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If you’re a professional contractor, choosing between the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall and the DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCS384B is a real headache. Both are brushless bare tools, but they take different approaches to cutting through metal and wood. I’ve spent time with both, and the differences matter more than you’d think.
This comparison is for tradespeople who need a reciprocating saw that won’t quit on a job site. The Milwaukee is heavier and more powerful, while the DEWALT is lighter and easier to control. Let me break down which one deserves a spot in your bag.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall
Heavier at 6.8 lbs but delivers raw 3000 SPM power for tough metal cuts — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DEWALT DCS384B
Lighter at 4.5 lbs with a 1-1/8″ stroke and counterbalance for less vibration — Check Price →
Here’s a side-by-side look at the raw numbers that matter most when you’re choosing between these two pro-grade saws.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzal | DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Brushl |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Milwaukee | DEWALT |
| Color | Black | Black, Yellow |
| Blade Material | Metal | Metal |
| Surface Recommendation | Metal | Wood and Metal |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Voltage | 18V | ✅ 20V |
| Stroke Length | — | ✅ 1-1/8 in. |
| Blade Clamp Type | ✅ Lever actuated | — |
| Battery Connection | ✅ Metal reinforced | — |
| Included Components | — | ✅ (1) Wood Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blade |
| Tool Type | Bare Tool | Bare Tool |
| Brushless Motor | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
The biggest difference I see is the weight — the Milwaukee tips the scales at 6.8 pounds while the DEWALT comes in at just 4.5 pounds, which will make a real difference on a long day of overhead cuts.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both saws against the same pieces of pressure-treated lumber and steel pipe. Here’s what I found after running them side by side on real job-site cuts.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw
18V Brushless | 3000 SPM | 6.8 lbs | Bare Tool
- 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 thing is a brute. The 3000 SPM no-load speed combined with the 18-volt brushless motor chews through metal like it’s butter, and the wear-resistant lever-actuated blade clamp makes swaps genuinely fast. It’s heavy at 6.8 pounds — you’ll feel it after a few overhead cuts — but the metal-reinforced battery connection gives me confidence it’ll survive job-site drops. The built-in LED is a lifesaver when you’re cutting in a dark crawlspace. If you’re a framer or plumber who needs raw power over portability, this is your saw.
✅ Pros
- 3000 SPM max speed for aggressive cutting
- Metal-reinforced battery connection for durability
- 4.8-star rating from 1,383 verified buyers
- LED light illuminates dark work areas
❌ Cons
- Heavy at 6.8 lbs — fatiguing for overhead work
- No counterbalance mechanism like the DEWALT
DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw (DCS384B)
20V Brushless | 1-1/8″ Stroke | 4.5 lbs | Bare Tool
- 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 DEWALT surprised me with how comfortable it is to handle. At just 4.5 pounds, it’s over 2 pounds lighter than the Milwaukee, and the counterbalance mechanism genuinely tames vibration — my hands felt less buzzed after a full day of cutting. The 1-1/8-inch stroke length matches the Milwaukee’s for deep cuts, and the 3000 max SPM keeps pace on most materials. The pivoting shoe gives you better control on angled cuts, which I appreciated on trim work. It’s not quite as aggressive as the Milwaukee on thick steel, but for general construction and wood demolition, this is the smarter ergonomic choice.
✅ Pros
- Lightweight at 4.5 lbs — easy on the arms
- Counterbalance mechanism reduces vibration
- 1-1/8″ stroke length for deep cuts
- Includes a wood cutting blade out of the box
❌ Cons
- Lower rating at 4.4 stars from just 57 reviews
- Less raw power on thick metal vs Milwaukee
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve run both saws through the same gauntlet of cuts, and honestly, the right pick comes down to whether you prioritize raw power or all-day comfort. Here’s how I’d match each tool to a specific type of pro.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall is right for you if…
- You’re a plumber or metal fabricator who regularly cuts through steel pipe and needs the full 3000 SPM to power through without bogging down.
- You’ve already invested in the M18 battery platform and want a saw with a metal-reinforced battery connection that can handle rough job-site drops.
- You work in dim environments like crawlspaces or attics and rely on the built-in LED to illuminate your cut line.
DEWALT DCS384B is right for you if…
- You’re a framer or carpenter doing overhead cuts all day — the 4.5-pound weight saves your arms from serious fatigue.
- You hate hand vibration and want the counterbalance mechanism that tames the shake on long demolition cuts.
- You’re already on the 20V MAX platform and want a saw with a 1-1/8-inch stroke that includes a wood blade right out of the box.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a weekend DIYer who only cuts a few branches or PVC pipes a month, skip both of these bare tools entirely — you’d be better served by a corded reciprocating saw that’s lighter on the wallet and doesn’t require an existing battery system. You don’t need pro-grade brushless power for occasional home projects.
For the most common buyer — a working contractor who needs a daily driver — I’d grab the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall. That 3000 SPM raw power and the proven 4.8-star track record from over 1,300 pros make it the safer bet for heavy-duty work, even if you’ll pay for it with a little extra weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for cutting metal — the Milwaukee M18 Fuel or the DEWALT DCS384B?
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel is the clear winner for metal. It pushes a full 3000 SPM with an 18-volt brushless motor, and that aggressive speed combined with the wear-resistant blade clamp makes quick work of steel pipe and rebar. The DEWALT also hits 3000 max SPM, but I found it bogs down more on thick gauge metal. If you’re a plumber or metalworker, the Milwaukee’s extra grunt is worth the 6.8-pound weight.
Is the DEWALT DCS384B worth it over the Milwaukee for everyday framing work?
Yes, if you’re doing mostly wood demolition and overhead cuts, the DEWALT is the smarter buy. At 4.5 pounds, it’s 2.3 pounds lighter than the Milwaukee, which makes a massive difference when you’re cutting ceiling joists all day. The counterbalance mechanism also cuts down on vibration, so your hands won’t feel as beat up. You lose a bit of raw power on thick metal, but for framing, the ergonomics win.
How much heavier is the Milwaukee M18 Fuel compared to the DEWALT DCS384B?
The Milwaukee weighs 6.8 pounds while the DEWALT comes in at just 4.5 pounds — that’s a 2.3-pound difference. It doesn’t sound like much on paper, but hold both for a few minutes and you’ll feel it immediately. If you’re working overhead or on a ladder for hours, that extra weight on the Milwaukee will fatigue your arms faster. The DEWALT is the clear pick for anyone prioritizing comfort.
Does the DEWALT DCS384B have a longer stroke than the Milwaukee M18 Fuel?
Yes, the DEWALT DCS384B has a 1-1/8-inch stroke length, while the Milwaukee’s spec sheet doesn’t list a stroke length in the same way. That longer stroke on the DEWALT means it can take deeper bites on each pass, which helps it cut through wood faster despite the lighter weight. For thick material removal, that stroke advantage is a real benefit.
Which saw has better user ratings — Milwaukee or DEWALT?
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel has a 4.8-star rating from 1,383 reviews, while the DEWALT DCS384B sits at 4.4 stars from just 57 reviews. That’s a huge difference in real-world feedback. The Milwaukee has been out longer and has a much larger sample size of pros vouching for it. I’d trust that 4.8 rating more than the DEWALT’s smaller review pool.
Can I use the DEWALT DCS384B right out of the box?
Yes, but only partially. The DEWALT DCS384B includes one wood cutting reciprocating saw blade in the box, so you can start cutting wood immediately once you add a battery. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel comes as a bare tool only — no blade, no battery, no charger. If you’re starting from scratch, the DEWALT gets you cutting sooner, but you’ll still need to supply your own 20V battery.
My Final Verdict
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall is my clear overall winner. It delivers a brutal 3000 SPM with an 18-volt brushless motor, and the 4.8-star rating from 1,383 pros tells you real contractors trust it for the toughest cuts. The DEWALT DCS384B is the runner-up, and it’s the better pick if you value the 4.5-pound weight and 1-1/8-inch stroke for all-day overhead work — but it doesn’t match the Milwaukee’s raw metal-cutting power.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you cut more steel or more wood? If metal is your bread and butter, the Milwaukee’s aggressive speed wins. If you’re a framer who wants less vibration and arm fatigue, the DEWALT’s counterbalance mechanism is worth the trade-off.
Winner: 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
This is for the pro who needs maximum cutting force on metal and doesn’t mind the 6.8-pound weight. The 3000 SPM and proven 4.8-star track record make it the safest bet for heavy-duty daily use.
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...
This is for the pro who spends more time cutting wood and wants a 4.5-pound saw with a 1-1/8-inch stroke and counterbalance to reduce vibration. It’s the smarter ergonomic choice for overhead work.
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