The reciprocating saws have been an integral part of various construction, renovation, repairs, and demolition processes. These saws got their name due to their reciprocating motion which allows the cutting of material. Due to their variable speed and user-friendly design, these saws have become versatile tools for users. Various brands have their own version of reciprocating saws.
One such brand is the famous Milwaukee Tools which presented two reciprocating saws: Hackzall and Sawzall. Both saw works on the same principle of reciprocating action to cut through the material. The mode of operations however differs for both saws due to a difference in size and power. To understand both reciprocating saws, this article will walk you through a few important details.
What Are Hackzall Saws?
Hackzall saws are a type of Milwaukee reciprocating saw that comes with a pistol grip. Its design is based on the normal hacksaw paired with an automatic mechanism. The Hackzall is a single-handed tool thanks to its lightweight construction and balanced body. The whole weight of this saw is centered towards the grip to ensure a steady hand during the cutting of material.
With a smaller blade, this saw can be used in limited-space applications. It offers control over the vibrations and is thereby used where precision is given importance. Due to the absence of any cords or wires, this saw becomes portable and can be transported anywhere. This saw also coats less than the Sawzall saws.
What Are Sawzall Saws?
The Sawzall saws are also a type of Milwaukee’s reciprocating saws with a rifle-type grip. They are longer than the Hackzall saws and are hence used as a two-handed tool. These saws feature more power than Hackzall units, making them suitable for harder materials. These robust saws are more accurate than the Hackzall saws as two-handed operation offers more control.
It features a longer heavy-duty blade that acts as a counterweight to balance the saw. This helps in the position of the saw without having to put in the extra effort. These saws are connected to a power source via power cords. Hence, Sawzall saws are not suitable for portable operations. Since these saws are used for harder materials, they carry an expensive price tag.
Difference Between The Hackzall And Sawzall Saws
Since both saws are a type of reciprocating saw, they might look the same at first glance. The user experiences a noticeable difference only after using both saws. They are also used for different types of material and have different blade sizes. To understand the various differences between Hackzall and Sawzall, we have prepared a detailed chart.
| Parameter | Hackzall | Sawzall |
| Design (operation) | It supports one-handed operations | It supports two-handed operations |
| Handle Design | It comes with a pistol-grip handle | It comes with a D-shaped handle |
| Stroke Length | The overall stroke length is shorter | The overall stroke length is longer |
| Weight | It is a lightweight tool | It is a heavyweight tool |
| Uses | It is used for compact applications with material thicknesses up to 1-inch | It is used for heavy-duty operations, demolition prices, etc where the material is harder and thicker |
| Price | The pricing of Hackzall is lower than Sawzall | The Sawzall is priced higher than Hackzall |
| Form Factor | The Hackzall is a compact and small unit | The Sawzall is longer and a bigger unit |
| Versatility | It can be used for various operations due to its precision and speed | It is used where force is given importance and speed is not integral |
| Cutting Power | It has less cutting power since it is used for thinner materials | It has better cutting power since it is used for hard or thicker materials |
| Strength | It is suitable for normal renovations | It is suitable for the demolition process |
| Materials | Wood, metal sheets, plastic, etc | Hardwood, metal plates, plaster, plastic, concrete, cast iron, etc |
Which One Is Better: Hackzall or Sawzall?
Both Hackzall and Sawzall are designed for specific applications and they do perform well. Deciding which one is the best will depend on the user’s needs. The Hackzall is a compact yet powerful tool enclosed in a smaller body. Due to its portability, it can be used where limited space is available. Its smaller blade can cut through various materials including metal sheets.
On the other hand, the Sawzall is a heavy-duty tool that delivers raw cutting power. Applications like demolition need heavy force while cutting through harder materials. The longer blade of Sawzall easily handles such conditions. It is thereby an ideal choice for thicker wood, metal surface, and even concrete walls.
Conclusion
Milwaukee tools have developed their own subtypes of reciprocating saws. Both Hackzall and Sawzall are popular for their excellent performance. Choosing between them might be a difficult process but both saws assure longer durability and consistent results. This article helps in understanding the reciprocating saws, their subtypes, and their differences. With this information, users can select a better cutting tool that suits their applications.
