Milwaukee 2821-20 vs DeWalt DCS382B: Reciprocating Saws Compared
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Reciprocating saws exist to destroy things efficiently. Tear out walls, cut pipes, rip through nailed lumber. The Milwaukee 2821-20 (the M18 FUEL SAWZALL) and DeWalt DCS382B are the two most popular cordless recip saws on the market. Both run brushless motors on 18V/20V platforms. The difference is in how aggressively they attack material and how long the blade lasts doing it.
Quick Verdict
The Milwaukee 2821-20 is the demolition monster. Orbital action, longer stroke, and raw aggression make it the faster cutter for tearing out walls, decks, and anything else that needs to go. The DeWalt DCS382B is the better all-around pick. It's $50 less, nearly 2 lb lighter, and the 4-position blade clamp handles more cutting angles. For general remodeling, the DeWalt does 90% of what the Milwaukee does at a lower cost.
Orbital action chews through nailed 2x4s and plywood 30% faster than a non-orbital saw.
6.0 lb and a 4-position blade clamp let you get the saw into spots the heavier Milwaukee won't fit.
Lighter for extended overhead cuts on tree limbs. Orbital action is wasted on green wood.
When you hit a nail in the middle of a plywood plunge cut, the orbital action powers through instead of stalling.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Milwaukee 2821-20 | DeWalt DCS382B |
|---|---|---|
| Stroke Length | 1-1/4 in | 1-1/8 in |
| Strokes Per Minute | 0 to 3,000 SPM | 0 to 3,000 SPM |
| Orbital Action | Yes (adjustable) | No |
| Blade Clamp | QUIK-LOK (tool-free) | 4-position (tool-free) |
| Battery Platform | 18V (M18) | 20V MAX |
| Weight (bare) | 7.9 lb (bare) | 6.0 lb (bare) |
| Motor Type | Brushless (POWERSTATE) | Brushless |
Milwaukee 2821-20
Price: $199 (Home Depot)
Pros
- 1-1/4 inch stroke length is the longest in the cordless class, clearing chips faster on deep cuts
- Adjustable orbital action lets you toggle between fast demolition and controlled precision cuts
- QUIK-LOK blade clamp accepts blades from any direction without rotating the shoe
Cons
- 7.9 lb bare makes it one of the heaviest cordless recip saws
- $199 bare tool is premium pricing for occasional demolition work
- Aggressive orbital action can cause blade wander on thin stock
DeWalt DCS382B
Price: $149 (Home Depot)
Pros
- 6.0 lb bare is nearly 2 lb lighter than the Milwaukee for overhead and one-handed cuts
- $50 cheaper bare tool with comparable demolition performance in standard framing
- 4-position blade clamp lets you angle the blade for flush cuts against walls and floors
Cons
- No orbital action limits your cutting speed in thick wood
- 1-1/8 inch stroke length clears chips slightly slower on deep plunge cuts
- Vibration is more noticeable than the Milwaukee during extended use
Best For
Full demolition (tearing out walls, decks, framing)
Milwaukee 2821-20
Orbital action chews through nailed 2x4s and plywood 30% faster than a non-orbital saw.
Plumbing (cutting pipe in tight spaces)
DeWalt DCS382B
6.0 lb and a 4-position blade clamp let you get the saw into spots the heavier Milwaukee won't fit.
Pruning and outdoor cutting
DeWalt DCS382B
Lighter for extended overhead cuts on tree limbs. Orbital action is wasted on green wood.
Heavy remodeling with mixed materials
Milwaukee 2821-20
When you hit a nail in the middle of a plywood plunge cut, the orbital action powers through instead of stalling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does orbital action actually do on a recip saw?
It adds a slight elliptical motion to the blade's travel, pushing the teeth into the material on the forward stroke and pulling them away on the return. This clears chips faster and cuts wood roughly 30% quicker. It's less useful on metal, where the extra aggression just wears the blade.
Can I use these to cut metal pipe?
Yes, with a metal-cutting blade (14 to 18 TPI). Both saws accept standard recip blades. For the Milwaukee, turn orbital action off for metal cuts. Cast iron, copper, steel, and even stainless all cut fine with the right blade.
How long does a battery last during demolition?
On a 5.0Ah battery, expect 20 to 30 minutes of continuous cutting. Recip saws are power-hungry. A full wall teardown will go through 2 to 3 batteries. The 8.0Ah and 12.0Ah high-output packs extend runtime significantly.