In-Depth Look: Milwaukee M12 Hackzall & Copper Cutter

Earlier this week we took a quick look at all the Milwaukee Tools launching in October which included several new M12 tools. In this post we will take a more in-depth look specifically at two of the new M12 tools, the Hackzall and Copper Tube Cutter. The whole M12 line is aimed at Tradesmen specifically plumbers, HVAC, electricians and remodelers. The tools are very lightweight and compact, perfect for working in confined spaces.

Overall I am very happy with their strategy and glad they found creative new product for professionals to use with the M12 battery system. My initial fear is that we would be hit with a bunch of cheap consumer products and that Milwaukee might lose focus on their professional customers. That is not the case with these tools at all.   

M12 Copper Tube Cutter 2471-22

This is the first product of its kind and will directly compete with the Ridgid manual pipe cutters which have been very successful. The battery powered M12 unit should save a large amount of time for anyone that is continuously cutting copper pipe. On a ½” copper pipe the 2471-22 can make a cut in 3 seconds and do up to 200 cuts on a single charge. The same cut might take 20-30 seconds with a manual cutter. The tool also automatically adjusts to different sizes from 3/8” to 1” tube.  

Of course when you talk about electric pipe cutting tools one of the first concerns might be working with pipes full of water and getting it wet. Certainly the tool is not waterproof so don’t take it in the bath tube with you but Milwaukee has make serious efforts to keep the unit’s electronics sealed as well as built the head with corrosion resistant metal.

M12 Hackzall 2420-22

This is not Milwaukee’s first effort to build a smaller cutting tool. Milwaukee had the NiCd 18V Hatchet which was a smaller version of the Sawzall that bent 90 degrees in the middle was very popular among plumbers. The Hatchet has since been phased out along with the rest of the NiCd tools but the idea or a compact reciprocating saw is very much alive in the new Hackzall. The Hackzall however goes way beyond a compact Sawzall. The smaller size and new tool configuration are not only intended to make regular cuts but also to use for detail work of a Rotozip or jigsaw. The small unit has 0-3000 SPM and can cut wood, drywall, PVC, fiberglass, plastic and ever galvanized pipe.

The Hackzall can use any Sawzall blade but will also accept New Hackzall Blades specifically made for the unit. The new blades are smaller 3.5”-6” and include scroll saw blades and other blades specifically made for the Hackzall. The unit also features similar preventative measures to keep water out of the internal parts of the tools when using on pipes that may have recently been in use.

  

 

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