Milwaukee 2625-20 vs 2719-20 Hackzall: Best One-Handed Saw for You?

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If you’re shopping for a one-handed reciprocating saw, you’re likely torn between the Milwaukee 2625-20 and the 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall. Both are bare tools from the M18 lineup, but they serve different needs — one is a compact workhorse, the other is a speed demon with a 7/8-inch stroke.

This comparison is for anyone who cuts metal, PVC, or lumber in tight spaces and wants to know if the extra cost of the FUEL model is worth it. I’ve dug through the specs so you can see exactly where each saw shines and where it cuts corners. Keep reading to find out which one belongs in your bag.

🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations

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Best Overall: Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL

Faster cuts thanks to the 7/8″ stroke and POWERSTATE brushless motor — Check Price →

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Runner-Up: Milwaukee 2625-20 M18

Lighter at 3.8 lbs and more affordable for budget-conscious buyers — Check Price →

Here’s the side-by-side spec comparison I pulled from the product data so you can see the real differences at a glance.

Full Specs Comparison

Specification Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18- Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUE
Voltage ✅ 18V 18V
Power Source Battery Powered Battery Powered
Motor Type — ✅ POWERSTATE Brushless
Blade Material High Speed Steel High Speed Steel
Surface Recommendation Metal Metal
Color Red Red, Black
Handle Design ✅ One handed —
Anti-vibration Handle ✅ Yes —
Intelligence System — ✅ REDLINK Plus
Cutting Speed — ✅ Increased
Power — ✅ Increased
Battery Type Lithium-Ion Lithium-Ion
Tool Type Reciprocating Saw Hackzall

The 2719-20’s 7/8-inch stroke length versus the 2625-20’s 4-inch blade length is the biggest spec gap that will affect your cutting speed and reach.

Individual Product Breakdown

I spent time digging through the specs, customer feedback, and real-world performance numbers for both Hackzalls. Here’s my honest take on each one after weighing the trade-offs.

Runner-Up

Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hackzall

18V | 3.8 lbs | 4-inch blade | 72 watts

Sale
Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hackzall...
  • One handed design gives you superior control to standard reciprocating...
  • Anti-vibration handle: the handle is specially designed to reduce user...
  • Quick lok blade Clamp: you need only to tighten and loosen the on-board...

The 2625-20 is the lightweight champ here at just 3.8 pounds, which makes overhead work much less of a strain. I like the anti-vibration handle design — it genuinely reduces fatigue when you’re cutting through thicker lumber. The Quick-Lok blade clamp lets you swap blades without any tools, which is a huge time-saver on the job. That said, it’s not brushless, so you won’t get the same speed or battery efficiency as the FUEL model, and the 4-inch blade limits how deep you can reach.

✅ Pros

  • Only 3.8 lbs — easiest for one-handed use overhead
  • Quick-Lok blade clamp for tool-free changes
  • Anti-vibration handle reduces fatigue
  • LED light keeps your cut line visible

❌ Cons

  • Not brushless — less power and battery life
  • 4-inch blade limits depth of cut
  • 72-watt motor feels less punchy on tough materials


Check Price on Amazon →

Best Overall

Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool)

18V | 4500 RPM | 7/8-inch stroke | 8-inch blade | 1.8 kg

Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black,
  • POWERSTATE Brushless Motor: Increased cutting speed and power throught the...
  • REDLINK Plus Intelligence: The most advanced system of cordless power tool...
  • REDLITHIUM battery technology: Superior pack construction, electronics and...

The 2719-20 is the clear winner for anyone who needs raw cutting power in a one-handed package. The POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers 4500 RPM and the 7/8-inch stroke removes more material per pass, so you’ll finish cuts noticeably faster. I also appreciate the pivoting shoe — it keeps the blade in constant contact with the workpiece, which reduces bucking and vibration. The REDLINK Plus intelligence protects the tool from overload, and with 6,522 ratings averaging 4.8 stars, it’s clearly a crowd favorite. The trade-off is that it’s heavier at 1.8 kg and costs more, but for serious users that’s worth it.

✅ Pros

  • 7/8-inch stroke removes more material per pass
  • POWERSTATE brushless motor for 4500 RPM speed
  • Pivoting shoe for smoother, more controlled cuts
  • 8-inch blade gives you much deeper reach

❌ Cons

  • Heavier at 1.8 kg — more tiring for long overhead sessions
  • Higher price point than the standard model
  • Only 18 teeth on the blade — slightly rougher cuts on metal


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Which One Should You Buy?

Honestly, there’s no single “right” answer here — the best Hackzall for you depends on whether you prioritize raw speed or lightweight maneuverability. Let me break it down by who each one actually fits.

Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall is right for you if…

  • You’re a plumber or electrician who makes lots of cuts in tight spaces and needs the 7/8-inch stroke to power through nails and thick lumber quickly.
  • You already own M18 batteries and want the longest tool life possible — the POWERSTATE brushless motor with REDLINK Plus intelligence delivers up to 3x longer life than competitive one-handed recips.
  • You’re cutting 8-inch deep material like thick pipe or stacked framing, and you need that longer blade reach.

Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 Hackzall is right for you if…

  • You do a lot of overhead cutting and want the lightest option — at 3.8 pounds, this one won’t tire your arm out as fast.
  • You’re a DIYer or weekend warrior who needs a solid one-handed saw for occasional cuts and doesn’t need brushless power.
  • You want tool-free blade changes with the Quick-Lok clamp and don’t mind a shorter 4-inch blade for most jobs.

❌ Who Should Skip All of These?

If you’re doing heavy demolition work or cutting through thick metal studs all day, a full-size two-handed reciprocating saw will give you more Use and power. These one-handed tools are about maneuverability, not brute force — so if that’s your main need, look at a standard reciprocating saw instead.

For the average buyer who wants the best all-around one-handed Hackzall, I’d go with the 2719-20 M18 FUEL. The faster cuts, longer blade, and brushless motor are worth the extra money for anyone who uses a saw regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for one-handed use: the Milwaukee 2625-20 or the 2719-20?

For pure one-handed maneuverability, I’d give the edge to the 2625-20 because it weighs just 3.8 pounds versus the 2719-20’s 1.8 kg (about 4 pounds). That lighter weight makes a real difference when you’re holding the saw out at arm’s length. But if you want the best overall performance in one hand, the 2719-20 wins with its faster 4500 RPM and 7/8-inch stroke. It really depends on whether you value comfort or cutting speed more.

Is the Milwaukee 2719-20 worth the extra money over the 2625-20?

In my opinion, yes — if you use your saw regularly. The 2719-20 has a POWERSTATE brushless motor that delivers more power and up to 3x longer tool life, plus a pivoting shoe for smoother cuts. You’re also getting an 8-inch blade instead of a 4-inch one, which means you can cut much deeper in one pass. For occasional DIY use, the 2625-20 will save you money and still get the job done, but for pros or heavy users, the 2719-20 pays for itself.

Which Hackzall has a longer stroke length?

The 2719-20 has a significantly longer stroke at 7/8-inch, while the 2625-20 doesn’t list a stroke length but uses a 4-inch blade. That longer stroke on the 2719-20 removes more material with each pass, which is why it cuts faster through thick lumber and metal. If cutting speed matters to you, the 2719-20 is the clear winner here.

Are both Hackzalls compatible with the same M18 batteries?

Yes, both the 2625-20 and the 2719-20 are part of the Milwaukee M18 lineup, so they work with any M18 lithium-ion battery. That means if you already own M18 batteries from other tools, you can swap them between these saws without any issues. Just remember both are bare tools, so you’ll need to provide your own battery and charger.

Which Hackzall is better for cutting metal pipes?

I’d go with the 2719-20 for metal pipes because the 4500 RPM speed and 7/8-inch stroke give you faster, more aggressive cuts through metal. The pivoting shoe also helps maintain constant contact with the pipe, reducing vibration and bucking. The 2625-20 can handle metal too with its high-speed steel blade and 24 teeth, but you’ll notice slower cutting and more effort on tougher materials.

Which model has better customer reviews?

The 2719-20 has the edge here with a 4.8 out of 5-star rating from over 6,522 reviews, while the 2625-20 sits at 4.7 out of 5 stars from 3,086 reviews. Both are highly rated, so you’re getting a quality tool either way. That said, the 2719-20 has more than double the reviews, which tells me it’s been tested by more people and still holds up well.

My Final Verdict

The Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall is my clear winner for one-handed use. The 7/8-inch stroke, 4500 RPM brushless motor, and 8-inch blade make it significantly faster and more versatile than the 2625-20, which tops out with a 4-inch blade and a 72-watt motor. The 2625-20 is still a great pick for DIYers who want the lightest option at 3.8 pounds and don’t need heavy-duty cutting power.

If you’re on the fence, ask yourself how often you’ll actually use this saw. For regular projects or professional work, the 2719-20’s speed and durability justify the higher price. For occasional weekend cuts in tight spots, the 2625-20 will save you money without letting you down.

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Winner: Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall
Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black,
  • POWERSTATE Brushless Motor: Increased cutting speed and power throught the...
  • REDLINK Plus Intelligence: The most advanced system of cordless power tool...
  • REDLITHIUM battery technology: Superior pack construction, electronics and...

Best for pros and serious DIYers who need maximum cutting speed, deeper reach, and brushless reliability. The 7/8-inch stroke and pivoting shoe make it a joy to use one-handed.


See Current Price on Amazon →

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Runner-Up: Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 Hackzall
Sale
Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hackzall...
  • One handed design gives you superior control to standard reciprocating...
  • Anti-vibration handle: the handle is specially designed to reduce user...
  • Quick lok blade Clamp: you need only to tighten and loosen the on-board...

Best for budget-conscious buyers and those who prioritize lightweight comfort at 3.8 pounds. The Quick-Lok blade clamp and anti-vibration handle make it a solid everyday tool.


Check Price on Amazon →

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