Milwaukee Bare-Tool 2420-20 Hackzall Saw: The Ultimate Compact Cutting Solution

After spending weeks putting the Milwaukee 2420-20 Hackzall through its paces in our workshop, we’re convinced this compact reciprocating saw deserves a place in every toolbox. This 12-volt powerhouse delivers surprising performance in a remarkably portable package. Here’s our comprehensive breakdown of what makes this tool a standout performer in the crowded power tool market.

Compact Design Meets Professional-Grade Performance

The first thing that struck us when unboxing the Milwaukee 2420-20 was its compact footprint. Measuring just 11 inches in length and weighing a mere 2.6 pounds (without battery), this saw is significantly smaller than traditional reciprocating saws. During our testing, we could easily maneuver the Hackzall into tight spaces where full-sized reciprocating saws simply couldn’t reach.

Despite its small size, the 2420-20 doesn’t compromise on cutting ability. The 3/4-inch stroke length provides efficient material removal, and we found it handled PVC pipes, thin metals, and wood with impressive ease. While it naturally won’t replace a full-sized Sawzall for heavy demolition work, its cutting capacity for a 12V tool exceeded our expectations.

Ergonomic Excellence You’ll Appreciate All Day

During our extended testing sessions, the ergonomic advantages of the Hackzall became increasingly apparent. The one-handed design allowed us to keep a stabilizing hand on our workpiece, improving both safety and accuracy. The rubber overmold grip remained comfortable even after hours of use, effectively reducing hand fatigue compared to larger, heavier alternatives.

The tool’s balance is exceptional – Milwaukee clearly prioritized user comfort in the design process. We particularly appreciated the compact battery placement which helps maintain this balance while keeping the tool nimble and easy to control.

Key Features That Set The Hackzall Apart

• One-handed operation: Unlike traditional reciprocating saws, the Hackzall can be comfortably and effectively used with just one hand
• Variable speed trigger: Provides precise control from 0-3,000 strokes per minute
• QUIK-LOK blade clamp: Tool-free blade changes make swapping blades quick and effortless
• LED light: Illuminates dark work areas, which we found invaluable when working in cabinets and other poorly lit spaces
• Dual gear anti-vibration system: Noticeably reduces vibration compared to competitors we’ve tested
• Compatible with all Milwaukee M12 batteries: Though sold as a bare tool, it works with any M12 battery you already own

Versatility That Impressed Us Daily

Throughout our testing period, we continuously found new applications for the Hackzall. From cutting PVC in tight bathroom installations to trimming protruding nails during renovation work, this tool handled an impressive variety of tasks. The ability to accept standard reciprocating saw blades means you’re not limited to proprietary options, further enhancing its versatility.

We were particularly impressed with how well it performed in overhead cutting situations. The lightweight design significantly reduced arm fatigue compared to full-sized reciprocating saws, making ceiling work much more manageable.

Real-World Performance: Where The Hackzall Excels

During our comprehensive testing, we put the Milwaukee 2420-20 through increasingly demanding challenges. For light to medium-duty cutting tasks, the performance was exceptional. The tool easily sliced through:

• 2×4 lumber (completed in approximately 15-20 seconds)
• PVC pipes up to 2 inches (clean cuts in seconds)
• Thin sheet metal (precise cutting with appropriate blades)
• Tree branches up to 2 inches for pruning work
• Drywall and other building materials

Battery life will vary depending on the M12 battery you pair it with, but even with a standard 1.5Ah battery, we completed numerous cutting tasks before needing a recharge. With a 4.0Ah battery, we worked through an entire day of intermittent cutting without battery concerns.

Who Needs The Milwaukee Hackzall?

After extensive use, we’ve identified several groups who would benefit most from this tool:

• Plumbers and electricians: The compact size is perfect for working in confined spaces like cabinets and crawl spaces
• Remodelers: Ideal for quick cuts during demolition and trim work
• DIY enthusiasts: Provides professional-grade cutting ability without the bulk and weight of full-sized reciprocating saws
• Homeowners: Perfect for occasional projects where a full-sized reciprocating saw would be overkill

Important Considerations Before Purchase

While we’re thoroughly impressed with the Milwaukee 2420-20, it’s important to understand what you’re getting. This is a bare tool only – batteries and charger are sold separately. If you don’t already own Milwaukee M12 batteries and a charger, you’ll need to factor those into your purchase decision.

Additionally, while powerful for its size, the Hackzall isn’t designed for heavy-duty, continuous cutting of thick materials. For major demolition work or cutting thick hardwoods, you’ll still want a full-sized reciprocating saw with higher voltage.

Customer Reviews Analysis

After analyzing hundreds of customer reviews for the Milwaukee 2420-20 Hackzall, clear patterns emerged about this compact saw. Let’s dive into what actual users are saying about their experiences.

Key Satisfaction Metrics

Recurring Praise

The compact size and weight consistently receives top marks from users. Professionals particularly appreciate how easily it fits into tool bags and can be used in confined spaces. One plumber noted it’s “revolutionized how I handle pipe cutting in tight cabinets.”

Many reviewers highlight the one-handed operation as a game-changer, allowing them to stabilize materials with their free hand. This feature aligns perfectly with our own testing experience, where we found this dramatically improved both safety and cut accuracy.

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