Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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.

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!!

I've used this for almost a year, from trimming small tress to straight demolition (with the power cut to the building !), and it works great. One use not mentioned yet is skylights. Not having to drag a cord up is good, but using the tool one handed, like a jig saw, with the blade mounted "upside down" is awesome ! It's quick and easy. Just bring an extra battery in your belt. They last a long time, but you didn't know your buddy borrowed it to rough in for some plumbing. You don't want to have to climb back down !

This is probably my favorite cordless recip saw. I love the moving handle ,orbital action and the tooless blade clamp I definitely like it better than the Dewalt and Makita . It beats the original sawzall by a bunch too.Ryobi and craftsman aren't even a consideration. The only one I could possibly like better is the 24v Bosch. It cuts faster and runs longer. But the milwaukee is smaller,more flexible and lighter. I use both almost every day in fire and water restoration. They both have their strengths . I recommend the hatchet very highly.

I have used most of the cordless sawzalls on the market. None, I mean none compare with the smoothness, ease of use, and durability of this saw. This saw is a joy to use and it is apparent that Milwaukee did their homework on its design. If you are going to buy a cordless recip saw, buy this one. The length of stroke is shortened to 3/4" from the 1" on their other cordless sawzall. This makes it more usable on metal and other surfaces. Cant say enough about this product. Adjustable handle enables use in very restriced areas. Love it. Buy it, you will too.

one of the best saws for light demo , when your crawling through a tight space or a long run from an outlet.
I still carry a corded monster for big stuff.

I already have a super sawzall but there are places I need a sawzall where I can't get to electricity (like up in a tree). I bought this saw for the small stuff including pruning small branches, roots, etc.. This is a lot better than having to drag out the chain saw. If you don't need a sawzall very often, this is an excellent quality saw for the homeowner. I have other Milwaukee tools and am very satisfied with them also.

This Saw is the worst tool from Milwaukee that I have ever purchased! It has weak gears in it , as far as I could tell, and have stripped out on me three times so far. They fix it but it strips again eventualy. I will buy another corded sawzall by Millwaukee , those cannot be beat. As for cordless , I just don't know.

I hate to see good or even great products get lousy reviews because of incorrect application or "bad" vendor/Amazon/"customer service" issue, sooo here goes.
Milwaukee Sawzalls are the the premiere reciprocating saws on the market, that said, this one is no different, however, you won't be making tough repeated cuts w/ this saw, it's corded counterpart, or the other smaller corded sawzalls for that matter (3/4" stroke length). This tool accepts 18v NiCad and V18 LiIon battery types, both battery types attach forward or backward. It has orbital and direct cutting actions, furthering an already versatile tool's, utility. This saw is excellent for the serious weekend warrior, "mid-range" Pro-level work or landscaping applications. For heavy demo, framing, cutting etc. Milwaukee V28 Sawzall & 12+ Amp. corded versions are in order (1-1/8" stroke length). The Hatchet is also highly ergonomic in it's pivoting handle design.