Milwaukee M18 Cordless Hackzall Reciprocating Saw Review Powerful One-Handed Tool

Description

Benefits of the Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 Cordless Hackzall

Handling the Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hackzall Reciprocating Saw, Bare Tool felt surprisingly intuitive right off the bat. The one-handed design really stands out, giving me superior control especially in cramped spaces where a full-sized reciprocating saw would feel clunky. This compact tool is light enough for overhead cuts, which is a game changer when working on ladders or awkward angles. The anti-vibration handle noticeably reduces fatigue, allowing me to rip through dense wood without feeling like my arm was going to give out. The 3,000 strokes per minute speed combined with the 3/4-inch stroke length delivers fast, clean cuts—whether I was slicing through branches or metal pipes.

• The LED lighting is a practical addition, illuminating the cut line perfectly, which helped me maintain accuracy even in dimly lit corners.
• The QUIK-LOK blade clamp made switching blades a breeze—no tools needed, just a quick twist of the latch.
• Compatibility with the M18 battery line means I could swap batteries easily with my other Milwaukee tools, which is always a plus for convenience.

Shortcomings to Keep in Mind

Despite its many strengths, this cordless saw isn’t without flaws. The fact that it’s sold as a bare tool means you have to buy the battery and charger separately, which might surprise some users expecting a ready-to-go package. Also, while the brushless motor delivers solid power, it can feel a bit underwhelming when tackling very thick or dense materials compared to some heavier-duty models. I noticed the plastic handle, while textured for grip, doesn’t feel as premium or durable as I’d like, especially when working in wet or slippery conditions. Another downside is the lack of included blade options, so I had to invest in blades geared specifically for the materials I was cutting.

• The weight, around 3.96 pounds, is generally manageable but can still be tiring after extended use.
• Blade length is limited to 4 inches, which works for most jobs but isn’t ideal for very large demolition tasks.
• The absence of a battery in the box might add unexpected expenses.

Design and Ergonomics

This saw’s design is clearly aimed at portability and ease of use. The compact dimensions (13.39″ L x 3.23″ W x 7.2″ H) make it perfect for tight spots where a traditional reciprocating saw just wouldn’t fit. The textured handle does improve grip, and the anti-vibration system is a thoughtful touch that helps reduce hand strain during prolonged cutting. I appreciated how the trigger lock adds safety without complicating operation. The balance between blade speed and stroke length also contributes to a precise feel, which is crucial for detailed work or when cutting overhead.

Performance Across Materials

Testing this tool on wood, PVC, and metal surfaces proved it to be fairly versatile. It excelled at trimming branches and cutting through PVC pipes without bogging down. However, cutting through metal was noticeably slower and required more steady pressure, which is typical for a tool in this class but worth mentioning. The high-speed steel blades held up well, but keeping the right blade for the job was essential—switching from wood-cutting blades to metal-cutting blades made a big difference in both speed and cut quality.

Value Proposition

Considering the price to quality ratio, this cordless reciprocating saw offers solid value for those who need a lightweight, easy-to-handle tool for general purpose cutting tasks. It’s not aimed at heavy demolition pros but fits perfectly for DIYers, electricians, plumbers, or anyone needing a compact, battery-powered saw for frequent but varied use. The fact that it’s compatible with the M18 battery system enhances its value if you already own Milwaukee tools. However, the need to purchase batteries separately can make the initial investment feel steeper. Despite this, the five-year warranty provides peace of mind that the investment is protected.

Product Competitors

Comparing this saw to other compact reciprocating saws like the DeWalt DCS310 or Makita JR103DZ, the Milwaukee stands out with its anti-vibration handle and more user-friendly blade change system. The DeWalt offers slightly better battery life with its XR batteries, but the Milwaukee’s 3,000 SPM speed gives it a cutting edge in terms of quickness. Makita’s model feels sturdier in hand but lacks the integrated LED light, which I found incredibly useful on this Milwaukee tool. Overall, the Milwaukee Hackzall balances portability and power better than many rivals but doesn’t quite match some competitors in battery longevity or raw cutting power for heavy-duty tasks.

Favorable Attributes

• Compact one-handed design excels in tight spaces and overhead applications.
• Anti-vibration handle significantly reduces user fatigue.
• QUIK-LOK blade clamp allows fast, tool-free blade changes.
• Built-in LED light improves cut visibility in low-light conditions.
• Compatible with the M18 lithium-ion battery platform for convenience.
• 5-year warranty adds confidence in durability.

Drawbacks

• Sold as a bare tool, requiring separate battery and charger purchase.
• The plastic handle could be more durable and grippy.
• Limited blade length (4 inches) restricts use on larger jobs.
• Performance on thick metal is slower compared to heavier-duty models.
• No blades included in the package, adding to additional costs.

Using this Milwaukee saw has been a solid experience overall. Its portability, speed, and comfort features make it a reliable choice for light to medium-duty cutting tasks. However, those needing a tool for intensive demolition or heavy metal cutting might want to consider alternatives with more power and longer blades. The convenience of the M18 battery system compatibility and quick blade changes make it stand out for anyone juggling multiple tasks on a jobsite or at home.

Additional information