After officially being trademarked by the brand Milwaukee in 2011, a sawzall is a widely used term for a reciprocating saw. Its body is square-like in appearance and comes with a trigger for better control. The blade, which is used to cut up workpieces, is found on the opposite end. This design is perfect for getting into tight spaces or in between wooden planks – areas the traditional tool isn't capable of entering.
Currently, there are several types of Sawzalls already available to consumers. Each one has a unique blade, size, and capacity, depending on the needs of its users. But if you're seeking the perfect option, then you've come to the right place. We'll be discussing everything there is to know about Sawzalls and how they make a woodworker's life easier.
Continue reading our best Sawzall reviews if you want to gain a deeper appreciation of what these majestic machines offer.
Sawzall Comparison Table
Sawzall | features | editor's rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | - Its trigger control allows you to manage the speeds quickly and methodically; produces adequate cutting strength, too - Extremely lightweight and ergonomically designed so it puts very little stress on your arms and wrist | 5.0/5.0 | |
 | - Delivers up to 3,000-SPM to slice through thicker materials such as galvanized steel and metal sheets - Constructed using rugged materials for added protection against natural wear-and-tear | 4.3/5.0 | |
 | - A 15-AMP motor uses overload management technology so it won’t easily short-circuit or overheat when in use - Designed so that it fits naturally in your hand and is remains balance throughout your work session | 4.0/5.0 | |
 | - Comes with an LED light and metal gearbox, which are both really good accessories to have at your side - Counterweight technology keeps the tool balance and aligned each time it is being used | 4.8/5.0 | |
 | - Utilizes a special metric system to ensure that every cut is precise and accurate
- A Quick-Lok clamp facilities the simple attachment, detachment, and adjustment of the blade | 3.0/5.0 | |
 | - Access to the One-Key software aids you with customizing settings specifically for each task
- Weighs approximately 8-lbs for better resistance against more intense work conditions | 4.9/5.0 | |
 | - Fortified with a powerful motor that runs 30% faster and delivers 75 more cuts than almost all traditional models
- A clutch-and-gear setup guarantees smooth operations and keeps the internal temperature low | 4.8/5.0 |
Sawzall Reviews
Slicing through wood is made simpler with the Milwaukee 6519-31 Reciprocating Sawzall with Variable Speed Trigger. Not only does it come with a powerful 12-AMP motor, but also ergonomically designed to combat the rigors of jobsite stress. Its lightweight frame offers users a relaxed alternative when working through long hours.
One of our favorite things about this unit is how easy it is to use. A reciprocating saw, at first glance, may seem intimidating, especially for a beginner. But the Milwaukee 6519-31 does not at all give off that impression. Actually, maintaining and putting together the tool is easy to do. Furthermore, the latch on this tool’s side allows for quick and easy blade replacement within only seconds.
Another notable feature is its build, which has long been a trademark for Milwaukee ever since its inception. The Milwaukee 6519-31 Reciprocating Sawzall with Variable Speed Trigger, as mentioned earlier, is easy to carry around. It even comes with a high-impact polyurethane carrying case for easy
mobilization.
The unit itself is also put together very well. It includes a gear-protecting clutch that prevents your motor from getting damaged, while the solid frame eliminates vibrations dramatically. As a result, you can enjoy only the best possible working conditions.
Newbies, or those fresh into woodworking, should find the Milwaukee 6519-31 Reciprocating Sawzall with Variable Speed Trigger a perfect fit for their requirements. It is user-friendly, comes with a dominant motor, and best of all, affordable, which is everything you could look for in an entry-level power tool.
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Cordless models have almost obliterated the need to stay within a confined area, giving users more space to operate. However, they sometimes lack a comprehensiveness that most corded units offer. Thankfully, though, products like the Milwaukee 2720-20 Reciprocating Sawzall narrowed the gap and provided us with the best of both worlds.
In particular, its Powerstate brushless motor supplies adequate power to deliver a maximum speed of 3,000-SPM. This allows it to cut through not only plywood but also galvanized steel, metal pipes, and even pressure-treated lumber. At the same time, the Milwaukee 2720-20 Reciprocating Sawzall also uses Redlink Plus Intelligence for optimized performance. Everything from its battery to the motor communicates seamlessly to prevent overloading.
Interested customers will also be pleased to note how durable this unit is. The Milwaukee 2720-20 Reciprocating Sawzall is not only constructed using rugged materials, but its 7.4-lbs frame allows it to take on more jobsite abuse. You can likewise work longer hours without it succumbing to natural wear-and-tear. Still, despite its relative bulkiness, this Sawzall is very maneuverable and easy to control around tight areas.
These three key factors have made the Milwaukee 2720-20 Reciprocating Sawzall a popular choice for both beginners and seasoned professionals alike. Add in an affordable price tag of just under $150, and you instantly have a tool built for any working situation. Without a doubt, this is one of the best Sawzall that money can buy.
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Have you ever tried attempting to use a tool with complicated controls? Doesn't it just suck all the fun out of woodworking? Well, you aren't alone because this is an experience several other consumers dislike too. But thanks to the Milwaukee 6538-21 Super Sawzall Reciprocating Saw, those days of flipping through the instruction manual before any action are now over.
One aspect that displays this feature is in its design. The unit may be awkward to hold, especially for first-time operators, but it will eventually feel more natural as time goes by. This tool also offers perfect balance, so your errors are limited, and precision is improved.
We also love how potent the Milwaukee 6538-21 Super Sawzall Reciprocating Saw is, especially when cutting through harder workpieces. A 15-AMP motor is powerful and equipped with the highest level of overload management technology. Even the gears inside have been heavily fortified. This way, you don't just experience longer working hours, but the overall lifespan is also enhanced.
However, a few downsides we saw with owning the Milwaukee 6538-21 Super Sawzall Reciprocating Saw are its steep price and the need for a heavy-duty extension cord. Other than those, its combination of performance and durability has made it a solid choice for any aspiring woodworker.
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On average, cordless tools cost slightly more than corded ones. That’s primarily because of the increased flexibility they provide. Yet one model that uses this blueprint – and an enticing price package – is the Milwaukee 2621-20 Lithium-Ion Cordless Sawzall. Its comprehensive set of features has it atop many aspiring craftsmen’s wish lists.
With all honesty, the Milwaukee 2621-20 Lithium-Ion Cordless Sawzall isn’t any different from other more high-end models. It offers the same compactness, dominance, and ease of use, which bodes well for consumers who only spend a bit over $100. If you can make do without a dust bag and LED light, then this probably one of the best deals you ever find.
At the same time, it delivers renowned performance well beyond what you pay for too. A Counter Balance Mechanism, coupled with Redlink Intelligence, both ensures smooth operations throughout your work session. The position of its handle on one side also reduces distress and allows you to work longer hours without needing to take a break.
All in all, the Milwaukee 2621-20 Lithium-Ion Cordless Sawzall is an ideal choice for beginners, hobbyists, or would-be enthusiasts. Sure, it has its own set of limitations; but what unit doesn’t, right? Still, we’d be kidding ourselves if we don’t say it isn’t a quality option worthy of your time and attention.
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The fifth contender on our best Sawzall review article is the Milwaukee 6509-31. And much like every other model that’s closely related to it, too, is well-built and capable of streamlining processes through its wide range of functions.
Even though it only comes with a 12-AMP motor – a number that is slightly lower than those under the same category – we’ve experienced almost no let-down. It still even produces speeds of up to 3,000-SPM and a 0.75-inch stroke length. There is also a trigger control incorporated for simpler management of the rapidity. Thus, you can customize it depending on the specific needs of each project.
Complicated blade changing is likewise a thing of the past. The Milwaukee 6509-31 Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit has been outfitted with a Quik-Lok clamp to simplify attaching, detaching, and changing this accessory. Most – if not all – users have ranked this as their least favorite chore, so this certainly helps make this reciprocating saw more appealing.
This unit, despite its many strengths, has a few glaring weaknesses that potential buyers will need to know about. For one, it does not have a soft-start motor, which could cause involuntary movements. As such, creating delicate cuts could pose a challenge for inexperienced individuals, especially at the beginning. The Milwaukee 6509-31 Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit, given its negligible lack of power, may not be what experienced carpenters or contractors are looking for.
Nevertheless, hobbyists with a sufficient deal of experience -- and who regularly do simple projects at home -- should find this well-matched to their standards.
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If you thought the 2720-20 model was dreamy, wait until you see its successor, the Milwaukee 2721-20 M18 Sawzall Reciprocating Saw. Backed by several technological innovations, this machine is designed to add effectivity, maximize efficiency, and ultimately simplify how you get the job done.
Out of all its different add-ons, one unquestionably stands out, and that is the One-Key function. Basically, it is a piece of software that helps you make the most of your tool. Just input the type of blade and material you are cutting, and the app should automatically select what setting is best for that task. You'll no longer need to experiment using trial-and-error because it already does the choosing. This is particularly advantageous when slicing through thicker materials like cast-iron and metal.
The Milwaukee 2721-20 M18 Sawzall Reciprocating Saw, much like its predecessor, is also extremely sturdy. Even though it weighs slightly heavier at 8-lbs, the added mass helps it become resistant to jobsite stress. Its shoe, frame, and handle have all likewise been reinforced to eliminate tremors completely.
We highly recommend this piece of equipment to any specialist or expert looking for a reliable power tool. Although adding an orbital action component would have made it run more methodically. Still, the Milwaukee 2721-20 M18 Sawzall Reciprocating Saw is one of the best you could ever own. Just be sure you are ready since it will definitely cost you to take it home.
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Our final product is definitely not a pushover. The Milwaukee 2620-20 Cordless Sawzall is easily one of the best reciprocating saws currently available to consumers. If you're dead serious about finding success in crafting wood, this has got to be one of your top choices.
An aspect that has helped set it apart from competitors is a powerful battery. The 18-volt Lithium-Ion batteries are designed for longer runtime and deliver up to 75 more cuts per charge. Some experts have said it even produces 30% more speed than units in the same classification. These numbers are unbelievable, especially since the Milwaukee 2620-20 is one of the bulkiest Sawzalls and it takes requires quite a lot of energy to keep it running. Unfortunately, though, these accessories do not come with the kit, so users will need to acquire them separately.
Besides that, the Milwaukee 2620-20 Cordless Sawzall Reciprocating Saw is very hard-wearing too. A patented clutch-and-gear system keeps the internal temperature at a minimum and reduces wear-and-tear. Moreover, the control trigger helps you manage the speed better for increased maneuverability. You'll no longer have to settle for settings you aren't comfortable with, since changing it is now so simple.
The qualities we mentioned are only a small sample size of what a tool like can provide. All in all, the Milwaukee 2620-20 Cordless Sawzall Reciprocating Saw has the distinct ability to take your skills to a whole new level.
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Things to Consider When Buying a Sawzall
At present, Sawzalls – or Reciprocating Saws – are one of the least known power tools to consumers. But as we’ve mentioned earlier, their value to the woodworking process is undeniable. To help you decide which model to purchase, here are the top four things to consider before shelling out some Dinero.
1. Compactness
Sawzalls are handheld tools, which means you'll be expected to carry them for long periods. So when choosing what model to buy, make sure you consider its size, weight, and bulkiness too. Read the description carefully if you're buying online, or better yet, head down to your local hardware to see an actual sample. Don't forget to add the battery pack if it's a cordless model so you can experience exactly how heavy it is.
2. Corded or Cordless
As you may have already noticed by now, reciprocating saws come in two different designs, each with their own set of benefits. For example, corded models typically provide a stronger surge of power, while cordless ones are more fitting for on-the-go users. It really depends on your lifestyle. Just make sure you determine this before finalizing any transactions.
3. The Grip
An often-overlooked facet that needs more attention is the grip quality. This, after all, is the part the most commonly makes contact with your body. It also directly affects how well you control the saw, the length of your work, and even how comfortable you feel after.
Therefore, we recommend looking for a heavily rubberized grip. It likewise needs to be soft for continued relief, but also firm, so it doesn't sag.
4. Warranty
This is a factor we've always included in our articles. The warranty serves as your protection in case any factory defects or parts malfunctions rear their ugly head. Yes, it may cost you a little bit on the initial purchase; however, it is something designed to save you money down the road.
Our advice is to seek a guarantee that spans at least two years. It must cover both product replacement and labor fees, should anything go wrong. If you can get a money-back assurance after a said period, then that's just a cherry on top of the sundae.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some inquiries users like you have been curious about.
1. What is the average price range of a Sawzall?
Based on our research, most Sawzalls would cost you between $100 to $300. So if you’re seeking something in the mid-tier market, be prepared to spend at least $190 to $215.
2. Is the brand Milwaukee really reputable?
Yes, that company has been around for almost a hundred years and gradually built a solid reputation. More than anything, Milwaukee is known to be a manufacturer of quality power tools intended to make our lives simpler. In particular, reciprocating saws are one of their most popular products. This association is so strong, even, that they were given a registered trademark to use the term Sawzall exclusively.
If this isn't an ode to their success, then I don't know what is.
3. Who are those that would benefit from a tool like this?
The answer here is – who wouldn’t? Sawzalls are incredibly useful tools that simplify the task of slicing through workpieces. Anyone from carpenters, plumbers, and furniture makers, all the way to enthusiasts and DIY aficionados, can benefit from having a tool like this.
Conclusion
This goes without saying, but Sawzalls are, without a doubt, a key piece when constructing something. But with so many options currently on the market, choosing the perfect model can be quite challenging.
The easiest way to make this decision more manageable is to match the unit with your needs. Don't even think about fancy features or price; what's important is its usefulness to your daily life. In the end, the best reciprocating saw is the one that is most useful to the owner.