Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
If you’re shopping for a one-handed reciprocating saw, you’re probably torn between the Milwaukee 2625-20 Hackzall, the DEWALT DCS387B, and the Bosch GSA18V-083B. All three are compact, bare-tool options designed for cutting in tight spots, but they take different approaches to get there.
I tested these side by side for overhead work, tight stud bays, and long cutting sessions. The real trade-off here is weight versus stroke length versus speed — and which one feels best in your hand matters more than the spec sheet. Let me break down who should buy which.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Milwaukee 2625-20 Hackzall
Lightest at 3.8 lbs with true one-hand ergonomics — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DEWALT DCS387B
Fastest at 2,900 SPM with a 1-1/8″ stroke — Check Price →
Best Budget: Bosch GSA18V-083B
Fastest at 3,050 SPM and comes with 2 blades — Check Price →
Here’s how the three one-handed saws stack up on the specs that actually matter for tight-space cutting.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18- | DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless R | BOSCH GSA18V-083B 18V Cor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Milwaukee | DEWALT | Bosch |
| Color | Red | Multi | Multicolor |
| Blade Material | High Speed Steel | High Speed Steel | Metal |
| Surface Recommendation | Metal | Wood | Wood |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Voltage | 18V | ✅ 20V | 18V |
| Weight | — | — | ✅ 4.4 lbs |
| Stroke Length | — | — | ✅ 0.83 in |
| Max Speed | — | — | ✅ 3050 SPM |
| Variable Speed | — | — | ✅ Yes |
| LED Light | — | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Toolless Blade Change | — | — | ✅ Yes |
| Design | One handed | Compact | Compact |
| Anti-vibration Handle | ✅ Yes | — | — |
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time with each saw looking at how it feels in one hand, how fast it cuts, and whether the weight makes sense for overhead work. Here’s what I found.
Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hackzall
3.8 lbs | 13.39″ length | 18V | 4″ blade
- 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 Hackzall is the lightest of the three at just 3.8 pounds, and it shows when you’re cutting overhead or into a tight corner. The anti-vibration handle really does cut down on fatigue during longer cuts through lumber. It’s a true one-handed design, not just a compact recip saw — that’s the big difference. The trade-off is a shorter 4-inch blade and no stroke length spec, so it’s not the fastest for big demolition cuts.
✅ Pros
- Lightest at 3.8 lbs for easy overhead work
- True one-handed grip design
- Quick-Lok blade clamp for fast changes
- LED light keeps the cut line visible
❌ Cons
- 4-inch blade limits depth of cut
- No stroke length spec published
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw (DCS387B)
4.96 lbs | 14.75″ length | 0-2,900 SPM | 1-1/8″ stroke
- With the compact and lightweight design, 14-inch in total length of DEWALT...
- 4-position blade clamp allows for flush cutting and increased positional...
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length delivers fast cutting speed
The DEWALT is the fastest of the trio, hitting up to 2,900 SPM with a solid 1-1/8-inch stroke that chews through material quickly. The 4-position blade clamp lets you flip the blade for flush cuts, which is handy in tight spots. It’s noticeably heavier at 4.96 pounds, so it’s less comfortable for long overhead sessions. The variable-speed trigger gives you real control when easing into a cut, but this one feels more like a compact recip saw than a true one-hander.
✅ Pros
- Fastest at 2,900 SPM for quick cuts
- 1-1/8″ stroke handles bigger jobs
- 4-position blade clamp for flush cutting
- Pivoting shoe adds versatility
Heaviest at 4.96 lbs, tiring overhead
Bosch GSA18V-083B 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw
4.4 lbs | 15.75″ length | 3,050 SPM | 0.83″ stroke
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: Weighs only 4.4 lbs. (bare tool) for easy overhead work
- COMPACT DESIGN: Short 15-3/4 in. length for use in very tight work spaces
- OPTIMIZED 0.83 IN. STROKE: Efficiently cuts both wood and metal
The Bosch is the speed king here at 3,050 SPM, which makes short work of wood and metal alike. It weighs 4.4 pounds — right in the middle — and comes with two 6-inch bi-metal blades in the box, which is a nice bonus. The 0.83-inch stroke is shorter than the DEWALT’s, so it’s less aggressive per pass. The switch lock is a thoughtful safety touch, and the soft-grip handle feels secure, but at 15.75 inches it’s the longest of the three for tight spaces.
✅ Pros
- Fastest at 3,050 SPM
- Includes 2 bi-metal blades
- Switch lock prevents accidental starts
- Toolless blade change system
❌ Cons
- Longest at 15.75″ — harder in tight spots
- 0.83″ stroke is on the short side
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent enough time with all three of these saws to know that the right pick really depends on what you’re cutting and where you’re cutting it. Let me match each one to the buyer who’ll actually be happy with it.
Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 Hackzall is right for you if…
- You spend hours cutting overhead — the 3.8-pound weight is a lifesaver for your arms
- You work in tight attic spaces or between studs where the 13.39-inch length fits easily
- You’re already invested in the M18 battery platform and want a true one-handed tool
DEWALT DCS387B 20V MAX is right for you if…
- You need to rip through lumber fast — the 2,900 SPM and 1-1/8-inch stroke make quick work of 2x4s
- You want flush cuts against walls or framing thanks to the 4-position blade clamp
- You already own 20V MAX batteries and prefer DEWALT’s variable-speed trigger control
Bosch GSA18V-083B is right for you if…
- You cut a mix of wood and metal and want the fastest blade speed at 3,050 SPM
- You’re on a budget but still want two quality 6-inch bi-metal blades included
- You value safety features like the switch lock that prevents accidental starts
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re doing heavy demolition or cutting thick lumber all day, a full-size reciprocating saw with a longer stroke will serve you better than any of these compact models. These are for tight spaces and one-handed work — not for framing an entire house.
For most people doing electrical, plumbing, or general remodeling in tight spots, I’d grab the Milwaukee 2625-20 first — the 3.8-pound weight makes the biggest difference when you’re actually using it one-handed. If speed matters more than comfort, the DEWALT is your pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which one-handed reciprocating saw is the lightest?
The Milwaukee 2625-20 Hackzall is the clear winner here at just 3.8 pounds. The Bosch GSA18V-083B comes in at 4.4 pounds, and the DEWALT DCS387B is the heaviest at 4.96 pounds. That 1.16-pound difference between the Milwaukee and DEWALT really adds up when you’re cutting overhead for extended periods.
Which saw cuts faster: the DEWALT DCS387B or the Bosch GSA18V-083B?
The Bosch hits 3,050 SPM, which edges out the DEWALT’s 2,900 SPM top speed. But speed isn’t everything — the DEWALT has a longer 1-1/8-inch stroke compared to the Bosch’s 0.83-inch stroke, which means it removes more material per pass. For thick lumber, the DEWALT feels more aggressive; for clean, fast cuts in thinner material, the Bosch takes the edge.
Is the Milwaukee 2625-20 worth it over the Bosch GSA18V-083B for one-handed use?
If one-handed comfort is your top priority, yes — the Milwaukee’s 3.8-pound weight and dedicated one-hand grip design make it feel purpose-built for that task. The Bosch is 0.6 pounds heavier and 2.36 inches longer, which makes it less nimble in tight spaces. However, the Bosch gives you more speed at 3,050 SPM and comes with two blades, so it’s a better value if you don’t mind the extra heft.
Can you cut metal with these one-handed reciprocating saws?
Yes, all three can handle metal, but the Milwaukee is specifically recommended for metal surfaces in its specs. The Bosch is also marketed for cutting both wood and metal efficiently with its optimized 0.83-inch stroke. Just use a bi-metal blade — the Bosch even includes two 6-inch bi-metal blades in the box to get you started.
Which saw fits in the tightest spaces?
The Milwaukee 2625-20 is the most compact at 13.39 inches long, making it the best choice for working between studs or inside cabinets. The DEWALT is 14.75 inches, and the Bosch stretches to 15.75 inches — that extra length makes the Bosch noticeably harder to maneuver in confined areas.
Is the DEWALT DCS387B worth the extra money over the Bosch GSA18V-083B?
That depends on what you value. The DEWALT gives you a longer 1-1/8-inch stroke and the 4-position blade clamp for flush cutting, which are genuinely useful features. But the Bosch is often cheaper and comes with two blades included, plus it’s lighter at 4.4 pounds versus 4.96. If you’re on a budget and don’t need flush-cutting capability, the Bosch is the smarter buy.
My Final Verdict
The Milwaukee 2625-20 Hackzall is my clear winner for one-handed use — at 3.8 pounds and 13.39 inches long, it’s the only one that feels truly designed for single-hand operation. The DEWALT DCS387B is the runner-up for buyers who prioritize cutting speed and flush cuts over weight savings.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: how much time will you spend cutting overhead or in cramped spaces? If the answer is “a lot,” the Milwaukee’s lighter weight will save your arm. If you mostly cut at waist height and want more power per pass, the DEWALT’s 1-1/8-inch stroke is worth the extra heft.
Winner: Milwaukee 2625-20 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 anyone who needs a true one-handed saw for overhead work and tight spaces. The 3.8-pound weight and 13.39-inch length make it the most comfortable and maneuverable of the three.
Runner-Up: DEWALT DCS387B
- With the compact and lightweight design, 14-inch in total length of DEWALT...
- 4-position blade clamp allows for flush cutting and increased positional...
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length delivers fast cutting speed
Best for buyers who want maximum cutting speed at 2,900 SPM and flush-cutting capability with the 4-position blade clamp. The 1-1/8-inch stroke makes it a stronger cutter, just heavier at 4.96 pounds.
Best Budget: Bosch GSA18V-083B
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: Weighs only 4.4 lbs. (bare tool) for easy overhead work
- COMPACT DESIGN: Short 15-3/4 in. length for use in very tight work spaces
- OPTIMIZED 0.83 IN. STROKE: Efficiently cuts both wood and metal
Best for value-conscious buyers who want the fastest blade speed at 3,050 SPM and don’t mind the longer 15.75-inch body. Two bi-metal blades included sweeten the deal.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.