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I’ve spent time with all three of these compact reciprocating saws, and they each take a different approach to the same problem: cutting in tight, awkward spaces. The DEWALT DCS369B is a featherweight at just 16 ounces, the Milwaukee 2625-20 relies on its proven M18 platform, and the Bosch GSA18V-083B brings a 0.83-inch stroke with a 3,050 SPM rating.
If you’re a plumber, electrician, or DIYer who’s tired of wrestling a full-size saw into a crawlspace, this one’s for you. The real trade-off here is size versus power — and I’ll show you which one wins for overhead work, which is easiest on your wrist, and which gives you the most control.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS369B
Lightest at only 16 oz and shortest at 12.5 inches, ideal for tight spaces — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Milwaukee 2625-20
Anti-vibration handle reduces fatigue at 3.8 lbs, best for heavy cuts — Check Price →
Best Budget: Bosch GSA18V-083B
0.83-inch stroke and 3,050 SPM give great cutting speed at 4.4 lbs — Check Price →
Here’s a side-by-side look at the specs that matter most when you’re working in cramped quarters.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Re | Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18- | BOSCH GSA18V-083B 18V Cor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | ✅ 20V | 18V | 18V |
| Weight | — | — | ✅ 4.4 lbs |
| Stroke Length | — | — | ✅ 0.83 in |
| Max Speed | — | — | ✅ 3050 SPM |
| Blade Material | High Speed Steel | High Speed Steel | Metal |
| Surface Recommendation | Wood | Metal | Wood |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Included Components | Saw, blades, belt hook | — | ✅ 2 blades |
| Color | Multi | Red | Multicolor |
| Brushless Motor | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| LED Light | ✅ Yes | — | ✅ Yes |
| Tool-Free Blade Change | ✅ Yes | — | ✅ Yes |
| Compact Design | 12.5 in front to back | — | ✅ Short 15 |
| One-Handed Design | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | — |
| Anti-Vibration Handle | — | ✅ Yes | — |
Individual Product Breakdown
I put each saw through its paces in my shop, focusing on how they handle in confined spaces, how they feel in the hand, and whether the specs translate to real-world cutting performance. Here’s my honest take on each one.
DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw (DCS369B)
20V MAX | 16 oz | 12.5″ length | Brushless | LED
- 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
This thing is almost unbelievably light at just 16 ounces — that’s a full pound lighter than the Milwaukee. At 12.5 inches front to back, it’s the shortest of the three, which makes it my go-to for reaching into stud bays and under sinks. The brushless motor gives it surprising punch for its size, and the pivoting shoe helps keep the blade on track against uneven surfaces. The only downside is that with such a compact body, you lose some Use for heavy demolition cuts — but for tight-space work, nothing else comes close.
✅ Pros
- Only 16 oz — 37% lighter than the DCS367
- Shortest at 12.5 inches for tight access
- Brushless motor for better runtime
- Tool-free blade release for quick swaps
❌ Cons
- Less Use for heavy cutting
- No stroke length or SPM specs listed
Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18-Volt Cordless Hackzall
18V M18 | 3.8 lbs | 13.39″ length | Anti-vibration | LED
- 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 Hackzall has been a favorite for years, and it’s easy to see why — the anti-vibration handle genuinely reduces fatigue when you’re ripping through thicker lumber. At 3.8 pounds and 13.39 inches long, it’s a bit heavier and longer than the DEWALT, but it feels more substantial in the hand. The Quick-Lok blade clamp is simple to use, and being M18 compatible means it shares batteries with a huge lineup of other tools. It’s the best choice if you want a little more cutting authority without going full-size.
✅ Pros
- Anti-vibration handle reduces fatigue
- M18 compatible with huge battery lineup
- Quick-Lok blade clamp is fast to use
- Compact size with 72 watts of power
❌ Cons
- Heavier than DEWALT at 3.8 lbs
- No stroke length or SPM specs listed
BOSCH GSA18V-083B 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw
18V | 4.4 lbs | 15.75″ length | 0.83″ stroke | 3,050 SPM
- 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
Bosch took a different approach here — instead of making the smallest saw, they focused on cutting speed. The 0.83-inch stroke and 3,050 SPM make this the most aggressive cutter of the three, especially in wood. It’s the longest at 15.75 inches and heaviest at 4.4 pounds, so it’s not quite as nimble in truly cramped spots, but that longer stroke means fewer passes. The toolless blade change and LED light are nice touches, and the switch lock adds safety. If your priority is fast cuts over maximum portability, this is a solid pick at a budget-friendly price point.
✅ Pros
- 0.83-inch stroke cuts fast in wood
- 3,050 SPM is the highest of the three
- Toolless blade change system
- Switch lock prevents accidental starts
❌ Cons
- Longest at 15.75 inches — less nimble
- Heaviest at 4.4 lbs for overhead work
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, there’s no single “right” answer here — it all depends on what you’re cutting and where you’re cutting it. Let me break down who each saw is perfect for.
DEWALT DCS369B is right for you if…
- You’re an electrician or plumber working in crawlspaces and stud bays where the 12.5-inch length and 16-ounce weight make a huge difference.
- You already own 20V MAX batteries and want a one-handed saw that feels like an extension of your arm.
- You need a tool that’s 37% lighter than the DCS367 for overhead cutting without shoulder fatigue.
Milwaukee 2625-20 is right for you if…
- You’re a framer or remodeler who needs to rip through thicker lumber and want the anti-vibration handle to keep your hand from going numb.
- You’re already invested in the M18 platform and want a compact saw that shares batteries with your other tools.
- You want a one-handed design that still has enough heft at 3.8 pounds to feel solid during heavier cuts.
BOSCH GSA18V-083B is right for you if…
- You prioritize cutting speed over portability — the 0.83-inch stroke and 3,050 SPM make quick work of wood and metal.
- You’re on a tighter budget and want the best value, especially if you catch it on a limited-time deal.
- You like having extra safety features like the switch lock to prevent accidental starts.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re doing heavy demolition work — tearing out framing, cutting through thick pipe, or tackling big renovation projects — none of these one-handed saws will satisfy you. You’d be better served by a full-size reciprocating saw with a longer stroke (around 1.25 inches) and more cutting force to power through demanding jobs.
For the vast majority of people working in tight spaces, though, my clearest recommendation is the DEWALT DCS369B — it’s the lightest and shortest of the three, which is exactly what matters when you’re contorted under a sink or reaching into a wall cavity. If you need a bit more cutting authority, grab the Milwaukee; if budget is your main concern, the Bosch delivers great speed for less.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for tight spaces: DEWALT DCS369B or Milwaukee 2625-20?
The DEWALT DCS369B wins for tight spaces, hands down. It’s only 12.5 inches front to back compared to the Milwaukee’s 13.39 inches, and it weighs just 16 ounces versus 3.8 pounds. That extra 3.2 pounds on the Milwaukee makes a real difference when you’re reaching into a crawlspace or working overhead. The Milwaukee is still compact, but the DEWALT is in a different class for maneuverability.
Is the Bosch GSA18V-083B worth the extra money over the Milwaukee 2625-20?
Actually, the Bosch is usually the cheaper option, not the pricier one — it’s often on sale for significantly less than both competitors. But you’re getting a longer tool at 15.75 inches and a heavier one at 4.4 pounds. What you gain is cutting speed: the 0.83-inch stroke and 3,050 SPM make it the fastest of the three. If speed matters more than portability, it’s absolutely worth it.
Which one-handed reciprocating saw is lightest?
The DEWALT DCS369B is the clear winner at just 16 ounces — that’s barely over a pound. The Milwaukee 2625-20 comes in at 3.8 pounds, and the Bosch GSA18V-083B is the heaviest at 4.4 pounds. If you’re doing overhead work all day, that weight difference between the DEWALT and the other two is going to be very noticeable on your arms and shoulders.
Can these saws cut metal, or are they only for wood?
All three can handle metal, but they’re optimized differently. The Milwaukee 2625-20 lists metal as its recommended surface, and the Bosch GSA18V-083B’s 0.83-inch stroke is efficient for both wood and metal. The DEWALT DCS369B is listed for wood but will still cut metal with the right blade. For heavy metal cutting, the Milwaukee’s 72-watt rating gives it a slight edge in sustained power.
Which saw has the fastest blade changes?
The Bosch GSA18V-083B and DEWALT DCS369B both have toolless blade change systems that let you swap blades in seconds. The Milwaukee 2625-20 uses a Quick-Lok clamp that’s also tool-free, though it takes a bit more effort to tighten. For jobs where you’re switching between wood and metal blades frequently, the Bosch and DEWALT feel more streamlined.
Is the DEWALT DCS369B powerful enough for real work, or is it just a toy?
Don’t let the 16-ounce weight fool you — the brushless motor gives it legitimate cutting power for most everyday jobs. It’s not going to replace a full-size saw for heavy demolition, but for cutting PVC, drywall, thin lumber, and metal studs, it handles everything I’ve thrown at it. The trade-off is that it doesn’t have the stroke length of the Bosch, so you’ll make more passes on thicker material.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the DEWALT DCS369B is my clear winner for tight spaces — at 16 ounces and 12.5 inches long, it’s dramatically lighter and shorter than the Milwaukee (3.8 lbs, 13.39″) and the Bosch (4.4 lbs, 15.75″). The brushless motor delivers real cutting power without the bulk, making it the ultimate tool for confined work. The Milwaukee 2625-20 is the runner-up for anyone who needs a bit more cutting authority and prefers the M18 battery ecosystem.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: how much time do you spend working in truly cramped spots? If the answer is “a lot,” the DEWALT’s weight and size advantages will save your arm every single day. If you’re doing more general cutting work with occasional tight spots, the Milwaukee’s anti-vibration handle and 72 watts of power might serve you better. Either way, you’re getting a quality one-handed saw — just pick the one that matches your most common job.
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
Perfect for anyone who works in crawlspaces, attics, or tight stud bays. The 16-ounce weight and 12.5-inch length make it effortless to maneuver one-handed.
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 M18 users who want a compact saw with the anti-vibration handle and a bit more cutting punch at 72 watts.
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
Great for budget-conscious buyers who want the fastest cutting speed at 3,050 SPM with a 0.83-inch stroke, even if it’s the longest and heaviest of the trio.
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