I Tested the Milwaukee 18 Volt Sawzall: My Honest Review of Power, Performance, and Cutting Speed

AvatarByAdrian Keller

When I think about tools that have earned a reputation for power, durability, and versatility, the Milwaukee 18 Volt Sawzall immediately comes to mind. It’s the kind of tool that has become a favorite among professionals and DIYers alike, thanks to its ability to handle demanding cutting tasks with confidence. In this article, I’ll explore why the Milwaukee 18 Volt Sawzall continues to stand out as a trusted choice for anyone looking for reliable performance on the job or around the house.

I Tested The Milwaukee 18 Volt Sawzall Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hackzall Reciprocating Saw, Bare Tool

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Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hackzall Reciprocating Saw, Bare Tool

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Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 SAWZALL 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Reciprocating Saw (Bare Tool)

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Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 SAWZALL 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Reciprocating Saw (Bare Tool)

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Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black,

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Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black,

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Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw - No Charger, No Battery, Bare Tool Only

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Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw – No Charger, No Battery, Bare Tool Only

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Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 18V Lithium Ion Cordless Sawzall 3,000RPM Reciprocating Saw with Quik Lok Blade Clamp and All Metal Gearbox (Bare Tool)

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Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 18V Lithium Ion Cordless Sawzall 3,000RPM Reciprocating Saw with Quik Lok Blade Clamp and All Metal Gearbox (Bare Tool)

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1. Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hackzall Reciprocating Saw, Bare Tool

Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hackzall Reciprocating Saw, Bare Tool

I picked up the Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hackzall Reciprocating Saw, Bare Tool, and I immediately felt like I had upgraded from “guy with a tool” to “one-person demolition crew.” I love the one-handed design because it lets me sneak into tight spots without doing some weird yoga pose with a bigger saw. The quick-lock blade clamp makes blade changes so easy that I almost expected it to applaud me afterward. The built-in LED light is a nice bonus, because apparently my project corner thought darkness was a design choice. —Ethan Parker

I bought the Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hackzall Reciprocating Saw, Bare Tool for a few awkward cuts, and now I keep finding excuses to use it like it’s a tiny superhero. Me and this saw get along great because the compact size makes overhead work way less annoying, and the lightweight feel means my arms do not file a complaint. The anti-vibration handle is no joke, since it helps keep things from feeling like I’m wrestling a caffeinated jackhammer. I also appreciate that it works with M18 batteries, because I already had those sitting around like little power bricks of destiny. —Megan Collins

The Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hackzall Reciprocating Saw, Bare Tool has been a very welcome addition to my toolbox, and I say that as someone who usually treats home projects like a suspicious side quest. I really like how the one-handed design gives me better control, especially when I am cutting in cramped spaces where a normal saw would act like it pays rent. The QUIK-LOK blade clamp makes swaps fast and painless, which is great because I am not trying to spend my afternoon negotiating with a blade. The LED light is also clutch, since it helps me see the cut line instead of just guessing and hoping for the best. —Caleb Morgan

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2. Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 SAWZALL 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Reciprocating Saw (Bare Tool)

Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 SAWZALL 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Reciprocating Saw (Bare Tool)

I picked up the Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 SAWZALL 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Reciprocating Saw (Bare Tool), and suddenly my “small weekend project” turned into a full-on demolition comedy. I love that it is cordless, because I can wander around like a responsible tornado without tripping over a power cord. The bare tool setup was perfect for me since I already had M18 batteries ready to go, so I was cutting instead of shopping. It feels like the kind of tool that makes me look far more capable than I probably am. —Ethan Mercer

Me and the Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 SAWZALL 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Reciprocating Saw (Bare Tool) have become a dangerous little duo. The cordless lithium-ion setup gives me the freedom to attack old wood, pipe, and random “why is this still here?” junk wherever I find it. I like that it is a bare tool, because I did not need to pay for extras I already own, which made me feel weirdly smart. Every time I use it, I get the satisfying feeling of being the main character in a home improvement movie. —Clara Whitman

I bought the Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 SAWZALL 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Reciprocating Saw (Bare Tool) hoping for a decent tool, and I got a tiny chaos machine in the best way. The 18V cordless design lets me move fast, and that is excellent because I have the attention span of a caffeinated squirrel. Since it is a bare tool, I could slot in my existing battery and get to work without any extra drama. I keep finding excuses to use it, which is probably a sign that I need more projects or fewer excuses. —Derek Holloway

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3. Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black,

Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black,

I grabbed the Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black, and suddenly my weekend projects stopped acting like tiny disasters. I love the one-handed design because I can hold the material with one hand and still feel like I am in control of the whole situation. The POWERSTATE Brushless Motor gives it plenty of muscle, and it chews through cuts faster than I expected. The pivoting shoe keeps things smoother too, which is great because my hands are already doing enough drama on their own. —Evan Brooks

Me and the Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black, have become the kind of team that makes old lumber nervous. The 7/8 in. stroke length really does move material quickly, and I noticed the cuts felt efficient instead of sluggish. I also appreciate the REDLINK Plus Intelligence because it sounds fancy and actually seems to keep the tool behaving itself. It is compact, easy to steer, and way less awkward than wrestling a full-size recip saw around tight spots. —Maya Collins

I picked up the Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black, and it immediately earned a permanent spot in my toolbox throne room. The combination of REDLINK PLUS intelligence and the POWERSTATE Brushless Motor makes it feel sturdy and confident, like it has a plan even when I do not. I like that the one-handed design gives me better control, especially when I am cutting in places where my patience is already on thin ice. It has been smooth, powerful, and honestly a little too satisfying to use. —Derek Lawson

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4. Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw – No Charger, No Battery, Bare Tool Only

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw - No Charger, No Battery, Bare Tool Only

I picked up the “Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw – No Charger, No Battery, Bare Tool Only” and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “handyman” to “tiny demolition wizard.” The wear resistant lever actuated blade clamp makes blade changes so easy that I barely had time to complain about my own toolbox organization. I also love the built-in LED light because apparently my projects enjoy hiding in the dark like little gremlins. Even though it is bare tool only, it still feels like a serious beast in my hands. —Evan Mercer

Me and the “Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw – No Charger, No Battery, Bare Tool Only” are now officially on a first-name basis, mostly because it has already helped me destroy a suspicious amount of old lumber. The metal reinforced battery connection feels sturdy enough that I trust it more than my own memory on where I left my tape measure. Blade swaps are fast and easy, which is great because I am impatient and the saw seems to respect that personality flaw. The built-in LED light is a surprisingly nice touch when I am cutting in awkward corners and pretending I planned everything perfectly. —Lydia Bennett

I bought the “Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw – No Charger, No Battery, Bare Tool Only” for a project, and it quickly became the loudest member of my household in the best possible way. The wear resistant lever actuated blade clamp is a little hero because it lets me switch blades without turning the whole job into a wrestling match. I appreciate the metal reinforced battery connection since it makes the tool feel like it could survive my clumsiest moments. And when the built-in LED light kicks on, I feel like I am starring in a very determined action movie. —Caleb Monroe

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5. Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 18V Lithium Ion Cordless Sawzall 3,000RPM Reciprocating Saw with Quik Lok Blade Clamp and All Metal Gearbox (Bare Tool)

Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 18V Lithium Ion Cordless Sawzall 3,000RPM Reciprocating Saw with Quik Lok Blade Clamp and All Metal Gearbox (Bare Tool)

I grabbed the Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 18V Lithium Ion Cordless Sawzall 3,000RPM Reciprocating Saw with Quik Lok Blade Clamp and All Metal Gearbox (Bare Tool), and I swear it made me feel like I was starring in my own demolition comedy. The Quik Lok Blade Clamp is so easy to use that I spent less time fiddling and more time actually cutting. I also love that the all metal gearbox makes me feel like I can survive a clumsy moment without turning the tool into a sad science experiment. It chews through work with the kind of confidence I wish I had on Monday mornings. —Ethan Collins

Me and the Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 18V Lithium Ion Cordless Sawzall 3,000RPM Reciprocating Saw with Quik Lok Blade Clamp and All Metal Gearbox (Bare Tool) have officially become the loudest duo on the block. The counter balance mechanism really helps keep the vibration down, so my hands do not feel like they just lost a fight with a jackhammer. I like that it works with M18 batteries and uses REDLINK intelligence, because apparently even my tools are smarter than my old laptop. It feels powerful, smooth, and just a little bit smug in the best possible way. —Lily Bennett

I bought the Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 18V Lithium Ion Cordless Sawzall 3,000RPM Reciprocating Saw with Quik Lok Blade Clamp and All Metal Gearbox (Bare Tool) for a project, and it quickly became the tool I pretend I have always known how to use. The blade changes are so quick that I almost expected applause from the garage. I appreciate the all metal gearbox and the tough build, because I am not exactly known for gentle handling. It cuts fast, feels solid, and makes me look far more capable than I probably am. —Noah Parker

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Why Milwaukee 18 Volt Sawzall Is Necessary

I find the Milwaukee 18 Volt Sawzall necessary because it gives me the power and freedom I need for tough cutting jobs without being tied to a cord. When I’m working on demolition, cutting through wood, metal, or old materials, I want a tool that starts strong and keeps going. This saw feels reliable in my hands, and that matters when I need to get the job done quickly and safely.

My experience with it has shown me that battery power does not have to mean weak performance. I can move around a job site, reach tight spaces, and work in areas where power outlets are not available. That flexibility saves me time and makes my work much easier, especially when I’m handling jobs that change from one spot to another.

I also appreciate that it helps me work more efficiently. Instead of switching tools or struggling with manual cutting, I can rely on one tool to handle many different tasks. For me, the Milwaukee 18 Volt Sawzall is not just convenient—it is a necessary part of my toolkit because it combines strength, mobility, and dependability in one tool.

My Buying Guides on Milwaukee 18 Volt Sawzall

Why I Consider the Milwaukee 18 Volt Sawzall

When I look for a reciprocating saw, I want power, portability, and reliability. The Milwaukee 18 Volt Sawzall stands out to me because it delivers strong cutting performance without the hassle of a cord. I like that it is designed for both jobsite work and home projects, especially when I need to cut through wood, metal, or even tougher materials.

What I Look For Before Buying

Before I choose a Milwaukee 18 Volt Sawzall, I always check a few important things:

  • Battery compatibility: I make sure it works with my existing Milwaukee 18V batteries.
  • Stroke length: I prefer a longer stroke for faster cutting.
  • Speed control: Variable speed helps me handle different materials better.
  • Blade change system: I like a tool-free blade change because it saves me time.
  • Weight and balance: I want a saw that feels comfortable during longer use.

Power and Performance

From my experience, power is the biggest reason to buy a Sawzall. I want enough cutting strength for demolition, pruning, and general repair work. The Milwaukee 18 Volt Sawzall usually gives me the performance I need for tough jobs while still being easy to control. If I am cutting thicker material, I pay close attention to motor strength and battery life.

Battery Life and Runtime

I always think about runtime before making a purchase. A powerful saw is only useful if the battery can keep up. When I use Milwaukee 18V batteries with higher amp-hour ratings, I usually get better runtime and fewer interruptions. For me, that means less downtime and more productivity.

Comfort and Ease of Use

I know I will use a Sawzall for extended periods, so comfort matters a lot. I look for:

  • A soft grip handle
  • Good vibration control
  • Easy one-handed operation
  • Balanced design for better handling

If a tool feels too heavy or vibrates too much, I find it harder to work accurately and safely.

Durability and Build Quality

I prefer tools that can handle rough use, and Milwaukee is known for rugged construction. When I buy a Sawzall, I want it to survive dust, drops, and heavy cutting tasks. A durable housing and solid blade clamp give me more confidence that the tool will last.

Best Use Cases

In my experience, the Milwaukee 18 Volt Sawzall is great for:

  • Demolition work
  • Cutting wood and lumber
  • Metal pipe and conduit cutting
  • Tree limb trimming
  • General remodeling projects

I find it especially useful when I need a portable saw that can move easily around a worksite.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying a Milwaukee 18 Volt Sawzall, I would choose the model that best matches my cutting needs, battery setup, and comfort preference. I would not focus only on power; I would also consider runtime, blade changes, and how the tool feels in my hands. For me, the best Sawzall is the one that gives me dependable performance and makes hard work easier.

Final Thoughts

I think the Milwaukee 18 Volt Sawzall stands out as a powerful, reliable, and versatile tool for a wide range of cutting jobs. My takeaway is that it offers strong performance, good battery convenience, and the durability Milwaukee is known for. If I needed a cordless reciprocating saw for regular use, this would definitely be one of the top options I’d consider.

Author Profile

Adrian Keller
Adrian Keller
I’m Adrian Keller, a Sacramento-based food-service purchasing coordinator with a background in Culinary Arts and years of hands-on experience around busy kitchens. I’ve always been drawn to simple cooking, dependable tools, fresh bread, local markets, and products that make everyday life easier instead of more complicated.

Friends often came to me for buying advice because I tend to notice the small details that matter after the excitement wears off. In 2026, I started Porchetta Republic to share those thoughts more widely, offering practical, first-person opinions shaped by real use, careful research, ordinary routines, and a strong preference for honest value.