The Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL HACKZALL Reciprocating Saw is a cordless one-handed reciprocating saw built for fast cutting, tight access, and better control than a full-size recip saw. This is a one-handed reciprocating saw designed for cutting wood, wood with nails, PVC, plaster, metal, roots, and branches where a larger saw feels bulky. Model 2719-20 is sold as a tool only, so it is aimed squarely at users already running Milwaukee M18 batteries.

What makes this saw matter on the job is the balance between speed and size. Milwaukee pairs a POWERSTATE brushless motor with a 7/8 inch stroke length and a top speed of 3,000 strokes per minute. In practical terms, that means it removes material quickly enough for demo cuts, pipe work, rough openings, and punch-list tear-out, but it stays compact enough to run one-handed when the other hand is busy steadying material or holding position on a ladder.

The one-handed HACKZALL layout is the whole point here. A standard reciprocating saw still has more reach and brute force for big demolition, but it is overkill for a lot of service work. This Milwaukee compact reciprocating saw is easier to maneuver between studs, under sinks, above ceilings, and inside mechanical spaces. If you cut conduit, pipe, strapping, framing scraps, or patch-out openings all day, the smaller body saves effort and lets you work cleaner in cramped spots.

Milwaukee also built in features that make the saw more usable instead of just more powerful. The pivoting shoe keeps the front of the tool planted against the workpiece, which helps smooth out the cut and reduces chatter. The dual gear counter balance mechanism is there for the same reason. Lower vibration matters because it helps the blade start straighter in metal and keeps the tool from fighting you during repeated cuts. That is especially useful on overhead work and when you are reaching into a cavity with limited support.

For blade changes, the QUIK-LOK keyless blade clamp keeps things simple. You can swap reciprocating saw blades without breaking stride, which is exactly what you want when moving from wood to metal or from rough demo to cleaner finish-out work. Milwaukee also includes an LED light for better visibility at the cut line and adds a rubber seal with weep holes to improve protection against water and debris, which makes more sense than it sounds when the tool is living in service vans, remodel sites, and outdoor work.

System fit is another strong reason to buy this saw. The 2719-20 runs on the Milwaukee M18 battery platform, which gives it immediate value for anyone already invested in M18 tools and chargers. Milwaukee positions it within a large M18 system, so this is not a one-off purchase. It is a practical add-on for electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, remodelers, maintenance crews, and general contractors who want a compact cutting tool that shares batteries with the rest of their cordless setup.

If you mostly do heavy demolition, a full-size reciprocating saw may still be the better first buy. But if your work is more about access, control, and quick cuts in finished spaces, this is the kind of tool that gets grabbed constantly. It is best for pros and serious DIY users who need a compact cordless reciprocating saw that cuts fast, handles awkward positions well, and fits into the Milwaukee M18 workflow without adding extra kit.

Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL HACKZALL Reciprocating Saw is the one you grab when a full-size recip is too much

This is a smart buy for anyone on M18 who wants fast cuts and better control in the spots where a standard saw just feels clumsy.

• Who it's for: Plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs, remodelers, maintenance crews, and serious DIY users who need a compact cordless saw for real work.
• Why it stands out: The one-handed layout, brushless motor, 7/8 inch stroke, and lower-vibration design make it far more useful in tight spaces than a big reciprocating saw.
• Worth knowing: This is a bare tool, so you need an M18 battery and charger. If you already have them, this is an easy add because it fills a gap a full-size saw does not.

• Is this a full-size reciprocating saw? No. This is a compact one-handed reciprocating saw designed for tighter spaces and better control.
• What battery system does it use? It runs on the Milwaukee M18 battery platform.
• What materials can it cut? It cuts clean wood, wood with nails, PVC, plaster, metal, roots, and branches, depending on the blade installed.
• Does it have tool-free blade changes? Yes. It uses a QUIK-LOK keyless blade clamp for faster blade swaps.