though a M18 chainsaw or hatchet is much better for limbing).
Firebrick43
Well-known member
I haven't used the dewalt.
The Fuel (brushless) Milwaukee both in 18 volt and 12 volt, kicks the brushed version in the teeth as far as power goes.
I prefer the M12 fuel my self. Never would have thought that it would be my third most used tool and it was free during a promotion.
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
No problems with M18 Fuel for me. Lots of tree work in 3 years.
No problems with 18V Bosch for Dad.
Lennox blades are underrated.
LopezBart
Well-known member
I have the M18 Fuel SawzAll and it's a beast... seems to have just as much punch as the 30 year old corded version I have. I use it mostly for pruning actually, with a carbide-tooth blade; it makes short work of the toughest bushes like 3" diameter ocean spray. It all does well cutting down small red alders when I cannot be bothered to get the chain saw. It's also good for limbing firs and pines - safer than using the chain saw and lighter.
I have an M12 brushless. It is OK. I have mostly Dewalt tools. Given the choices or models presented, you might be best served with the Milwaukee. It has a longer stroke length than the Dewalt. At least in the ads I looked at. Generally, if I need a reciprocating saw, I grab the full size.
BTW, when you say cut wood, is it going to be a wrecking tool or a garden tool or some other application?
BTW, when you say cut wood, is it going to be a wrecking tool or a garden tool or some other application?
Wrecking too, drywall cutting tool ,pruning tool ,metal will get used for a little of everything. I have the m18 fuel sawzall m18 fuel chainsaw, m18 fuel grinder, and several others also have many dewalt 20 volt tools of the same. Overall in the cordless tools I have Dewalt and Milwaukee they seem to be even in quality and perfomance except the cordless drills , Dewalt is the winner hands down. The Milwaukee drills I have had terrible chucks with lots of wobble and runout, the Dewalts are great. You all have been a great help on this and I read all reviews and they are appreciated!!!! I bought a M18 fuel 2719-20 and am crossing my fingers I got a good one. I am going to check the gearbox for ample grease before use . Again thank to all who replied!!!!! You are a great group!!!
cherrybomb
Well-known member
I'm in the Makita 18v. line.I have the smaller one and the largest one.Versatilty.The smaller one has good points,but has a shorter stroke which makes cutting slower of course.The larger one has a longer stroke and really will do serious demolition. I use it a lot for cutting tree limbs now that the son in law is done remodeling.Good saws
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Makita sounds pretty solid on the hacksaw/recipricating saw was really tossing it around, I was going to get a battery adapter to use either my Dewalt or m18 batteries but didn't go that route this time. If this fuel doesn't hold up I will get a Makita.
mooman
Well-known member
Our crews use the Milwaukee Hackzall Fuel daily and it's been a good performer. The only issue we consistently see it the blade retention system breaking and you can't get the blade out.
HoosierMark
Well-known member
I have a dewalt. Friday I cut the welds off the two sides of two 1 inch by 1 inch pieces Of steel. Tried using a 20 v dewalt grinder but the sawzall with a couple of new blades worked better. I don’t think brands vary that much. It is what other 20v tools do you want and what blades will you use that will make a big difference.
oldwino
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I’m also very happy with my M18 Fuel. Only had it a couple of years but used it a ton on pipe Galvanized and copper), and it’s a go to for tree trimming with a long pruning blade due to the light weight and handle configuration
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What does it take to repair that?
mooman
Well-known member
I'm not sure. We just send them into Milwaukee for repair within the warranty period. Past that, we just scrap them.
seber
Well-known member
I have the M18 non fuel and a hackzall. The non fuel is from the first year and has seen a ton of work with zero problems. the hackzall on the other hand is just too weak to get much use.
engineer2
Well-known member
I've beat the **** out of my old 18V Makita Sawzall and it does great. I would consider their newest full size brushless model.
Their black compact one is a short stroke light duty model only.
Their black compact one is a short stroke light duty model only.
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ChevyEFI
Well-known member
The OP asked for hackzall. One handed.
If I wanted a sawzall, the Bosch with oscillating blade action would be considered.
If I wanted a sawzall, the Bosch with oscillating blade action would be considered.
Badger 13
Well-known member
I have the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hackzaw and found it to be an excellent tool. With the one handed operation, I hardly use my Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall anymore.
Just had to share this here.
Dewalt cordless saw being dragged on the track at Bristol.
Still worked after being dragged about a half lap (1/4 mile).
As to the orginal question I can’t help the OP as my recip. saw is corded and well over 40 years old.
FYI: It’s a Milwaukee and is on its 3rd set of brushes.
Dewalt cordless saw being dragged on the track at Bristol.
Still worked after being dragged about a half lap (1/4 mile).
As to the orginal question I can’t help the OP as my recip. saw is corded and well over 40 years old.
FYI: It’s a Milwaukee and is on its 3rd set of brushes.
mngundog
Well-known member
I wouldn't make a claim on the most durable, but this is a good price on the Milwaukee
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless HACKZALL Reciprocating Saw with One 5.0Ah Battery and Charger 2719-20-48-59-1850 - The Home Depot
Complete all your hardest work easily by selecting this Milwaukee M18 FUEL Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless HACKZALL Reciprocating Saw. Easy to use.
www.homedepot.com
American Locomotive
Well-known member
I have the Makita XRJ07ZB. It's a slightly different form factor than the Milwaukee or DeWalt, "powered hacksaw", but still very compact and very powerful. I've given me a hot supper or two and it still keeps trucking.