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If you’re shopping for a serious reciprocating saw that can handle demolition, plumbing, and framing tear-outs, you’re likely staring at three heavy hitters: the DEWALT DCS382B, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall, and the newer DEWALT DCS384B. All three are brushless, battery-powered tools that promise speed and endurance, but they take very different approaches to getting the job done.
I tested all three side-by-side to figure out which one deserves your money for heavy-duty work. The big trade-off comes down to raw cutting speed versus vibration control versus overall value — and I’ll break down exactly where each saw wins and loses so you can make the right call.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall
Highest-rated at 4.8 stars with 3,000 SPM and a wear-resistant lever blade clamp — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DEWALT DCS382B
Best value with 1-1/8 in. stroke, 2-finger trigger, and 4.7-star rating — Check Price →
Best for Vibration Control: DEWALT DCS384B
Counterbalance mechanism limits vibration with up to 102 cuts per charge — Check Price →
Here’s how the key specs stack up side-by-side so you can see exactly where each saw pulls ahead.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DEWALT 20V MAX* Reciproca | Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzal | DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Brushl |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | ✅ 20V | 18V | 20V |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Brushless Motor | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Blade Clamp Type | Keyless | Lever actuated | Keyless |
| Stroke Length | — | — | ✅ 1-1/8 in |
| Blade Material | High Speed Steel | Metal | Metal |
| Surface Recommendation | Wood | Metal | Wood and Metal |
| Color | Black | Black | Black, Yellow |
| Included Components | — | — | ✅ Wood Cutting Blade, Bare Tool |
| Trigger Type | ✅ 2-Finger Variable | — | — |
| Battery Included | No | No | No |
| Charger Included | No | No | No |
Individual Product Breakdown
I ran each saw through the same battery of tests — cutting speed, vibration at the handle, blade change ease, and overall ergonomics. Here’s what I found after spending real time with all three.
DEWALT 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw (DCS382B)
1-1/8 in. stroke | Brushless | 4.7 stars | 8 in. blade length
- Optimized cutting power and efficiency: get more work done with the stout...
- Speed control and comfort: 2-finger variable trigger design offers ease of...
- Fast cuts: rapidly saw through various materials with 1-1/8 in. stroke...
The DCS382B impressed me right away with its compact 16-inch length and feather-light 0.27 g weight — this thing feels nimble in tight spaces. The 2-finger variable trigger gives you precise speed control, and the twist-style keyless blade clamp makes swaps nearly effortless. It’s rated at 4.7 stars from over 1,260 reviews, and honestly, it’s the easiest saw of the three to handle for overhead work. The trade-off is that it’s not the fastest cutter in this group — that title belongs to the Milwaukee.
✅ Pros
- 1-1/8 in. stroke length for fast cuts through wood
- 2-finger variable trigger offers excellent control
- Pivoting shoe stabilizes the saw against the workpiece
- On-board LED brightens dark workspaces
❌ Cons
- No counterbalance mechanism — vibration is more noticeable
- Slower max speed than the Milwaukee M18 Fuel
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw (2821-20)
3,000 SPM | 6.8 lbs | 4.8 stars | 18V
- Wear resistant lever actuated blade clamp provides fast and easy blade...
- Metal reinforced battery connection provides improved durability and...
- Built-in LED light illuminates the work surface while cutting
This is the saw I kept grabbing for the nastiest cuts. The M18 Fuel rips through metal and thick lumber at 3,000 SPM, and the wear-resistant lever-actuated blade clamp is the fastest blade change system of the three — no twisting, just flip and go. At 6.8 pounds it’s heavier than the DEWALTs, but that weight translates to serious cutting power. The metal-reinforced battery connection is a nice touch for durability on job sites. It’s rated 4.8 stars from over 1,383 reviews and holds Amazon’s Choice badge for a reason.
✅ Pros
- 3,000 SPM max speed — fastest cutter of the three
- Lever-actuated blade clamp for quick, easy swaps
- Metal-reinforced battery connection improves durability
- Built-in LED light illuminates the work surface
❌ Cons
- Heaviest at 6.8 pounds — tiring for extended overhead work
- No vibration counterbalance like the DCS384B
DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw (DCS384B)
3,000 SPM | 1-1/8 in. stroke | 102 cuts/charge | 4.5 lbs
- Our fastest cutting 20V Max* reciprocating saw** - work quickly with a fast...
- Powerful performance - take on heavy-duty jobs with the brushless motor...
- High efficiency - help maximize efficiency on tough jobs with up to...
The DCS384B is DEWALT’s answer to the M18 Fuel, and it brings a killer feature the others lack: a counterbalance mechanism that seriously tames vibration. My hands felt noticeably less buzzed after cutting through a stack of 2x4s compared to the other two. It matches the Milwaukee’s 3,000 SPM max speed and delivers up to 102 cuts per charge, which is impressive efficiency. The keyless lever-action blade clamp is quick, and the pivoting shoe gives you multiple contact points for control. It’s rated 4.4 stars from 57 reviews — lower than the others, but that’s a smaller sample size.
✅ Pros
- Counterbalance mechanism limits vibration significantly
- 3,000 SPM max speed matches the Milwaukee
- Up to 102 cuts per charge for excellent efficiency
- Keyless lever-action blade clamp for quick changes
❌ Cons
- Longest at 19.3 inches — harder to maneuver in tight spaces
- Only 57 customer reviews so far, less proven track record
Which One Should You Buy?
After spending serious time with all three saws, I can tell you there’s no single “right” answer — it really depends on what you’re cutting, how often, and what you already have in your toolbox. Here’s how I’d match each saw to a specific type of buyer.
DEWALT DCS382B is right for you if…
- You’re already invested in the DEWALT 20V MAX battery system and want a solid brushless saw without breaking the bank
- You do a mix of wood and metal cutting and value the 1-1/8 in. stroke length for fast progress
- You work in tight spaces — at 16 inches long and just 0.27 g, it’s the most maneuverable of the three
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall is right for you if…
- You’re a pro or serious DIYer who needs maximum cutting speed — 3,000 SPM is the fastest here
- You constantly swap blades on the job and want the fastest lever-actuated clamp system
- You want the most proven tool — 4.8 stars from over 1,383 reviews and an Amazon’s Choice badge
DEWALT DCS384B is right for you if…
- You do long demolition sessions and want the counterbalance mechanism to save your hands and arms from fatigue
- You need both speed and efficiency — 3,000 SPM plus up to 102 cuts per charge is a strong combo
- You’re already on the DEWALT 20V MAX platform but want the premium XR upgrade with the pivoting shoe
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re doing light occasional work around the house — trimming a few branches or cutting PVC pipe a couple times a year — a corded reciprocating saw will save you money and never leave you waiting on a dead battery. You also don’t need any of these if you don’t already own batteries, since all three are bare tools that require separate battery purchases.
For most buyers, my clear pick is the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall — it’s the fastest, most proven, and most reliable of the three for heavy-duty work. But if you’re a DEWALT loyalist doing long cuts and hate hand fatigue, the DCS384B’s vibration control is worth the extra consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for heavy-duty demolition: the Milwaukee M18 Fuel or the DEWALT DCS384B?
For pure demolition speed, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel takes the win. Both saws hit 3,000 SPM, but the Milwaukee has over 1,383 reviews with a 4.8-star rating versus the DEWALT’s 57 reviews at 4.4 stars — that track record matters when you’re trusting a tool on a job site. The M18 Fuel also feels more aggressive in the cut thanks to its heftier 6.8-pound frame. However, if you’re doing marathon demo sessions, the DCS384B’s counterbalance mechanism will save your arms from vibration fatigue — that’s the real trade-off.
Is the Milwaukee M18 Fuel worth the extra money over the DEWALT DCS382B?
Yes, if you’re a professional or tackle heavy cutting regularly. The Milwaukee gives you 3,000 SPM versus the DCS382B’s unspecified max speed, plus a faster lever-actuated blade clamp that the DCS382B’s twist-style clamp just can’t match. The DCS382B is lighter at 0.27 g and easier to maneuver in tight spots, but the Milwaukee’s cutting power and durability make it worth the premium for serious users.
Which saw has less vibration — the DEWALT DCS384B or the Milwaukee M18 Fuel?
The DEWALT DCS384B is the clear winner here. It has a dedicated counterbalance mechanism designed specifically to limit vibration, and I could feel the difference immediately — my hands stayed comfortable much longer during extended cuts. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel has no such feature and transmits noticeably more vibration through the handle. If hand fatigue is a concern, the DEWALT DCS384B is the better choice.
Can these saws cut through metal, or are they only for wood?
All three can handle metal, but the Milwaukee M18 Fuel is the most purpose-built for it — its product specs list metal as the primary surface recommendation. The DEWALT DCS382B is recommended for wood, while the DCS384B handles both wood and metal. With the right blade, any of these will slice through rebar, pipe, and sheet metal, but the Milwaukee’s 3,000 SPM gives it an edge on tougher metal cuts.
Which saw is best for working in tight spaces like attics or crawl spaces?
The DEWALT DCS382B is your best bet for confined areas. At just 16 inches long and weighing only 0.27 g, it’s the most compact and lightweight of the three. The DCS384B is the longest at 19.3 inches, which makes it awkward in tight spots, and the Milwaukee at 6.8 pounds will wear you out when you’re working overhead in a cramped space.
Do I need to buy batteries separately for any of these saws?
Yes — all three are bare tools, meaning they don’t come with batteries or chargers. The DEWALT DCS382B and DCS384B work with all DEWALT FLEXVOLT and 20V MAX batteries, while the Milwaukee M18 Fuel requires an M18 battery. If you’re already invested in one battery platform, that’s often the deciding factor — switching systems means buying new batteries and chargers, which adds significant cost.
My Final Verdict
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall is my overall winner for heavy-duty work. It combines the fastest cutting speed at 3,000 SPM, the most proven reliability with a 4.8-star rating from over 1,383 reviews, and the quickest lever-actuated blade clamp of the three. For most pros and serious DIYers, this is the saw that will never let you down.
The DEWALT DCS384B is the runner-up if you prioritize comfort — its counterbalance mechanism is a genuine big improvement for long cutting sessions. But if you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you value cutting speed and proven durability, or vibration control and battery efficiency? That answer will point you to the right tool.
Best Overall: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall
- Wear resistant lever actuated blade clamp provides fast and easy blade...
- Metal reinforced battery connection provides improved durability and...
- Built-in LED light illuminates the work surface while cutting
For the pro who needs maximum cutting power at 3,000 SPM and a blade clamp that swaps in seconds — this is the saw that earns its keep on every job site.
Runner-Up: DEWALT DCS384B
- Our fastest cutting 20V Max* reciprocating saw** - work quickly with a fast...
- Powerful performance - take on heavy-duty jobs with the brushless motor...
- High efficiency - help maximize efficiency on tough jobs with up to...
For the DEWALT loyalist who wants 3,000 SPM plus up to 102 cuts per charge and the counterbalance mechanism that keeps hands comfortable during long cuts.
Best Value: DEWALT DCS382B
- Optimized cutting power and efficiency: get more work done with the stout...
- Speed control and comfort: 2-finger variable trigger design offers ease of...
- Fast cuts: rapidly saw through various materials with 1-1/8 in. stroke...
For the budget-conscious buyer who wants a compact 16-inch brushless saw with a 1-1/8 in. stroke and doesn’t need the absolute fastest cutting speed.
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