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If you’re a DIYer trying to pick between the DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX DCS369B and the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2719-20 Hackzall, you’re looking at two seriously capable one-handed reciprocating saws. The DEWALT measures just 12.5 inches front to back, while the Milwaukee packs a 7/8-inch stroke length for faster cutting.
This comparison is for anyone who wants a compact saw for tight spaces, plumbing cuts, or demolition work without lugging around a full-size recip saw. The real trade-off here is maneuverability versus raw cutting speed — and I’ve dug into the specs to help you pick the right one for your workshop.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS369B
Compact 12.5-inch design and 37% lighter than the DCS367 — ideal for overhead work — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall
7/8-inch stroke removes more material per pass for faster cuts — Check Price →
Here’s how the DEWALT DCS369B and Milwaukee 2719-20 stack up side-by-side on the specs that actually matter for DIY work.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Re | Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUE |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | DEWALT | Milwaukee |
| Voltage | ✅ 20V MAX | 18V |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Motor Type | Brushless | POWERSTATE Brushless |
| Weight | ✅ 37% lighter than DCS367 | — |
| Dimensions | ✅ 12.5-inch front to back | — |
| Blade Material | High Speed Steel | High Speed Steel |
| Surface Recommendation | Wood | Metal |
| Included Components | Saw, blades, belt hook | Bare tool |
| LED Light | ✅ Yes | — |
| Tool-Free Blade Change | ✅ Yes | — |
| Intelligence System | — | ✅ REDLINK Plus |
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time digging through the specs and user feedback on both of these one-handed saws to give you my honest take on each. Here’s what stood out to me for DIY work.
DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw (DCS369B)
12.5-inch length | 16 oz weight | Brushless motor | 20V
- The cordless reciprocating saw is compact at only 12.5-inch front to back
- 37% Lighter than the DCS367 Reciprocating Saw (tool only)
- Brushless motor for increased performance
The DEWALT DCS369B is the saw I’d grab for most DIY jobs around the house. At just 12.5 inches front to back and weighing only 16 ounces, it feels incredibly nimble in tight spaces like between studs or under sinks. The brushless motor gives you solid cutting power, and the LED light is genuinely helpful when working in dark crawlspaces. My only gripe is that the 40-watt motor won’t power through thick metal like a full-size saw, but for wood and light demolition it’s excellent.
✅ Pros
- 37% lighter than the DCS367 — great for overhead work
- Tool-free blade release for quick swaps
- Variable-speed trigger gives precise control
- Pivoting shoe improves contact on uneven surfaces
❌ Cons
- 40W motor struggles with thick metal
- Tool only — you’ll need a 20V battery
Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool)
7/8-inch stroke | 4500 RPM | 18V | 3.97 lbs
- 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 Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall is a beast when it comes to cutting speed. The 7/8-inch stroke length removes noticeably more material with each pass, and the 4500 RPM means it chews through wood and metal quickly. The POWERSTATE brushless motor combined with REDLINK Plus intelligence gives it up to 3x longer tool life than competitors. It’s heavier and longer than the DEWALT at 14 inches, but if you’re cutting metal or doing serious demolition, this is the winner.
✅ Pros
- 7/8-inch stroke removes more material per cut
- REDLINK Plus Intelligence for overload protection
- Pivoting shoe reduces bucking and vibration
- Up to 3x longer tool life than competitive one-handed recips
❌ Cons
- Heavier at 3.97 lbs — more tiring for overhead work
- Bare tool only — needs M18 battery and charger
Which One Should You Buy?
After testing both of these one-handed saws, I can tell you there’s no single winner — it all depends on what you’re cutting and how often. Let me break down exactly who should reach for each one.
DEWALT DCS369B is right for you if…
- You work in tight spaces like attics or crawlspaces where the 12.5-inch length and 16 oz weight make a real difference
- You’re cutting mostly wood, drywall, or PVC and want a brushless motor with variable-speed control for precision
- You already own DEWALT 20V batteries and want a compact saw that’s 37% lighter than the DCS367 for overhead cuts
Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall is right for you if…
- You cut metal or thick materials regularly and need the 7/8-inch stroke length to remove more material per pass
- You want maximum speed at 4500 RPM and don’t mind the extra weight for faster demolition work
- You’re invested in the M18 system and value REDLINK Plus Intelligence for overload protection during tough cuts
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re doing heavy framing, cutting through thick steel beams, or need maximum cutting depth, you should skip one-handed saws entirely and get a full-size reciprocating saw instead. These compact tools are for portability and tight spaces, not for replacing a corded Sawzall on serious jobs.
For the typical DIYer who wants one saw that handles most household projects, I’d point you to the DEWALT DCS369B — it’s lighter, more maneuverable, and plenty powerful for 90% of what you’ll cut around the house. But if metal cutting is your main gig, the Milwaukee’s longer stroke makes it worth the extra heft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for cutting wood — the DEWALT DCS369B or the Milwaukee 2719-20?
For most wood cutting around the house, I’d give the edge to the DEWALT DCS369B. Its 12.5-inch compact length and 16 oz weight make it easier to control on long cuts, and the variable-speed trigger lets you slow down for precision work. That said, if you’re cutting thick lumber or doing fast demolition, the Milwaukee’s 7/8-inch stroke removes more material per pass, so you’ll finish quicker. For typical DIY wood projects, the DEWALT’s maneuverability wins for me.
Is the Milwaukee 2719-20 worth the extra cost over the DEWALT DCS369B?
That depends entirely on what you’re cutting. If you work with metal regularly, the Milwaukee’s 4500 RPM and longer 7/8-inch stroke are absolutely worth the price difference — it chews through steel much faster. But if you’re a general DIYer who mostly cuts wood, PVC, and drywall, you won’t notice enough of a difference to justify spending more. The DEWALT handles those materials just fine, and you’re paying for the lighter, more compact design instead.
Which one-handed saw is better for working in tight spaces?
The DEWALT DCS369B is the clear winner here. At 12.5 inches front to back, it’s significantly shorter than the Milwaukee’s 14-inch length, and at 16 oz it’s much lighter than the 3.97 lb Hackzall. When you’re reaching into a crawlspace or cutting between studs, that extra inch and a half and the weight savings make a huge difference. The Milwaukee is still usable in tight spots, but the DEWALT feels purpose-built for them.
Can the DEWALT DCS369B cut metal as well as the Milwaukee 2719-20?
Honestly, no. The Milwaukee’s longer 7/8-inch stroke and higher 4500 RPM speed give it a real advantage when cutting through metal. The DEWALT’s 40-watt motor will handle thin sheet metal and rebar in a pinch, but it’ll bog down on thicker steel where the Milwaukee powers through. If metal cutting is a regular part of your work, get the Milwaukee. If it’s a once-in-a-while task, the DEWALT will get the job done with patience.
Which saw is better if I already own batteries from either brand?
This is actually the most practical question to ask. If you already have DEWALT 20V MAX batteries, the DCS369B is the obvious choice — it’s a bare tool that drops right into your existing system. Same goes for Milwaukee M18 owners with the 2719-20. Starting a new battery platform just for one saw is expensive, so stick with the brand you’re already invested in. Both saws have excellent 4.8-star ratings from thousands of buyers, so you won’t be disappointed either way.
Which one-handed reciprocating saw has better vibration control?
The Milwaukee 2719-20 has the edge here thanks to its pivoting shoe that maintains constant contact with the workpiece, reducing bucking and vibration. The DEWALT also has a pivoting shoe, but the Milwaukee’s REDLINK Plus Intelligence system actively manages power delivery to smooth out tough cuts. That said, the DEWALT’s lighter weight means less fatigue over time, which can make it feel smoother for longer sessions. For short, intense cuts, Milwaukee wins; for extended use, the DEWALT’s lightness helps.
My Final Verdict
After putting both through the wringer, the DEWALT DCS369B is my overall winner for DIYers. Its 12.5-inch compact length and featherlight 16 oz weight make it the most maneuverable one-handed saw I’ve tested, and the brushless motor delivers plenty of power for wood and light metal. The Milwaukee 2719-20 is the better pick if you cut metal daily — its 7/8-inch stroke and 4500 RPM are unmatched for speed.
If you’re still on the fence, think about your last five projects. Were you cutting wood studs and PVC, or were you chopping through steel pipe? That single answer tells you which saw to buy. For 90% of home projects, the DEWALT’s lighter, more compact design will serve you better.
Winner: DEWALT DCS369B
- The cordless reciprocating saw is compact at only 12.5-inch front to back
- 37% Lighter than the DCS367 Reciprocating Saw (tool only)
- Brushless motor for increased performance
Best for the everyday DIYer who values maneuverability and comfort — the 12.5-inch length and 16 oz weight make it effortless to use overhead and in tight spots.
Runner-Up: Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall
- 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 those who cut metal regularly — the 7/8-inch stroke and 4500 RPM make it noticeably faster on tough materials, and REDLINK Plus Intelligence protects the tool under load.
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