I just took delivery of the beauty pictured below. I'm not a professional, I'm just a tool-obsessed DIYer.
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br /I have only used one other reciprocating saw -a Craftsman 2-speed unit. This Sawzall is, to say the least, a world apart from the Craftsman. First of all, some things I really like about it:
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br /1. SMOOTH. The counterbalance on this thing is amazing. There is very little vibration when it's running free. In orbital mode you can feel a slight vibration owing to the fact that the vertical component of motion is not counterbalanced. Nevertheless, even in orbital mode this saw transmits less vibration into my hands than my truck does at 65 MPH on the highway.
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br /2. The "Cord Lock" feature. I didn't really think this would be worth much, but it turns out its quite convenient. You insert and remove the cord by twisting it to lock/unlock it. Plus it comes with a 10' cord; much longer than most power tools.
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br /3. 13 amps of destruction. That's a ton of power. Note that Makita makes a 15-amp model now, so it's only a matter of time before Milwaukee upgrades to 15 amp (probably about a month after I've had the one I just bought :rolleyes.
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br /4. Clutch protection for the drivetrain. If you suddenly lock up the blade the clutch protects the innards from grenading.
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br /Things I don't like (so far):
br /1. The plastic shoe adjustment lock (noted in the second picture). This is very thin plastic. Fortunately it's also very flexible, so it's not brittle at all. But I feel this part would be better in aluminum. I've written Milwaukee to suggest this.
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br /Things I'm neutral about:
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br /1. Extensive use of plastic. This thing only weighs about 10 lb, which is great. Unfortunately this weight savings is achieved mostly using plastic. The entire rotating handle is plastic. Don't get me wrong, this tool is metal in the most important parts (motor and gear case), but I'd like to see a nice aluminum or magnesium handle. I don't fault Milwaukee for this, because everyone's making their tools this way now. I don't think there are any all-metal tools left on the market.
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br /2. The 360 degree rotating handle. This thing has the potential to be really convenient, but I haven't used the saw enough yet to form a worthwhile opinion on whether this feature is worth the additional cost (about $10 extra).
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br /I'd like to note that when I first took it out the orbital selector was very difficult to operate. So difficult, in fact, I thought it was defective. It wouldn't be so bad if there was more than just a tiny nub to grab onto. After using the saw for a bit, it did loosen up and it's much easier to slide now.
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br /Also, the saw is built very "tight" from the factory, and the speed variation through the trigger was a little "clunky" for the first 25% of trigger pull. I'm happy to report after using it for a bit that it breaks in nicely and things operate smoother now. It makes sense that it needs to be broken in; I don't think they run them very long at the factory.
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br /Nowhere on this tool is it indicated where it's made. I did finally locate, in small text at the bottom of the cardboard packaging, a line that read "Made in USA". I discovered that Milwaukee was recently (2005) bought by a Chinese company, TTI (Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd.) This brought on intense fear that my beloved Milwaukee might be [gulp] Made in China! I called Milwaukee and asked and they assured me the tool was made in Jackson, MI. It's amazing how rare it is for a power tool to be made in the US anymore.
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br /Cutting performance is, as expected, stellar. Vibration level is very low. I tried the saw out by cutting up an old water heater. Sliced around the circumference with no effort. Then I cut vertically down the entire length of the heater in 2 places. "The Torch" blade that was included was dull 25% through the second vertical run, which really slowed progress. When those Milwaukee blades are sharp, though, look out!
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br /I can't adequately describe how awesome it is to work with such a quality tool. I'm sure the offerings from Makita, Bosch, Dewalt, and Porter-Cable are also great saws, but there's a certain satisfaction in owning one made by the company that invented it.

Does this saw live up to the Milwaukee heritage? Oh yes, and then some. Looking to get a Sawzall, I looked at many manufacturer's saws at the box stores, and began closing in on a more powerful saw since I would be looking to do some house renovation as well as some steel work. It came down to the Bosch RS20 and the Super Sawzall. In the stores, these two don't even compare. Hold the Milwaukee, and you will see its weight is placed very well between the 2 grip areas. The 360 rotating shaft is a great "detail", and one I thought was the final selling point besides the Milwaukee quality name.
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br /I was not proven wrong. Less that 30 minutes after I received the saw, I was out cutting down fenceposts with the Milwaukee. As it turns out, the 360 "detail" is not a minor detail, but a very usable facet to this great saw. At 13 amps, it didnt' hesitate cutting through greener posts, and the saw felt great and stable when doing the job. Not a lot of vibration either. When that happened, I rolled on the speed, and the vibration from the fencepost settled down and the cutting tended to go quicker.
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br /If you need to use a saw regularly, or you're the type who buys tools to last a lifetime, you at least need to consider Milwaukee tools. My father was a tool and die machinist who swore by Milwaukee tools. I have nodoubt that these tools will outlast me and not even be slowed down by the home improvements they'll help me with.

To start I have no bias in this review whatsoever, I am in construction and I run a crew of guys who work for me daily. My interest is in finding the best and most reliable tool. I keep multiples of most types of tools on hand and they are all used regularly. I usually buy the "best" of what is out there because the cost of downtime and replacement is not worth the time/cost to me.
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br /I bought this tool from Amazon a few weeks before this review date. At the same time I bought a Makita 15 AMP and Hitachi 13 AMP. The other 2 saws are still working the SawZall is not. I was initially put off by the fact that the Makita was made in China, but it cuts very well and is very heavy duty. The only thing that is weird with the Makita is the mechanism that holds the blade is a bit flakey - but works - you just have to jiggle it sometimes to get the blade in. Also the rubber boot that covers the blade hold mechanism disitegrated quickly and is totally off. The Hitachi is holding up well but has not been used as much as the others to this point, but so far so good.
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br /The Sawzall no longer works. The blade reciprocates in the air but when you try to cut something the blade stops despite the motor running and does not cut anything. The Sawzall it turns out is also made in China, but assembled in the USA. I have an old 11 AMP Sawzall - all metal that has lasted well over 20 years so far - this new unit is not that - nor that quality. The cutting seemed fine when it did work briefly (I am writing this about 40 days after we received the saw - it was used maybe 5 times). Also the blade holding mechanism is better than the Makita.
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br /I called Amazon to exchange the unit they would not saying it was after 30 days. Fact is that Amazon does not support tool sales well, while we get better service from tool companies. So far I would recommend either the Makita or Hitachi - maybe even this unit (we might have gotten a lemon) but I would not order tools form Amazon in the future. Also looks like the price dropped about $20 on the tool from when I ordered it.

First my one complaint - the lid to the saw blade compartment in the blow-mold case is a little difficult to operate. It'd be nice if it had a real lid with a metal latch. That's my very minor whine on the subject.
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br /There's a reason Milwaukee has the reputation it does, and why the word "Sawzall," is name every other manufacturer strives for. The combination of balance, power, ruggedness, flexibility (adjustable orbital action, speed-dial *and* variable speed trigger... are you kidding me?) and now a rotating handle is amazing. It's like they read our minds on what could possibly be done to make the Super Sawzall better.
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br /I decided to bite the bullet when I moved into a 100-year old house needing major rennovation. If you are remodeling, even one room of a house, this is a worthwhile investment. I can't express how convenient and fundamental to ease of use, the rotating handle is. When you're tearing apart a room, cutting through old studs (they are hard!) and nails is no problem with this baby. The rotating handle not only eases fatigue, it enables you to keep cutting in tight areas without having to contort your body.
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br /I didn't have the problems of tight switches and sliders, that other reviewers did. I like that the blade lock mechanism is beefy enough to operate it with gloves on. Also, the removable cord is a clever idea, and reduces strain on the cord when packing away the saw.
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br /This tool is a classic example of the old adage - Buy the best, and cry only once.

This is a good saw, like all the Milwaukee original sawzalls. It is a bit heavy,
br /so if you are looking for something lightweight that your wife can use,
br /then look for a little battery powered model.
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br /The rotator cuff is nice, I used it maybe three times in six months,
br /but in a tight corner, it is a good deal - worth the extra few dollars to me.
br /It cut through everything I tried without slowing down - the 13amp motor is a good
br /addition. This is a top-notch saw.

My old reciprocating saw was a DeWalt 6.5 amp model. Granted, my blades were probably a little dull but it would take FOREVER to cut anything. Not to mention it would get extremely hot and would vibrate me like those machines of years ago where you would strap yourself to it and vibrate to lose weight (not kidding). At times I felt like I was holding a machine gun! Cutting dry wood was painful, but any sort of green wood was just an impossibility.
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br /During my DIY kitchen remodel I finally had it and decided to get a new one. I wanted power so my search led me to this and the Makita 15 amp model. I was going back and forth but my final decision was that the Milwaukee had the rotating handle and reputation.
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br /All I can say is "WOW"! This Sawzall cuts anything like a hot knife through butter. But more important than that, it has control. Vibration is non-existent unless you bind the blade. Also, the ease of changing the speed makes it very useful for non-demolition tasks. For example, I had run wire though a block of wood between studs and realized that I needed to remove the wood after. I put the Sawzall on power 3 and was able to cut right to the holes without damaging the wire. The 360 degree handle also greatly improves control.
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br /I require a case with all my tools and this one is great. I did not want a metal case to dent and rust but I appreciate the metal latches rather than the plastic ones that plague my Craftsman tools. The blade compartment is a little difficult to open, but that is just a minor complaint.
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br /I will say that this is considerably heavier than my DeWalt, but that actually helps with the stability of the tool and has not been an issue during use.
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br /I liked this tool so much that I splurged for the SuperHawg (13 amp right-angle drill). For what ever reason I was always apprehensive to get Milwaukee tools, but I am now hooked on them and will look no further.

After reading all the other reviews on this saw I felt like my review would just be DaJaVue. Everyone has already covered the main pros and cons. But since I almost always read Amazon reviews before purchasing something like this I figure I should share my thoughts.
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br /Just as most people comment this thing has more power than most people will ever need. It cuts very quickly and vibration is negligible. It is relatively big for a reciprocating saw but this is the heavy duty model. I am sure the 10 amp model is smaller and lighter and probably a good tool also.
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br /I have mixed feelings about the removable (long!) power cord. It certainly would be easy to replace if needed but it seems like an unnecessary expense to me. I suppose it is easy to cut through a power cord with a tool like this and it could be a good idea. I don't like the fact that you have to remove the cord to put the tool in the case, neither do I like removing the blade every time. The old metal case Milwaukee saws used to come in had enough room to leave a 6" blade in the saw. By the way, the blade remove/install chuck is awesome. I don't know how well it will work when it is dirty and full of sawdust but so far (3 months) it has performed flawlessly.
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br /The handle rotating is a good thing. I don't usually think about it until I have been using the saw for a while (old dog new tricks?) but it is a good way to make it more comfortable to use the saw.
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br /One final thought: IMO The best way to judge tools is to watch the pros. If you are around construction sites much you will notice that most carpenters, electricians and plumbers use reciprocating saws. In my observation they mostly have either Sawzalls or Porter Cable Tiger saws. I think they like the PC because of the ability to move the head to different angles (Milwaukee has a saw (not a recip.) that will fit that purpose but it is another expense.
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br /I would recommend this saw, I can't testify to it's longevity but it sure seems to be very well made. A good-solid tool. The case is my biggest disappointment, there is a nice size storage compartment for extra blades and the case, although plastic is decent, it has metal latches, but as I said earlier I wish that I could just put the tool away without removing the cord and blade every time. Maybe I'm nit-picking but I want to be as thorough and honest as possible.
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br /Mike

This product meets all my expectations. Powerful, easy blade changes, and the rotating handle helps releave arm fatigue.

A "get-the-job-done" tool. The detachable cord is very convenience. Changing the blade is incredibly easily/fast (no tools required). I've only had the SuperSawzall for a few weeks and only used it a couple of times. But, it got the job done easily and quickly.

Finally retired old Bosch product that had never been satisfactory. Milwaukee product has better balance, features and just all around the finest Sawzall I have ever used. Small premium in cost is well worth having the best product out there.

I HAVE PURCHASED MILWAUKEE PRODUCTS IN THE PAST AND HAVE LOVED THEM ALL. THEY HAVE THE POWER AND DURABILITY TO TAKE ON THE TOUGHEST JOBS AROUND.
br /WITH THE NEW ROTATING HANDLE THIS SAW MAKES IT EASY TO GET IN THE TIGHEST PLACES.I HIGHLY RECOMEND THIS SAW FOR THE DO IT YOUR SELFER OR THE SEASONED CRAFTSMAN.

This tool has alot of power and features for the handyman and professional builder.The only drawback is the weight of the tool which becomes tiring after using it for an extended period.The flip side of the coin is that the weight helps you power through materials without using any pressure.

HAVING THE ABILITY TO TURN THE HANDLE IS A GREAT ASSET WHEN YOU HAVE LIMITED SPACE.PLUS THE POWER AND THE SPEED CONTROL I CAN NOW CUT CLEANER WITH LITTLE OR NO BLADE BOUNCE AND SCARRING OF THE MATERIAL AROUND IT. MY ONLY RECOMMENDATION TO USE THIS WITH YOUR CORDLESS LINE.
br /THANKS AGAIN.........................

Quailty is here. Controlable power. Long stroke. No tools to change blade. Tons of power. I think you could cut a small house into car door size chunks in an afternoon with this an a dozen of the long "Ax" blades.
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br /Accept no substitues. Get this one.

Powerful, easy to handle for a tool of this size and power, does what it is designed to do. I like the rotating handle--makes using this saw in tight quarters and close to the ground much more convenient. I have not yet used this saw for anything that would truly test its limits, but it hasn't hesitated on anything I've hit it with so far, including some steel. The Milwaukee blades are very durable and fast-cutting. I like this tool.

This tool works as expected. Having been a carpenter for 20 years I pretty much knew how to use the tool what to expect. I had used a number of the sawzalls over time and am glad I bought this tool. The blades are easy to change, it is light-weight, and doesn not get hot in your hands as some of the older models. I bought it from Amazon.com at a fair price. Shipping was good right on time. I initially used the sawzall to cut down a cyclone fence and it cut right thru w/ no problem.
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br /I then changed from the metal blade to a wood blade to prune an over grown tree. It was a piece of cake. I gave it 4 stars because I am satisfied for the time I have had the tool. (1 month) Time will tell if it deserves a 5 star rating.

This is my first reciprocating saw. Did a bit of research before deciding on going with a Milwaukee. I like that its made in America.
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br /Powerful saw. Ive used it to cut out thick roots on a big shrub we were removing, worked great. Rips pallets like crazy. Used it to cut up our old dresser so it would fit in the trash cans. Nice and solid. The front part where you put your hand gets real hot if you use it for a while at a time. Gets uncomfortable barehand, but I put on some gloves and can't feel it anymore. The rotating handle is nice, used it a couple times to cut at awkward angles. I like the powercord, its long and I like the quick twist connect and disconnect to the bottom of the saw. The trigger area is a bit cramped when I wear gloves, but its fine barehand.
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br /very happy with my purchase. works great, totally worth the money.

This sawzall performs beautifully. I've gone through many sawzalls over the years and the Milwaukee is my favorite.

This saw maybe to big for some. I purchased it for heavy work, so far it is doing the job.

Well, I've had my 6523-21 for two months but have only used it one time so far. It worked great when I used it to get down in the dirt and cut out the roots of an old dead tree.

I actually bought this as a gift for my husband but I ended up using it first. My neighbor and I cut up her old hot tub into pieces. It was so easy we went next door and cut up her moms too! Three trips to the dump and we never even had to change a blade.

I've had my milwaukee super sawzall since they first came out with them . It's a work horse that will never let you down . It's not only tough and more powerfull but it is very smooth to operate . The other big name saws tend to shake rattle and beat you up . Before that I had their regular sawzall which always worked well also . But it lacked the power and speed of the super sawzall . In fact I was looking at buying a chain saw for doing my demolition work but bought the super sawzall first . I'm glad I did because with the power of the super sawzall I haven't needed a chain saw . Buy the milwaukee you'll always be glad you did rather than trying to save a few dollars and always wishing you hadn't .

This is a one powerful saw but just a little bit on the heavy side.

This is a great tool. i bought it thinking i would have verry little use for it but it turns out that I started a remodeling project shortely after buying it. I have used it as much as I have used my pry bars and hammers. Great Quality and Amazon delivered it verry quick.Milwaukee 6523-21 Super Sawzall 13 Amp Reciprocating Saw with Rotating Handle

This is my first sawsall I have ever owned and it is awesome. I've used my friends Craftsman and another friends DeWalt and this one beats them all. Maybe the other brands were the entry models, but this tool cuts through metals, wood, and plastic like a hot knife through butter.

I rennovate mobile homes for a living. Aside from my hammer, this is the tool I would hate to lose.
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br /Update: I wrote the above a while back. Now I am cutting up a few homes for the trailer park. It glides through everything I want to cut, including the frames. Like any saw, it is only as good as the blade and the operator. There is no use in spending the bucks on a saw like this and then using anything but the best blades you can find. If you try that, you will think you got rooked on an expensive saw that won't cut. I stick to the newer Milwaukee blades for everything but steel. For that, I use Lennox blades. The hardest thing I have cut was probably a draw tite hitch (owner wanted to cut it instead of unbolting it.) The blade basically falls through metal with the speed control set to 2 or 2 1/2. Do not force the blade, that is pointless. The owner's manual for the saw will tell you how many teeth per inch you need on the blade, but most packages will also tell you what the blade is good for.
br /The only thing I can think of that I don't like about this saw is that I have big enough hands that I keep accidentally pushing the orbital control over to orbit when I am cutting steel. It still cuts, but I think this probably shortens my blade life.
br /Have a good one.
br /Shawn.

The service of the seller was great. And the product. I would not hesitate to buy from them again and I recomend them and their products to anyone wanting first class servcice and merchandise. Stan

I have only used this saw for about 3 hours cutting off a bunch of bolts. It performed flawlessly. I don't really care for the twist lock cord because if i cut it it will be harder to replace than if i could just take the handle apart and put an extension cord in there. My blade locking mechanism didn't work perfectly when I received the saw. I had to actuate it a few times to get it to work smoothly. The included case was nice, but I would have liked to get more than 1 blade with the saw.

This item is standard for anything Milwaukee produces and sells. It is high quality and built to last. I could not be happier with the tool.
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br /On the other hand... it is a good thing it was a rugged tool in a hard plastic case that was shipped. The shipping box and "filler" in the box was so poorly done and in NO WAY packaged correctly... the item was hanging out of the box when I received it.
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br /All the sellers say... "We cant help how USPS/UPS/FEDX handles the package after it leaves our facility."..... but the thing that irritates me is EVERYBODY knows USPS/UPS/FEDX handles things pathetically and tears things up... and has NO problem leaving them on your door step and running so you will not catch them... so why not package it better in the FIRST place when you KNOW how they are?

This is my second Milwaukee sawzall. The last one had a lot of construction use (13 years) and worked perfectly 'til the day a friend of mine borrowed and lost it. I replaced it with this one with the rotating handle. I expect it will be just as reliable.

After all my recearch, I decided on the Milwaukee Super Sawzall listed above. So far I have only gotten a chance to use it once (I have only had it for less than a week), but it worked better than I expected. My friend has a craftsman that cuts fine, but vibrates considerably more than mine does. I am looking forward to the weekend to test it out with some more serious cutting, such as the frame of a blazer. The saw itself feels rugged. The switches on it are all stiff and hard to use, but I believe they will losen up with use. This is my first Milwaukee tool and I think I will be pleased with it. I will say its probably more saw than I will ever need, but I love my tools and when I do buy one, I try to buy more than I will ever need...this way it will last forever, and I think this one will outlast me.

I'm a general building contractor who tries to take care of his tools. In a two year period My whole hog, hole shooter, right angle and sawzall all broke or burned up. After doing some research I found out that milwaukee was sold in 2005 to a Taiwanese company. In my MHOP it can no longer be considered as contractor quality. It is on the same par as Ryobi.
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I have always been a huge Milwaukee fan, my family owns an electrical company and has always bought milwaukee sawzalls. One of the trucks still has an old one in a metal case that has a cast metal body. The thing is beat to hell, the case is all rusty, and this thing just keeps cutting.
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br /I finally decided to break down and buy my own. I of course went for the best. I ordered one and used it for about 1/2 hour before the trigger gave out. I got online and with in a few minutes had a ups shipping label to send mine back to amazon. Amazon even sent a new one out that day. I was very happy. I received the second one a few days later plugged it in and it worked smoothly. I put it away for a few days (9) before I had a use for it, put a blade in it and the blade hits the shoe, The chuck is mounted on the shaft crooked!
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br /I still want a good tool
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br /tried to send that one back to amazon printed the free ups return label, the next day I received an e-mail from amazon stating that they are only going to give me a refund and will not send me another one.
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br /Still a Milwaukee fan, I just feel I have had really bad luck, and I still want this exact tool.
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br /Rather annoyed that Amazon will not send me one