Which Milwaukee Hackzall?

[Crazyjake8493]

I'm equally invested in the M12 and M18 lineups. I have a corded sawzall that gets regular use, but I'm looking to add a cordless Hackzall. Mostly for work around my own house, and also light use on small jobs for family and friends.

It won't be used to cut much wood, so I don't think the short stroke length will be as much of an issue. I'll be mostly cutting PVC conduit and drain pipes, EMT conduit & unistrut occasionally, and cutting nails to cut old metal electrical boxes off studs, or removing old window frames.

I was considering the non-Fuel M18 for $99 at HD right now. But I also need a cordless SDS, and I can get the M12 Fuel SDS with a non-Fuel M12 Hackzall for $229.

Any thoughts and experiences?

 

[ocloc24]

I only have the M18 Fuel Sawzall, but I've heard the non fuel m12 is very underwhelming. I'd at least go m12 fuel

 

[finn]

The non fuel M12 is a waste of time.

Battery life is low on a charge and the saw is weak, in my experience.

It is light and compact, though.

It’s bad enough that I standardized on Bosch and Dewalt cordless tools.

 

[bigb56]

I have owned the M-12 Fuel for about 3 years, no complaints. Just make sure to use the big batteries in it. I use it all the time to cut the nails on installed electrical boxes without sheetrock damage. It's really handy for conduit work and easy to carry up to the roof. Cuts PVC in the ditch good too. We have the M-12 bandsaw as well, works good for unistrut and 1/2 and 3/4 emt but it is a tad weak, can't push it too hard. I want the Makita 18 volt full size band saw next, already got the hammer drill, impact, 7" grinder, 4" grinder and 4 of the AH batteries. Gradually switching over to Makita as the Milwaukee stuff wears out

 

[bigb56]

Another trick with the hackzall, snap off a used blade short so it only has about 1/2 to 3/4" stroke and use it to cut sheetrock without worrying about damage to pipes ans wires inside the wall.

 

[rustyzman]

I have the M12 non fuel version. It is very handy for light cuts and tight areas. It runs through batteries quickly and it will overload and shut down on heavy cuts. It generally works fine for cutting conduit (overloads sometimes) and wood for quick and dirty stuff, but anything more serious and I get out the corded unit or the portaband saw.

Overall I am pleased with it as I only wanted it for very light work, but if you are already invested in the M18 line, I think I would suggest that just for the extra power the unit should have.

Though I have not tried the Fuel version of the saw, my Fuel drill is far superior in performance to my non Fuel version and I would not hesitate to upgrade to Fuel on any of the tools where it is available if the money permits.

 

[Tallpilot]

I have the M18. I would only get the M12 if you really think you will have jobs where the M18 won’t fit.

 

[BMack37]

M12 non-fuel will work for what you're doing. The Fuel version is a powerhouse and noticeably bigger. I have both and I use them for different tasks, the little brushed one is nice for PVC. The Fuel version will fly through those drain pipes, the brushed will be slow but it will get the job done.

Also, buy good blades like Diablo or the brushed will rattle your teeth out.

 

[Rickster]

I have the Bosch version of the smaller single handed hacksaw and it works great for pvc and other stuff around the house. But as said above, get the larger 12v batteries.

 

[jw3]

My brother and I are plumbing contractors. I laughed at him when he brought the M12 non fuel saw out on a top out. I had to eat crow. Lol. We like them so much that we went and bought 3 more. That way we had 2 in each truck. I’ve never had a fuel version, but we have a couple soon to be on their way out. I look closer at the fuel versions then


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[xin]

WAIT... Don't forget the 'HULK' lineup for the WHARF FREIGHT!

90 days and it will last forever others on the forum testify their greatness and got videos to prove it.

Anyways, get the one that you can add other tools to the lineup from Milwaukee (like that will use the same battery).

 

[zorrox]

Another trick with the hackzall, snap off a used blade short so it only has about 1/2 to 3/4" stroke and use it to cut sheetrock without worrying about damage to pipes ans wires inside the wall.

Nice tip!

If you have to cut nails forget about the non-fuel m12. I would go m18 unless you are working in really tight areas where it wouldn't fit. The brushed has pretty nice power, but for $50 more I would get the fuel unless money is tight.

 

[malibu101]

I too have the non-Fuel M12.
It has it's place, but is overall underwhelming. It has a short stroke so when cutting thicker material it's not so good and it goes through batteries kinda quick.

I love all my Milwaukee M12 tools as they work very well within their compact size range. After having and using the M12 non-Fuel Hackzall it is the only tool I would not buy again. I'd step up to the M18.

 

[DFB]

I also have abrushed M12. Will work just fine cut PVC copper EMT allthread rod, screws nails. etc. It's a small tool but handy and sure beats using a hand held hacksaw. I've also pushed it to its limits cutting 2" sq tubing and larger 1/2 grade 5 bolts juss for grins.

Not something I would do again though

Sure the M12 Fuel is better
And the M18 is bigger.

There are few good videos on the "tube" comparing the different sizes for speed and vibrations

I'd wonder more about that M12 SDS myself

 

[IUEC Medic]

I have an 12 fuel hackzall and an m18 fuel sawzall. I’ve been using them in concert with an m12 jigsaw for making precise cuts in existing stainless.

Of course the m18 fuel is far more brawn, but the m12 fuel is much more comfortable and has more than enough power to do what I’m using it for.

I don’t know much about the brushed (not fuel) versions, but I was originally looking for the m18 fuel hackzall but they’re kind of hard to come by right now, backordered on Grainger, Home Depot, and Zoro. So my options were either non fuel m18 or fuel m12 and I’m pretty happy with the m12 fuel.

Another advantage to the m18 fuel hackzall is that it’s the only hackzall with a pivoting guide.

 

[jonesg]

I'm equally invested in the M12 and M18 lineups. I have a corded sawzall that gets regular use, but I'm looking to add a cordless Hackzall. Mostly for work around my own house, and also light use on small jobs for family and friends.

It won't be used to cut much wood, so I don't think the short stroke length will be as much of an issue. I'll be mostly cutting PVC conduit and drain pipes, EMT conduit & unistrut occasionally, and cutting nails to cut old metal electrical boxes off studs, or removing old window frames.

I was considering the non-Fuel M18 for $99 at HD right now. But I also need a cordless SDS, and I can get the M12 Fuel SDS with a non-Fuel M12 Hackzall for $229.

Any thoughts and experiences?

My brushed hackzall does everything I need it to, its the BLADE that cuts.
1/2inch bolt in a steering knuckle , no problem.

If anyone has trouble cutting nails get a better blade. Even the puny little Milwaukee Dremel eats nails , its the BLADE that cuts, not the motor.

 

[ocloc24]

My brushed hackzall does everything I need it to, its the BLADE that cuts.
1/2inch bolt in a steering knuckle , no problem.

If anyone has trouble cutting nails get a better blade. Even the puny little Milwaukee Dremel eats nails , its the BLADE that cuts, not the motor.

Ok but when the m18 fuel has a 1/2" longer stroke than the m12 non fuel it cuts twice as fast.

 

[stingray1966]

I have the m 12 non fuel and it the best tool yet i have cut 2x4s with it with no problems i have beat them hell out of mine and it works GREAT as far as battery i have the 6.0and it does all i ask it to do

 

[IUEC Medic]

Ok but when the m18 fuel has a 1/2" longer stroke than the m12 non fuel it cuts twice as fast.

While that’s true, the blade does indeed make a huge difference. Diablo makes that best sawzall blades, hands down, from my experience. The majority of my cutting is heavy and/or hardened steel (mild 3/8-3/4 thick iron and 316 stainless around 1/8”)

 

[stingray1966]

yep that what i use

 

[ocloc24]

Ok again I'm not saying it doesn't I only use Diablo, Bosch, and Milwaukee but if I have a Diablo blade on an M12 non Fuel and a Diablo blade on an M18 Fuel, the M18 with almost double the stroke length is going to cut much faster

 

[Jamie V]

I’m a sheetmetal worker and I’ve probably used/bought 10,000 6” 18tpi blades. Best ones I’ve used are Morse.

The 1/2” extra stroke not only cuts faster but uses more of the blade so you don’t overheat one small area of the blade/teeth as fast.

 

[kctyphoon]

I have the non fuel m18, and m12 fuel. They are both good, but obviously the m18 is the stronger option. What size hole do you need the sds to drill? That will ultimately determine if the m12 is even a real option for that. I have 2 fuel m18 models at work and they are both good.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I also have abrushed M12. Will work just fine cut PVC copper EMT allthread rod, screws nails. etc. It's a small tool but handy and sure beats using a hand held hacksaw. I've also pushed it to its limits cutting 2" sq tubing and larger 1/2 grade 5 bolts juss for grins.

Not something I would do again though

Sure the M12 Fuel is better
And the M18 is bigger.

There are few good videos on the "tube" comparing the different sizes for speed and vibrations

I'd wonder more about that M12 SDS myself

I've used the M12 Fuel SDS before up to 1/2" bits and it did just fine. HD's website has a kit with the M12 Fuel SDS, a 4.0ah battery, charger, and the M12 non-Fuel hackzall for $229 which I'm really leaning towards. The same kit without the Hackzall is $249 in the store right now. Plus I have $125 in HD gift cards at the moment.

I already have a big Bosch Bulldog SDS but it's not always convenient to run extension cords all over a basement for a couple holes for Tapcons or anchors. Same way in that I use my corded sawzall for heavy work but it's a pain to have to plug it in to cut a drain pipe once or twice, or cut some conduit in the middle of a yard.

I'm not doing heavy-duty work all day long with these, mostly quick and small jobs here and there for people. My cordless tools rarely get used from a full charge until a battery dies. If I'm doing something that long I'll pull out the corded stuff.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I have the non fuel m18, and m12 fuel. They are both good, but obviously the m18 is the stronger option. What size hole do you need the sds to drill? That will ultimately determine if the m12 is even a real option for that. I have 2 fuel m18 models at work and they are both good.

Mostly smaller stuff up to 1/4" for Tapcons and anchors, with an occasional 3/8 or 1/2" hole for anchors. If I'm doing a lot of holes, or larger holes, I have a corded Bosch Bulldog SDS. I just hate rolling out cords if I'm drilling 4-5 holes for some brackets or boxes or something like that.

 

[kctyphoon]

Mostly smaller stuff up to 1/4" for Tapcons and anchors, with an occasional 3/8 or 1/2" hole for anchors. If I'm doing a lot of holes, or larger holes, I have a corded Bosch Bulldog SDS. I just hate rolling out cords if I'm drilling 4-5 holes for some brackets or boxes or something like that.

I don't have the m12 sds - but you should be fine for the occasional 1/2" hole, esp if it's just for anchors. I wouldn't wanna drill through walls with it, but sounds like it'll be good for what you need. I have the m12 Fuel hammer drill and it does just fine with 1/4" holes - esp just in mortar joints for clamps. The fuel hackzall should be fine for what you mentioned also. I think some people don't realize that it's actually a bigger saw than the brushed version, kinda in between the m18 and m12 in size. It's not "just" brushless. I don't have the brushed m12 saw, but I do have the dewalt 12v which is comparable. As stated, it's underwhelming - but small things it'll work - just not as good as a better model.

I think I'd get the kit your looking at, even with the brushed saw.. if you wind up not liking the saw, you can always sell it and get the fuel instead - but for occasional stuff I think it'll be ok. Get good blades, like the Milwaukee or diablo. I prefer the Milwaukee blades myself.

It may not make much sense, but you can get the bare tool for the sds and fuel hackzall for like $267 off eBay if you really wanted the fuel saw, and already have batteries..

Another thing - if you get the kit your looking at, you'd have to see exactly how it rings up on the receipt.. even though the hackzall is "free" - you still might be able to return just the saw for a partial refund, and put the credit towards the bare tool Fuel saw..

 

[DFB]

Ya I drill for 1/4" tapcons and set nylon screw inserts with any of the reg. Milwaukee cordless hammer drills easy enough. Ha I even did 8 1/2" lag shield holes to anchor support columns for our new farm store building renovating the blown out of town GC my Boss hired after it failed the local inspection with the old M12 hammer drill. Turned down 3/8 shanks but also was new concrete

Smelled kid of funny after though

Still works fine to this day $99 bucks.

I got deal on it if anybody wants one


Buy what you think you need. Sounds like a pretty good deal for two tools. And I think you be fine with the free hackzall. I have had no experience with the M12 SDS but I'm sure it'll be a great for the work you've described. Like you I also have heavy duty corded to back me up when needed.

 

[kctyphoon]

For the record - the m18 fuel "bulldog" style sds drill is great.. even the smaller m18 fuel model..

 

[Crazyjake8493]

For the record - the m18 fuel "bulldog" style sds drill is great.. even the smaller m18 fuel model..

Our local Home Depot has the M18 Fuel "bulldog" style on clearance for $224 down from $279 bare-tool. I've been watching them for weeks since they dropped to $252, but they've been at $224 for 2-3 weeks now and haven't dropped any. Not sure exactly how Home Depot's clearance pricing schedule works, and it doesn't show on their website. I work right down the road from there, so I'll check in once or twice a week and see if they drop more.

If they went low enough I'd think about getting that and selling my corded Bosch, and not bothering with the M12 version. The M12 SDS + hackzall deal looks like it's on until 4/29, so I can wait it out a bit to try to snag a deal.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Another thing - if you get the kit your looking at, you'd have to see exactly how it rings up on the receipt.. even though the hackzall is "free" - you still might be able to return just the saw for a partial refund, and put the credit towards the bare tool Fuel saw..

That's a good point! I bought the M12 heated jacket a few months ago for $109 and got a free battery. I just looked up my online receipt and they had it as $75 for the jacket and $33 for the battery. So if it worked out the same way, I could return the saw like you mentioned and put it towards the Fuel model. Good thinking!

 

[Rarified27]

I work in a lot of tight places and the M12 non fuel fits in dang near all of them.

However, I'm not cutting super thick, dense material inside of walls, so the sheetrock/wood/nails and other minor obstructions I use it to remove surrender easily to a good blade and a plain old 2.0 battery.

What I like the most is how precise I can be with it and a 4" blade. My M12 was bought in 2011 and still works well with no issue.

Anything more challenging gets the big saw, usually corded, so I can blast through it.