Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821-21

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Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall Gen 2 – What’s New?

Milwaukee M12 FUEL Sawzall 2821-21

4.5/5
Manufacturer: Milwaukee
Model number: 2821-21
Price: 319.00
Power source: M18
Weight: 8.4
One of the most widely used power tools in the construction industry would be the reciprocating saw. The first reciprocating saw was introduced by Milwaukee in 1951 with their SAWZALL® Reciprocating Saw.

Today, over 69 years later, we find the industry filled with full-size cordless reciprocating saws used on millions of projects on a daily basis. Users include demolition contractors, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, mechanical contractors – in both residential and commercial industries. Next to the drill, we can’t think of a power tool that touches so many different trades.

The Milwaukee Sawzall has had such an impact on the industry that it is now considered an eponym or household term. Think – Kleenex, Xerox, or even “Google it!”

The Sawzall is now a name used to refer to any brand reciprocating saw.


What’s Different On This Gen 2 Sawzall

Lots of tool companies solicit feedback from their users and service center. Milwaukee takes it to the next level by going to the job sites and seeking feedback for their quest to provide performance-driven and trade-focused solutions with their tools.

The upgrades made to the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821-21 were a direct result of user feedback.

When I picked up this saw, the first thing I noticed was that it felt lighter, Milwaukee shaved a ½ pound off the tool but still beefed up common wear areas, while reducing weight in other areas. The second thing was that Milwaukee added more rubber over-mold on the saw which helps with vibration and long term grip.

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821-21 still has a brushless motor that provides the same 3,000 SPM but Milwaukee increased the stroke length1-1/4 inch. While 1/8-inch doesn’t seem like much this saw does cuts nail embedded wood, black pipe, and conduit faster.

Milwaukee improved the slider-crank mechanism better protecting it from water and dust ingress. This improvement was a result of direct feedback from users complaining that when cutting water-filled pipes their saw clamp and crank mechanism would get wet and the mechanism would eventually rust or seize. Water ingress and corrosion are common to the reciprocating saw landscape including all major competitors. The improvements Milwaukee made in this area can be viewed as an upgrade over existing reciprocating saws regardless of brand.

I can attest that on my older Sawzall the blade clamp sticks and is difficult to actuate, and the blade guard lever has broken off. Milwaukee replaced key parts of the blade clamp with stainless steel, for better wear and corrosion resistance.

The battery connection also has been reinforced battery with metal for improved durability and battery retention over the life of the tool.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821-21 Specifications

M18 FUEL™ SAWZALL® Reciprocating Saw (2821-22) – replacing 2720

  • 3000 SPM
  • 1-1/4” stroke length
  • Adjustable Shoe
  • Anti-Corrosion Blade Clamp
  • Rafter Hook
  • LED light
  • Weight: 8.4 lbs (6.8 lbs bare tool)
  • 5-year warranty

Pricing

You can expect to see this saw in November 2020. The price on this saw ranges depending on the kit.

  • 2821-20 ($199) Bare Tool
  • 2821-21 ($319) One 5.0 ah battery
  • 2821-22 ($419) Two 5.0 Ah batteries.

M18 FUEL™ SAWZALL® Reciprocating Saw w/ ONE-KEY™ (2822-22) – replacing 2721

  • 3000 SPM
  • 1-1/4” stroke length
  • One-Key™ Connectivity
  • Adjustable Shoe
  • Anti-Corrosion Blade Clamp
  • Rafter Hook
  • LED light
  • Weight: 8.4 lbs (6.8 lbs bare tool)
  • 5-year warranty

Pricing

  • 2822-20 ($259)
  • 2822-22 ($469)

Overall Impression of the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821-21

69 years ago Milwaukee released the first SAWZALL and a legend was born – today, this saw is still a Jobsite trailblazer. All I can say is the Sawzall just keeps getting better with age!

Check out the new Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821-21.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821-21 Video Review

About the author

Rob Robillard

Robert Robillard is a remodeler, general contractor, and principal of a carpentry and renovation business located in Concord, Massachusetts, and serves as the Editor of Tool Box Buzz and founding editor of A Concord Carpenter . Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review - Tool and Product Review - Video Channel, , where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the remodeling industry. The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

http://www.aconcordcarpenter.com/@https://twitter.com/robertrobillardRob Robillard

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1 Comment

  1. Jon Williams

    Hello,
    Wondering if you guys have thought about a battery powered needle scaler? I dont know if it would use too much power of what but it sure would be handy…

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