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InsightHorizon Digest

What is a Milwaukee Sawzall

Author

Isabella Browning

Updated on March 27, 2026

A Sawzall is used for shorter, tough-to-reach cuts. It’s also electric, and uses a push and pull motion to cut, which it does quickly. Once you learn more about this tool, you’re definitely going to want to have one on hand!

What do you use a Sawzall for?

A Sawzall is used for shorter, tough-to-reach cuts. It’s also electric, and uses a push and pull motion to cut, which it does quickly. Once you learn more about this tool, you’re definitely going to want to have one on hand!

What kind of saw is a Sawzall?

A reciprocating saw is a type of machine-powered saw in which the cutting action is achieved through a push-and-pull (“reciprocating”) motion of the blade. The name Sawzall is often used and is an example of a generic trademark.

Is a Sawzall the same as a reciprocating saw?

Sawzall—though a registered trademark of Milwaukee Tool—is the term often used to describe any brand of reciprocating saw. It’s not hard to see how the nickname developed since a reciprocating saw indeed “saws all” materials.

Can Sawzall cut metal?

Reciprocating saws can churn through metal, masonry, wood, plaster, fiberglass, stucco, composite materials, drywall and more. The key to a successful cut is using the right type of blade for the material you are cutting. This guide highlights the teeth, dimensions, composition and uses of reciprocating saw blades.

Is a reciprocating saw worth it?

Reciprocating Saws are a must have addition to any tool kit. These tools are extremely versatile and are capable of cutting many different materials with ease. … Reciprocating Saws are a must have addition to any tool kit. These tools are extremely versatile and are capable of cutting many different materials with ease.

What 2 cuts can be made with a reciprocating saw?

  • Cuts on wooden and metallic surfaces. As with any other saws, a reciprocating saw is designed to make straight and curved cuts. …
  • Tree pruning. A reciprocating saw can be used if you want to prune your tree or trim the overgrown branches. …
  • Demolition and construction. …
  • Framework. …
  • Plumbing.

Can I cut concrete with a Sawzall?

Because of their exceptional hardness, diamond coated reciprocal saw blades create smooth cuts through hard materials, such as concrete and stone.

Can I use a reciprocating saw to cut tree limbs?

You can cut branches and limbs with a reciprocating saw. If your tree is small enough, you can cut a tree down. Bear in mind, these saws are ideal for cutting stationary material. If there’s a lot of give to your branch or limb, the saw may just shake it rather than cutting through it.

Can you use a reciprocating saw to cut tree roots?

The saws use blades rated for cutting through wood and even nails, so they are sturdy enough to cut roots. You can use a reciprocating saw to slice through roots if you are trying to dig out an old tree or shrub. The saw will even be sharp enough to cut through the soil, if your soil is not rocky.

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How does Orbital Sawzall work?

Orbital action describes the movement of the blade in the reciprocating saw. … Orbital action, however, moves the blade in a slightly circular motion as it moves in and out of the tool. This allows faster cuts in softer materials and facilitates faster chip removal from the blade path.

Which M18 Sawzall is best?

Best Overall: Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit. If you’re looking to purchase a reciprocating tool that’s durable and long-lasting, we recommend the Milwaukee Super Sawzall Kit.

How much do Sawzalls weigh?

There’s no getting around it – this is a heavy saw. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Super Sawzall weighs in at 8 pounds, 13 ounces bare and a whopping 12 pounds, 3 ounces with the 12.0 Ah battery. Its physical footprint is large as well, stretching to a length of 18.9″.

Does Milwaukee make a brushless Sawzall?

Our M18 FUEL™ SAWZALL® Cordless Reciprocating Saw cuts faster than its corded counterparts and gives you up to 2X more run-time and 5X longer tool life than competitive saws. The recip saw’s POWERSTATE™ brushless motor provides you with cutting power that has only been associated with corded tools.

What is flush cutting?

Flush cuts are pruning cuts made as close as possible to the trunk or main branch. They destroy the tree’s natural defense mechanisms that promote wound compartmentalization and callus formation. When pruning trees, make the final cut just beyond the branch collar and branch bark ridge.

What does TPI mean on saw blades?

TPI is the number of teeth the blade has per inch. If you’re looking to cut wood or other soft materials, you’ll need a blade with a TPI of 6 up to 20. For harder materials like metal, a TPI between 14 up to 36 is more suitable.

Can you cut rebar with a Sawzall?

The Reciprocating Saw A reciprocating saw is another option. As with a hacksaw, you will need a suitable blade for cutting rebar – one with fine, sharp teeth. Being hand-held, recip saws can become tiring to use.

What should you do before start cutting with a power saw?

Keep upper and retracting lower blade guard clean and free of sawdust. Disconnect power supply before adjusting or changing the blade. Allow the saw to reach full power before starting to cut.

Which is better jigsaw or reciprocating saw?

With their long, slim blades, jig saws are ideal for jobs that require delicate wood cuts. … Reciprocating saws, however, with their horizontal blade action, are designed primarily for rough cutting and demolition jobs, such as cutting wood and metal aggressively.

How long does a battery last on a reciprocating saw?

A reciprocating saw for many tasks You need a 5 Ah battery to be able to work for 20 minutes with it.

Will a reciprocating saw cut sleepers?

We would not recommend cutting sleepers with a reciprocating saw or chainsaw. A reciprocating saw will produce wavy cuts, while a chain saw is messy, inaccurate and dangerous to use for an inexperienced user.

What is a scorpion saw?

The versatile Scorpion® Saw combines a reciprocating saw, pruner and jigsaw in one. With Autoselect® technology, it automatically adjusts the settings at the push of a button, delivering hassle-free versatility and powerful cutting through timber, metals and plastics.

How many amps do you need for a reciprocating saw?

Reciprocating saws vary from about 9-15 amps of power. A 15 amp recip will run you $180-250 right now, but if you’re a contractor you might need that kind of power on a day to day basis. 11 amps should be plenty for the DIYer with a big demolition project.

What is the best electric reciprocating saw?

  1. Makita DJR186Z 18v Reciprocating Saw. A quality, durable saw that’s budget friendly. …
  2. Milwaukee M18 BSX-0 18V Reciprocating Saw. …
  3. Metabo ASE18 LTX 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw. …
  4. Bosch GSA 18V Reciprocating Saw. …
  5. DeWalt 1100W 230V Corded Reciprocating Saw.

How thick of a branch can a reciprocating saw cut?

Q: How much thickness of tree branches can be dealt with a reciprocating saw? Ans: The answer is not something specific. But usually, three branches of up to 12 inches of diameter are good to go.

Can you cut down a Christmas tree with a reciprocating saw?

For the typical small tree (less than a six-inch stem), a one-hand bow saw does the trick. … The Hackzall will not only fell your small Christmas tree, but you’ll find yourself using this one-hand reciprocating saw for all kinds of sawing jobs in and outside of the house.

What's the most powerful Sawzall?

The 15.0 Amp Super Sawzall® Recip Saw is the fastest, most durable recip saw in the world. It is the first Sawzall® Recip Saw to include Constant Power Technology™ which maintains constant speed and power under load for unmatched cutting performance.

What is a concrete saw called?

A concrete saw (also known as a consaw, road saw, cut-off saw, slab saw or quick cut) is a power tool used for cutting concrete, masonry, brick, asphalt, tile, and other solid materials.

How do you keep dust down when cutting concrete?

Applying water to the cutting blade or concrete surface using either a garden hose or plastic bucket appears to be the best method for controlling the dust produced by the blade.

How do you cut a 5 inch concrete slab?

Use a standard circular saw, equipped with a corundum or diamond blade, for small tasks. For slabs, it’s best to cut through the top inch, then use a sledgehammer to break off the rest. The jagged edge left below the cutting line provides a good rough edge for the new concrete to bond to.

How do you cut thick tree roots?

Generally, you can safely prune roots that are 3-5 times the diameter away from your tree. So, if your tree has a diameter of 3 feet, only cut tree roots 9-15 feet away from the tree. Mark the area you’ll cut, and dig a hole all the way around the root until it is completely exposed. Use a root saw to prune the tree.