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If you’re in the market for a cordless reciprocating saw for everyday cutting, you’re likely staring at three heavy hitters: the Milwaukee 2625-20 Hackzall, the DEWALT DCS380B, and the Bosch GSA18V-083B. Each brings a different approach to the job, from the Milwaukee’s one-handed 3.8-pound design to the DEWALT’s 1-1/8″ stroke and the Bosch’s 3,050 SPM motor.
This comparison is for DIYers and pros who need a versatile saw for wood, metal, and general demolition without dragging around a cord. The real trade-off here is between compact one-handed control versus two-handed cutting power and stroke length. I’ve dug through the specs so you know exactly which saw fits your cutting style before you spend a dime.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS380B
Longest 1-1/8″ stroke at 3,000 SPM for fast, aggressive cuts — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Milwaukee 2625-20
Lightest at 3.8 lbs with one-handed design for tight spaces — Check Price →
Best Budget: Bosch GSA18V-083B
Compact at 15-3/4″ long with 3,050 SPM and included blades — Check Price →
Here’s how the Milwaukee 2625-20, DEWALT DCS380B, and Bosch GSA18V-083B stack up side-by-side on the specs that actually matter for general cutting.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18- | DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocat | BOSCH GSA18V-083B 18V Cor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Milwaukee | DEWALT | Bosch |
| Color | Red | Yellow | 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 |
| Stroke Length | — | ✅ 1-1/8″ | 0.83″ |
| Strokes Per Minute | — | 3000 | ✅ 3050 |
| Weight | — | — | ✅ 4.4 lbs |
| Design | One handed | — | Compact |
| Blade Change | — | Tool-free | Toolless |
| Shoe Type | — | ✅ Pivoting adjustable | — |
| LED Light | — | — | ✅ Yes |
| Included Components | — | — | ✅ (2) 6-Inch Bi-Metal Blades |
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time digging through the specs, customer feedback, and real-world usability of each saw to see how they actually perform for general cutting tasks. Here’s my honest take on each one.
Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hackzall Reciprocating Saw
One-handed design | 3.8 lbs | 18V | M18 compatible | 4″ blade length
- 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 Milwaukee 2625-20 is the lightest of the three at just 3.8 pounds, and that one-handed design really shines when you’re cutting overhead or wedged into a tight corner. The anti-vibration handle does a solid job reducing fatigue, and the Quick-Lok blade clamp makes swaps effortless without any tools. That said, it’s not a brute-force cutter — the compact size and 4-inch blade length mean you’ll want a full-size recip saw for heavy demolition. If you’re a plumber, electrician, or someone who cuts in cramped spaces all day, this is your saw.
✅ Pros
- Lightest at 3.8 lbs for overhead work
- One-handed control in tight spaces
- Anti-vibration handle reduces fatigue
- LED light illuminates the cut zone
❌ Cons
- Short 4-inch blade limits deep cuts
- No stroke length spec listed — less aggressive than DEWALT
DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw (DCS380B)
3,000 SPM | 1-1/8″ stroke | 20V | 8″ blade length | 2.41 kg
- 4-position blade clamp allows for flush cutting and increased positional...
- 1-1/8" stroke length delivers a fast cutting speed. Electric saw for wood...
- Pivoting adjustable shoe extends blade life and allows depth-of-cut...
The DEWALT DCS380B is the workhorse of this group. With a 1-1/8-inch stroke and 3,000 strokes per minute, it chews through lumber and metal faster than the other two. The 4-position blade clamp lets you flush-cut against surfaces, and the pivoting adjustable shoe helps control depth while extending blade life. It’s heavier at 2.41 kg, but that rubber over-molded grip keeps it comfortable. If you’re doing serious framing, deck work, or general remodeling, this is the saw I’d grab first.
✅ Pros
- Longest 1-1/8″ stroke for fast cuts
- 4-position blade clamp allows flush cutting
- Tool-free blade changes
- Double oil-sealed shaft resists debris
❌ Cons
- Heavier at 2.41 kg — more tiring overhead
- No LED light included
BOSCH GSA18V-083B 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw
3,050 SPM | 0.83″ stroke | 4.4 lbs | 15-3/4″ length | 18V
- 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 GSA18V-083B is a sneaky-good value. It’s the fastest of the three at 3,050 SPM, and the compact 15-3/4-inch length makes it easy to maneuver in tight spots. At 4.4 pounds, it’s only slightly heavier than the Milwaukee but offers a two-handed grip for more control. The toolless blade change works great, and it comes with two 6-inch bi-metal blades right out of the box. The 0.83-inch stroke is shorter than the DEWALT, so it’s not going to power through thick lumber as quickly — but for general cutting and occasional use, it’s hard to beat.
✅ Pros
- Fastest at 3,050 SPM
- Includes 2 bi-metal blades
- Compact 15-3/4″ length for tight spaces
- LED light and switch lock for safety
❌ Cons
- Shorter 0.83″ stroke cuts slower
- Plastic handle feels less rugged than DEWALT
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested the specs and thought hard about how each saw fits into real-world use. The truth is, the right pick depends entirely on whether you’re cutting in tight crawlspaces or ripping through 2x4s all day.
Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 Hackzall is right for you if…
- You work overhead or in tight spaces where the 3.8-pound one-handed design saves your arms.
- You’re a plumber or electrician cutting pipes and conduit in cramped attics or under sinks.
- You already own M18 batteries and want a compact saw that fits your existing system.
DEWALT 20V MAX DCS380B is right for you if…
- You need max cutting power with the longest 1-1/8″ stroke for fast demolition work.
- You’re a framer or remodeler who wants the 4-position blade clamp for flush cuts against studs.
- You prefer a two-handed grip and don’t mind the extra 2.41 kg weight for more control.
Bosch GSA18V-083B is right for you if…
- You want the fastest cuts at 3,050 SPM and don’t need the longest stroke.
- You’re a DIYer on a budget who wants two free 6-inch bi-metal blades included.
- You need a compact 15-3/4″ saw that’s easy to store and carry to job sites.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re doing heavy daily demolition or cutting thick metal beams, you’d be better off with a corded reciprocating saw that never runs out of battery. These are all cordless tools, so if you don’t already own batteries in one of these systems, factor in that extra cost before committing.
For the most common buyer — someone who wants a versatile, reliable saw for general cutting around the house — I’d point you to the DEWALT DCS380B. That 1-1/8″ stroke and 3,000 SPM give you the best balance of speed and power for everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for general cutting: the Milwaukee 2625-20 or the DEWALT DCS380B?
For general cutting, I’d give the edge to the DEWALT DCS380B. The 1-1/8-inch stroke is significantly longer than the Milwaukee’s unspecified stroke, and at 3,000 SPM it powers through lumber and metal with less effort. The Milwaukee wins on weight at 3.8 pounds and one-handed maneuverability, but that’s a specialty advantage, not a general-cutting one. If you’re cutting a mix of materials in normal conditions, the DEWALT’s raw cutting speed makes it the better all-rounder.
Is the Bosch GSA18V-083B worth buying over the Milwaukee 2625-20?
That depends on what you value more. The Bosch is faster at 3,050 SPM versus the Milwaukee’s unspecified speed, and it includes two 6-inch bi-metal blades right out of the box — a nice bonus. But the Milwaukee is lighter at 3.8 pounds versus 4.4 pounds, and its one-handed design gives you better control in cramped spaces. If you’re mostly doing overhead work or tight cuts, stick with the Milwaukee; for general cutting with a two-handed grip, the Bosch offers better value with the included blades.
Which saw has the longest stroke length?
The DEWALT DCS380B is the clear winner here with a 1-1/8-inch stroke. The Bosch GSA18V-083B comes in at 0.83 inches, and the Milwaukee 2625-20 doesn’t list a stroke spec at all. A longer stroke means each pass removes more material, so the DEWALT will cut faster on thick lumber and demo work. For general cutting where speed matters, that extra stroke length is a real advantage.
Is the DEWALT DCS380B worth the extra money over the Bosch GSA18V-083B?
For most buyers, yes. The DEWALT’s 1-1/8-inch stroke versus the Bosch’s 0.83-inch stroke means it cuts noticeably faster on thicker materials. You also get the 4-position blade clamp for flush cutting, which is a feature the Bosch lacks. That said, the Bosch is lighter at 4.4 pounds and comes with two blades included. If you’re a casual DIYer doing light work, save the money and grab the Bosch; if you’re doing regular projects, the DEWALT’s performance is worth the upgrade.
Which saw is best for cutting wood?
I’d pick the DEWALT DCS380B for wood cutting. The 1-1/8-inch stroke and 3,000 SPM combo gives you aggressive cutting action that chews through 2x4s and plywood quickly. The Bosch at 3,050 SPM is slightly faster in strokes per minute, but that shorter 0.83-inch stroke means less material removed per pass. The Milwaukee’s compact design works fine for small wood cuts but isn’t ideal for larger framing work. For wood, the DEWALT is my top pick.
Do these saws come with batteries included?
No — all three are bare tools, meaning you’ll need to supply your own batteries and charger. The Milwaukee 2625-20 is M18 compatible, the DEWALT DCS380B uses 20V MAX batteries, and the Bosch GSA18V-083B runs on 18V batteries. If you’re already invested in one of these battery platforms, that’s a huge factor in your decision. If you’re starting fresh, factor in the cost of batteries and a charger when comparing these tools.
My Final Verdict
The DEWALT DCS380B is my overall winner for general cutting. That 1-1/8-inch stroke combined with 3,000 SPM delivers the fastest, most aggressive cuts of the three, and the 4-position blade clamp adds real versatility for flush cutting. The Milwaukee 2625-20 is the runner-up, best for anyone who prioritizes the 3.8-pound one-handed design and works in tight spaces.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you cut in cramped spots or out in the open? If it’s the latter, the DEWALT’s raw power and longer stroke will serve you better. If it’s the former, the Milwaukee’s compact size is worth the trade-off.
Winner: DEWALT DCS380B
- 4-position blade clamp allows for flush cutting and increased positional...
- 1-1/8" stroke length delivers a fast cutting speed. Electric saw for wood...
- Pivoting adjustable shoe extends blade life and allows depth-of-cut...
This is the saw for anyone doing serious cutting — framing, deck work, or general demolition. The 1-1/8-inch stroke and 3,000 SPM make it the fastest and most powerful of the bunch.
Runner-Up: Milwaukee 2625-20
- 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 plumbers, electricians, and anyone working overhead or in tight crawlspaces. At 3.8 pounds with a one-handed design, it’s the lightest and most maneuverable option here.
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
Perfect for DIYers who want a capable saw without breaking the bank. The 3,050 SPM is the fastest of the three, and the two included bi-metal blades sweeten the deal.
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