5 Best 12V Max Reciprocating Saws, Compared

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You want the best overall balance for DIY Milwaukee 12V Hackzall Saw Kit It weighs 2.62 pounds and offers a solid speed-to-weight ratio for general tasks.
• You need a compact saw for tight spaces Milwaukee M12 Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit This premium model is designed for portability and light-duty cuts in confined areas.
• You already own M12 batteries and want a budget tool Milwaukee M12 12V Hackzall Tool This bare-tool saw fits existing M12 owners and includes a fuel gauge.
• You need a lightweight 3-tool set for compact power Bosch 12V Max 3-Tool Combo The kit weighs 2 pounds and includes a drill, light, and reciprocating saw.
• You require a pocket saw for overhead cuts Bosch PS60 12V Pocket Reciprocating Saw This bare-tool model weighs 2.2 pounds and is built for tight or overhead spaces.

Our 5 picks

1 Best overall

Milwaukee 12V Hackzall Saw Kit

Best for: General DIY cutting tasks

Voltage

12V Max (what this guide is about)

Power Source

12V

Stroke Length

1/2 in.

Strokes Per Minute

0-3,000 SPM

Battery Included

Kit with battery and charger

Battery Capacity

12V LITHIUM-ION

View on Amazon: Milwaukee 12V Hackzall Saw Kit Affiliate link

This Milwaukee 2420-21 kit delivers 0-3,000 strokes per minute with a 1/2-inch stroke length. It weighs 2.62 pounds and uses a QUIK-LOK universal blade clamp. The package includes a 12V battery and a 30-minute charger. It suits users who need a durable, variable-speed tool for standard cutting tasks.

Pros

• Variable speed trigger for control
• 0-3,000 SPM speed range
• QUIK-LOK universal blade clamp
• Includes 12V battery and charger

Cons

• Heavier at 2.62 pounds
• Single 12V battery capacity
• No remote or app control

Good fit if

• You need a reliable 12V saw
• You want a complete kit with charger
• You prefer variable speed control

Skip if

• You need a lighter tool
• You require a brushless motor
• You want a compact pocket saw

Verdict: Milwaukee 2420-21 12V Hackzall Kit offers a solid balance of speed and weight for general use. It fits DIYers who value included accessories over ultra-compact design.

2 Also great

Milwaukee M12 Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit

Best for: Compact 12V cutting in tight spaces

Voltage

12V Max (what this guide is about)

Power Source

M12 12v

Battery Included

Kit

Included Tools

Reciprocating Saw

Dimensions

15 × 9 × 5 inches

View on Amazon: Milwaukee M12 Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit Affiliate link

This Milwaukee M12 Fuel kit includes a 12V Max reciprocating saw and battery. It measures 15 inches long and weighs 9 inches wide. The tool is designed for precision work in tight spaces. You get a compact profile that fits into confined areas. It suits users who need a portable saw for detailed cutting tasks.

Pros

• 12V Max M12 Lithium-Ion power source
• Includes battery in the kit
• Compact 15-inch length for tight spaces
• 5-inch height for maneuverability

Cons

• No brushless motor mentioned in specs
• Single tool included in the set
• 12V voltage limits heavy-duty cutting

Good fit if

• You need a compact saw for tight spaces
• You already own M12 batteries
• You require a lightweight tool for overhead work

Skip if

• You need high power for thick materials
• You want a brushless motor for longer life
• You prefer a larger 18V or 20V platform

Verdict: Milwaukee M12 Fuel 12V Reciprocating Saw fits users who prioritize compact size and portability over raw power. It is ideal for light-duty cuts in confined areas where a larger saw cannot reach.

3 Best budget

Milwaukee M12 12V Hackzall Tool

Best for: Existing M12 battery owners

Voltage

12V Max (what this guide is about)

Power Source

12-Volt

Tool Weight

2.14 pounds

Tool Length

10 inches

Variable Speed Trigger

Variable-speed trigger

Included Tools

Reciprocating Saw

View on Amazon: Milwaukee M12 12V Hackzall Tool Affiliate link

This is the Milwaukee M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion HACKZALL cordless reciprocating saw. It weighs 2.14 pounds and measures 10 inches in length. The tool accepts both HACKZALL and SAWZALL style blades. You get a variable-speed trigger for controlled cutting. A battery fuel gauge shows remaining run time. This kit includes the saw only, with no battery or charger.

Pros

• Accepts both HACKZALL and SAWZALL style blades
• Variable-speed trigger allows for controlled cuts
• Battery fuel gauge displays remaining run time
• Compact 10-inch tool length

Cons

• Sold as a tool-only unit without battery
• Heavier than the Bosch PS60 at 2.14 pounds
• No included charger or storage case

Good fit if

• You already own M12 batteries
• You need blade versatility for different cuts
• You want a compact reciprocating saw

Skip if

• You need a complete kit with battery
• You prefer a lighter tool under 2 pounds
• You want a pocket-sized design

Verdict: Milwaukee 12V Hackzall Tool-Only Saw fits users who already have M12 batteries and need a versatile blade-compatible saw. It offers a fuel gauge and variable speed control in a compact 10-inch body.

4 Best premium

Bosch 12V Max 3-Tool Combo

Best for: Users needing a lightweight, compact 3-tool set

Voltage

12V Max (what this guide is about)

Power Source

12V Max

Strokes Per Minute

0-3,000 SPM

Battery Included

2 batteries and charger included

Battery Capacity

2.0 Ah

Tool Weight

2 pounds

View on Amazon: Bosch 12V Max 3-Tool Combo Affiliate link

This Bosch 12V Max kit includes a drill/driver, a pocket reciprocating saw, and a work light. It comes with two 2.0 Ah batteries and a charger. The reciprocating saw weighs two pounds and reaches 3,000 strokes per minute. The drill offers 265 inch-pounds of torque. This set suits users who need a balanced, lightweight package for overhead work or tight spaces.

Pros

• Includes three tools: drill, saw, and light
• Reciprocating saw weighs only two pounds
• Reaches 3,000 strokes per minute
• Drill provides 265 inch-pounds of torque
• Comes with two 2.0 Ah batteries

Cons

• Battery capacity is only 2.0 Ah
• Chuck size is limited to 3/8 inch
• No variable speed trigger mentioned for saw

Good fit if

• You need a lightweight saw for overhead tasks
• You want a complete three-tool starter set
• You work in tight spaces requiring compact tools

Skip if

• You require high-capacity batteries for long runtime
• You need a larger 1/2 inch drill chuck
• You prefer a single-tool reciprocating saw only

Verdict: Bosch 12V Max 3-Tool Combo is a balanced kit for users needing compact power. It fits those who prioritize lightweight handling and a complete tool set over raw battery capacity.

5 Also great

Bosch PS60 12V Pocket Reciprocating Saw

Best for: tight spaces and overhead cuts

Voltage

12V Max (what this guide is about)

Power Source

10.8-12V Lithium-Ion

Strokes Per Minute

0-3,000 spm

Battery Included

Bare Tool

Tool Weight

2.2 pounds

Tool Length

11 inches

View on Amazon: Bosch PS60 12V Pocket Reciprocating Saw Affiliate link

The Bosch PS60 is a compact 12V Max reciprocating saw designed for tight spaces. It measures 11 inches long and weighs 2.2 pounds. The motor delivers 3,000 no-load strokes per minute. It includes one metal and one wood blade. This bare tool suits users who need a lightweight option for overhead or difficult cuts.

Pros

• Compact 11-inch length for tight spaces
• Lightweight 2.2-pound tool-only weight
• 3,000 no-load strokes per minute
• Rubber-like boot protects internal parts

Cons

• Sold as a bare tool without battery
• Lower stroke speed than 3,500+ spm competitors
• Limited to 12V Max power class

Good fit if

• You need a saw for tight spaces
• You already own 12V Max batteries
• You want a lightweight tool for overhead use

Skip if

• You need a complete kit with battery
• You require maximum cutting power
• You prefer a full-size reciprocating saw

Verdict: Bosch PS60 12V Pocket Reciprocating Saw fits users who already own 12V Max batteries and need a compact, lightweight saw for tight or overhead spaces.

Specifications side by side

How to choose the right 12V saw

1. Check the total tool count

   You should verify how many tools are included in the kit before purchasing. The Bosch 12V Max 3-Tool Combo offers a drill driver, work light, and reciprocating saw. This setup provides more value if you need multiple devices. Other options, like the Milwaukee 12V Hackzall Saw Kit, focus on the saw alone. Decide if you need a complete set or just the cutting tool. A higher count means more utility but also a larger case. Match the count to your current inventory and future project needs.

2. Verify voltage compatibility

   All models in this list use 12V Max power. This standard ensures you can use existing batteries if you own the brand. The Milwaukee M12 12V Hackzall Tool is sold as a bare tool. This means it does not include a battery. You must already have compatible M12 batteries to operate it. Check your current battery lineup before buying a tool-only version. This approach saves money and keeps your workflow consistent. Ensure your batteries match the voltage rating of the new saw.

3. Evaluate physical dimensions

   Look at the length, width, and height specifications. The Bosch PS60 Pocket Reciprocating Saw measures only 2.5 inches wide. This compact design fits into tight spaces and overhead areas. The Milwaukee M12 Fuel model is also designed for confined areas. Larger saws may offer more power but less maneuverability. Measure the space where you plan to work. Select a model with dimensions that allow easy access. A smaller footprint helps you cut in crowded corners safely.

4. Assess weight for comfort

   Weight affects your fatigue during extended use. The Bosch 3-tool combo kit weighs just 2 pounds. This is the lightest option on the list. The Milwaukee M12 Tool-Only Saw weighs 2.14 pounds. The Milwaukee Hackzall Kit is slightly heavier at 2.62 pounds. Choose a lighter saw if you will use it overhead. Heavier units may feel more solid but cause arm strain. Compare the pound ratings to find your comfort limit. Balance weight with the power you actually need for the job.

5. Review included accessories

   Check what comes in the box with the saw. Some kits include batteries, chargers, and cases. The Milwaukee 12V Hackzall Saw Kit is a complete package. It fits users who value included accessories over a bare tool. Other models are sold as tool-only units. You must buy batteries and chargers separately. Determine if you need a ready-to-use kit or a bare tool. A complete kit is better for beginners. A bare tool is better for existing users with spare batteries.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best power tool combo kits under 200
• best power tool combo kits under 300
• best reciprocating saws with reciprocating saw
• best table saws with 60V MAX