For a battery-powered Sawzall or comparable reciprocating saw, start with the batteries you own and the space you need to work in. Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL 2821-20 is our full-size M18 choice, DeWalt’s DCS367B is the compact 20V MAX option, and BLACK+DECKER’s BDCR20C is a kit that includes a battery and charger. This shortlist compares complete saw models, with the package differences made explicit.
We compared manufacturer specifications, manuals and exact product listings. We have not timed cuts, measured vibration or tested battery runtime. The recommendations reflect documented features and different buying needs, rather than a measured performance ranking.
The three cordless reciprocating saws at a glance
| Model | Best fit in this comparison | Battery platform | What the selected package includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee 2821-20 | Full-size saw for an M18 setup | Milwaukee M18, 18V | Bare tool; battery and charger separate |
| DeWalt DCS367B | Compact body for restricted access | DeWalt 20V MAX, 18V nominal | Bare tool; battery and charger separate |
| BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C | Starting without a compatible battery | BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX POWERCONNECT, 18V nominal | Saw, one blade, 1.5Ah battery and charger |
SAWZALL is the name Milwaukee uses for its reciprocating saws. The DeWalt and BLACK+DECKER choices below are other cordless reciprocating saws. Match the exact model and kit suffix when comparing listings; a blade pack or an unrelated saw cannot stand in for the complete tool.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2821-20: for an existing M18 setup
The 2821-20 is a brushless M18 FUEL SAWZALL with a 1¼-inch stroke and a variable no-load rate up to 3,000 strokes per minute. Its adjustable shoe, lever-operated blade clamp, LED and hanging hook are the features worth comparing for general cutting work. See Milwaukee’s 2821-20 specifications.
It makes the most sense here for someone who already owns compatible M18 batteries and a charger and wants a full-size reciprocating saw. The selected 2821-20 listing is the bare tool. Do not treat a battery shown in a use photograph, or a separate 2821-22 kit, as part of this offer.
- Pros: The adjustable shoe and tool-free blade clamp give you useful setup options, and Milwaukee documents compatibility with M18 batteries and chargers.
- Cons: You must add the battery, charger and suitable blades to the purchase if you do not already have them. Its full-size layout is a different proposition from the compact DeWalt, so check working clearance and the complete setup’s handling before choosing.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2821-20 SAWZALL, Tool Only
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DeWalt DCS367B: for tighter working spaces
DeWalt lists the DCS367B at 14.5 inches long and 5 pounds without a battery. It has a brushless motor, a 1⅛-inch stroke, a four-position keyless blade clamp and a variable-speed trigger up to 2,900 strokes per minute. Its short body is the reason to shortlist it when access is more important than choosing a traditional full-size shape. See the DCS367B details.
The four-position clamp lets you change blade orientation for the job. That can help with access, but it does not eliminate the need for clearance around the blade or a secure two-handed grip. Follow the manual’s blade-selection and hand-position guidance rather than assuming a compact saw is intended for one-handed cutting.
- Pros: A documented short body, multiple blade orientations and an LED make it a useful comparison for work in confined spaces.
- Cons: The DCS367B is tool only, and its 5-pound figure excludes the battery. Add the cost and weight of the compatible DeWalt pack and charger you will use. The DCS367P1 kit is a different offer.
BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C: for a battery-and-charger kit
The US manufacturer listing for BDCR20C includes the saw, one blade, one 1.5Ah 20V MAX battery and a charger. The saw uses a brushed motor, variable-speed trigger, pivoting shoe and tool-free blade change, with up to 3,000 strokes per minute. Check the BDCR20C kit directly with BLACK+DECKER.
This is the starting-point option if you want a complete cordless setup for occasional projects and do not already own compatible batteries. The one-battery package is simple to price, but it provides no second pack to swap in while charging. Check that the included blade suits your first job rather than assuming one blade covers every material.
- Pros: The manufacturer identifies the battery capacity and includes a charger and blade, making the package easier to compare with a bare tool plus accessories.
- Cons: It has one 1.5Ah battery and a brushed motor. The kit alone does not establish runtime or suitability for sustained heavy work. Check the exact charger and market version when comparing third-party offers.
What matters before you buy
Treat Milwaukee M18, DeWalt 20V MAX and BLACK+DECKER POWERCONNECT as separate battery systems. Use only the packs and chargers specified for the tool. Both DeWalt and BLACK+DECKER explain that their 20V MAX labels describe maximum initial voltage, with 18V nominal voltage; the larger label does not prove that one saw cuts better than an 18V competitor.
Choose the blade for the material, its thickness and the tool’s requirements. Milwaukee’s manual distinguishes blades for wood, metal and nail-embedded wood and requires enough length to extend beyond the shoe and work throughout the stroke. Follow the exact manual for minimum blade length; do not assume a jigsaw blade or a chainsaw accessory fits.
Stroke length and no-load strokes per minute describe motion; they do not tell you the actual cutting speed, vibration or number of cuts from a battery. Blade selection and the material still matter. Use those numbers to understand the designs, then judge whether the tool, battery and blade combination suits your job.
Price the whole setup: saw, compatible battery and charger, material-appropriate blades and required protective equipment. Check seller condition, included parts and return terms. A marketplace photograph or a family-level product description can show accessories that are not included in the selected bare-tool or kit variant.
Read the manual before the first cut
Remove the battery before changing blades or adjusting accessories. Secure the work to a stable support, use the prescribed grip, keep hands clear of the blade and wear the eye, hearing and dust protection appropriate to the job. Check for hidden wiring and other services before cutting; do not begin if you cannot establish what is behind or inside the material. These are essential selection and preparation checks, not a replacement for the tool’s instructions.
Keep the correct manual with the tool: Milwaukee 2821-20 manual, DeWalt DCS367 manual, or BLACK+DECKER BDCR20 manual. Match any type number and the battery/charger instructions supplied with your specific tool.
Frequently asked questions
Which one should I choose if I already have batteries?
Start with the model in your existing compatible system: 2821-20 for Milwaukee M18 or DCS367B for DeWalt 20V MAX. That may avoid buying a second battery platform, but the saw’s size and blade arrangement still need to suit the work.
Does “tool only” include a battery or charger?
The selected Milwaukee 2821-20 and DeWalt DCS367B offers do not. The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C manufacturer kit includes both. Confirm the exact package rather than relying on a photograph or a similar model number.
Is a compact reciprocating saw safe to use with one hand?
Do not infer that from its size. DeWalt’s DCS367 manual instructs a firm two-handed hold during cutting, and BLACK+DECKER’s BDCR20 manual also specifies two hands. Follow the particular tool’s grip instructions.
Can the same blade cut wood and metal?
Select a blade rated for the actual material and tool. Some applications call for a dedicated metal, wood or nail-embedded-wood blade. Check the blade maker’s stated use and the saw manual; the included blade is not a universal promise.
Does a 20V MAX saw have more power than an 18V saw?
The labels alone cannot establish that. DeWalt and BLACK+DECKER state that 20V MAX is the initial maximum and 18V is nominal. Compare the complete system and task, not just the voltage printed on the tool.
Our recommendation
Choose the Milwaukee 2821-20 for a full-size addition to an M18 setup, the DeWalt DCS367B when the compact body and blade positions answer an access problem, or the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C when an included battery and charger are your priority. Buy the exact configuration, add the right blade and check its manual before use.
