M12 Hackzall VS M18: Which One Should You Choose?

M12 Hackzall is compact and lightweight, making it suitable for light-duty work. On the other hand, the M18 Hackzall offers better battery capacity which makes it efficient for heavy-duty jobs. However, in terms of budget, M12 offers a better deal.

Find out how the M12 Hackzall differs from the M18 Hackzall. Assess your needs and choose the best tool.

Key Takeaways

• If your tasks involve light-duty cutting, the better choice is the M12 Hackzall. But for heavy-duty tasks, M18 is the ideal option.
• When it comes to battery capacity, the M18 Hackzall stands out with its higher voltage.
• In the case of customer feedback and warranty, both products have very positive reviews and 5 years of support. make the M12 Hackzall a reliable option.
• If budget is a key factor, the M12 Hackzall is more affordable around $100 compared to the M18 Hackzall around $200.

M12 Hackzall VS M18: Quick Comparison

The company Milwaukee is renowned for making strong, top-notch power tools. Within their wide range of tools, the M12 Hackzall and the M18 are two of the best options.

The key differences between the M12 Hackzall and the M18 Hackzall are as follows:

Criteria	M12 Hackzall	M18 Hackzall
Design	Ergonomic design	Ergonomic design
Dimension	6 x 2.75 x 11 in.	7 x 3.25 x 13 in.
Weight	2.2 lbs	4.1 lbs
Battery Capacity	12v battery	18v battery
Speed	3000 strokes per minute	3000 strokes per minute
Usage	Light-duty cutting	Heavy-duty cutting
Reviews	91% customers recommend	96% customers recommend
Warranty	5 years	5 years

Still, deciding on which Hackzall to choose? Don’t worry. In this next section, we provide a detailed explanation of important aspects of each product.

M12 Hackzall vs M18: In-depth Comparison

Design:

When it comes to design, the M12 Hackzall and the M18 both offer ergonomic shapes and convenient blade changes. 

M12 Hackzall comes with a variable speed trigger that helps achieve precise cutting control. For easier blade changes, it has a QUIK-LOK blade clamp.

On the other hand, the M18 Hackzall has a dual Gear Anti-Vibration System that minimizes vibrations, enhancing user comfort and cutting accuracy. Similar to the M12, it also features a QUIK-LOK blade clamp for swift and convenient blade changes.

So, if you want precise cutting, the M12 Hackzall offers a variable speed trigger. Contrarily, the M18 Hackzall with a dual-gear anti-vibration system, makes for an excellent choice for prolonged cutting tasks.

Size & Weight:

While the M12 Hackzall’s dimension is 6 x 2.75 x 11 in., the M18 Hackzall comes in 7 x 3.25 x 13 in. dimension.  

So, the M12 Hackzall is compact and small in shape. For that reason, it is ideal for tight working spaces. Also, it is convenient for projects with limited maneuvering room.

The M18 Hackzall is larger and bulkier than the M12 Hackzall. Thus, it may not be as suitable for tight spaces or confined areas.

In terms of weight, the M12 Hackzall weighs only 2.2 lbs while the M18 Hackzall weighs 4.1 lbs. 

So, the M12 Hackzall is lightweight and easy to carry. Also, it can be used for long working sessions without facing fatigue. 

The M18 Hackzall, however, is heavier. As a result, it can be challenging to use for long periods of time. Other power tools such as the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Impact Driver have witnessed similar challenges as well. 

Battery Capacity:

M18 Hackzall has an 18-volt battery while the M12 comes with a 12-volt battery. 

M18 Hackzall offers a higher-power battery and it is suitable for heavy-duty and demanding tasks. It can be used for long sessions and does not frequent charging. 

Due to the lower battery voltage, M12 Hackzall may have limitations for heavy-duty applications. Also, it will need frequent charging when it is used in long sessions. 

If you’re interested in similar factors about other Milwaukee tools, explore potential concerns with the Milwaukee M18 Jobsite Radio.

Speed:

Both the M12 Hackzall and the M18 Hackzall have a speed output of up to 3000 strokes per minute. 

Speed is a crucial factor that can have a significant impact on efficiency. Both the M12 Hackzall and the M18 Hackzall offer a decent cutting speed that benefits a wide range of tasks.  

Milwaukee 2420-20 M12 12-Volt Reciprocating Saw

• Compact and lightweight design for superior control and versatility in tight spaces.
• Powerful motor delivering up to 3000 SPM (Strokes Per Minute).
• 1/2-inch stroke length for fast cutting.
• Suitable for cutting through various materials, including drywall, wood, and PVC.
• Includes one 2420-20 HACKZALL M12 cordless lithium-ion reciprocating saw.
• Dimensions: 11 inches in length and 2.6 pounds in weight.
• Variable-speed trigger for controlled cutting.
• Quik-lok keyless blade clamp for quick and easy blade changes.
• Battery fuel gauge displaying the remaining run time.
• Built-in LED lights to illuminate the work surface for convenience and safety.
• Accepts both HACKZALL and SAWZALL style blades.
• Compatible with all M12 batteries.
• Compatible with all M12 chargers.
• Comes with a 5-year limited manufacturer warranty.

Usage:

The M12 Hackzall is ideal for light-duty tasks while M18 is notable for heavy-duty jobs. Let’s explore how these two products compare in terms of their usage.

M12 Hackzall is specifically designed for tasks requiring light-duty cutting. So, it is perfect for precision cuts on small to medium-sized materials like wood, pipes, and PVC. 

In contrast, the M18 Hackzall is designed for heavy-duty cutting. It employs robust power for efficient cutting through tough materials.

Milwaukee M12 12V Hackzall	Lightweight design Can be used on a variety of materials Built-in LED lights
Milwaukee M18 18V Hackzall	Easy-to-use High capacity batteries Efficient and long-term solution

Reviews:

Both M12 Hackzall and M18 have very positive reviews on their official product pages. 

About 91% of the customers recommend buying the M12 Hackzall. Out of 117 reviews, 75 customers rated 5 stars on the product. 

On the other hand, 96% of customers were happy with the M18. Out of 163 reviews, 130 customers have given the product 5 stars.

Warranty:

There is a 5-year limited warranty on both the M12 Hackzall and the M18 Hackzall. Milwaukee manufactures both of these products. For that reason, their warranty is also similar. 

Price:

M12 Hackzall is cheaper than M18 Hackzall. While M12 Hackzall costs around 100$. On the contrary, the M18 Hackzall will cost around 200$.

M12 is the best option if you’re on a budget.

You now know everything there is to know about the M12 and M18 Hackzalls. Consider looking into other power tools, such as the Milwaukee M18 framing nailer. This approach enables you to grasp a variety of problems and learn how to effectively address them.

Which Hackzall Should You Choose?

There are several factors to consider when choosing between the M12 Hackzall and the M18 Hackzall. For example, the nature of your cutting tasks and your budget.

For tasks that demand precision and involve light-duty cutting, the M12 Hackzall is a suitable option. Its moderate speed of up to 3000 rpm is well-suited for such tasks. Moreover, it comes at a budget-friendly price.

Alternatively, if you need to deal with thicker materials like metal pipes or hardwood, the M18 Hackzall is the way to go. Its high speed of 3500 rpm makes it the better choice. Although priced slightly higher, its efficiency in handling heavy-duty tasks justifies the cost.

In conclusion, the M12 Hackzall suits precision light-duty work at an affordable price. On the contrary, the M18 Hackzall is designed for heavy-duty cutting tasks that demand speed and power. Your ultimate choice should be determined by the specific nature of your cutting tasks and budget considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between the M12 Hackzall and the M18 Hackzall depends on your specific task requirements and budget considerations. Careful consideration of these factors will lead you to the right tool for the job.