Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hackzall Reciprocating Saw Review

When we first unboxed the Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 Hackzall, we knew we were holding something different from the typical reciprocating saws cluttering the market. After putting this compact powerhouse through its paces on everything from demolition work to precision cuts in tight spaces, we’re confident in saying this tool has earned its place in our essential toolkit.

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Compact Design That Doesn’t Compromise Power

The first thing that struck us during our hands-on testing was the surprisingly compact 17-inch length. Unlike full-sized reciprocating saws that feel like you’re wrestling with a wild animal in confined spaces, the Hackzall fits comfortably in one hand. We tested it in crawl spaces, under sinks, and between wall studs—all scenarios where traditional recip saws would have been impractical or downright impossible.

Despite its smaller footprint, this tool doesn’t skimp on power. The 3,000 strokes per minute gave us clean, aggressive cuts through 2x4s, PVC pipe, and even metal conduit. During our demolition project, we appreciated how the reduced size allowed us to maneuver around obstacles without the back-and-forth positioning dance we’re used to with larger saws.

What Makes the Milwaukee M18 Hackzall Stand Out

The REDLINK Intelligence System

Milwaukee’s REDLINK Intelligence isn’t just marketing jargon—we noticed real-world benefits during extended use. The system communicates between the tool, battery, and charger to prevent overloading and overheating. During a particularly demanding afternoon cutting through thick branches and demolishing an old deck, the saw maintained consistent performance without the battery overheating, something we’ve experienced with competing brands.

Tool-Free Blade Changes

We’ve all been there—fumbling with Allen wrenches or proprietary tools to swap blades. Milwaukee’s lever-action blade clamp eliminated this frustration entirely. During our testing, we switched between wood-cutting blades and metal-cutting blades multiple times, and each change took less than five seconds. The clamp held blades securely without any wobble or slippage, even during aggressive cutting.

Dual-Gear Counter Balance Mechanism

This feature deserves special mention. The counter balance mechanism significantly reduces vibration, which we noticed immediately when comparing it side-by-side with an older reciprocating saw. After an hour of continuous cutting, our hands and arms felt noticeably less fatigued. For professionals who use these tools daily, this anti-vibration technology is a genuine game-changer.

Real-World Performance Testing

We put the Milwaukee 2625-20 through a comprehensive range of tasks to see how it performs beyond the manufacturer’s specifications:

**Demolition Work:** Cutting through nail-embedded wood during a bathroom renovation was effortless. The saw powered through old studs without bogging down, and the compact design let us work in the cramped space between the tub and wall.

**Plumbing Projects:** Cutting copper pipe and PVC proved quick and clean. The 7/8-inch stroke length provided enough cutting action for efficient material removal while maintaining control.

**Landscaping Tasks:** We pruned tree branches up to 4 inches in diameter. The cordless freedom meant we could move around the yard without extension cords, and the battery lasted through an entire afternoon of trimming.

**Automotive Work:** Cutting through rusted exhaust pipes and bolts showcased the tool’s versatility. The compact size allowed us to reach into tight engine compartments where a full-size saw wouldn’t fit.

Understanding the M18 Battery System

Since this is a bare tool (battery and charger sold separately), it’s worth discussing Milwaukee’s M18 battery platform. If you already own M18 tools, this Hackzall integrates seamlessly into your existing system. During our testing with a 3.0Ah battery, we achieved approximately 45 minutes of continuous cutting in mixed materials—more than enough for most jobs.

We recommend pairing this saw with at least a 3.0Ah battery for balanced weight and runtime. The 5.0Ah battery extends runtime significantly but adds noticeable weight that diminishes the compact handling advantage.

Customer Insights We Discovered

Milwaukee M18 Cordless Hackzall Reciprocating Saw 18V Lithium-Ion

After analyzing hundreds of customer reviews and combining them with our hands-on experience, several themes emerged that validate our findings:

**Professional contractors** consistently praise the tool’s durability and reliability on job sites. Many report using their Hackzalls daily for years without mechanical issues—a testament to Milwaukee’s build quality that we observed in the robust construction.

**DIY enthusiasts** appreciate the tool’s versatility and ease of use. First-time reciprocating saw users mention the comfortable grip and manageable size make it less intimidating than full-sized alternatives. This aligns perfectly with our experience—the saw feels controllable and predictable, even for less experienced users.

**Weekend warriors** highlight the convenience of one-handed operation and the ability to tackle projects without pulling out larger, more cumbersome tools. We found this especially true for quick repairs and small projects where setup time matters.

The most common critique we found—and one we agree with—is that for heavy-duty demolition work requiring sustained cutting through thick hardwoods or structural materials, a full-sized reciprocating saw might be more appropriate. The Hackzall excels in versatility and accessibility but isn’t designed to replace dedicated demo saws.

Ergonomics and Comfort During Extended Use

The grip design deserves specific attention. The overmolded rubber handle provided secure control even when our hands were sweaty or wearing work gloves. The trigger offers variable speed control with good sensitivity—we could easily modulate cutting speed based on material and precision requirements.

At just under 5 pounds (without battery), the Hackzall balanced well in one hand. The center of gravity falls naturally in your palm, reducing wrist strain during overhead or awkward-angle cuts. We specifically tested this by cutting overhead pipe in a basement ceiling, a task that typically leaves our shoulders screaming. The lightweight design made this job significantly more manageable.

Why Choose the Bare Tool Option?

Milwaukee offers the 2625-20 as a bare tool, which makes economic sense for several user groups:

**Existing Milwaukee users** save money by leveraging batteries and chargers they already own. The M18 platform compatibility is one of Milwaukee’s strongest selling points—the battery ecosystem spans over 200 tools.

**Budget-conscious buyers** who already have compatible batteries can invest more in the tool itself rather than paying for redundant batteries and chargers.

**Professional contractors** often prefer bare tools to customize their battery setup based on specific job requirements.

If you’re new to the Milwaukee M18 system, you’ll need to budget for at least one battery and a charger. We recommend starting with a 3.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery and Milwaukee’s standard M18 charger for the best balance of value and performance.

Maintenance and Long-Term Reliability

After several months of regular use, our test unit shows minimal wear. The blade clamp mechanism remains tight and responsive, the motor maintains its power, and the housing shows only superficial scratches from job site use.

Milwaukee’s reputation for durability is well-earned. The brushed motor design is proven and serviceable, unlike