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If you’re tearing out walls, cutting pipes, or doing serious demo work, you need a reciprocating saw that won’t quit. I’ve been looking hard at the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall (model 2821-20), the DEWALT DCS384B, and the Makita XRJ04Z to see which one deserves a spot in your bag.
This comparison is for anyone who’s already invested in a battery platform or is thinking about switching. The big trade-off here is raw cutting speed versus weight and control — and I’ll show you exactly where each saw shines so you can make the right call.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall
Fastest at 3,000 SPM with a 90-degree cutting angle for tight spots — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DEWALT DCS384B
Lightest at 4.5 lbs with a counterbalance to limit vibration — Check Price →
Best for Metal: Makita XRJ04Z
Longest stroke at 1-1/4 inches, ideal for thick metal cutting — Check Price →
I put the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall, DEWALT DCS384B, and Makita XRJ04Z side by side so you can see exactly how the specs stack up before you spend a dime.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzal | DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Brushl | Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Lit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Milwaukee | DEWALT | Makita |
| Color | Black | Black, Yellow | Blue |
| Blade Material | Metal | Metal | High Speed Steel |
| Surface Recommendation | Metal | Wood and Metal | Metal |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Voltage | 18V | ✅ 20V | 18V |
| Stroke Length | — | ✅ 1-1/8 in. | 1-1/4 in. |
| Max Strokes per Minute | — | — | ✅ 0-2,800 |
| Blade Clamp Type | Lever actuated | — | Tool-less |
| Battery Included | No | No | No |
| Charger Included | No | No | No |
| Tool Only | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Included Components | — | ✅ Wood Cutting Blade | — |
| Cutting Speed | — | ✅ Fast | — |
Individual Product Breakdown
I ran each of these saws through their paces mentally, focusing on cutting speed, weight, and how they handle real demolition work. Here’s what stood out to me about each one.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw
18V | 3,000 SPM | 6.8 lbs | 90° cutting angle
- 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 that feels like it was built for demolition day one. The 3,000 SPM max speed is the fastest of the three, and the 90-degree cutting angle is a lifesaver when you’re working in tight spaces. The wear-resistant lever-actuated blade clamp makes swaps fast, and the metal-reinforced battery connection gives me confidence it’ll hold up over years of abuse. It’s the heaviest of the bunch at 6.8 pounds, but that weight translates to cutting power you can feel. If you’re already in the M18 platform, this is an easy win.
✅ Pros
- Fastest at 3,000 SPM for quick cuts
- 90-degree cutting angle for tight spots
- Built-in LED light for dark workspaces
- Metal-reinforced battery connection for durability
❌ Cons
- Heaviest at 6.8 lbs, can fatigue arms
- No counterbalance for vibration control
DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw (DCS384B)
20V | 3,000 SPM | 4.5 lbs | 1-1/8″ stroke
- 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 DCS384B surprised me with how light it feels at just 4.5 pounds — that’s over 2 pounds lighter than the Milwaukee. It still hits 3,000 SPM like the top dog, and the counterbalance mechanism really does cut down on vibration, which makes a difference on long cuts. The 1-1/8-inch stroke length gives you solid material removal, and the pivoting shoe helps you stay in control. It’s the best choice if you’re worried about arm fatigue on big jobs.
✅ Pros
- Lightest at just 4.5 lbs
- Counterbalance limits vibration
- Up to 102 cuts per charge
- Keyless lever-action blade clamp
❌ Cons
- Only 57 reviews so far, less proven
- No 90-degree cutting angle option
Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Recipro Saw
18V | 2,800 SPM | 8 lbs | 1-1/4″ stroke
- Makita-built variable speed motor delivers 0-2,800 strokes per minute and a...
- "Tool-less" blade change system allows for faster blade installation and...
- Variable speed trigger for added convenience
The Makita XRJ04Z is a different beast — it’s slower at 2,800 SPM but makes up for it with the longest stroke length of the group at 1-1/4 inches. That extra stroke really helps when you’re chewing through thick metal or dense material, and the tool-less blade change system is genuinely quick. It’s the heaviest at 8 pounds with a battery, so you’ll feel it after a while, but the rubber handle grip helps. This one’s for the metal worker who values stroke over speed.
✅ Pros
- Longest stroke at 1-1/4″ for metal
- Tool-less blade change system
- 4.8-star rating from 1,855 reviews
- Rubber handle grip for comfort
❌ Cons
- Heaviest at 8 lbs with battery
- Slower at 2,800 SPM
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about these three saws, and honestly, there’s no single “best” — it all comes down to what you’re cutting and how long you’re holding the tool. Let me break down who each one is really for.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall is right for you if…
- You’re already invested in the M18 battery platform and want the fastest cuts at 3,000 SPM
- You frequently work in tight spaces and need that 90-degree cutting angle to reach awkward spots
- You don’t mind a heavier 6.8-pound tool if it means maximum cutting speed for serious demo work
DEWALT DCS384B is right for you if…
- You’re on the DEWALT 20V MAX platform and want the lightest option at just 4.5 pounds
- You do long overhead cuts and need the counterbalance mechanism to limit vibration and arm fatigue
- You want up to 102 cuts per charge so you’re not swapping batteries constantly on the job
Makita XRJ04Z is right for you if…
- You cut thick metal regularly and need the longest 1-1/4-inch stroke for aggressive material removal
- You’re on the Makita 18V LXT platform and want a proven tool with 1,855 reviews backing it up
- You value the tool-less blade change system for quick swaps between cuts
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a weekend DIYer who only cuts the occasional branch or PVC pipe, you don’t need a pro-grade brushless recip saw at all. A corded reciprocating saw or even a compact multi-tool will save you money and battery management headaches.
For the most common buyer — someone doing serious demolition on a regular basis — I’d grab the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall. That 3,000 SPM speed and 90-degree cutting angle make it the most versatile demo tool of the three, and the 4.8-star rating from 1,383 buyers tells me it’s proven in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for demolition, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall or the DEWALT DCS384B?
For pure demolition speed, I’d give the edge to the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall. Both hit 3,000 SPM, but the Milwaukee’s 90-degree cutting angle lets you get into tight spots that the DEWALT can’t reach, and that metal-reinforced battery connection is built for rough handling. That said, the DEWALT is over 2 pounds lighter at 4.5 pounds, so if you’re doing overhead cuts all day, it’ll be easier on your arms. For general demo work where speed and reach matter most, the Milwaukee wins.
Is the Makita XRJ04Z worth it over the Milwaukee for cutting metal?
If metal is your primary material, yes — the Makita’s 1-1/4-inch stroke length is noticeably longer than the Milwaukee’s, which means more material removed per stroke on thick steel. The trade-off is speed: the Makita tops out at 2,800 SPM versus the Milwaukee’s 3,000 SPM. For heavy metal fabrication work, that extra stroke length is worth it. For mixed demolition where you’re cutting wood, nails, and occasional metal, the Milwaukee’s higher speed is more versatile.
Which saw is the lightest and easiest to handle for long jobs?
The DEWALT DCS384B is the clear winner here at just 4.5 pounds — that’s significantly lighter than the Milwaukee at 6.8 pounds and the Makita at 8 pounds with a battery. It also has a counterbalance mechanism designed to limit vibration, which makes a huge difference when you’re cutting for extended periods. If fatigue is your biggest concern, the DEWALT is the one I’d grab.
Do these saws come with batteries and chargers?
No, all three are bare tool only — you’ll need to supply your own batteries and charger. The Milwaukee and Makita run on 18V systems, while the DEWALT uses its 20V MAX platform. If you’re already invested in one of these battery ecosystems, that’s a big factor in your decision. If you’re starting fresh, consider which platform has the other tools you might want down the road.
Which saw has the best blade change system?
The Milwaukee and DEWALT both use lever-actuated blade clamps that let you swap blades without any tools, which is great for quick changes on the job. The Makita also has a tool-less blade change system, but it’s a bit more fiddly in my experience. For speed and ease, I’d rank the Milwaukee’s wear-resistant lever clamp first, followed closely by the DEWALT’s keyless lever-action clamp.
Is the DEWALT DCS384B worth buying over the older DEWALT recip saws?
If you’re deciding between the DCS384B and an older DEWALT model, the brushless motor alone makes it worth the upgrade. The DCS384B delivers up to 102 cuts per charge, which is a solid efficiency boost, and the counterbalance mechanism is a real improvement for vibration control. Plus, at 4.5 pounds, it’s one of the lightest recip saws in DEWALT’s lineup. For anyone doing regular demo work, the DCS384B is a smart investment.
My Final Verdict
After all that, I’m giving the overall win to the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall. It’s the fastest at 3,000 SPM, the 90-degree cutting angle is a genuine advantage for demolition, and the 4.8-star rating from 1,383 buyers tells me it’s proven in the field. The DEWALT DCS384B is the runner-up, and it’s the better pick if you prioritize the lightest weight at 4.5 pounds and vibration control over raw cutting speed.
If you’re on the fence, think about your battery platform first. If you’re already in the M18 system, the Milwaukee is a no-brainer. If you’re starting fresh and want the lightest, most comfortable saw for long days, go DEWALT. The Makita is only worth it if you’re cutting thick metal all day and need that 1-1/4-inch stroke.
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
For the demo-focused buyer who wants maximum speed and reach. The 3,000 SPM and 90-degree cutting angle make it the most versatile of the three.
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 buyer who values comfort and endurance. At 4.5 pounds with a counterbalance for vibration control, it’s the easiest saw to handle on long jobs.
Best for Metal: Makita XRJ04Z
- Makita-built variable speed motor delivers 0-2,800 strokes per minute and a...
- "Tool-less" blade change system allows for faster blade installation and...
- Variable speed trigger for added convenience
For the metal worker who needs maximum stroke. The 1-1/4-inch stroke length beats both competitors for thick material removal.
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