Sawzall Vs Reciprocating Saw – What’s The Difference?

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Having the right saw in your toolkit is like having the right spanner in the ute, you can’t get the job done without it. Whether you’re knee-deep in a plumbing reno, swinging a hammer on a construction site, or just giving the backyard shed a facelift, a good cutting tool isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a must.

Not all reciprocating saws are the same, and they are an entirely different cutting tool from a Sawzall—especially when it comes to cutting straight and accurately with the right technique.

If you’ve ever tried to buy one of these beasts online, you’ve probably fallen down a rabbit hole of confusing product names. Type “Sawzall” into a search bar and you’ll get a flood of reciprocating saws. Are they the same thing? Sort of. Are there differences worth knowing before you chuck one in your cart? Absolutely.

Let’s break it down in this blog, so you don’t end up with the wrong weapon for the job.

Differences Between A Sawzall And A Reciprocating Saw

Here’s the short version before you nerd out. Every Sawzall is a reciprocating saw, but not every reciprocating saw is a Sawzall.

Think of it like this, every square is a rectangle, but not every rectangle is a square. Sawzall is a brand name, Milwaukee’s to be exact. They came up with the name back in 1951 and, like any good nickname, it stuck harder than plumber’s putty.

Strip away Milwaukee’s trademark red paint and their clever little extras, and what you’ve got is a good old reciprocating saw. Same back-and-forth blade action, same appetite for demolition. The Sawzall just happens to wear a Milwaukee jersey and comes with a few design tweaks that made tradies sit up and take notice.

So when people throw around “Sawzall” to mean any reciprocating saw, they’re not totally wrong, but it’s a bit like calling every vacuum a Hoover. It’s become shorthand for the whole category, even if there’s more than one player in the game.

Sawzall Saws

Milwaukee launched the first Sawzall in the early ’50s and basically rewrote the rulebook on powered demolition. Until then, getting through thick timber or stubborn metal meant a lot of arm power and plenty of swearing. The Sawzall changed all that.

The classic corded model quickly earned cult status. A big reason? The QUIK-LOK Blade Clamp. This little invention lets you swap blades without faffing about with extra tools. Less time hunting for a hex key, more time actually cutting.

It wasn’t just about convenience, either. The Sawzall’s lightweight clamps and variable speed control meant you could chew through thick materials, wood, pipes, even bits of metal, without breaking a sweat. For plumbers and sparkies, it was like moving from a rusty old handsaw to a jet engine.

Because the name caught on so hard, heaps of people now call every reciprocating saw a Sawzall, even when it’s made by someone else. It’s the Hoover effect all over again. But remember, Milwaukee still owns the trademark, and their versions keep evolving with better ergonomics, anti-vibration features, and cordless options that rival the power of the old-school corded beasts.

Their batteries are designed to work across Milwaukee’s full tool range, so you can swap power packs between your drill, impact driver and Sawzall without breaking stride. Handy when you’re juggling jobs on site.

Reciprocating Saws

Now let’s talk about the bigger family, the reciprocating saw itself. Picture the classic back-and-forth motion of a hand saw, then strap it to a motor and add a serious dose of grunt. That’s your reciprocating saw.

These workhorses are the ultimate demolition tool. Timber, metal pipes, fiberglass panels, stubborn nails, bring it on. Pair it with the right blade and you’re laughing. Blade lengths range from three to twelve inches, and you’ll see blade ratings in TPI, that’s teeth per inch. Low TPI (around 6) is great for ripping through wood fast. Higher TPI (10–12) gives you finer control for metal or plastics.

Reciprocating saws are measured in SPM, or strokes per minute, basically how many times the blade travels in and out per minute. More SPM means faster cuts, but you’ll need a steady arm to keep things straight. That’s where modern anti-vibration tech and variable speed triggers come in. Dial the speed up or down depending on whether you’re delicately pruning tree roots or bulldozing through a steel pipe.
Corded models deliver endless power (until the site sparky trips over your extension lead). Cordless models, powered by today’s beefy lithium batteries, are no slouch either, and perfect when you’re miles from a powerpoint. Many brands design their batteries to swap across their whole tool range, so one charger can keep your entire kit ready to roll.
Because reciprocating saws are about controlled chaos rather than perfect precision, don’t expect furniture-maker accuracy. But for rough cuts, tight spaces or awkward angles, nothing beats them. A steady stance and a bit of practice is all you need to keep the blade on track. And if you really need more control, guard attachments and guide shoes help keep cuts cleaner and safer.

Everyday Uses You’ll Actually Care About

Why does any of this matter if you’re not a tool nerd? Because reciprocating saws, Sawzall or otherwise, are ridiculously versatile.

• Cutting old copper or PVC pipes in cramped spaces is their bread and butter. No more hacksaw blisters.
• Ripping through timber frames, nails, or decking boards? This is your wrecking ball, without the Miley Cyrus soundtrack.
• With a pruning blade, they’ll take down thick branches faster than you can say “chainsaw who?”
• Need to trim that stubborn bit of fencing or slice through a rusted bolt? Grab the reciprocating saw and play hero.

That versatility, plus a growing lineup of blade types, makes them one of the few tools every tradie and serious DIYer should own.

Picking The Right Saw For Your Work

So how do you choose between a Milwaukee Sawzall and any other decent reciprocating saw? It comes down to what you value:

• If you’re already running Milwaukee gear, the Sawzall makes sense. One battery platform, one charger, less hassle.
• Look at the features like variable speed control, anti-vibration, and quick-change blade systems. Milwaukee’s QUIK-LOK is still a winner, but other brands have caught up.
• Quality reciprocating saws exist at every price point. Decide if Milwaukee’s premium touches are worth the extra coin.

Whatever you pick, match the blade to the job and keep those blades sharp and lubricated. A well-maintained blade isn’t just safer, it cuts faster and cleaner, saving you time and sweat.

Summary

Here’s the wrap-up. Sawzall is Milwaukee’s trademarked take on the reciprocating saw. It’s a reciprocating saw with a famous name and some clever Milwaukee engineering, but at the end of the day it’s still part of the same family.

Need raw cutting power for timber, logs, fiberglass or metal pipes? Any good reciprocating saw will deliver, whether it says Milwaukee on the side or not.

If you like the idea of Milwaukee’s heritage and battery-sharing ecosystem, grab a Sawzall. If you’re chasing a sharp deal or already invested in another brand, plenty of reciprocating saws will chew through the same materials just as happily.

Determine which qualities are the most essential to you, and then go to work on improving those areas—starting with proper blade lubrication to maintain top performance.