Milwaukee 6514-21 The Hatchet 18-Volt Ni-Cad Cordless Reciprocating Saw with Pivoting Handle

by Milwaukee

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Anyone who has tried working with a Sawzall in cramped quarters and making cuts in confined spaces will appreciate the Hatchet's multiposition folding handle, which reduces the tool's length to a mere 13 inches. While this is a truly innovative design for a reciprocating saw, the fact that this is also the first cordless Sawzall with a vibration-reducing counterbalance mechanism should not be overlooked. This is a feature many of us have been waiting to see in the cordless Sawzall, and it is especially appreciated in uncomfortably close quarters, where any extra vibration and shock just makes your job more difficult. The Hatchet also has a different trigger configuration than other reciprocating saws. When the handle is folded, it feels like a cordless-drill grip and trigger, and when the saw is extended to its full length, it feels like the barrel grips found on grinders. This trigger setup is great when the handle is folded, but not as ideal when the tool is at its full length and being used like a traditional Sawzall. As with Milwaukee's other Sawzalls, this one features the excellent tool-free blade-changing system that reverses the blade when needed, and it has a fully adjustable pivoting shoe. The Hatchet's tough motor provides 2,700 strokes per minute, comparable to other top-of-the-line cordless reciprocating saws, and the tool uses the same reversible 18-volt Power Plus battery as other Milwaukee cordless tools. This kit comes with the Hatchet, a 2.4 amp-hour battery pack, a carrying case, a universal charger, and two blades. For remodelers, plumbers, and electricians, we think there's no better cordless reciprocating saw available. --Brian Trinen

From the Manufacturer

Milwaukee has taken the reciprocating saw to a new level with the Milwaukee 6514-21 18-Volt Sawzall Hatchet. The 6514-21 features a 6-position pivoting handle, making it the most compact, unique, reciprocating saw on the market. Only 13 inches when fully pivoted, the Hatchet easily fits between 16 inches on center studs and between rafters and joists. The 6514-21 is designed to get into those confined areas that other saws – corded or cordless – can’t reach. It’s the only cordless reciprocating saw that features orbital action, which is perfect for aggressive wood cutting, or just switch it into straight reciprocating action for cutting metals and plastics.

The high torque necessary for tough cutting applications is supplied by the 6514-21’s Milwaukee-built, rare-earth, permanent magnet motor. Producing an impressive 0-2,700 strokes per minute, the 6514-21 cuts up to 85 2x4s on a single charge! The exclusive reversible battery pack, together with a keyless adjustable shoe and 3/4-inch stroke length, makes the 6514-21 Hatchet the ultimate tool for remodeling, general construction and demolition work. The steel Quik-Lok blade clamp accepts universal 1/2-inch shank Sawzall blades without the need of a hex key. The blade clamp will accept blades upside down for close quarter cutting.

The 2.4-amp per hour battery delivers more run time and is compatible with all other Milwaukee 18-volt Power Plus tools. The universal 1-hour charger can be used to charge any Milwaukee Power Plus Battery.

The Milwaukee 6514-21 18-Volt Sawzall Hatchet is an essential tool for HVAC contractors, plumbers, electricians, maintenance workers and remodelers. The Milwaukee 6514-21 18-Volt Sawzall Hatchet Kit includes the Hatchet, 2.4 amp per hour battery pack, carrying case, universal charger and 2-blade pack. Product Features:

• 18-volt, 2.4-amp per hour, Power Plus battery for long run time
• Orbital action selector for aggressive wood cutting or straight reciprocating action for metal and plastics
• Powerful 18-volt rare earth motor easily handles all Sawzall applications
• Cuts up to 85 2x4s on a single charge

Product Details

Product Manual [2.23mb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00005QEW8
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 6514-21
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #131,917 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Handy, handy saw, September 30, 2003

By 

John McQuitty (San Angelo, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Milwaukee 6514-21 The Hatchet 18-Volt Ni-Cad Cordless Reciprocating Saw with Pivoting Handle (Tools & Home Improvement)

I liked the corded 11a orbital Sawzall so much I went out and bought the cordless Hatchet as well. It has proved to be a quality , useful, and very handy tool. The 18v Hatchet also has orbital action which increases it's usefulness, and it is lighter than the corded one. However, if you have major demo work to do, grab the corded Sawzall. The corded Sawzall can't be beat for big, difficult jobs, but this is the one to take when you have a few cuts to make or need to get into a tight space. The battery run time is actually quite good, but it you are in an attic or crawl space, you might want to take a spare battery just to make sure. It can be used one-handed, and the folding handle makes the saw very versatile. I actually find that I use it as much or more than the corded Sawzall, but I wouldn't want to be without the corded one either. Overall, I have been very happy with this quality tool.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The surgical sawzall, February 14, 2004

By 

Christopher Kennel "remodel carpenter" (Denver, CO United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Milwaukee 6514-21 The Hatchet 18-Volt Ni-Cad Cordless Reciprocating Saw with Pivoting Handle (Tools & Home Improvement)

I have an 11 amp corded super sawzall and the Hatchet. For general demolition, the cordless Hatchet cannot compete with the corded sawzall, but there are some situations where the Hatchet excels.

Because it's battery powered, the cordless Hatchet has a much smoother operation (a bit like the difference between a cordless and corded drill). The ultra-smooth and controllable movement combined with the shorter stroke length makes it ideal for delicate situations like cutting around wires, copper pipe, and other stuff that I don't want to nick when remodeling. I also prefer the Hatchet over a corded sawzall for light demolition work like cutting into drywall. The Hatchet makes drywall installation and demolition really fun and easy.

Since it's cordless it's easy to move the Hatchet around, especially in rooms that don't have electrical service yet. It's also my tool of choice for headering off joists on remodel jobs. It can fit between joists that are spaced 16" O.C. and flush cut right through them with the blade facing up. A standard sawzall is too long to do this. The corded version of the Hatchet sawzall would be even better for this application because it probably has more power.

My only complaint with the cordless Hatchet is that it's really difficult to remove the battery (hence the 4 stars, see update below). I don't know if this is a design flaw that affects all 18V Milwaukee products or if my Hatchet is an isolated instance. It's a cinch to remove the battery from my 14.4V Milwaukee drill, though.

For serious use, you'll need at least 2-3 batteries and/or a corded sawzall. As a cordless tool, the Hatchet is great, but don't expect it to be able to handle tough situations.

UPDATE: I have since purchased other Milwaukee 18V tools and have noticed that their battery design has been updated. The battery that came with the Hatchet doesn't release well as I mentioned, but my three newer 18V batteries that I have work smoothly on the Hatchet. So I've increased my rating to 5 stars. The local Milwaukee repair center suggested that I loosen the screws in the battery that wasn't releasing easily. Doing this fixed the problem.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this!!, February 2, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Milwaukee 6514-21 The Hatchet 18-Volt Ni-Cad Cordless Reciprocating Saw with Pivoting Handle (Tools & Home Improvement)

I bought this after agonizing over the Porter Cable combo kit - it was the right choice - the whole combo kit is great including the radio but this is the standout tool. The flexibility is the best thing - it has all the power you would expect but being able to fit into small spaces and awkward spots has been great. I have used the Dewalt and the PC Tiger cordless and would rate Dewalt at the bottom, PC in the middle and this way above the others. Enjoy!!