Harbor Freight has come out with a new Hercules 12V [Max] brushless compact reciprocating saw, model HDB79B (SKU 57719).
The Hercules 12V one-handed reciprocating saw is said to be 30% more compact and 48% lighter “compared to the standard Hercules brushed tool.” It seems Harbor Freight is referring to their 20V [Max] full-size reciprocating saw, as this is their first-ever 12V cordless saw.
Harbor Freight also adds that the brushless motor provides “up to 45% longer runtime and more power.”
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The saw has a tool-free blade change system, built-in LED worklight, and electric brake. It has a 5/8″ stroke length and 3,000 SPM max speed.
Harbor Freight sells this and their other Hercules cordless power tools without the battery or charger. If you buy a battery and charger with the saw, you save $25 on the make-your-own kit bundle.
At this time, the saw (tool-only) is $75. A 2.0Ah battery is $25, and the standard 12V/20V charger is $30, bringing the “kit price” to $105 after discount.
Price: $75 (tool-only)
Harbor Freight “compares” their new brushless compact circular saw to the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Hackzall reciprocating saw (2520-20), which also has a 5/8″ stroke length and 3,000 SPM max speed. The Milwaukee compact Hackzall retails for $149 as a bare tool, and there’s also a $179 kit option at Home Depot.
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Jared
Notwithstanding the usual HF-bashing, this looks alright. $25 for a battery is pretty nice.
Looks very Dewalt-like at first glance.
Sal Colon
Almost identical to the Dewalt, except for the color scheme. Shows who they think is the leader globally.
Fyrfytr998
Why has HF been content to roll out a 12v brushless version of Hercules before a 20v one?
Dave the tool
Wow! Looks just like the Milwaukee M12 Brushless! How do they get away with this?
OhioHead
^ paying a license fee to Bosch?
Matt the Hoople
On this type of tool, comparing specs (other than maybe length and weight) is pointless. This is not a heavy use production tool where a couple hundred SPM or an extra 1/8” of stroke will make any kind of noticeable difference.
Adam
Often the only difference is the stroke length. If you look at all of Milwaukee’s sawzall & hackzalls, just about all run at 3,000 spm.
Brad
“At this time, the saw (tool-only) is $75. A 2.0Ah battery is $25, and the standard 12V/20V charger is $30, bringing the “kit price” to $105 after discount.”
Wouldn’t that mean that the “kit price” is actually $130? $75 + $25 + $30 = $130. That would put it at the same regular price as the Bosch, so even though this is brushless, the Bosch’s relative build quality and much longer warranty would seem to make it more worthwhile.
Brad
Duh, I missed the immediately preceding paragraph. Regardless, if I weren’t already on either battery platform, I’d still probably spring for the Bosch.
mizzourob
Probably compares best to Skil since I think both are made by the same OEM, but I could be wrong about that.
Big Richard
I was just about to say that Skil’s 12v is probably the best budget model out there, and then I saw your comment. Skil is owned by Chervon, HF is not. So they almost certainly are not the same OEM. They are pretty comparable in price, but Skil has some crazy good deals on amazon every now and again. I think I got mine with a drill, battery, and charger for $99.
Not a huge difference, but Skil’s also has a 3/4″ stroke length.
Bryan
Still only a 90 day warranty though….
Stuart
They do offer paid warranty extension. I’m not saying this is good or bad, but it’s at least an option.
The way I see it, warranties are tied into the price of most products. Or at least with HF products, I’m sure the short warranty is factored in the lower pricing.
John K
Hercules now carries a standard 5 year warranty on the tools and a 3 year warranty on the batteries and chargers.