Taking care of a task in the most efficient way possible is what everyone should strive for. Having to take extra steps to get to the finish line should be avoided at all costs. This is true for any home task, as long as you’re doing it the right way. The last thing you want to do is cut corners and have it come back to bite you.
There’s no worse feeling than finishing putting together a piece of furniture only to realize you have a bunch of screws and pieces left over. Something didn’t go correctly in that example and your furniture might pay for it in the end. The same goes for doing DIY projects, including using a handsaw. I remember learning how to use one in shop class in sixth grade and committing that I’d use one in my home workshop when I got older. For a few projects, my handsaw has done the job. But a power tool like a Sawzall has proven to give me more flexibility and make my life simpler.
I needed something for a specific project
The Sawzall came in handy when I ran out of options
I didn’t own any tools from Milwaukee, but I know they have a good reputation amongst professionals and I’d heard from my dad that the Sawzall is a top option when it comes to electric reciprocating saws. Reciprocating saws have blades that go back and forth automatically, mimicking a hand saw’s motion. But they are more powerful and can cut through all kinds of materials, hence the nickname “sawzall.”
My wife and I replaced a ton of doors in our home in one big project. We purchased new doors for every room in the upstairs of our home, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and closets. It gave the upstairs a new and refreshed look and, with fresh coats of paint, we were able to add color to rooms that were lacking it.
Sawzalls are meant to cut through all kinds of materials, so it doesn’t matter that they don’t deliver the most precise cuts. They are most helpful for their speed and power.
After the large purchase of doors and swapping them out for the previous doors, this left me with 14 old doors that I tried to get rid of. I called different charities to see if they wanted them. I asked neighbors if anyone needed doors. I even tried to put them up on Facebook Marketplace. Nobody wanted them.
The doors were also too large for a bulk pickup through my town. I didn’t want to pay for someone to come pick them up either. I’d been considering getting a Sawzall for other projects and thought that this was my chance to let it shine. The 12 Amp Milwaukee Sawzall Reciprocating Saw was just what I needed.
The Sawzall took care of my issue without a problem
It was easy to use and master
I decided to use the Sawzall to cut up the doors. I figured I could use the wood and turn some of them into shelving. The rest I could at least chop up and make small enough for a bulk pickup.
I found the Sawzall at The Home Depot and took it home. I opted for a corded one because I like having the power on at all times and not having to worry about charging it when I might need it in a pinch.
This did pose a problem with another job I used it for, but I was able to run a few longer extension cords to make it work.
The 12 Amp motor provided enough power to make the saw’s way through the hollow doors with ease. I cut up the doors in no time. I was able to take the bottom portions of a few of the doors and turn them into additional shelving in my garage.
With a 1-1/8-inch stroke length, it can deliver up to 2,800 strokes per minute. There is a gear-protecting clutch that helps extend the life of the saw, as it stops debris and absorbs any shocks or kickback.
What I really appreciate about the Sawzall is just how easy it is to hold. It isn’t as light as something like a handsaw, but the design and front grip area is easier to grab than it could be. My hands rarely got tired as I was working my way through the doors.
The carrying case that came with the saw is simple to take with you and just as easy to store. After I was done with the doors, I realized I had a lot of projects that I could use the Sawzall for.
The versatility has surprised me
I had to replace a part of a pipe in my attic that had been leaking and causing mold to grow in the ceiling below it. I cut the PVC pipe with the Sawzall and was able to fit it perfectly.
What’s nice about using the Sawzall is that you can swap out blades without much hassle. It has a keyless adjustable shoe and QUIK-LOK blade clamp system that lets you change blades safely and securely in just a few moments.
I’ve pretty much given up on using my hedge trimmer because the one I have is corded with an incredibly small cord. The Sawzall has a longer cord than it, which has made using it with an extension cord more beneficial. I’ve trimmed some bushes back in my yard with the Sawzall to keep everything looking healthier. I have a lot of trees in my backyard and, after some storms and heavy winds, I’m stuck with a ton of branches on the ground. Using the Sawzall to chop them up has made cleanup simpler.
Sawzalls are meant to cut through all kinds of materials, so it doesn’t matter that they don’t deliver the most precise cuts. They are most helpful for their speed and power.
I know I’ll keep using my Sawzall for a while
Now that I have a Milwaukee Sawzall, I’m going to keep finding reasons to use it. It has served me well so far and I like knowing that it can be used for all kinds of jobs. When we remodel our bathroom, I know it can be used for the demolition portion of the job. But I’m also looking just as forward to using it each year for spring and fall yard cleanup. It’s a versatile tool that I’m glad I have in my inventory.
