Hackzall vs Sawzall | What’s the Difference?

Sawzalls and hackzalls are both reciprocating saws that have a blade attached to the end of a shaft. They are designed for cutting through wood, metal, or plastic and can be used in many different ways.

Sawzall blades are on the side of the tool while hackzall blades are mounted at an angle from below. These differences make them perfect tools for different jobs!

Which one should you use? There are many factors that go into this decision, so let’s explore them in detail to help you figure out which type of tool will work best for your needs.

What is a Hackzall?

A hackzall is a lightweight, handheld power tool that can be used to cut through a variety of materials. The blade is underneath the device, and you twist it around in circles to cut through anything metal – from pipes to sheet metals or even rebar!

A hackzall is good if you need it for mixed use around your home such as doing some projects in your garage or building furniture. It’s not ideal if you are looking to do heavier tasks like construction because there simply isn’t enough power behind this type of machine when compared with more industrial saws designed specifically for those purposes.

This type of tool can be used just about anywhere since electricity isn’t always accessible, and it’s much safer than using an open blade. The blades are also replaceable, so you won’t have to buy a whole new machine if the blade becomes dull or breaks.

What is a Sawzall?

A sawzall is a powerful tool that can cut through metal and wood surfaces. It operates with an alternating current of electricity, which means it needs to be plugged in for the cutting process. The blade on this type of tool has teeth along both edges, so you need to make sure you are holding tightly onto the handle while using it as there is no guard around the blades.

This makes it easier for anyone who needs to cut through metal since all they need do is hold onto one side while pushing down with their hand at whatever angle which helps make cuts cleaner without having to worry about complex angles like when using a hackzall.

These types of tools can still be used anywhere as long as there is electricity but are generally preferred over other options due to how efficient they are in comparison to other types.

Differences Between Hackzall and Sawzall

A Hackzall is great for people who need to cut through metal in places where electricity might not be accessible, and it also has replaceable blades – one of the perks that saws can’t offer.

The emphasis of the hackzall is on one-handed operation and hence the tool is lightweight and well balanced. A hackzall is good if you need it for mixed-use around your home such as doing some projects in your garage or building furniture.

It’s not ideal if you are looking to do heavier tasks like construction because there simply isn’t enough power behind this type of machine when compared with more industrial saws designed specifically for those purposes.

On the other hand, a Sawzall has an easier learning curve but requires access to power sources which is why they’re generally more popular with professionals out there when compared to a hackzall.

A sawzall is the best choice if you need to cut through thicker pieces of wood or metal because it has more torque and power than a hackzall. This type of machine also typically comes with both blades for cutting wood and steel, so it can be used in many different situations where a hackzall might not work as well.

Ultimately, these tools both serve different purposes and you’ll just need to decide whether or not either would work well for your needs before deciding on what type will best suit your situation!

Which Tool is Right for You?

If you need to cut sheets of metal, harsh materials like steel, then it’s best to purchase a sawzall. A hackzall just won’t be able to cut through something like that because it doesn’t have the power.

While a sawzall is great for cutting most materials and metal sheets, it can’t always get into tight areas or make small cuts that would require precision while using a hackzall is better suited in those situations. So if you need to create intricate shapes with your blades or just want precise control over where your blade goes when cutting material, then use a hackzall instead of a sawzall.

Hackzalls are meant for smaller projects since these tools really only let one person do the cutting at a time. Sawzalls, on the other hand, are more versatile and have larger blades that can be used to cut most materials quickly with only one person doing the cutting.

Can I Use Sawzall Blades in a Hackzall?

Yes, you can use sawzall blades in your hackzall and switch between them when necessary.

Can I Use a Sawzall or Hackzall to Cut Rebar?

Yes, but it should be done with care. Rebar can easily twist and bend your blade which will cause premature tool failure. In addition, rebar can become jammed in the cutting teeth which can also cause tool failure.