Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black,

The Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall is a compact, one-handed reciprocating saw designed for cutting in confined spaces where a full-size recip saw simply cannot fit. Plumbers, electricians, remodelers, and DIYers who regularly work inside walls, under sinks, or in crawl spaces will recognize exactly the problem this tool solves: needing real cutting power with only one hand free and very little room to maneuver.

At the heart of the tool is a POWERSTATE brushless motor. Unlike a brushed motor, a brushless design generates less internal friction, which translates to more consistent cutting speed even when you push into dense or tough material. Paired with a 7/8-inch stroke length, each pass of the blade removes a meaningful amount of material, so cuts that would take many strokes on a shorter-stroke tool wrap up faster here. The one-handed form factor is not just a size reduction; it is a deliberate design choice that puts the balance point closer to your grip, giving you better directional control on awkward angles.

The pivoting shoe is a detail worth paying attention to. It maintains contact with the workpiece as the blade moves, which damps out the bucking and vibration that makes one-handed cutting tiring and imprecise. REDLINK PLUS intelligence adds another layer of refinement: the electronics monitor conditions across the tool, battery, and charger simultaneously, stepping in to prevent overload before damage occurs rather than simply shutting the tool off after the fact.

The main trade-off to know upfront is that this is a bare tool only. No battery and no charger are included, so you need an M18 battery already in your kit or budget for one separately. The listing also does not specify blade compatibility details, variable speed settings, or the tool's weight, so shoppers who care about those specifics will want to confirm them before purchasing.

Verdict: This Hackzall is a strong choice for anyone already invested in the M18 platform who needs a capable, compact saw for one-handed or tight-space cutting. If you are starting from scratch without M18 batteries, factor in that additional cost before deciding.

A great fit if you:

• Already own M18 batteries and want to add a compact cutting tool to the system
• Regularly cut pipe, conduit, or framing in tight or awkward spaces where a full-size saw won't reach
• Need one hand free to brace yourself or hold material while cutting
• Want overload protection built in so the tool handles demanding cuts without manual babysitting

Consider something else if you:

• Do not yet own M18 batteries and want a ready-to-run kit without extra purchases
• Need a full-size reciprocating saw for heavy demolition work where a longer stroke or two-handed control is preferred

Does this saw come with a battery and charger?
No. The 2719-20 is a bare tool only. You will need a compatible M18 battery and charger purchased separately or already on hand.

What is the stroke length, and why does it matter?
The stroke length is 7/8 inch. A longer stroke means the blade travels farther with each cycle, removing more material per pass and speeding up cuts compared to a shorter stroke.

How does the tool protect itself during heavy use?
REDLINK PLUS intelligence coordinates communication between the tool, battery, and charger in real time. It optimizes performance and steps in to prevent overload before the tool sustains damage, rather than simply cutting power after the fact.

Is the shoe adjustable?
The shoe is described as pivoting, meaning it moves to maintain consistent contact with the workpiece. The listing does not specify whether it adjusts to multiple fixed positions.