Milwaukee M12 FUEL Hatchet Pruning Saw

Milwaukee M12 FUEL HATCHET 2527-21 Review
Article: www.toolboxbuzz.com/lawn-garden/cordless-chainsaw/milwaukee-m12-fuel-hatchet-pruning-saw-review/
Purchase Link: www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-6-in-M12-FUEL-12-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Cordless-HATCHET-Pruning-Saw-Kit-with-4-0-Ah-Battery-and-Charger-2527-21/313505705?irgwc=1&cm_mmc=afl-ir-1241174-459920-&clickid=VyTUeox1IxyLRPKwUx0Mo38cUkExWh392x8bQ40
The Milwaukee M12 FUEL HATCHET Pruning Saw was recently released as a super portable, maneuverable, and compact mini chainsaw. Dubbed "The Hatchet," this saw can cut 3” hardwoods, and delivers up to 120 cuts per 4.0 ah battery charge. It's a welcome and certainly interesting addition to the outdoor power equipment [OPE] tool market.
Weighing less than 5 lbs the M12 FUEL HATCHET features a 6-inch Oregon bar & chain. The chain leverages a full-house design with a cutter on every drive link as opposed to every other drive link on a standard saw chain. This full-house design delivers cleaner cuts and less vibration. The tool also features an automatic oiler, easy access chain tensioner, metal bucking spikes, and on-board wrench storage.
M12 FUEL™ HATCHET™ 6” Pruning Saw Kit (2527-21)
6” Oregon® Bar & Chain
Full House Chain
Speed: 5 m/s
Chain Gauge: .043”
Chain Pitch: 3/8” Low Profile
Oiler: Automatic
Easy Access Chain Tensioner
Metal Bucking Spikes
Variable Speed Trigger
Onboard Scrench Storage
Length: 18.49”
Height: 9.12”
Width: 3.76”
Weight: 4.85 lbs w/battery
3-year warranty
CHAIN 49-16-2733
Impression After Using The M12 HATCHET
Three words come to mind, compact, portable, and powerful. The M12 Hatchet is about the strangest and coolest chainsaw I've used yet. First off it's incredibly comfortable to use and feels like an extension of your hand. Hackzall users will understand this right away when they pick it up. It just feels "right" in your hand.
The HATCHET is incredibly comfortable to use and that's mostly because we've been a Hackzall for 5 years or so. It follows the same form factor, except that it has a bar and chain where a reciprocating blade usually resides. The other difference is the top handle guard. Placing your hand here isn't necessary but ensures that you can't slip into the chain thanks to its wrap-around design.
Most of the time we found ourselves operating the saw one-handed (like a Hackzall) and my other hand is stabilizing the tree/branch getting cut. This saw is optimized to cut wood 3" or smaller in diameter so it's easy to hold the branch with your support hand while cutting.
Killer Application
If you're reading this and struggling to see how you might use this beauty of a saw let me present you with some scenarios that I think are the killer applications of this tool.
1.) Camping/trails
This thing is small, light, portable, and capable. Perfect for taking camping to help gather small bits of firewood or clear trails. Clearing/maintaining trails is what we used this saw for mostly. It easily straps to the front fender of a dirt bike so that it's accessible to maintain/clean up trails while out on a ride.
2.) Pruning in your yard
One of the best features of this saw is that it can be used one-handed. That means that you can easily maintain your three points of contact on a ladder while using it. Set your ladder up at your tree, climb up, and safely prune it.
We also used the M12 HATCHET in our yard cleaning up after a storm. This saw has excellent power and cuts fast.
HATCHET Improvements
I know we're not the first to say it but we need this tool on the M18 platform too. Much like the M18 Fuel Hackzall that took like 4 years to come out. We're not disappointed in the M12 power but you have to be mindful to let the tool do the cutting. If this was on the M18 platform, you would gain better performance and run time, but at the cost of additional weight.
The M12 HATCHET sells as a kit for $249.00. The Kit Includes the 6” Pruning Saw, M12™ REDLITHIUM™ XC4.0 Battery, M12™ Charger, 6” Oregon® bar and chain, Scabbard, and Scrench. A bare tool also available (2527-20)
Overall Impression
The M12 Hatchet saw is a cool and strange-looking tool. As a mini- chainsaw is compact, portable, and powerful. We see this tool filling a void in OPE and pro pruning tasks by giving the professional landscaper a small and powerful mini chainsaw to get into tighter spots like in ornamental trees and shrubbery.
#HomeDepotPartner and #THDProSpective

[@lynne7656]

I'll give you another great use for this. I'm a 56yo woman with 6 acres, mostly wooded. I usually have to wait till my husband is in the mood to fire up the chainsaw to cut anything too big for loppers so my projects get delayed. No more! This is easy for me to manage even with smaller less strong hands and he appreciates not having to do it.

[@lim3006]

Had one for a couple of weeks. Used it to prune an old ash tree that is dieing. I’m sure my Neighbors appreciated the fact that I didn’t have to bring out my gas chainsaw like I usually do, especially in the suburbs. Nice and quiet, good battery life, and very compact enough to bring up ladders. I think Milwaukee did well with this addition.

[@Jeffrey_Williams]

That is the perfect application for this tool.

[@foolwithatool2052]

Love how you do reviews after using the tools for a while instead of just first impressions.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Always!

[@robertnott111]

Can’t wait to get one. It looks awesome and I just love the Milwaukee line of yard tools

[@loumonte658]

Overall Milwaukee is on a great path with their m12 line of tools.

[@Jeffrey_Williams]

@Leopold I thought like you at first too... then I used it. I run three different chainsaws depending on application but this little guy still has a place in my lineup.

[@loumonte658]

@Leopold already did my years of being "the tough guy" with big tools. And still use them when need be. But light and compact tools that can get the job done such as when on a ladder repairing rotten wood trim have earned a spot in the work truck.

[@loumonte658]

@Leopold that's a valid point.

[@stefanblack3909]

Most of my tools are Makita, but ive gotten on board the M12 lineup, there is so many times when a smaller lighter tool is the better pick.

[@TheHandystanley]

Already ordered one. It should arrive on Wednesday. Also ordered a 6 amp hour battery for it. As soon as the battery is charged up I will be putting it to work cutting down the stacks of limbs we have piled up. Welcome to Oregon living.

[@davidmatz45]

Excellent review. No fluff, just very straightforward, objective, and helpful. Ordered mine and eagerly awaiting it. Meanwhile, liked and subscribed.

[@993ts]

I bought one on a whim the other day, I might just be the funniest tool I’ve bought in a while.

[@Jeffrey_Williams]

@saetyr I hadn’t tried that application. I can maybe later this week when I get back out to the woods.

[@robertfeliciano5723]

@saetyr Exactly, save lots of money off the Makita chain mortiser. I guess you could McGyver a frame somehow.

[@brenthinkle3352]

saetyr I’ve had the hatchet and been using it for awhile and in my opinion it’s not super precise. It “pulls” when cutting with the tip and top of the bar. I doubt you could use it that way effectively.

[@robertfeliciano5723]

@@brenthinkle3352 You would need to set up some kind of jig to plunge it precisely. Like the way handheld bandsaw blades have a table you can clamp to.

[@ccadama]

@A Concord Carpenter / ToolBoxBuzz. Thanks for the through review of the M12 FUEL Hatchet. I appreciate your suggestions on possible uses beyond what Milwaukee may have thought (for arborists or pro landscapers). I'll have to keep the Hatchet in mind. Is that you and your wingman at 03:00? Great job working together and setting the example of using proper safety gear (PPE in the future). Hope you, your crew, and your families stay safe and well.

[@Jeffrey_Williams]

That's me and my oldest son. We were out maintaining the trails while out enjoying a ride. It was a lot easier to strap the hatchet to my dirtbike than the tripod to film the short bit of B-roll.

[@jabroni6199]

First thing I thought when I saw this was "cool but needs to be on M18"

[@matthewsmith1461]

But is it better than the hacksall with a pruning blade?

[@lim3006]

It certainly cuts faster then the hacksall with the pruning blade. A friend and I did the side by side comparison in an old ash tree.

[@Jeffrey_Williams]

It is much better. The hackzall doesn’t have enough stroke to eject the chips all that well while the chainsaw is constantly pulling the shavings out.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

yes it is

[@matthewsmith1461]

@@lim3006 thanks I actually have the hatchet. Bought it as soon as I could get it here in Canada a few weeks back, but haven’t really used it. So was curious if is was a waste of money since I have the hacksall

[@lim3006]

@@matthewsmith1461 I got mine too. I’m in Ontario, and think that it works well. I think you will also like it.

[@GreatDivideSven]

I just cut a bunch of 2-4 inch tree branches with my 60v dewalt circular. Sometimes I had to cut from the other side to finish it off. Man that was an easy job. I know it's an unfair comparison bc this is 12v, but I wonder how many people will really get a positive use out of this. Fun review, btw.

[@old-patriot4509]

Great review. I just bought one, and I really love it. My first use was as a limbing saw, to remove the upper branches from a large (dead) Russian Olive tree, before I went at the trunk with my Stihl. It will get a lot more use aboard my RZR as a trail clearing tool. With an M12 6.0 Ah battery, I think this saw hits the sweet spot between small and portable, and big, heavy, and bulky. I'm afraid that recreating it for the M18 platform would cause it to fall into the latter category. As for things I would change (you almost got there in your review) that blasted safety switch is doggone difficult to operate. Milwaukee should either lose it, or redesign it.

[@Justin-C]

The M18 is available now, it is heavier (by a pound or more depending which M18 battery you use)... but it also appears to have an easier-to-use safety switch like the one on my M12 Fuel circular saw. I haven't gotten the M12 Hatchet yet (ordered this weekend), but the safety button on it does seem to be the only typical complaint about this thing.

[@jl9362]

Bingo Rob, we need this on the M18 platform. I think we will get it, I just hope it doesnt take as long as the M18 fuel hackzall took to follow the M12 fuel hackzall

[@jewittm]

This thing seems cool, I just don’t know if $180 cool when I already have the fuel hackzall

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Hackzall is fine with a wood / pruning blade

[@robd3061]

I agree that the Hatchet should be M18, since it will likely appeal to those with the M18 Chainsaw and other M18 outdoor tools. Also, while the M12 power looks adequate, the saw does appear to stall at times when cutting larger branches. The Hatchet is a an interesting tool, but I wouldn't buy it. As others have said, a Hackzall does what the Hatchet can do and more. The Hatchet's only real benefit comes when transporting the tool. Its scabbard makes safe storage quick and easy, whereas the Hackzall's blade should be removed then stored somewhere for safe transportation.

[@jonahkaiguam]

Awesome awesome review... just solidified the sell haha... can't wait to buy one of these bad boys

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@smithmal01]

Thanks for providing this content. To me this is a very niche product. Would love to see how well the cutting speed of the new M18 fuel hacksaw compares to this M12 hatchet. I would think you would get much more utility out of the M18 hacksaw vs. the M12 hatchet.

[@Pro1er]

Strangest? The strangest "chainsaw" I own is my Bosch EasyCut 12. While the Hatchet has a lot more power, my Stihl GTA-26 can get into tighter spaces which makes it a better light-duty punning saw. I think because they are not considered "real tools", the Black & Decker Alligator and the Worx JawSaw are not taken seriously, but I have both and they are both absolutely fantastic for cleanup.

[@sladewilson2379]

Not sure i get it? What does this do that an M18 Fuel Hackzall (with pruning) blades won't?

[@sladewilson2379]

@Leopold Lol!!😂😂

[@TheLandBeyondBeyond]

The M12 chainsaw is smoother, quicker, less vibration and less miscutting from vibrating branches. More pleasant and efficient to use. Need both though for pruning, recip for ground work and roots. Recip does leave a neater cut on smaller branches however but it's just not as pleasant to use as the chainsaw for going through multiple branches/logs

[@nelson1tom]

Compare this to the Bosch 12v Mini Cahinsaw (UK/EU only). You can get it off Amazon UK. Or at least I did. Love that thing.

[@Gabriankle]

I second this. Looks like a direct competitor to the Bosch mini chainsaw.

[@old-patriot4509]

That Bosch 12v Mini thing is a joke, right? It's more like a Dremel tool, or oscillating tool than a chainsaw. A chainsaw has to have an actual chain... *that you can sharpen*. How would one ever sharpen the Bosch chain??? You get 3 cuts, then throw it away and buy a new one??? These two tools are in very different leagues. I wouldn't have a use for the Bosch, nor would I spend money on one... even if someone else gave me the money to buy it. I just watched a review of the Bosch, and literally every comment went like this: "Thanks for the review. I was going to buy one, but now I'm not."

[@nelson1tom]

@@old-patriot4509 the chain lasts a decently long time. But they're definitely consumable items. And they're like $35+ to get in the US. Honestly I mostly use them for taking down cardboard boxes and pruning branches. The chain lasted 200+ boxes and a few dozen limbs cut to size. But yeah, it's a novelty. Just a fun one.

[@adamsolomon8346]

It’s available in UK at Adzy’s Goods if anyone is interested, they also ship worldwide.

[@AZsmoothrider]

My folding Silky saw fits in my back pocket and doesn't run out of juice. And I could probably cut quicker than that thing. $35.00.

[@charlestredway8253]

Did he say $249? I’ve got shears that trim trees for $25. I’ll wait for them to make it an M18 before I buy it for $250.

[@MustPassTruck]

Thank You. Wish they had a pole attachment for this. The m18 pole saw is just too dang expensive.

[@steakwilliams4448]

But it can also be a string trimmer, edger and hedger! For additional money of course

[@MustPassTruck]

@@steakwilliams4448$150 for bare m12 chainsaw and $150 for just the pole saw attachment then $230 for the trimmer/power head bare tool. I only have m12 tools.

[@bernardharrell642]

Any idea on how to removed the battery from the saw? I missing the release somewhere

[@old-patriot4509]

Assuming you have genuine Milwaukee batteries; squeeze the black side tabs together and pull. If you are using fake knock-off batteries, I have seen reports where they do not fit like they should, and that could be your problem.

[@marynagy8072]

@@old-patriot4509 I was unable to remove the battery from the display model in the store. The black tabs are too tight. Otherwise this is exactly what I am looking for. I have seen other reviews with this same complaint.

[@brianf9619]

I totally understand , people want the latest and greatest out there and its soo cute , but remember this Is a Real Chainsaw , its Extremely Dangerous, especially to people that have never used 1 before , I think alot of non-professional people should just stick to a reciprocating saw with a pruning blade , there's a Big difference between getting cut by a recip. blade and getting cut by a chainsaw , just my two cents.....Stay Safe ....👍🛠🖖

[@Jeffrey_Williams]

It’s eerie to use at first. You can see in a couple of clips that I consciously move my hand back. Kevlar gloves would be a great investment with this tool.

[@brianf9619]

@@Jeffrey_Williams -- Its only natural to want to put your hand in the front on top of the hand guard , I see it all the time , it's very dangerous, people have to remember to put their hand INSIDE the Guard , you really have to pay attention , you can loose your fingers in a split second, maan I cringe at the thought....Be Safe .....🖖

[@MustPassTruck]

I'm still recovering from my first experience with a chainsaw. Used a compact electric chain one handed. The blade ran up the stick I was holding from the tip of my thumb to my wrist. I was lucky it was minimal damage. Chainsaws are the scariest tool I have ever used.

[@brianf9619]

@@MustPassTruck WoW , you got very lucky , you have to really pay attention when using a chainsaw , I hope your ok ...👍

[@RockMauler]

If this was built with the m18 system you would almost certainly lose the one-hand usage and control. Would reserve the m18 for larger saws. Nice review

[@Syltibob]

So cute.I need one. =D

[@agentorange8530]

Just got it so I can prune and cut some trees around the house. I like it but man does it go through the oil quick. The reservoir is tiny though.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

Good stuff

[@prototype3a]

I want to see a M18 version with higher chain speed and maybe an 8" bar.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

me too

[@brenthinkle3352]

I don’t think that will work as well as we’d like. I own both the 6” M12 Hatchet and the 16” M18 chainsaw. M18 tools are much heavier. One handed operation would be lost and you might as well grab the 16” full size tool with no compromises. I’ve cut small logs much larger than the recommended 3 inches for the hatchet. I’ve cut Closer to 10 inches pretty easily with it by cutting from both sides. Anything more than that and I’d just use the full size M18 tool. The beauty of the hatchet is cutting in awkward spaces, sometimes higher or tight spaces where a full saw is unwieldy and/or unsafe.

[@prototype3a]

@@brenthinkle3352 Makita makes one. It works great.

[@Peter-976]

For $250.00, no way is that worth it. I can buy an M18 Sawzall kit for less than that and cut everything that little chain saw cuts with a regular wood demo blade and more. This M12 chainsaw is just another expensive option for a problem that has already been addressed. Will it sell? My guess is only to the people that have to have every new gizmo that comes out.

[@ebenneserginting514]

Price please?

[@ConcordCarpenter]

click link to the article. Pretty sure I mentioned price - just cant remember now

[@tgsgardenmaintenance4627]

18v out next month! 😁

[@moaski]

Wish it cam in an M18. The M12 batteries don't last.

[@lim3006]

Try it with a 6.0 battery. It does last a while. But keep the bar oil in mind, as it will run out faster with the 6amp. As It was made for the 4.0amp.

[@Jeffrey_Williams]

@@lim3006 she definitely has a heavy oiler.

[@lim3006]

@@Jeffrey_Williams it does. Pretty good for a small saw though.

[@74beeper97]

Cool but needs to be M18

[@Liam-ql7tr]

yes M18 at least! You hit it on the nose

[@orijimi]

It's pronounced Or-ih-gun, by the way.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

thanks

[@slobodanc]

TBH M12 is perfect for this tool. M18 combined with bigger motor would just add too much weight. Consider that M12 4Ah has more energy then small M18 2Ah. Only M18 4Ah would actually provide more energy at which point you are adding a lot of weight. Using this one handed means that every extra pound counts. Which is pretty much standard since you have to stabilize smaller branches with the other hand. No M12 is perfect. You just can't push hard, lean into it like bigger chainsaw. Just needs more time and patience.

[@andrewpinson4360]

Comparing it to other like minded tools gives us an idea of how good it might be, otherwise all you end up with is a shop full of free tools and we are left confused.

[@irmaztamal21]

The chain look too big for it size I still prefer Stihl MS120c with slimmer chains.

[@elendil354]

Thats one evil looking tool. I wonder how many fingers, gallons of blood or lives it will claim...

[@Jeffrey_Williams]

I was pleasantly surprised it doesn’t have a secondary safety up in the guard area that would ensure two-handed use ( like they have on the M18 bandsaw). It’s weird at first and I had to remind myself to keep my other hand away while cutting.

[@elendil354]

@@Jeffrey_Williams Well thats great! Then it can be used "akimbo"! (one in each hand) :D

[@philipdove1705]

I hope Milwaukee makes a compact 12" - 14" 1 hand operated arborist m18 saw

[@1974jrod]

I honestly think a tool like this in m12 is pointless. Should be m18.

[@robertsantos4128]

if you can't can't cut a 3-inch branch you're self. you need MONEY or ALEXA

[@matthewperic2789]

Chur

[@orenfharris]

Found your channel a few months ago, and had some hope for it. The fact that you didn't do reviews on longevity worried me a bit, especially as you rated tools that just fall apart highly, but this last round of paid content from milwakee has really bothered me. At least put a note in the title, or a word at the beginning that it is paid advertising not regular content. Milwakke was first aquired in 1975 by another company and has only ever been getting worse in the subsequent three sales of the company. Also, since it is currently owned by the Hong Kong based congolmerate TTI, shouldn't it be named Hong Kong M12 FUEL Hatchet?

[@ConcordCarpenter]

longevity is tough to do when your reviewing tools professionally

[@orenfharris]

@@ConcordCarpenter Do you mean professionally as in when you do it for a living like an orginiazation like Consumer Reports does, or does professionally mean in this case when you are paid to review certain tools? You have made some really ingenious little jigs for some things like your drill reviews; I can imagine you and your team could probably make some similar ones to test longevity. Say continously running tools under some level of load, even if it was just for a week (168 hours), and say cycled it on and off once an hour, it would be a very good indicator of the differnce between a home gamer and a professional tool at a minimum, no? Battery tools you could just run off of variable power supplies for testing and do seperate battery tests.

[@Jeffrey_Williams]

Just an FYI, TTI is based out of Hong Kong but all of Milwaukee's management and most employees are based right in Wisconsin. Additionally, TTI is a publicly traded company (as are most tool companies) so you or I (or anyone from anywhere) can own a stake in them.

[@orenfharris]

@@Jeffrey_Williams but why would I ever want to buy stock in them, given the current quality, ignoring the greater risks in trading in foreign markets? I don’t care where they headquarter management, but what their intents area, and where they build their tools and to what quality standards. When they keep on being sold over and over again and the quality becomes worse each time it becomes abundantly clear the goals are profits for that quarter, and not dependability. I guess if I thought they were really gonna sucker some people in one quarter I could buy some stock and sell it before all the tools break again, but I just can’t bring myself to be that low. I would rather just buy tools that are made in countries that pay a living wage to their employees, and that can afford to buy the tools they make.

[@ConcordCarpenter]

@@orenfharris that’s a great idea! Who would help us do that? That would take up valuable shop space and considerable time. Would you be willing to switch from FREE content to paid? Say pay a Patreon or other support fee to help us sustain that?

[@Ge-Fat]

you know the feeling when something aint right ? you guessed it, this video is baloney