As discussed in our Milwaukee tool sneak preview, Milwaukee is coming out with an M18 Fuel brushless cordless Sawzall – the world’s first-ever brushless reciprocating saw. Not only that, Milwaukee says that the new saw will be the most powerful 18V cordless reciprocating saw on the market.
Features & Selling Points
- Tool-free Quick-Lok universal blade clamp
- Adjustable shoe
- Fastest cutting speed in its class
- Increased power and durability matches that of corded saws
- Brushless motor runs cooler when the going gets tough, contributing to extended tool life
- Gear-protecting clutch mechanism delivers legendary performance and durability
- Maintenance-free performance, with no wearable components
- Redlink Plus intelligent overload protection for battery and tool
- Built-in LED worklight
- Hanging hook
- Kit comes with Redlithium XC 4.0Ah lithium ion battery packs, multi-voltage charger, hard case
- 5-year tool warranty, 3-year battery warranty
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Specifications
- 0-3,000 SPM
- 1-1/8″ cutting stroke length
- 18-1/2″ length
- 8.9 lbs weight
- M18 4.0Ah li-ion batteries have a 75-minute charging time
Price & Availability
- Bare tool, 2720-20: $199
- (1) battery kit, 2720-21: $299 (via Home Depot)
- (2) battery kit, 2720-22: $399 (via Home Depot)
ETA: October 2013
(The saw is currently listed at Home Depot, but is not yet in stock.)
First Impression
I really didn’t think that 2013 would be the year we saw an 18V-class brushless cordless reciprocating saw, but then again I didn’t think a brushless circular saw, grinder, or heavy duty impact wrenches were pending Fall 2013 release either.
Milwaukee has been doing great things with their M18 cordless power tool platform, and developments like this continue to push them towards the top.
The press materials I reviewed say that the new Sawzall will truly be a game changer for the industry, and I happen to agree. What Milwaukee has done here is provide corded-like reciprocating saw performance and durability. Thanks to the new brushless motor and high capacity li-ion batteries, we’re going to be seeing impressive runtime as well.
At $300 for the 1-battery kit, the M18 Fuel brushless cordless Sawzall is appreciably pricier than Milwaukee’s Sawzall and Super Sawzall saws. There are many advantages to being able to work without being tethered to a power outlet, and while corded saw users won’t rush out to buy the brushless Sawzall in droves, I expect that a lot of heavier users will at least take notice.
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I have not yet seen the new cordless saw in action, but I imagine that Milwaukee engineered it to be worthy of their iconic Sawzall branding.
SteveR
This sounds like it will fill a gap in recip saws. I bought a DeWalt 20V Max cordless last year; its about 25 inches in length (about 6.5″ longer) and somewhat heavier than this new saw. The much smaller one, touted for use in tight areas, is probably very good for its purpose, but sometimes you need the extra length this new one will afford. I use my DeWalt mostly for trimming trees and bushes in the back yard, and cordless is the only way to go there. Not only do I not need two plus extension cords to run it, but I’d have to negotiate a swimming pool as well, so a corded tool is out of the question.
Looking forward to your full review of this new 18V brushless tool. If possible, could you run a comparison of this one against other cordless reciprocating saws (full-sized and the minis) to get a sense of its power, weight and capabilities? That would be helpful.
Patriot36
Interesting specs on the Dewalt. Did you actually own one or just rehash the dimensions listed on Amazon which included the plastic case? The DeWalt DCS380 20v MAX is 16 3/4″ in length from the front of the shoe to the yellow lug at the back of the handle where the battery connects. If the listed length of the Milwaukee M18 brushless is correct, it’s actually 1 3/4″ longer than the DeWalt. Additionally, the listed weight of the Milwaukee is 8.9lbs. DeWalt lists the weight of the 20V MAX at 7.35lbs and weighs 7.32lbs with 3.0AH battery on my electronic scale, making the DeWalt 1.58 lbs lighter.
Obviously the Milwaukee contains the newer, more efficient motor and larger battery and should in theory beat the DeWalt, but let’s at least set the record straight with regards to dimensions.
Jerry
Good to hear. If anything needs more runtime, it would be saws.
Joe
I really hope that they release the bare tool at a reasonable price.
Greg W.
I will have no choice but to get it. Brushless impacts have done me right. My milwaukee 12 volt bandsaw has been fantastic. So a brushless sawzall I am all in.
that plumber guy
So looking forward to this. My Milwaukee 2620 has got to be the worst sawzall I have ever used. Really hope they don’t incorporate any orbital action in the stroke like the 2620, which was good for cutting wood and not much else. Already broke the shaft on mine after only 1 year of medium use.
I’ve used all makes and models and own three corded Milwaukee’s (one with the old style hex key that is 18 years old and still running great) so I’m really hoping this new model delivers the goods. Please let us know via review or press release as to whether this is a straight pull shaft or not. Thanks.
Stuart
I have seen no indication that it has an orbital action, but from online product descriptions, the 2620 isn’t supposed to have an orbital motion either.
john
The 2620 does have orbital action, the new FUEL 2720 WILL NOT have it
Javier
This will be the reciprocating saw to beat.
I just hope their launch includes hd retail stores. The m12 fuel launch earlier this year was irritating. Only sold online and sold out every where. I want to be able to walk into HD and pickup a fuel circular saw bare tool this October.
matt
Send HD a email about that..
I said something at my local HD about bare tools to a manager. They are starting to carry more of them now. Lots of Makita stuff and some Milwaukee.
Iron-Iceberg
I use sawzals a lot and the extra run time will be huge. Sawzals kill a battery faster than you can charge them.
I also hate the orbital action. It’s so hard to get started on your line. If your are roughing out wood maybe it helps but the increased speed isn’t worth it.
Joe
My only gripe is that this looks like it’ll cost twice what the Dewalt DCS380 sells for. I’ve had very good luck with that saw as well.
I just don’t get why this needs to cost $200 loose when most other loose tools cost $130 including the M18 Fuel hammer drill. Its just so much more expensive than the competition.
Joe
Also, I like the orbital action on a sawzall. I already have a hackzall for work that doesn’t require it.