Opinions on the Milwaukee M12/M18 cordless sawsall?

[hdv]

I am thinking of buying a compact drill a la the CXS. After reading all the positive posts on the Milwaukee compact installation drill I was thinking of going for that. (I don't mind the unconventional postition of the reverse/forward switch.)

I am also seriously considering a cordless sawsall/reciprocating saw. To minimise the number of battery platforms in my shop I thought of getting one of theirs too. Right now I only have a whole bunch of Makita 14.4V batteries (not counting one set of Ryobi batteries, because I really like their cordless nailer). Would the M12 sawsall be useful for "regular" jobs around the house? That would enable me to stick with the same batteries as the drill. Or would I regret not going for the M18 later on? I expect to use it for stuff like cutting thin-walled aluminium profiles (2 mm), shortening small softwood timbers (but no massive construction grade timbers), pruning branches, and probably once a month I might demolish a pallet so I can put the pieces in the fireplace in the garden. All in all no really "heavy" stuff.

What would be your choice?

 

[Vtshopdog]

hdv:
I own a bunch of  M18 stuff including the Hackzall cutoff tool. (Hackzall is Milwaukee's name for their one handed sawzall, I believe the M12 is only offered in this configuration??)  It's super handy all over the place and I hardly ever get out my big corded version anymore.  Guessing the 12 V version would do just fine for what you describe as my 18V never breaks a sweat. 

Really happy with Milwaukee battery performance BTW

No experience with the drill, but lots of posts here about that.

 

[HandyDen]

I have extensively used both the M12 and M18 Hackzalls, and I think the M12 is great for all but the biggest jobs.  I’m very impressed with the power of the whole M12 lineup.  I did, however, buy the Milwaukee M12 Installation drill and returned it.  I’ve grown too accustomed to my CXS, and the Milwaukee just didn’t feel or work as smoothly.  That being said, if the CXS didn’t exist, I would buy the regular M12 drill/driver set and would be happy with it.

 

[Dane]

I’ve got both the M12 and M18 hackzalls.  The M12 is fine if you get the fuel version and run one of the higher amp hour batteries.  I got the m18, because I was finding myself cutting a lot of old, hard 2x lumber in place on remodel jobs and the m12 was a bit underpowered for that.  I also have the M12 installation drive and would buy it again.  I have a pretty wide assortment of tools
On both platforms and find that if you are doing real construction type tasks using framing lumber, the M18 is the way to go.  If you are just tinkering around the house or doing woodworking projects, the M12 is more than adequate.

 

[waho6o9]

The M12 fuel Hackzall works well. I like using a carbide blade in it when cutting metal, it's very efficient. 

 

[Alanbach]

I have the M12 Installation drill / driver and love it! I already had a lot of M18 tools so it was my first M12. I was so impressed with the weight to power that I also bought the M12 Surge hydraulic impact driver which is both super quiet and very powerful. I have an M18 Fuel Hackzall and an M18 Sawzall and love them both but have not tried the M12 versions. If my experience with these first two M12’s are any indication then the Hackzall would be just fine.

 

[Alanbach]

Also, I don’t know about other dealers but I do know that Toolnut.com has a promotion going where if you but an M12 Haczall you can choose a free tool. One of the choices is a 6 amp hour battery which is really nice to have, especially for the more power hungry tools. It’s not the Fuel version Hackzall but it might work for you. I think that they also have the same promotion on the M12 Surge impact driver that I talked about loving. I didn’t see anything currently on the 4 in 1 installation driver. I always try to wait for the tool I want to be available in one of the promotions. That additional free batter really comes in handy as you grow into the platform.

 

[Cheese]

I'd just embrace the M18 Fuel Sawzall and lighten your load. The M12 Hackzall is cute but it will only accept a 4" long blade which makes it difficult for cutting pallets and especially difficult for trimming trees. Besides, the M12 Hackzall was brought to market as an addition to the Sawzall line rather than a replacement for the Sawzall. Kind of like the short, stubby screwdriver, it has its place but you'd never consider it to be your first choice for a screwdriver assortment.

The M18 Sawzall is much more flexible and will expand your capabilities, both present and future. With the M12 Hackzall you're limited to putzy, small items.

A Sawzall is like a right angle grinder, it's one of those tools you purchase for a specific purpose but as time goes by, you continue to find more and more uses for.

Besides that, here are two Milwaukee tree trimming blades that can be used in the Sawzall, these will not fit in to the Hackzall. These are serious tree trimming blades and are second only to a chain saw.

[attachimg=1]

 

[hdv]

First of all: thanks for all the replies! I really do appreciate it. [big grin]

You guys aren't making it easy for me though. I read the first replies and got to the point of thinking "yeah, M12 will be good enough". And then there's Cheese...  [eek] [wink] His remark about the short length of the blades for the M12 (which I hadn't noticed before) got me thinking. I have about 32000m2 with shrubs and trees on it that I have to keep at least somewhat in check. Especially where it is near the road. I have a Stihl chain saw for the thicker branches and trunks, but being able to use a sawsall with blades of a decent length for quick pruning would be a great boon to me.

Alas, there goes my hope of keeping the number of battery platforms down.  [scared] Too bad the installation drill doesn't come in an M18 version...

Now I am leaning towards the M12 installation drill and the M18 sawsall. Any hints about things and accessories to be aware of before I order them?

 

[thudchkr]

One thing of note not mentioned prior is the difference in stroke length on the Hackzall. M12 Fuel has 1/8” longer stroke than the M12 non-fuel version. Non-fuel M18’s stroke is 1/8” longer yet while the Fuel version of the M18 Hackzall adds another 1/8” for the longest stroke of the Hackzalls.

Of course, going to a Sawzall as recommended by Cheese gets you a longer stroke yet. I’ve had and used all of them. I got rid of the non-fuel M12 because it was noticeably slower while cutting because of that shorter stroke. I do, however, use the Fuel M12 all the time though. If I were limited to one tool of the bunch, I’d have to look hard at what it would be likely to get used for. If you intend to use it for cutting green wood, the longest stroke length you can get will be essential.

Good luck on your choice. 

Clint

 

[rvieceli]

[member=44099]Cheese[/member] Here’s my M12 Fuel Hackzall with 9 inch Diablo pruning blade in it.

[attachimg=1]

I routinely use this thing to prune. The only thing the manual says about blades is don’t use one shorter than 3.5 inches because it won’t engage the guide on the back stroke.

The Hackzall will take any blade that has the standard mount.

I can one hand the Hackzall I can’t do that with the Sawzall and I have both.  The stroke on the Hackzall is shorter than the Sawzall. For bigger limbs and landscape timbers I’d bring out the Sawzall but for smaller stuff I really like the Hackzall. I got it after I had the bigger Sawzall for pruning and such and tend to grab it before the bigger one.

[member=66485]hdv[/member] You’ll want one of the bigger batteries on it not the small battery on mine for the photo op  [big grin]. the normal kit comes with a 4.0 battery. Home Depot has a current deal with the kit with the 4.0 battery and a free 6.0
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...-6-0Ah-Battery-2520-21XC-48-11-2460/301560919

they also have some free tool deals as well
https://www.homedepot.com/s/milwaukee%20fuel%20hackzall%20m12?NCNI-5

Ron

 

[Pompeio]

Sorry to disagree with the post regarding the M12 Hackzall only accepting 4” blades.
I have had the M12 for about three years and have used it with 4”, 6”, 8” and 9” blades. It is lightweight and requires holding it with only one hand.  I have used it extensively to cut small limbs on trees and bushes. I would purchase it again.

 

[Cheese]

I really like the long reach of the Sawzall...especially when trimming thick, prickly fir trees. One-hand it into position without having to get too close, place it on the limb and pull the trigger. The weight of the Sawzall is enough force to do the job. No extra effort on my part is needed.

[popcorn] [popcorn]

 

[RKA]

The one handed use of the hackzall is much more handy to me over the two handed sawzall (with exception to Cheese’s prickly trees).  I can hold what I’m cutting with my left hand.  I had a sawzall before, but got to the point where a chainsaw was necessary, so I replaced it with the hackzall which has been fine for most everything around the house including pruning tasks and cutting up pallets.  But I only have the M18 fuel, not the 12v.  I’m not sure I would want to drop to something with a smaller stroke and less power, and no matter what, you’ll be getting the XC battery with an M12 Hackzall, and you’ll be using a regular battery with that installation drill.  While the 12v batteries are interchangeable, you really won’t be doing that much, so you may as well get the M18! 

 

[mike_aa]

[member=44099]Cheese[/member] Here’s my M12 Fuel Hackzall with 9 inch Diablo pruning blade in it.

[attachimg=1]

I routinely use this thing to prune. The only thing the manual says about blades is don’t use one shorter than 3.5 inches because it won’t engage the guide on the back stroke.

The Hackzall will take any blade that has the standard mount.

I can one hand the Hackzall I can’t do that with the Sawzall and I have both.  The stroke on the Hackzall is shorter than the Sawzall. For bigger limbs and landscape timbers I’d bring out the Sawzall but for smaller stuff I really like the Hackzall. I got it after I had the bigger Sawzall for pruning and such and tend to grab it before the bigger one.

[member=66485]hdv[/member] You’ll want one of the bigger batteries on it not the small battery on mine for the photo op  [big grin]. the normal kit comes with a 4.0 battery. Home Depot has a current deal with the kit with the 4.0 battery and a free 6.0
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...-6-0Ah-Battery-2520-21XC-48-11-2460/301560919

they also have some free tool deals as well
https://www.homedepot.com/s/milwaukee%20fuel%20hackzall%20m12?NCNI-5

Ron

[member=44099]Cheese[/member] , I have used the same exact setup as [member=3192]rvieceli[/member]  with the M12 Fuel Hackzall and the Diablo 9" blade with no issues.  Only difference is my wife does the pruning.  [eek]

Besides the Hackzall and a few M12 tools the only other Milwaukee I have is an old corded Sawzall.  I haven't felt the need to pull out the old battleship in a few years.

Mike A.

 

[rst]

I keep a M12 hackzall in my van for pretty much the sole purpose of cutting bolts and screws and occasionally aluminun angle.  M12 oscillating for cutting shims and the rotary tool for small grinding wheels and carbide burrs.

 

[hdv]

Hmmm, so many choices...  [scratch chin]

I think, with all the pruning I have to do, I am leaning towards the longest stroke possible. As far as power goes, the M12 will probably be sufficient for what I want to do with it. And one-handed operation is nice, but not really a deal breaker to me. All-in-all I think I'll be going all out and buy the M18 FUEL FSX with a stroke of 32 mm. It might be too heavy duty for what I have in mind right now, but you'll never know what the future brings.

 

[RKA]

Bear in mind, to get the full power out of a beast like that, you’ll want to use one of Milwaukee’s high output or high capacity batteries.  Those are typically 6-12ah and have higher discharge rates to meet the tools demands.  You can get by with a regular 5.0 XC battery, but you won’t have the full power.

 

[rvieceli]

I’m with raj that thing is a monster. Milwaukee ships the kit with a 12ah battery which is quite large.

This is kind of like going shopping for a Fiat 500 and coming home with a Unimog.

Ron

 

[hdv]

[member=21249]RKA[/member]: I was indeed planning on getting the 12 Ah batteries with it. But before I order anything: did I miss something? Are these batteries coming in multiple versions? Or are all 12 AH batteries "high output"?

[member=3192]rvieceli[/member]: guilty as charged!  [embarassed]  I am not yet fully sure I will be buying this particular saw. But in the past most of my regrets (tool-wise that is  [tongue] ) were related to choosing something that later on proved to be not up to the job. Maybe this one is a bit over the top? Knowing myself, that is a real possibility. I am drawn to the large stroke of this thing, but have to admit that at the moment I don't plan on doing real rough work with it. Cutting up pallets will be about the hardest it will be doing for the time being. But as thudchkr noted, and this matches my experience as well, fresh wood (especially the resin-rich firs on my plot) have a tendency to clog up a blade real fast. If I remember correctly there was a 28 mm stroke saw in the range. Maybe that would be less overkill? Sorry to be so whimsical. I am a bit at a loss between all the different versions.