Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit Review: Power Meets Precision

When we first unboxed the Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Fuel Sawzall, we knew we were holding something special. This isn’t just another cordless reciprocating saw – it’s a game-changer that’s redefined what we expect from battery-powered cutting tools. After putting it through rigorous testing on demolition projects, metal cutting tasks, and everything in between, we’re excited to share our comprehensive findings.

Price: $350.00
(as of Apr 07, 2026 03:45:29 UTC – Details)

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Unmatched Power That Rivals Corded Models

The POWERSTATE brushless motor is the heart of this beast, and during our testing, it consistently delivered performance that matched – and sometimes exceeded – corded reciprocating saws we’ve used for years. We pushed this saw through 6×6 treated lumber, 1/4-inch steel plate, and dense hardwood without experiencing any noticeable power drop. The motor generates impressive cutting speeds while maintaining remarkable efficiency, which translates to longer runtime and fewer battery swaps during demanding projects.

What truly impressed us was the saw’s ability to maintain consistent power output even as the battery depleted. Unlike some cordless tools that gradually lose oomph, the M18 Fuel kept its aggressive cutting action from the first cut to the last.

REDLINK PLUS Intelligence: The Brains Behind the Brawn

Milwaukee’s REDLINK PLUS Intelligence system isn’t just marketing jargon – we witnessed its benefits firsthand. This advanced electronic system provides overload protection for both the tool and battery, preventing damage during those moments when you’re really leaning into a tough cut. During our demolition work, we accidentally bound the blade several times, and the protection system kicked in immediately, preventing motor burnout.

The system also optimizes performance based on the application. We noticed smoother operation when making delicate cuts and maximum aggression when powering through thick materials. This intelligent performance management contributed to extended battery life during our full-day testing sessions.

What’s Inside the Kit: Everything You Need to Start Cutting

The Milwaukee 2720-21 kit comes complete with:

– M18 Fuel Sawzall reciprocating saw
– One M18 REDLITHIUM XC 5.0Ah battery pack
– M18 & M12 multi-voltage charger
– Contractor bag for convenient storage and transport

We appreciated that Milwaukee includes a genuine high-capacity battery rather than a smaller starter pack. The 5.0Ah REDLITHIUM XC battery provided approximately 45-60 minutes of moderate to heavy cutting during our tests, which is more than adequate for most applications.

The Contractor Bag: More Useful Than Expected

While it might seem like a minor inclusion, the heavy-duty contractor bag proved invaluable. It’s reinforced at stress points, features multiple pockets for blades and accessories, and the material resists tears and abrasions. After several months of tossing it in truck beds and dragging it across job sites, the bag still looks nearly new.

Cutting Performance That Exceeded Our Expectations

We put the Milwaukee 2720-21 through an extensive testing regimen that included:

**Wood Cutting:** We sliced through dimensional lumber, pressure-treated posts, hardwood flooring, and nail-embedded demolition material. The saw’s 3,000 SPM (strokes per minute) made quick work of everything. A 4×4 pressure-treated post required just 8-10 seconds for a complete cut.

**Metal Cutting:** Using the appropriate bi-metal blades, we cut through galvanized pipe, rebar, angle iron, and sheet metal. The variable-speed trigger gave us excellent control for precision cuts, while full-throttle performance powered through thick metal with authority.

**Demolition Work:** This is where reciprocating saws truly shine, and the M18 Fuel didn’t disappoint. We tackled wall removal, deck deconstruction, and automotive dismantling. The tool’s power and vibration management made extended demo sessions significantly less fatiguing than our previous experiences.

Ergonomics and Handling: Built for All-Day Comfort

After using this saw for several hours straight during a bathroom renovation, we can confidently say Milwaukee nailed the ergonomics. The rubber overmolded grip provides excellent purchase even with gloved hands, and the balanced weight distribution (approximately 7.3 pounds with battery) reduces wrist strain during overhead cuts.

The pivoting shoe adjustment is tool-free and rock-solid once locked in position. We used it extensively to maximize blade life by exposing fresh blade sections as we worked, and the mechanism never loosened unexpectedly – a problem we’ve encountered with competing models.

Vibration Management: A Pleasant Surprise

Reciprocating saws are inherently vibration-prone tools, but Milwaukee’s engineering minimizes fatigue-inducing vibrations remarkably well. During extended cutting sessions, we experienced significantly less hand numbness compared to other saws in this class. The counterbalance mechanism and rubber dampening work together to create a smoother cutting experience.

Battery Life and Runtime: All-Day Performance

The included 5.0Ah REDLITHIUM XC battery is a powerhouse. During our controlled testing, we achieved the following results:

– **2×4 dimensional lumber:** 150+ cuts per charge
– **4×4 pressure-treated posts:** 35-40 cuts per charge
– **1/2-inch black pipe:** 60+ cuts per charge
– **Mixed demolition work:** 45-60 minutes of continuous operation

The multi-voltage charger fully replenished the depleted battery in approximately 60 minutes, allowing us to swap batteries during lunch breaks and return to work with full power. The charger’s compatibility with both M18 and M12 systems is a thoughtful touch for those invested in the Milwaukee ecosystem.

Variable Speed Trigger: Precision When You Need It

The variable-speed trigger provides exceptional control across the entire speed range. We found it particularly useful when starting cuts in awkward positions or when working with materials that require a gentler touch. Light trigger pressure delivers slow, controlled cutting for precision work, while full pressure unleashes the saw’s maximum 3,000 SPM for aggressive material removal.

The trigger response is smooth and predictable – there’s no sudden jump to high speed. This progressive control helped us achieve cleaner cuts and reduced the likelihood of blade breakage when starting cuts in hard materials.

Real Customer Experiences: What Other Users Are Saying

After analyzing hundreds of reviews for the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit 2720-21, we found our experiences aligned closely with the broader user community. The saw maintains an impressive rating, with the overwhelming majority of users praising its power, battery life, and durability.

**Common Praise Points:**

Professional contractors frequently mention that the cordless convenience doesn’t sacrifice the power they need for demanding applications. Many noted that they’ve retired their corded reciprocating saws entirely after adding this tool to their arsenal.

DIY enthusiasts consistently highlight the saw’s user-friendly operation and how the complete kit provides everything needed to start working immediately. Several reviewers mentioned successfully completing major renovation projects – deck rebuilds, fence installations, bathroom remodels – with this single tool.

**Reported Concerns:**

A small percentage of users wished for a fuel gauge on the tool itself rather than just on the battery. While we initially shared this sentiment, we quickly adapted to checking the battery’s onboard gauge, which provides a clear