7 Best Milwaukee Sawzall and Hackzall Saws (October 2026)
The best Milwaukee Sawzall and Hackzall saws include the Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall for one-handed control, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall for general full-size cuts, and the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Super Sawzall for heavy cutting.
On this page (13 sections)
- Which Milwaukee Sawzall and Hackzall picks stand out?
- How we chose these Milwaukee Sawzall picks
- How do these Milwaukee saws compare?
- 1. Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall
- 2. Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall
- 3. Milwaukee M18 FUEL Super Sawzall
- 4. Milwaukee 2520-21XC M12 FUEL Hackzall Kit
- 5. Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 Hackzall
- 6. Milwaukee 2420-21 M12 Hackzall Kit
- 7. Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 Sawzall
- Should you choose a Hackzall or a Sawzall?
- What should you check before choosing a Milwaukee reciprocating saw?
- Which Milwaukee Sawzall should you choose?
The best Milwaukee Sawzall for compact, controlled cuts is the 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall. Its one-handed design and pivoting shoe suit tight spaces, while the M18 FUEL Super Sawzall is the better fit for demanding full-size work.
Milwaukee sells both full-size Sawzalls and one-handed Hackzalls. Your best choice depends on access, cutting demands and whether you already own an M12 or M18 battery.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
-
3
- 4
Check itMilwaukee 2520-21XC M12 FUEL Hackzall Kit
Best for an M12 kit - 5
Check itMilwaukee 2625-20 M18 Hackzall
Best for a basic M18 Hackzall - 6
Check itMilwaukee 2420-21 M12 Hackzall Kit
Best for compact kit value - 7
Best for a basic full-size sawCheck it
Which Milwaukee Sawzall and Hackzall picks stand out?
The 2719-20 Hackzall leads for compact control, while the M18 FUEL Sawzall is a versatile full-size pick. These seven tools cover one-handed cuts, heavier applications and kit options.
Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall: Best for one-handed control
- Brushless POWERSTATE motor
- 7/8 in stroke length
- Pivoting shoe
- Bare tool
The one-handed design and pivoting shoe suit compact cuts where control matters. It is a bare tool, so plan for a compatible M18 battery and charger.
Pros
- One-handed design
- Pivoting shoe
- Brushless motor
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Shorter stroke than the full-size Super Sawzall
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall: Best for general full-size cuts
- Brushless cordless reciprocating saw
- Lever-actuated blade clamp
- Metal-reinforced battery connection
- Built-in LED light
A full-size option with a quick blade clamp and LED light for general cutting tasks. It comes without a battery or charger.
Pros
- Fast blade changes
- LED light
- Reinforced battery connection
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Less suited to tight spaces than a one-handed Hackzall
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Super Sawzall: Best for heavy cutting
- 1-1/4 in stroke length
- Variable speed trigger and 5-speed dial
- Adjustable shoe
- Bare tool
Its 1-1/4 in stroke and dial-based speed control suit demanding cuts where material removal and pace control matter. M18 batteries and charger are sold separately.
Pros
- Long stroke length
- 5-speed dial
- Adjustable shoe
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Heavier than the compact Hackzall options
Milwaukee 2520-21XC M12 FUEL Hackzall Kit: Best for an M12 kit
- M12 FUEL Hackzall
- 12V battery platform
- Kit model
- One-handed format
This M12 FUEL Hackzall suits buyers who want a compact one-handed saw on Milwaukee's 12V platform. Check the kit contents with the seller before ordering.
Pros
- M12 platform
- Compact Hackzall format
- FUEL model
Cons
- Less suited to prolonged heavy cutting
- Kit contents should be confirmed
Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 Hackzall: Best for a basic M18 Hackzall
- One-handed design
- Anti-vibration handle
- Quick-Lok blade clamp
- Built-in LED light
This M18 Hackzall offers one-handed control, an anti-vibration handle and tool-free blade changes. It works with M18 batteries, which are not included.
Pros
- One-handed design
- Anti-vibration handle
- LED light
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Not a FUEL model
Milwaukee 2420-21 M12 Hackzall Kit: Best for compact kit value
- 12V M12 platform
- Variable-speed trigger
- 1/2 in stroke length
- Kit includes battery, charger, blade and case
This kit includes a battery, charger, blade and carrying case, so it covers more of the setup than the bare-tool picks. Its 1/2 in stroke length fits lighter, compact cutting tasks.
Pros
- Battery and charger included
- Variable-speed trigger
- Compact 12V format
Cons
- Shorter stroke length
- Less suited to heavy cutting
Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 Sawzall: Best for a basic full-size saw
- 1-1/8 in stroke length
- 3,000 strokes per minute
- Counterbalance mechanism
- Lever-action blade clamp
The 2621-20 is a straightforward full-size M18 Sawzall with a counterbalance mechanism and lever-action blade clamp. Choose it when those core features fit better than the added controls on the Super Sawzall.
Pros
- 1-1/8 in stroke length
- Counterbalance mechanism
- Lever-action blade clamp
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Fewer listed speed controls than the Super Sawzall
How we chose these Milwaukee Sawzall picks
We compared the listed motor, stroke, control and blade-change features against the needs of buyers searching for a Milwaukee Sawzall. Scores weigh those details and buyer feedback against the intended use.
A longer stroke can remove more material with each cycle, but it does not make every cut easier. Compact Hackzalls may be easier to position, while a full-size Sawzall gives you a longer tool body for broader cutting work.
Battery format matters too. Several picks are bare tools, and the M12 and M18 platforms are different, so account for the compatible battery and charger you need.
How do these Milwaukee saws compare?
The main differences are saw format, stroke length, speed control and what comes in the box. Use this table to narrow the choice before reading each tool's fit.
| Product | Best for | Design | Stroke length | Included | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall | one-handed control | One-handed Hackzall | 7/8 in | Bare tool | 9.3 |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall | general full-size cuts | Full-size Sawzall | Bare tool | 9.1 | |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL Super Sawzall | heavy cutting | 1-1/4 in | Bare tool | 8.8 | |
| Milwaukee 2520-21XC M12 FUEL Hackzall Kit | an M12 kit | 8.6 | |||
| Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 Hackzall | a basic M18 Hackzall | Bare tool | 8.5 | ||
| Milwaukee 2420-21 M12 Hackzall Kit | compact kit value | 1/2 in | Battery, charger, blade and case | 7.8 | |
| Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 Sawzall | a basic full-size saw | 1-1/8 in | 7.7 |
1. Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall
Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall: Best for one-handed control
- Brushless POWERSTATE motor
- 7/8 in stroke length
- Pivoting shoe
- Bare tool
The one-handed design and pivoting shoe suit compact cuts where control matters. It is a bare tool, so plan for a compatible M18 battery and charger.
Pros
- One-handed design
- Pivoting shoe
- Brushless motor
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Shorter stroke than the full-size Super Sawzall
The 2719-20 is the top pick when one-handed control and compact access matter most. Its brushless POWERSTATE motor and 7/8 in stroke length give it a useful balance for repair work and cuts in tighter spaces.
The pivoting shoe maintains contact with the workpiece, which Milwaukee says helps make cuts smoother with less bucking and vibration. The one-handed design also gives you more control than a standard reciprocating saw when the cut position is awkward.
This is a bare tool. If you don't already have a compatible M18 battery and charger, include them in your setup plan.
Choose it for controlled cuts in confined or overhead spots. For larger cutting demands, compare it with the full-size M18 options below.
2. Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall: Best for general full-size cuts
- Brushless cordless reciprocating saw
- Lever-actuated blade clamp
- Metal-reinforced battery connection
- Built-in LED light
A full-size option with a quick blade clamp and LED light for general cutting tasks. It comes without a battery or charger.
Pros
- Fast blade changes
- LED light
- Reinforced battery connection
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Less suited to tight spaces than a one-handed Hackzall
The M18 FUEL Sawzall is the best all-around full-size choice here for buyers who want a brushless cordless reciprocating saw. Its lever-actuated blade clamp makes blade changes quick, while the built-in LED light illuminates the work surface as you cut.
A metal-reinforced battery connection is designed to improve durability and battery retention over time. Those features make it a practical fit for repair and demolition work where a full-size saw is easier to brace than a compact Hackzall.
The tool is sold without a battery or charger. Check your M18 inventory before buying so you know whether this is a ready-to-work setup or an additional tool-only purchase.
Pick this model for general full-size cutting with convenient blade changes. If your priority is speed control and a longer stroke, look at the Super Sawzall.
3. Milwaukee M18 FUEL Super Sawzall
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Super Sawzall: Best for heavy cutting
- 1-1/4 in stroke length
- Variable speed trigger and 5-speed dial
- Adjustable shoe
- Bare tool
Its 1-1/4 in stroke and dial-based speed control suit demanding cuts where material removal and pace control matter. M18 batteries and charger are sold separately.
Pros
- Long stroke length
- 5-speed dial
- Adjustable shoe
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Heavier than the compact Hackzall options
The Super Sawzall suits heavier cutting where stroke and speed control matter. Its 1-1/4 in stroke removes more material per cycle, and the variable-speed trigger plus 5-speed dial give you more ways to set the cutting pace.
An adjustable shoe can extend blade life, while the tool-free blade clamp speeds up changes between cuts. It also has an integrated rafter hook and LED light for storage and visibility.
The saw is compatible with M18 batteries, but the battery and charger are not included. Its full-size format and listed 8.8 lb weight make it less appealing when you need a compact tool for overhead or tight-space work.
Choose it for demanding cuts and adjustable speed. For most household repairs, a smaller or simpler saw may be easier to handle.
4. Milwaukee 2520-21XC M12 FUEL Hackzall Kit
Milwaukee 2520-21XC M12 FUEL Hackzall Kit: Best for an M12 kit
- M12 FUEL Hackzall
- 12V battery platform
- Kit model
- One-handed format
This M12 FUEL Hackzall suits buyers who want a compact one-handed saw on Milwaukee's 12V platform. Check the kit contents with the seller before ordering.
Pros
- M12 platform
- Compact Hackzall format
- FUEL model
Cons
- Less suited to prolonged heavy cutting
- Kit contents should be confirmed
This M12 FUEL Hackzall is for buyers who want a compact one-handed saw on Milwaukee's 12V platform. It may make sense if your other tools use M12 batteries and your cuts don't call for a full-size Sawzall.
The model is identified as a kit, but kit contents can vary by package and seller. Confirm the battery, charger and included accessories before ordering, especially if you are building an M12 setup from scratch.
Its lower score reflects the more limited product information available here compared with the other picks. The tool's M12 platform still gives it a clear role for compact jobs.
Choose it if your current batteries and charger fit the package. If you need a clearly specified kit with battery and charger, the 2420-21 below spells out those included parts.
5. Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 Hackzall
Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 Hackzall: Best for a basic M18 Hackzall
- One-handed design
- Anti-vibration handle
- Quick-Lok blade clamp
- Built-in LED light
This M18 Hackzall offers one-handed control, an anti-vibration handle and tool-free blade changes. It works with M18 batteries, which are not included.
Pros
- One-handed design
- Anti-vibration handle
- LED light
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Not a FUEL model
The 2625-20 pairs a one-handed M18 design with an anti-vibration handle. That format can help when you're cutting overhead or working where a full-size reciprocating saw feels bulky.
A Quick-Lok blade clamp allows tool-free blade changes, and the built-in LED light illuminates the work surface. The handle's anti-vibration design is intended to reduce fatigue during heavier cuts.
This is a bare tool that works with M18 batteries. It's a useful pick if you want the Hackzall format and already own compatible batteries, but it lacks the brushless motor called out for the top-ranked 2719-20 FUEL model.
Pick it for a basic M18 one-handed saw with practical controls. For the newer FUEL option, compare the 2719-20's brushless motor and pivoting shoe.
6. Milwaukee 2420-21 M12 Hackzall Kit
Milwaukee 2420-21 M12 Hackzall Kit: Best for compact kit value
- 12V M12 platform
- Variable-speed trigger
- 1/2 in stroke length
- Kit includes battery, charger, blade and case
This kit includes a battery, charger, blade and carrying case, so it covers more of the setup than the bare-tool picks. Its 1/2 in stroke length fits lighter, compact cutting tasks.
Pros
- Battery and charger included
- Variable-speed trigger
- Compact 12V format
Cons
- Shorter stroke length
- Less suited to heavy cutting
The 2420-21 is the clearest choice here if you want an M12 Hackzall package with key accessories included. The kit includes a 12V battery, charger, blade and carrying case.
Its 1/2 in stroke length and variable-speed trigger suit compact jobs where control matters more than a long stroke. The small format can be handy for light cutting around a home, but it is not the pick for frequent heavy work.
Before buying, make sure the included battery is the right fit for your other M12 tools. If you already own M18 batteries and want a more powerful one-handed format, compare the 2625-20 or 2719-20 instead.
Choose it for a basic kit that covers the main parts of a small setup. For a longer stroke or heavier cuts, step up to an M18 model.
7. Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 Sawzall
Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 Sawzall: Best for a basic full-size saw
- 1-1/8 in stroke length
- 3,000 strokes per minute
- Counterbalance mechanism
- Lever-action blade clamp
The 2621-20 is a straightforward full-size M18 Sawzall with a counterbalance mechanism and lever-action blade clamp. Choose it when those core features fit better than the added controls on the Super Sawzall.
Pros
- 1-1/8 in stroke length
- Counterbalance mechanism
- Lever-action blade clamp
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Fewer listed speed controls than the Super Sawzall
The 2621-20 is a basic full-size M18 Sawzall with a 1-1/8 in stroke and 3,000 strokes per minute. Its counterbalance mechanism and lever-action blade clamp cover two useful features without the speed dial and adjustable shoe on the Super Sawzall.
It is a bare tool, so you need a compatible M18 battery and charger. The simple feature set may suit buyers who want a full-size reciprocating saw for occasional wood, PVC or metal cuts.
The product information is limited compared with the FUEL models, which is why it ranks last in this roundup. Compare the included controls and battery needs before deciding that the lower feature count fits your work.
Pick it for basic full-size cutting if the core features are enough. For more speed adjustment and a longer stroke, the Super Sawzall offers both.
Should you choose a Hackzall or a Sawzall?
Choose a Hackzall when compact size and one-handed control help you reach the cut. Choose a full-size Sawzall when you need a longer stroke or expect more demanding cutting work.
A Hackzall can be easier to position around branches, pipes and tight repair areas. A full-size tool gives you a different balance and reach, but it may feel awkward where space is limited.
Read our Milwaukee Sawzall vs Hackzall comparison for a closer format match. If you are deciding between the M12 and M18 Hackzall platforms, see our M12 Hackzall vs M18 Hackzall guide.
What should you check before choosing a Milwaukee reciprocating saw?
Check the battery platform, saw format and blade needs before buying. Those details affect whether the tool will fit your current setup and the cuts you plan to make.
- Confirm M12 or M18 compatibility. A battery from one platform won't power a tool from the other.
- Check whether the tool is bare. Most picks here do not include a battery or charger.
- Match stroke and controls to the work. A longer stroke and speed dial can help with demanding cuts, while compact controls suit careful positioning.
- Choose the right blade for the material. Our reciprocating saw blade guide explains how to match blade type and tooth spacing to the job.
- Plan for safe support. Secure the material, keep the shoe against the work where possible and wear eye protection.
If most of your cuts are on branches, our best reciprocating saws for pruning compares picks with yard work in mind. For broader home jobs, browse the reciprocating saw picks hub.
Which Milwaukee Sawzall should you choose?
Choose the 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall for compact, one-handed control, the M18 FUEL Sawzall for a versatile full-size tool, or the Super Sawzall for a longer stroke and speed adjustments. If you want an M12 kit, compare the included parts on the 2420-21 and 2520-21XC before you buy.
For more reciprocating saw options across brands and tool styles, visit our reciprocating saw picks guide.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
-
3
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Milwaukee Sawzall and Hackzall?
A Hackzall uses a one-handed format for compact cuts and tighter spaces, while a Sawzall is the full-size style for more demanding cutting. The best fit depends on the material, access and control you need.
See our Milwaukee Sawzall vs Hackzall comparison for a closer look.
Is an M12 or M18 Hackzall better?
An M12 Hackzall suits lighter, compact tasks, while M18 models fit buyers already using Milwaukee's 18V battery platform or needing a larger saw. Compare the job and the batteries you own before choosing.
The M12 Hackzall vs M18 Hackzall guide explains the tradeoffs.
Do these Milwaukee saws include a battery?
Several picks here are bare tools, which means you need a compatible battery and charger. The Milwaukee 2420-21 M12 Hackzall Kit includes a battery and charger, along with a blade and carrying case.
Confirm kit contents before buying, since similar model names may refer to different packages.
Can a Hackzall cut tree branches?
Yes, a reciprocating saw with a suitable pruning blade can cut branches, but blade choice and branch size matter. Keep the shoe steady against the work and secure the branch so it cannot shift.
Our reciprocating saw picks for pruning cover blade and tool choices for yard work.
Which Milwaukee Sawzall is best for heavy cutting?
The M18 FUEL Super Sawzall is the strongest match in this group for heavy cutting because it has a 1-1/4 in stroke, a variable-speed trigger and a 5-speed dial. It is a bare tool, so include the cost of a compatible battery and charger in your plan.
