Good tools make those interesting chores a lot easier, and boy have we found an interesting that that just might be really good. Milwaukee has introduced their cleverly named Hackzall, and the best way to describe it is by calling it a small reciprocating saw. The one handed Hackzall is driven by a 12 volt motor and manages 3,000 strokes a minute, all in a 2.6 pound 11 inch package.
As in a full size reciprocating say, the blade moves in an oval shaped cutting motion, so you probably know how to use the blade. In order to make the unit smaller the drive motor has been turned ninety degrees instead of being inline as in a full size saw. The unit can accept a full size reciprocating saw blade in a pinch, but Milwaukee sells smaller and thinner blades designed for the saw. The special blades allow for a thinner, easier cut, which gives you the most DPC (destruction per charge – not a real acronym, but I really think it should be a rating on most power tools). With the designed blade, battery life is rated at 80 cuts through 1.5 inch PVC.
Milwaukee is supporting the new tool with new blades to be released later for ceramic work and ducting, with the standard blade rated for service with wood, PVC and Metal. In other words, right out of the box you can get down to some serious one handed destructive business, and that has got to be a good thing. Street price is expected to be in the $180 – $200 range.
