Milwaukee 2520-20 M12 Fuel Hackzall Bare Tool

I want to leave this review for people like myself who read countless reviews trying to decide between the M18 Fuel and the M12 Fuel versions of this tool for cutting tree limbs instead of a chainsaw. My need was a smaller tree had come down in our yard and needed to be cut up for disposal. The largest diameter of the trunk was around 6-7 inches. This saw got it done with very little struggle, and I was very pleased to not have to deal with a return and having to spend more for the M18. The saw is hefty but small, and insanely powerful. Here it is pared with a Milwaukee 9" 5tpi wood with nails rated blade that I had on hand. If what you're trying to cut is any larger than this, then I would move up to the M18, but the value for the M12 fuel saw is insanely high, and ... MoreI want to leave this review for people like myself who read countless reviews trying to decide between the M18 Fuel and the M12 Fuel versions of this tool for cutting tree limbs instead of a chainsaw. My need was a smaller tree had come down in our yard and needed to be cut up for disposal. The largest diameter of the trunk was around 6-7 inches. This saw got it done with very little struggle, and I was very pleased to not have to deal with a return and having to spend more for the M18. The saw is hefty but small, and insanely powerful. Here it is pared with a Milwaukee 9" 5tpi wood with nails rated blade that I had on hand. If what you're trying to cut is any larger than this, then I would move up to the M18, but the value for the M12 fuel saw is insanely high, and I cannot recommend this one enough.

Could have used this years ago!

So I'm an excavator and have build a lot of septic systems. Always used a pvc hand saw back in the day. Moved up to a cordless sawzall with my DeWalt tools. Bought into the M12 line starting with the pex tool. This is much nicer to use cutting pipe than either. Throw a good blade in and it cuts great. Would still use my sawzall for cutting anything bigger than 4 inch, but this is nice one handed control. I like the whole blade change mechanism also. A spring loaded twist gig. Can't say anything about the non fuel model, but if you plan on buying a nice tool, just spend the extra money and get the brushless fuel. You won't be disappointed.

Fantastic little saw, built like a tank

Don't let its diminuitive size fool you - the M12 Fuel Hackzall can do everything that a full-size reciprocating saw can do. You just need to have a bit of patience with some tasks. I bought this saw about 6 months ago for small jobs around the house, but it quickly became my go-to saw for nearly every project I could think of. I've used it for pruning, breaking up a 4" diameter tree, cutting plastic and metal pipes, breaking down old furniture and even for removing framing during a bathroom renovation. So far it has never failed to get the job done.This saw chews through small things such as pipes and branches but will tackle much larger tasks provided you have a good blade, an XC battery and a little patience. It is very easy to control - with a 3/4" stroke ... MoreDon't let its diminuitive size fool you - the M12 Fuel Hackzall can do everything that a full-size reciprocating saw can do. You just need to have a bit of patience with some tasks. I bought this saw about 6 months ago for small jobs around the house, but it quickly became my go-to saw for nearly every project I could think of. I've used it for pruning, breaking up a 4" diameter tree, cutting plastic and metal pipes, breaking down old furniture and even for removing framing during a bathroom renovation. So far it has never failed to get the job done.This saw chews through small things such as pipes and branches but will tackle much larger tasks provided you have a good blade, an XC battery and a little patience. It is very easy to control - with a 3/4" stroke length it cuts slower than a full-size saw but does so with very little vibration. It is very light, compact and comfortable to use in one hand, or two if you need more stability. My only complaint would be the lack of a pivoting show, but the fixed shoe does the job just fine. Runtime is excellent as long as you stick to XC batteries - it will go through CP batteries quickly and may cut out during heavy tasks (which isn't the saw's fault). Build quality is what you would expect from Milwaukee.As I said before, the M12 Fuel Hackzall has never failed to get a job done. I liked it so much that I just bought the M18 Fuel version for bigger projects (lots of home remodeling coming up). Two thumbs up, highly recommended!

Good design.

I had an older one before . It was not brushless. This one is brushless and I noticed it seems to weigh a bit more. But it seems to have more power than my old one . I use it mainly for cutting PVC and firing strips 1 x 2 in. I was impressed on how much it can cut on one battery fully charged. I also used it to cut a 1-1/2 inch galvanized pipe. That pretty well sucked the charge out of one battery. I also bought this tool for its size. It's great great for working in tight spaces. Like plumbing work under cabinets.

Great light tool works amazingly well.

This thing is amazing. I love it. Very light, use for pruning where a chainsaw is too heavy, or just too much for what needs to be cut. With the "Pruning" 8" blade it eats through dry tree limbs like nothing. Operation is quiet, battery lasts very well considering duty. (I have lightest battery, the 1.5 18v fuel). I want to get the pruning saw with the chain blade, but just can't spring the extra 2 bills. I look forward to using this in an upcoming, "Remodel / closet installation." I love my full size electric, "Sawzall," Milwaukee has had the reciprocating demolition saw market for ever, and they just keep improving. No-one else can touch their demo recip saw for power, durability, and ease of maintenance, parts availability, etc.... If you are on the fence about ... MoreThis thing is amazing. I love it. Very light, use for pruning where a chainsaw is too heavy, or just too much for what needs to be cut. With the "Pruning" 8" blade it eats through dry tree limbs like nothing. Operation is quiet, battery lasts very well considering duty. (I have lightest battery, the 1.5 18v fuel). I want to get the pruning saw with the chain blade, but just can't spring the extra 2 bills. I look forward to using this in an upcoming, "Remodel / closet installation." I love my full size electric, "Sawzall," Milwaukee has had the reciprocating demolition saw market for ever, and they just keep improving. No-one else can touch their demo recip saw for power, durability, and ease of maintenance, parts availability, etc.... If you are on the fence about this saw... Go and buy it. You will NOT regret the decision. Keep in mind though, they usually don't come with the batteries, (a shortfall of the Milwaukee battery op tool line.) So if you have the batteries already, go get you one!!

Great small power saw for many projects

I wanted a single hand power saw to use for many types of projects. I have used it to cut exhaust systems to plumbing and even pruning branches.It works great and is not as heavy as the m18 unit or as big for smaller space work.I have the 5 amp 12v battery as well as the 4 amp and it dose run well with both. I would say the run times are not as good as the m18 unit. However for the work I have used it it i more than what I need. It is also small and light enough for my wife to use for pruning.

Love it but

This hackzall is great ! It has good battery life and good power. We use it for clearing out our bamboo, roots and trimming branches. Good size and ease of use. BUT the battery is not very easy to remove. Some one suggested some where on the web to put felt pads on the area you have to push, that did help somewhat. So as long as the battery lasts we are very happy and the yard is getting ready for the fire season.

Most useful Milwaukee Tool

My most used Milwaukee tool. Super useful for landscaping, use a lot with a pruning blade, both long and short blades. Great for one handed use because of the light weight. I've cut up to 5" dia. trunks. With the light weight, power and long battery life, I can use it up a ladder or up a tree, and not worry about running out of juice or power. Much safer and easier to use than a chain saw. I also have the Hatchet which is also really good and a lot faster, but I reach for the Hackzall much more oftenAlso use it often for rough cutting, hacksawing and light demo. It's my go to tool. It stands up to drops and abuse. I also have the older non Fuel M12 Recip Saw, I liked it so much I got the FUEL version which has more power and is better balanced.

Small, Agile, Good

Lots of guys in trade dismiss this tool as an underpowered Sawzall; but it's not meant as a Sawzall, it replaces a small hand hacksaw and does an excellent job in that role.I use it to do things like cutting unistrut, threaded rod, slicing out copper piping, plastic piping and venting and similar jobs. I can work with it overhead with one hand and can squeeze it into tight places that a regular sawzall would never fit.My wife has even "borrowed" it to use around the garden for some light duty pruning.My only criticism is that it does need a 4.0 CP or larger battery to really shine, it's underwhelming on 2.0 batteries but will still do the job if you're patient.

Winter pruning tool

I have a new Hackzall. I bought a 9 inch pruning blade. I have been using it to winter prune my orchard and my 10 to 16 year old ornamentals in the yard. It works wonderful. Lots of control, accurate clean cuts, makes nice smoker length fuel, and doesn’t tire me out. I’ve also used it to doe jobs that I’d usually use my corded sawzall on. The big heavy duty sawzall is a great tool but this hacksaw replaces many of the light jobs I used to do with it.I’m all Milwaukee on cordless tools both 12 and 18 volt and like the dual voltage charger I have also.