Milwaukee M18 FUEL SAWZALL (2720-20)

Is the Cord Finally Cut with the Milwaukee M18 FUEL SAWZALL? (2720-20)

A reciprocating saw is designed to tear things up. And you never know where you might need to take it to do it. I think that all pros are in agreement that if they can get the same performance with a cordless tool that they get with a corded tool, they’ll pick up the cordless one every time. Generally, you have to compromise power to get mobility and mobility to get power and runtime. But Todd, Rob, and Brad are in agreement, that with the FUEL system from Milwaukee, you just may be able to get both with no compromise. And that’s a win win!

M18 FUEL SAWZALL 2720-20 comes as a bare tool

How Does It Work?

Let’s start with some of the specs on this tool. This tool from the FUEL lineup features the POWERSTATE brushless motor. The REDLINK PLUS intelligence built into the tool, allows the motor to “sweet-talk” with the REDLITHIUM battery pack, so that you, the user can get more power and more runtime out of the tool. Now all that sounds a bit too much like science to me, but simply put, the communication system in this tool really does allow the brushless motor, combined with a top-notch battery, to provide as much power as a corded recip saw: and you don't have to drag the cord around. To see more from Milwaukee's Paul Fry about FUEL Technology: CLICK HERE.

Here’s a video that we put together to give you more information:

Rafter Hook

As mentioned by Rob Robillard, the rafter hook is sturdy and easy to get to. This seems like a simple thing, but there is a bit of weight to this tool, so you’re going to want to put it down from time to time, and that hook makes it easy to put down and pick up when you need it.

Adjustable Shoe / Keyless Blade Change

As I mentioned in the video review, I hate it when you have to have a tool to adjust a tool. Inevitably you can’t find that smaller tool when you need it and you lose time (which is money) by looking for it. Milwaukee has solved that problem with the keyless adjustable shoe and the keyless blade clamp. Not only is it easy to adjust the shoe and change the blade, but you feel them “lock” into place, so there is a confidence that the shoe won’t slip or the blade won’t accidentally release.

Overmold

Overmold is important on most any tool, but especially a demolition tool like a reciprocating saw. You are already dealing with the vibration and the “surprise” of what you might run into as you are tearing through the material. The overmold makes the FUEL SAWZALL easy to hold onto. And not to saw I’m clumsy, but I have dropped the SAWZALL once or twice and the overmolding protects it.

LED Light

Many times, demolition is not well lit. In fact, you can be in some of the darkest, dankest places. The LED light on the 2720-20 gives you just the right amount of light to help you get the job done.

Anything Else?

Any Complaints?

The one complaint that I’ve heard from a few folks out there is that the tool is heavy. Weighing in at just under 9 lbs, it can be a bit heavy especially when you are holding it over your head, but the tradeoff of the weight for the convenience of the mobility is worth it to me.

Final Thoughts

As I read a few reviews from other pros in the field, words like “powerhouse”, “amazing runtime”, and “steady and balanced cuts” came up. And all that comes from a cordless tool. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel SAWZALL (2720-20) really does give you the ability to cut the cord. The power and runtime are exceptional. And we all know that when you don’t have to run a cord, drag a cord to the work, and make sure your cord doesn’t come unplugged while you are cutting, then you save time. And since time is money, we think Milwaukee has a pot of gold on their hands with this upgrade in the SAWZALL lineup.

For more information about the Milwaukee M18 FUEL SAWZALL and any of the available kit versions: CLICK HERE

To order this or other tools on Amazon.com: CLICK HERE

Milwaukee M18 FUEL SAWZALL (2720-20) | Review