Best Cordless One-Handed Reciprocating Saw - Head-To-Head

Cordless One-Handed Reciprocating Saws - Features:
ToolBoxBuzz Article: www.toolboxbuz...
This is just a summary - the FUL article s at the link above!!!!
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Ergonomics Evaluation Winner - DEWALT DCS369B
DEWALT clearly beat out the competition scoring first place in every category except the blade change ranking. Second place was the Milwaukee. Finishing just ahead of the others was Bosch in third place.
Performance Evaluation - Winner - Tie Between Kobalt and Milwaukee
Four tests were developed and utilized for the performance evaluation including:
Cutting 3/4" cast iron gas pipe - Blade: Milwaukee Torch with Carbide 7 TPI
Cutting 12 Gauge P1000 Unistrut (1-5/8"x 1-5/8") - Blade: Milwaukee Torch Metal Blast 18 TPI
Cutting 2" copper pipe - Makita 14 TPI Bi-Metal
Cutting nail embedded wood (2x12 SPF with 4-16D nails) - Diablo Demo Demon 6" Carbide 5/7 TPI
3/4" Cast Iron Pipe Test results
The Kobalt came in first place for this test with an average cut time of 10.77 seconds followed by Milwaukee in second at 11.42 seconds and Ridgid in third with 14.05 seconds. Both DEWALT and Metabo struggled to keep up with the field with time ranging from over 2 to 4 times longer than the top 4 tools.
Unistrut Test Results
Above in Figure 5 are the results of the Unistrut cutting test. Again the results vary greatly between the first 3 tools and the last 3. For this test Kobalt came in first with the fastest average time of 17.91 seconds followed closely in second by Ridgid with a time of 19.64 seconds and Milwaukee in third place with an average time of 22.43 seconds. Again the results seem to correlate well with Figure 3 where the total cut length per minute was calculated based on no load speeds.
Copper Pipe Test Results
Finishing in first place with the fastest time was Ridgid with an average cut time of 9.19 seconds followed by Milwaukee in second place with an average time of 9.47 seconds and Bosch in third place with an average time of 10.08 seconds.
Nail Embedded Wood Test Results
The top 4 finished much faster than DEWALT and Metabo. Milwaukee finished in first place with the fastest average time of 18.0 seconds followed closely by Kobalt with an average time of 18.2 seconds and Ridgid in third place with an average time of 22.5 seconds.
Final Performance Test Results
The table below summarizes all four of the performance tests to produce a final ranking. Each of the test rankings is added together to come up with a total score, the lower the score the better the final ranking. Finishing with a tie for first place was Kobalt and Milwaukee with a total rank score of 8. Coming in a very close second place was Ridgid with a total rank score of 9. Coming in third place was Bosch with a total rank score of 15.
Pricing Evaluation - Winner Kobalt
After much feedback from our readers over the years about how we determine our final rankings for head-to-head evaluations we're going to try something new for this one. We can all agree that price is an important factor when purchasing tools. This is especially true for small contractors and those just starting in the trades. In the past we've always weighted the price equally with other categories like ergonomics and performance. For this head-to-head the Price Rankings will count for 20% in the final rankings while ergonomics and performance will each count for 40%.
Best Cordless One-Handed Reciprocating Saw - Winner Milwaukee
The winner of our Best Cordless One-Handed Reciprocating Saw head-to-head evaluation is the Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL™ Hackzall®. Milwaukee finished tied for first place in the performance evaluation and second for ergonomics. While it was the most expensive saw in the field it's still a very affordable price at $159. Milwaukee has been the leader in reciprocating saws for many years so it would be a huge surprise if they didn't lead this newer compact category.
Coming in a very close second place and a bit of a surprise to the team was the Kobalt KRS 124B-03 Compact One-handed 24-Volt Max Variable Speed Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw. This saw tied for first place in the performance evaluation and finished first in pricing at just $99. This one-handed reciprocating saw has an impressive 1" stroke length matched with 3,000 strokes per minute resulting in really fast cut times.
Finishing in third place was the DEWALT CS369B ATOMIC 20V MAX* Cordless One-Handed Reciprocating Saw. This saw blew away the competition in the ergonomics evaluation and is significantly more compact than the rest of the field. While it didn't do as well in the performance category it's a solid choice for someone looking for a really compact option.

[@caroldragon7545]

What you said about some choices being personal is SO true. I have small hands anyway, and arthritis has made it impossible for me to grip and squeeze my Ryobi batteries hard enough to remove them. When I saw that Lowes was having a Kobalt tool sale, I went to see if I could handle the batteries. Those two little side pushbuttons sold me. I bought the sale package, and also a cordless inflator. I have been totally pleased with everything I have used. I am just an 81 year old DIYer, so I really didn't care about the fact that someone told me Kobalts were not "pro quality" tools. By the way, I have two Warrior drills from Harbor Freight, that are so light weight they are a joy to use overhead, and they have very sufficient power for my use, as well as really good battery life. Loved this video and subscribed. Wish I'd found your channel sooner.

[@GuyFromJupiter]

I'm certainly happy that I've gotten into Kobalt's line of tools. Their ergonomics can be slightly lacking vs other major brands, but for someone like me who can't spend tons of money on tools their prices and performance are top notch.

[@matthewbowman8305]

Im an Electrician I use kobalt 24v tools everyday great tools great warranty never let me down and they are crushing the rest of the competition in cost per tool and batteries.

[@smarksruinedwrestling5020]

I too use kobalt 24v tools and they keep up with everyone else’s Milwaukee and dewalt tools even though they aren’t considered “heavy duty “

[@JuanaWatchDaWorldBurn]

I wouldn't say they're crushing it in the remod and demo world! Our production Mgr had all kobalt and it worked good til he was tryna put some masonry bits thru expensive hard brick...had to let him use my xr hammer drill while I used my ryobi sds

[@ppap351]

Automotive tech here. I use Rigid at work because of the lifetime warranty. I use the 1/4" impact driver constantly and the drill daily. I have yet to have any problems after 7 years. I was looking into buying the Rigid recip saw for metal work associated with exhausts and suspension components. This review convinced me to get it.

[@denty32]

I think for 90% of us tradesmen it comes down to battery platform. Always good to see how tools perform in these type of tests. Well done again guys

[@pouuko7656]

I agree like buying specifically the best of each tool can be a little bit of a hassle since no one brand is totally dominant. Having a bunch of different battery brands or not having enough of the ones you need at a specific moment isnt the most handy

[@johnjordan3126]

I just got my Milwaukee M18 Hackzall (#2719 bare tool) last month for $119. The others were no doubt discounted as well or value priced in kits. My point is that the pricing component is very fuzzy and I appreciate the lower weighting. And I'm glad to see my choice placed well. Nice job evaluating the saws!

[@alexyu6928]

One more thing on pricing, Milwaukee might be a bit more expensive but the build quality, performance and a 5-year warranty make this tool worth just a little more.

[@shawnlachance4427]

Always love your tool reviews, back in the archive for some older content. Great job Rob and crew!

[@bikeyo]

That Kobalt saw is often included in their kits for crazy cheap. I picked up a 6 tool kit for $199 about a month ago, really needing only 3 of the tools but have been impressed with all of them. For reference, my other tools are Dewalt and Bosch.

[@1dgrdgr]

Even at the current $269, it's a good deal. I really want the omt but don't want another battery platform.... How does the hammer drill work?

[@bikeyo]

@@1dgrdgr It isn't a hammer drill- just a two speed drill with a handle, but it works really well. It has a metal Jacobs chuck and seems well built. The 6 tool kit came with about 10 attachments for the OMT. The soft start, brake and LED impressed me on the circ but I'm also upgrading from an old corded circ. Everything in the kit is brushless so pleeenty of power.

[@1dgrdgr]

@@bikeyo thanks for that. I missed it was not a hammer drill. I still want the omt and the one handed saw. Still tempted

[@bikeyo]

@@1dgrdgr They don't seem to be stocking much of them in stores, so I wonder if they are phasing out the 6 piece. I'd act sooner than later if you want it. Plus they have a 1 year satisfaction guarantee so you can return if it doesn't impress. There's a website called brickseek that'll help you find a store with the 6kit in stock.

[@nathanseguin8860]

Blue all day

[@kentuckybeardsman]

I myself have the Milwaukee and love it but 100% agree with you that the DeWalt is way more comfortable in the hands if they would just up the stroke length and maybe bump up the power just a little bit in the motor they would have a bad mama jama

[@keithparady2594]

Remember the old school saws with the Allen bolt that after a few years they wore out and after a a couple cuts u had to tighten it back up the have come a long ways

[@pete_lind]

You can still get one , Makita JR105 (no idea what its model marking is in USA) , JR103 and DJR183 have the ejecting blade holder . Allen bolt Makita does have the benefit that you can use also jigsaw blades ... if you consider that to be a benefit . Maybe Makita replacement for those older models , is their stubby reciprocating saw .

[@apacheone3643]

I am glad you pick the Milwaukee as I have the 12 volt which is 10 years old and use it almost EVERYDAY cutting hydraulic hoses and fittings including steel 1/4 thick.

[@timkontoulas8024]

Keep up the great reviews! By far the best on KZbin!

[@77.88.]

Try watching Project Farm then tell me who is the best one man Army?

[@thesmalltoolshed4175]

Glad I purchased the kobalt 24 volt 6 piece for $200 when it was on sale..plus you can still get the the set right now for $269 on lowes which is still a great sale

[@josephgibbons4068]

been waiting on this one!! would love too see right angle drills head to head

[@thefingerwitch]

Great job as always guys- Not sure whether I’m more surprised that the Kobalt wasn’t your winner or why Dewalt deserved 3rd! Hehe thanks again for the great info but I have to say platform kinda trumps all for me ... take care out there

[@GuyFromJupiter]

Ergonomics. Kobalt doesn't emphasize them as much as other brands, and most people that plan to use the tools all day long care about that. Price and performance are top notch from Kobalt though.

[@bigowlforest9361]

I have Metabo saw. Works well, no complaints.

[@apa7611]

I got the Dewalt for 99.00 at HD dang good little saw

[@albertvigil6244]

Really good and thorough video. Awesome job!!

[@olivergrein5764]

Very Good Test! Kobalt was very surprising.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Indeed it was

[@ajmedeiros77]

I have been so pleasantly surprised with all my kobalt tools. I use them daily here in the north east and they hold up well. However I still use makita impact and circular saw. I use The 71/4 kobalt cordless miter that won your competition almost daily for the last few years and I am still impressed. Keep up the great work guys! Wicked good stuff 😆

[@nightmaredip]

I’ve had the kobalt for a week, works like a champ 😂

[@nightmaredip]

bikeyo your absolutely right, I’ve been banging drywall screws all weekend. I pick up the saw and it wouldn’t work, I just checked it. I feel like an idiot haha 😂 thanks

[@davidkoeppen3121]

I love mine as well. I have a large Ridgid recip saw and I never use it because the Kobalt one handed works too great!

[@goose3246]

I’m a Milwaukee huge fan, but I would of gave Kobalt the number spot, big suprise

[@DeanTheDoctor]

I think they're all great tools when used respectfully. 😊🌎

[@martylucas8557]

@@DeanTheDoctor, except for the Dewalt Atomic. It’s really not that great of a tool, as there are way too many better choices. I don’t feel Rob was that unbiased with regard to the Dewalt’s performance. It was light weight because it’s motor is too small. Milwaukee is twice the tool. They built in an opposing main gear to assist in mitigating vibration…stuff like that adds weight.

[@joem6359]

The Milwaukee m18 bare tool is $99, and I think it’s the brushless. Maybe not, I’ll check mine tomorrow. I’ve had mine for years tho, and put it thru hell, still works like a champ!

[@joem6359]

My bad. It’s not a fuel. But it’s still a badass hackzall!

[@susantpal]

Great presentation. Categorization and evaluations are tougher than getting an Oscar. Would follow this channel for more such true comparison test results. keep it up.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Wow, thank you!

[@Xavom24]

The testing here was very well done I believe, and helpful. From the data collected for cut times, it looks as if the first on to make a 3000 stroke per minute saw with and adjustable stroke length of 0.75 or 1.00 inches would have the most versatile unit.

[@BiggMo]

So... if you’re paid by the hour, buy Dewalt. If you’re paid on piece work, buy Milwaukie

[@CoasterCrazyy]

But how are you saving money buying an under powered tool that won't last as long? Being cheaper design and under powered you'll have to buy another one way sooner then someone who bought the Milwaukee and would have spent more money with less power the entire time. This was from personal experience with a co-worker, luckily I'm the Milwaukee guy haha

[@FromTheHood2TheWoods]

Ryobi is king

[@noahleek9696]

@@FromTheHood2TheWoods 💀 you're kidding right? Unless you have a drug habit and Ryobi is all you can afford, it's really bottom of the barrel stuff.

[@FromTheHood2TheWoods]

@@noahleek9696 I’ve flipped 4 houses with all Ryobi tools. Never had a single problem with any of their tools. Great value. With Dewalt your simply paying extra for a name and a few seconds faster cuts. It’s all made in China by the same people and materials at the end of the day. But people have ego and want to feel cool so they will pay the high price for the name

[@noahleek9696]

@@FromTheHood2TheWoods Or yk, you get what you pay for

[@shifty277]

You guys, i keep saying it in the comments are going to be the top channel for tool comparisons in the world for the sheer amount of detail you go to. I sincerely hope the manufacturers are sending you the units and that Diablo too are sending out samples! Great job, i always look forward to your comparisons. Do you have any info about when Makita release new 1st and 2nd fix battery nailers? Pretty much their whole range of battery nailers are terrible akin to Milwuakee in their 1st attempt 1st generation nailers. Thumbs up from the UK.

[@shifty277]

@Box Addict not a chance here you can tell by these guys attitude. Those read it from the paper reviews and say nicey nicey things can be seen from a mile off. Steer clear. These guys, tools and stuff and concord carpenter/toolbox buzz are the best 3 channels for power tools on the whole of YT imho.

[@zylent8251]

Always enjoying on this kind of videos.Can you consider putting where units are made, just 2 seconds of video?

[@502deth]

i havent handled many of these specific saws, but in my experience with these brands, i would almost completely agree, i would just put rigid up a step higher. but really, this is a fucking awesome video. it seemed so much more in depth, scientific, and objective (as much as can be from subjective things like feel) than any others. also, the criticisms seemed honest, not like other channels that seem like they are just looking to shit on certain brands they dont like. i usually dont subscribe to a channel unless i see multiple good videos from them, but im making an exception on this one and subscribing after just this one video. thats really how good i thought this review was. cant wait to see more.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Thank you - if you like this test then please check out our other Head-1-Heads here: www.milwaukeetool.com/Innovations/M18-Fuel? All the videos are embedded at the bottom of the reviews.

[@cliffordmontana4562]

I did the “Home Depot hack” and got the M18 Fuel for $90. I also own the brushed version for $45 for jobs cutting roots in the dirt. If the price is the same as Kobalt, I’ll take Milwaukee every day of the week.

[@vasosconstantinou4058]

Have the dewalt as a plumber it’s perfect for cutting pipe in tight spaces

[@FliGuyRyan]

I feel it should be mentioned that Ridgid's warranty is a lifetime warranty for the tool, service, and battery (when bought in a "kit"). The warranty can't be beat. This is when it is purchased from Home Depot and registered on the Ridgid website. I have many of their 18v tools starting with their Gen 5x and they have never let me down. Quality through and through...

[@ajmedeiros77]

It’s not easy to get the stuff warranted and I cannot wait for tools to be mailed in and mailed back etc. I’ve had 2 rigid tools go Up in smoke on me. Never again. Time is money in this business.

[@davidkoeppen3121]

The Kobalt is over 50% less expensive as well as 50% less expensive batteries with an easy 5 year warranty. Ergonomics is relative also when you consider if it has much longer stroke and rpms you will finish each cut sooner so you can relax and adjust your grip instead of still applying pressure and tension. Kobalt is the real winner in this comparison in my opinion. It still will come down to what system you have already invested in. Kobalts limiting factor is still the amount of tools compared to the milwaukee or the makita or dewalt which all have at least 100-250 tools in their lineups. I have most of the Kobalt tools and I like every tool and batteries very much but I also have other platforms to fill out the necessary tool needs.

[@Gabriel16T]

Just found this channel. Awesome how in depth you go.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

thanks

[@DanielGomez-cf6vk]

I have kobalt ridgid and Milwaukee kobalt surprised me too it was really impressive

[@aaronrepper7649]

I have the fuel one-handed sawzall and the fuel two-handed sawzall I find myself using the one-handed one more.

[@huejanus5505]

I have the unfuel model and love that thing. Kind of hoping it breaks so i can upgrade to the fuel model. Can’t see that happening though.

[@suspiciouswatermelon7639]

I have the Milwaukee Hackzall and I love it. I also have the M18 cordless die grinder (for cutting off locks and chains - I steal bicycles for a living).

[@davidusry5048]

Milwaukee #1, hell I could of told you that and saved you a lot of time testing! Good shootout fellas!!

[@FishFind3000]

David Usry I wonder if the m12 Milwaukee will keep up. I have the full-size m18 and the m12 compact model.

[@taylorcarson3835]

FishFind3000 it does. I’ve done side by side (my Brushless) against a coworkers 18v (brushed)deWalt. Spoiler alert: Milwaukee is better

[@AnonMemSoc]

I own Milwaukee m18 *brushed* one hand Recip and it still outperforms the Ridgid 18v. I say mostly on being steady on the cut, as I’ve not actually tested them

[@creekfinds]

All said, I buy my power tool based on convenience of staying in one one platform of batteries/chargers. Mine is dewalt. Sometimes great sometimes ok, but the stated convenience factor wins every time. The only dewalt tool I'm not happy with is the blower. It chews through batteries entirely to fast. The greatest dewalt tool is the garden pruners. My Lord, game changer when it comes to cutting branches.

[@LTDan-pk3mx]

Thanks bud.. Ya'll made up my mind.. I already have the Milwaukee fuels and batteries so its a no brainer... Great educational video!! You guys need a raise!!

[@chadhero37]

No joke, I have the Milwaukee and I have the Craftsman Brushless, the Craftsman cuts twice as fast.

[@chadhero37]

@Clinton Damico don't believe me? Do I need to make a video? The Craftsman has 3200 spm compared to the Milwaukees 3000. It doesn't sound like much, but makes a difference. Milwaukee probably has more torque which would help in super dense/thick wood, but for regular oak type wood (like a stair handrail), the Craftsman is almost literally twice as fast. I just recently upgraded all of my tools from the Craftsman V20 to Milwaukee M18 Fuel. Every Milwaukee too is better and faster, except for the reciprocal saw

[@noskills9577]

The brand new brushless metabo is out next month 😁

[@kaitilulia8022]

I'm happy with my Milwaukee especially using Diablo blades, they also make a big difference instead of other blades

[@gabrielback5615]

Good review, one thing you might try to include is reliability. You would have to gather info from repair shops. Ill be willing to bet rankings would change with this info.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

gabriel back great idea

[@theimprovisedmanfriends204]

I confess, I'm a tool nerd. This video is awesome 👍

[@ConcordCarpenter]

You and me both!

[@supremekizzle]

Doesn't the Ridgid have a orbital mode? I'm pretty sure it's the only one that does.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

supremekizzle yes

[@rtgray7]

Very good video. I will say that pricing should be weighed the same here as any other comparison imo because when you figure battery price, the Kobalt is half the price of Milwaukee. I love the Kobalt one hander but, what's even more impressive is the new XTR recip. Awesome saw.

[@AutotechWoodworking]

I think length of warranty should be taken into consideration along with pricing. A 5 year tool warranty is obviously more desirable than a 3 year tool warranty. In my opinion, the price of a tool that costs more is offset with the 2 year longer warranty.

[@toddfratzel3569]

A couple years ago we tried to incorporate the warranties into our calculations. Guess what? It was a nightmare...everyone has such different warranties on what they cover, different times depending on the part of the tool...we through our hands up and gave up. Yes it's important...but honestly...we live in a disposable world. I can't tell you the last time I sent in a tool under warranty....we buy a new one and keep moving.

[@AutotechWoodworking]

@@toddfratzel3569 I sent in a drill that was a little over four years old for a trigger that was intermittently malfunctioning. The manufacturer sent me an email with a postage paid label to return the drill to them, and they returned it to me with a new trigger installed. I guess most people would have tossed it, but if it's still has warranty left and it's working properly otherwise, why waste the money on a new drill? Especially when I had another, newer drill that kept me from being without a drill while it was being repaired. Disposable world? Maybe some of you, are but I have working cordless drills that I bought around 95 or 96. They're powered by Ni-Cad batteries, and yes, they're slow, weak, and HUGE compared to my Li-ion powered drills, but I still use them once in a while. I recycle, and e-cycle everything, but I will use these drills as long as I can still get batteries for them, or until they no longer work. Many of my ex coworkers have older back-up drills that they use often to keep the batteries from crapping out.

[@anthonyocarroll5630]

Can ask which one will cut tree roots thanks Aussie

[@gibsonmac1981]

Isnt the metabo brushed?

[@Alfredoluna-k9t]

i have about 40 broken Milwaukee hackzalls laying around in my shop. Kobalt last a hell of alot longer then any of these saws from a real world perpective!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

40? What broke?

[@apexcapital1328]

Picked up the M18 FUEL for $160 with a 5Ah battery and bag. You should never pay full price for tools unless you’re in need right away.

[@risingawareness13]

I think I did pretty well getting the 24v Kobalt, a 4ah battery, a 2ah battery, and a charger for $109 + tax. Hard to beat. . .

[@robavis4906]

well based on the evaluation ill go with the makita lol I hope they do come out with a good one. Ive heard there subcompact is good. I really like your head to head videos.

[@rhsking05]

Looks like Kobalt was, hands down, the best of these 6 options. Nice!

[@Darkrider8500]

I don’t know if you covered heat dissipation or cooling efficiency.

[@thomasmorse6692]

Good video and test as usual. I would think what platform you were already using would be a big consideration though.

[@f7730]

Can you do a new comparison now that Flex, Ryobi and Ridgid have a new 1 handed saw. Thanks.

[@TheGothicHangman]

Love the lengths you go to with these comparisons. Though why didn’t you didn’t use a 18V Core battery with the Bosch? You’ve always touted Ridgid as the great underdog since the 5X series came out, they’re great. Amazed about the Kobalt tough, and not amazed about Milwaukee since they invented the Sawzall. Thanks for the fun info, need to check out you’re router comparison next!

[@toddfratzel3569]

When we reach out to each manufacturer we give them the parameters (in this case 5-6 Ah pack) and they decide what to send us.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

I think we did

[@TheGothicHangman]

Noticed it was the pre-Core 6.0 battery...still decent. Found those to run out more quickly in saws through tough materials. Seen every Bosch tool improved by the Core18V even if it wasn’t brushless. Will say the 2 Ridgid 18 gauge nailer I bought for work in New Orleans works even better with the new 3.0 Octane battery. Same with my Ridgid impact it runs better with a 4.0 over the 2.0 battery. Think some tools are just hungrier and do better with more juice.

[@funkybasstrix]

Thanks Rob for the review

[@robhill8197]

I like the idea of adjusting the final scale, but can't see judging ergonomics and performance of tools equally. This was a great demonstration for that. Yes the DeWalt may be a joy to hold in your hand, but it got crushed in the performance category. Finishing 3rd when the performance was WAY worse then the other 4 seems criminal to me. Personally I'd like to see a performance 50% Run time 20% ergos 20% and pricing 10% format. Sadly we didn't get an apples to apples run time calculator here. (Full disclosure the two lines I'm bought into are Dewalt and Milwaukee)

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Rob Hill thanks for your comment

[@informationsponge5697]

Most humans' emphasis on ergonomics is a function of their current age. If you don't get yourself killed during the next ten years, you WILL be ten years older than now, and how much you value better ergonomics will almost certainly be a little or a lot higher. Six decades ago, I was about 20 and I don't recall having much concern about how comfortable using specific tools were. I'm still active enough that alone I pulled trans and swapped clutch in my 7.3 diesel truck last year, yet I have grown to dislike poor ergonomics much more than I like great ergonomics. If using a tool hard hurts me enough to require a recovery period or even feel it the next day, I tend to avoid using that tool in future times. Example- I own Milwaukee 2719 and DeWalt DCS-367, both are single-hand usable reciprocating saws. I'd chainsaw cut some 4-5 inch diameter trees close to ground level but still high enough to catch a mower deck, so using 12" 3-tooth/inch Diablo carbide blade, I used the ~5 pound (without battery) 1-1/8" stroke DeWalt to remove the stumps. It's only failing (in my view) is outrageous vibration when you can't press the guide shoe against some object to absorb vibration. Painful experience, leaving my arm and shoulder tingling and knocking off my dark glasses by carbide cutting through roots and maybe some small buried rocks. Next time for that kind of use I'll use my ~4 pound 7/8" stroke Milwaukee even though it can't cut as fast because it has excellent counter-balancing vibration suppression. That's an example where a bad ergonomic feature, vibration, will control my tool selection for that kind of use even though I own both. In tool selection, I think bad ergonomics is a more important detractor than good ergonomics is as positive factor. It would be fun to see how the 24V Flex FX2241-Z with 1" stroke would compare with this test's saw group. But it was released for sale after this test was performed. It could be tested and then add its test values to each comparison matrix. Flex designers chose to position their battery rearward rather than lower which needlessly extended its length well beyond Milwaukee's ~14-1/2".

[@karenstein8261]

18V isn’t small- go for the 12V models. My full size reciprocating saw sits alone and dusty on the shelf. I have completely supplanted it with my 12V Bosh mini recip or my 12V Milwaukee baby band saw.

[@valerioventura]

Great video! I have a question for a project I'm writing and can't find the answer anywhere. Do you know what model reciprocating saw DeWalt made in 1995-1998? I hope you can help.

[@77.88.]

Who has the best warranty and which one will last the longests under heavy duty use ? Customer care and longevity of trouble free use including battery longevity, I bet Milwaukee will score first place!

[@boskey7209]

Add in the cost of extra batteries, then see how they compare.

[@codyspradling4821]

Kobalt would win that hands down

[@ironpirate8]

Also, what about runtime?

[@codyspradling4821]

I've never really paid attention to the run time when using compact recip saw but i have used the 2ah batteries with the impact driver working at a scrapyard, i used it to teardown a/c units, computer towers, parking lot lamps, and a big blue computer systems that came from a factory. When tearing down a/c units and parking lot lamps I'd be working alongside my coworker who owned and used Milwaukee, by lunch he needed to go get a new battery and i had only used one bar. #kobalttools

[@lani1life]

Thanks for the info I have been looking for a good comparison review.

[@fatherfirefighter7751]

Why no HO battery on the Milwaukee?

[@Rodbuilder109]

Have you seen there are battery adapters. I saw on another youtuber has a video about them.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Lance Bosma yes

[@Rodbuilder109]

@@ConcordCarpenter How are they?

[@lukepodolski8818]

Excellent review

[@richardefriend]

Your analysis overlooked the fact that Ridgid tools and batteries (and no others) have a lifetime service agreement, which needs to be taken into account--especially if you're taking price into account (and even without that). No more replacing expensive batteries for me--ever.

[@waynekeizer5720]

It all comes back to which battery platform are you invested into.

[@ultraorange1]

wayne keizer isn’t that the truth! I’m in team red currently but there are a lot of tools I prefer on other platforms. Makes it a pain in the ass to own both.

[@waynekeizer5720]

Dan Rezaie, right! I have about 17 Milwaukee batteries kinda makes it hard to buy something that doesn’t take those red lithium batteries.

[@4seeableTV]

Exactly. I have many Dewalts, but no one-handed recip saw. The Kobalt intrigues me, but I don't want to have to buy their higher amp battery and charger just to use it. That would add about 120 bucks to the price.

[@hmong_keeb_kwm]

All tools brand have their own limitation. Those that know and can feel tools limitation naturally and can understand what im talking about can work with any brand and get the job done. As the saying go let the tools do the job for you and just hold the tools and glide the tools for the job, not to force the tools to get the job done for you or you will break tools on a consistent base regardless of the brand. I have seen people with cheap Ryobi and have broken many of them to the point of converting and i have seen people with Ryobi and use them for years with out issue. We all have come across these people in life that break many different brand tools regardless what the brand is simply because they dont know how to work with tools to begin with.

[@sickandtiredofcomplaining6574]

A video on SPM, stroke lengths and One handed reciprocation 🤔 maybe I’ll learn something new… Yes I make fart jokes too 🥴😝

[@jcortes3930]

Sick and tired Of complaining let's hear one

[@sickandtiredofcomplaining6574]

Well it’s not a joke but I love telling it…… when I was a kid on April fools day I took a huge tree trunk dump in the kitty litter box and my mother seen it freaked out and tells my father “there’s something wrong with the cat!!! at that point I broke the silence 😂

[@jcortes3930]

Sick and tired Of complaining 💀😂

[@martylucas8557]

Hi Rob, another great head to head test by you and your crew! I agree with all of the evaluations except with Dewalt. Where price is always a factor, it’s trumped by performance. You “usually” get what you paid for...except with the Kobalt. Loyalty has really stepped their game up! With regards to the Dewalt...it’s a dog! I’m not a Dewalt hater, as I own Max XR Drill and Impact, Flexvolt Tablesaw and the XR Oscillating Tool (most awesome by the way!) I own both the M12 Fuel and M18 Fuel Hackzalls. They’re both excellent tools. The M12 is a very capable tool in it’s own tight. I can usually power through most cutting jobs with the M12. Milwaukee has engineered a dual opposing main gear into each of the Fuel Hackzalls, in order to help mitigate vibration. This really helps when performing one handed cuts. AVE did a pretty good tear down with the M12 Fuel. I think he was pretty impressed with the tooling and engineering that Milwaukee put into the newer Hackzalls.

[@djjinerson]

If the Kobalt tied the fuel in performance and was the cheapest how did it not get 1st? We’re the ergonomics that bad? I love my m12 fuel but obviously not as powerful as these that’s why I got a super sawzall 😉

[@lodewijkbergkotte260]

Great overview guys, very helpful! I only miss one factor, to me the most important after performance; durability! How long will this tool last, can i drop it, can it take some rain? I understand that's very difficult to test in a short amount of time... And i have a feeling the discrepancy between Milwaukee and kobalt would rise substantially were this factor involved...

[@toddfratzel3569]

Yes, there's simply no way we can test durability and that's a real issue. I will say this about Kobalt. When their lineup of 24V came out several years ago I put a full set on my crew...guess what? They still use them today! Far surpassing any expectations I had for sure.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

I think so too

[@acampbell2662]

Fantastic video Rob, I subscribed to the channel

[@yonatanbegin1284]

Very helpful video, 👌🏼. Thanks a lot

[@keithclark1863]

Great Head to Head Rob, as always. Keep em coming mate. KMDC.

[@darrinscoilsclouds1498]

FYI that was not cast-iron pipe that was three-quarter Malleable iron pipe

[@josephhluz11]

Will you be doing a in depth review on the Milwaukee 12 Miter Saw anytime soon? +AConcordCarpenter

[@ConcordCarpenter]

yes we have it on the job site now

[@josephhluz11]

@@ConcordCarpenter Looking forward to it!

[@codyspradling4821]

Are y'all going to redo the angle grinder head-to-head if so please include the kobalt angle grinder

[@ConcordCarpenter]

no now

[@АнтонМатаков]

Кто нибудь переведите. Пожалуйста!!! Давно искал сравнение пилы 18 метабо с такой же пилой 18 от деволт. Не могу определится между этими двумя. Что он говорит, метабо или деволт лучше?

[@datsun4x]

I have the makita, it keeps breaking the bolts that hold the head, so it sits in the bottom of the toolbox

[@donalexey]

DeWalt should not be the 3rd considering how poor it's performance compared to others.

[@focusonthefocus]

Ergonomics saves it's yellow butt...

[@jeb5137]

I think this is the problem with scoring on whole numbers vs on a scale. For example, the top 4 in performance were all similar to each other, but the 4th place finishers in those categories got penalized almost as much as DeWalt and Metabo despite being much closer to the number 1. For example in the unistrut tests, a better points distribution would have been something like 1, 1.3, 1.7, 2, 5, 6. This would be more representative of how they performed against each other rather than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Alexey Gerasimov we share how we score so you can make your own decisions on rank and score. Additionally we scaled the score

[@donalexey]

​@@ConcordCarpenter I completely agree with JEB513 here. Your scoring lead to unrepresentative ranking. I think you should listen a little to your viewers and make adjustments to your scoring. For example, 4 very similar tools could be equally good at handling but you still have to assign one of them 3 points more. It is better to be able not give ranking in every category, rater points of how good it performed, for example 10 is the best, so close competition should be 9,5 or 9.0. This way final scoring would be much more representative.

[@jeb5137]

Additionally, I find it interesting that you weighed the subjective ergonomics equal to the objective performance, despite realistically performance being the true tests. Performance can make the ergonomics meaningless if you have to use the most ergonomic product twice as long. Additionally, when you're talking that drastic of a time difference, you may end up chewing through batteries requiring more frequent changes. If you only doubled performance, then the results drastically change: 1 Kobalt, 2 Milwaukee, 3 Bosch, 4 Ridgid, 5 DeWalt, 6 Metabo. I think that would be a more accurate ranking as the first 4 and last 2 are almost 2 different classes of tools (like the DeWalt and Metabo are a lightweight subclass of one handed recips). Also some errors: in performance, you rank them 1, 1, 2,. 3, 4, 5. If two products tie for first there should be no 2nd place. You have Ridgid and Metabo both at $129 but rank them 3 and 4, both should be 3. Neither of these errors change anything though.

[@carolelong2402]

That was great video, Very informative. One question! : What about the warranty ? Any with a Lifetime warranty ? thank you

[@mr.3phase228]

Ridgid has a lifetime warranty, milwaukee has 5 year on tool, 3 year on battery.

[@ajmedeiros77]

Kobalt 5 year warranty batteries and tools. Tough to beat. And it’s easier to claim on the warranty at lowes for kobalt then rigid at depot

[@ZACHPSU1996]

Thanks guys!

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Our pleasure!

[@brenttabarez3342]

Hopefully i get a response but do any of the shoes come off?

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Not at that time

[@FishFind3000]

2 days till premier...... why?

[@ConcordCarpenter]

We just published a video yesterday - we like to spread the content out

[@ConcordCarpenter]

I just moved it up a day - Tuesday

[@AndrewBrowner]

@@ConcordCarpenter spreading the content out is good no rush for it, setting up the premiere announcement isnt necessary if it takes extra work

[@adammosher5818]

Did you try different blades

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Adam Mosher yes we did

[@toddfratzel3569]

If you go read the article you'll see we used several different types in the different cutting tests.

[@scottbionicnerf8727]

I already have a bunch of Ryobi cordless tools. Unfortunately, I don't believe Ryobi has a Reciprocating Saw, which is much easier to say than one-handed- pistol-grip- sawzall. My old Ryobi sawzall is much less controllable one-handed, my buddy's Milwaukee reciprocating saw.

[@cptnomad9415]

It’s a good informative review but can you post the video of the tools in actual use.

[@danielsechrist4410]

Did I miss the installation driver head-to-head?

[@ancientwestonian]

what is an installation driver? 1/4'' impact, 1/2" impact, 1/2" drill, right angle drill?

[@toddfratzel3569]

No...it's not complete yet..we're waiting on the brand new Hilti so we have all the brands that offer one.

[@danielsechrist4410]

@@toddfratzel3569 Sweet!

[@danielduda1074]

Thanks for video !

[@jefferybarnett6056]

The Kobalt wins, so you adjust your scoring to say it's not performance but how it feels in the hand that is most important....oh, crap... Kobalt still still came in second, just getting nosed out by Milwaukee. Adjusting for something that is subjective seems a little rigged to me but whatever. I replaced most of my tools with the 24v max Kobalt system and I couldn't be happier. The dang circular saw never even makes it out of the box cause the one hand recip saw is just a beast and tackles everything I put in front of it.

[@jo9732]

Why don’t saw blade manufacturers put serrations on both sides? Sometimes you want to saw downwards and sometimes upwards.

[@supremekizzle]

"We....saw-r it."- NE accent pun not intended.

[@mr.orim0782]

Milwaukee FTW!!!

[@drfrankenstein4127]

Great review.