Tool Box Buzz

Milwaukee M12 FUEL HackZall (Model 2520-20) Packs a Powerful Punch

Milwaukee M12 FUEL HackZall

5/5

Manufacturer: Milwaukee
Model number: 2520-20
Power source: M12 Battery
Weight: 4.1 lbs

A little over a year ago, I was given the opportunity to be the Facilities Manager of a 34-year-old movie studio turned TV studio. The building is like my baby, but she requires a lot of tender love and care and a significant amount of upkeep. We’ve moved the marquee, re-done dressing rooms, re-routed plumbing, torn out walls, and much more to keep the building updated and in shape for the projects that go on here every day, and having the right tools on hand is essential for getting all the many jobs done on schedule and on budget.

Studio – Facilities Manager

I shot a video showing some of the many ways I love this tool. Take a look if you want to see my thoughts.

Great for plumbing work including tearing out this shower pan

Features of the Milwaukee M12 FUEL HackZall

Compact Weight and Size

While they team at Milwaukee have named this tool the M12 HackZall, it’s really a smaller, compact SawZall. At just 13 ¼” and a bit over 4 pounds, it’s the perfect tool for getting into tight spots where larger recip saws just won’t go. Plus, the design of the tool makes it very balanced. The size / weight ratio it the right combination to avoid fighting the tool when using it.

Lightweight for using on a ladder and compact for tight spots

You can use the Milwaukee M12 FUEL HackZall with one hand when needed, but when 2 hands are needed, the tool allows for that as well.

Use with one hand or two if extra force is needed

Battery Indicator Light

I know we all got along before battery indicator lights came into existence, but what a better world it is with them. The lights on the M12 FUEL HackZall have proven to be very accurate, so I always know whether it’s good to go on my next trip up the ladder, or up in a lift, or whether to change out the batter before heading up.

Accurate battery indicator light

Tool Protection

Tools are getting smarter and smarter every day and the technology inside is getting better and protection the tools so that you can use them longer. The overload protection inside the M12 HackZall will shut the tool down if you put a bit too much strain on the motor or the battery.   While those of us who need to work on our patience might find this to be a pain in the short run, in the long run it saves both time and money.

LED Light

I was shocked at how well the LED light on the front of the tool actually worked. I had no trouble working in dark spaces and seeing the task that was in front of me.

Bright LED work light

Milwaukee M12 Lineup of Tools

Just as with any other tool in Milwaukee’s M12 Lineup, you can interchange any of the 4.0ah or 2.0ah batteries.   Personally, I prefer the 4.0ah battery with the flat base, but they all work.   The same batteries work for 60+ tools whether they are FUEL or not.

4.0ah battery

Overall Thoughts

I’ve become a big fan of the red tools over the last few years. And this has become another one of my favorites. I don’t think you’ll have any reason to be disappointed in this tool. Milwaukee puts a lot of time and money into research and development and the innovations they’ve come up with in the last few years are proof of that.   I’ve already used this tool on at least a dozen different projects around the studio and I don’t plan to put it down anytime soon.

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