I'm looking for some advice on whether to go with the M12 or M18 Hackzall for my wife's landscaping business. She already has a collection of M12 Fuel tools like the hatchet, pruning shears, and hedge trimmer, which she's been really happy with. However, when it comes to dealing with stubborn roots that the pruner can't handle, I usually bring out the heavier Sawzall, which is a bit too much for her to handle regularly. I've been considering the M18 Fuel Hackzall, but when I checked it out at Home Depot, it still felt a bit heavy. I've heard the M12 is lighter and might suit her needs. Do you think the M12 would be sufficient, especially for the occasional home projects? Also, is it worth upgrading to the Fuel version of the Sawzall? Is there a significant difference? Thanks for any insights!
3 Answers
Definitely the M18! They’re similar in size, but the power difference is huge. Plus, it has a larger stroke length, which makes a big difference in cutting efficiency. If you’re going to use it frequently, the M18 will save you time and effort!
I'd go for the M18! I have the M12 and honestly, it’s just okay. For cutting, especially roots, you’ll want the power of the M18. You need that extra strength when tackling tougher jobs. The M18 Fuel Hackzall is worth it, especially if you'll use it regularly. Otherwise, stick with the heavier Sawzall if you're cutting roots often—it’s more reliable for tougher tasks.
I've had the M12 Hackzall and it's perfect for smaller branches and roots, around 3-4 inches max. Just a heads up though, the locking tabs on the M12 battery can wear out quickly, which I've had to replace a couple of times, but it's not too hard to swap them out. On the flip side, I also own the M18, and it packs a punch, cutting through anything with ease. If weight is a concern, consider getting the smaller 3.0 batteries to keep it lighter. Overall, both tools are solid; it really comes down to what you need it for!