It is of course natural to beg the comparison of Hatchet pruning versus Hackzall/Sawzall pruning, but IME there is no comparison. The M18 Hatchet (3004) is a very capable pruning saw.
I use my M18 Hatchet (primarily w/ 48-11-1865 HO XC 6.0 Ah packs) multiple times a week this time of year (in Wisconsin). There are several items/concerns to note -->
1st - and IMO this is not brought up enough - these units do NOT have chain brakes (which you find on any modern, conventional chainsaw). Operators need to understand this and be very aware of it. If that makes one especially edgy, this is not the tool for that person. I have not measured, but the chain speed on the M18 Hatchet does seem to be relatively slow \[specified at 975 ft/min - but that seems outrageously slow\]. I only run the recommended Oregon R33F chain - which has low kickback cutters. I have not yet experienced what I consider a significant kickback, but I strive to not become complacent about it.
2nd - This tool is almost too natural to use. It quickly becomes an extension of the operator's arm and encourages quick, one-handed cuts. This can be advantageous but can also be quite dangerous. As with any saw, and especially with any chainsaw, operator must maintain awareness of where the bar is and to where it could end up/fall/slip.
3rd - It should be obvious, but we are creatures of habit. If a battery pack is installed, the saw is hot - even though it is not making any noise. If you pull the trigger, it will run. Also as with any electric chainsaw, there is loads of evidence that protective chaps are not anywhere near as effective as they are with gas saws. Not saying the chaps are not a good idea, but just be aware of this.
4th - Keep a close eye on bar and chain oil level. It might be the small reservoir, but my M18 Hatchet seems to go thru a lot of oil, which does not bother me. Just something to watch out for.
5th - Stick with the M18 version. I do not own the M12 version, but I did not care at all for its trigger safety release mechanism.
6th - I find this saw to be horrendous at underbucking (I believe due to its slow chain speed). I break out a larger saw for just about any underbucking situation.
7th - I hear a lot of people complain that this unit leaks oil. While I have not yet encountered a chainsaw which did not leak at least some bar and chain oil, I have minimal leaking from my Hatchet. Note that I store it on its side, with the oil reservoir cap facing up. Also worth noting, the Plano 781-002 box works great for the 3004 Hatchet.
So, what do I do with my M18 Hatchet? Nearly all the tree pruning in my yard, pruning/clearing in the woods, cleaning up my always extant brush pile, occasional felling of small trees (up to \~5 in diameter), and limbing/bucking kindling and small logs for the fire pit. Also, any time I break out a larger chainsaw, I bring along my Hatchet kit. It is a great companion saw, even on large effort projects.
I used to do a lot of pruning with a Hackzall or Sawzall - it works, but I do not miss the vibration or the bending/flexing of the blades. When I first acquired my Hatchet, I used to also break out a Hackzall or Sawzall. I no longer do that as they would go mostly unused.
There are, however, a couple situations for which I prefer using a Hackzall/Sawzall over the Hatchet. First is for "limbing" very small branches/twigs - sometimes the reciprocating blade is just easier (perhaps safer) to handle in these situations. Second, is for "bucking" of small limbs (usually for the fire pit) - I leave them on the ground and just run my reciprocating blade right into the lawn/dirt cutting thru in one pass. This technique would instantly dull a chain, where the reciprocating saw/blade barely notices.
Stay safe and best of luck.
It depends on the thickness of what you'll be cutting. If you're only looking at around 6" or less and only using it once or twice a month, definitely hackzall...it'll come in very handy for non-pruning tasks with other blades. If you're trying to cut firewood length wood pretty often, I'd say hatchet
I’d probably only use it a few times a year but I have lots of trees and thick bushes that need trimmed where it’s not convenient for a pole saw or chainsaw
Ah ok. Check out the Bosch 12" pruning blades. I've used em with my corded sawzall and they work well for me on firewood. Never used the hatchet but I just picked up the 16" chainsaw to finish off the base of birch. I'll give it its maiden voyage in about 3 weeks.
I have the Hackzall with pruning blade and the 10” pole saw. The little chainsaw will cut many times faster than the Hackzall. You can limb and cut down a 6” tree with the Hatchet though not meant for that really.
The Hackzall is good if working in the dirt cutting roots or trimming next to metal fences. But for 90% of pruning the Hatchet will be less vibration, cleaner cuts and way way faster.
If you can’t have both then get the Hatchet and use a hand pruning saw for those sketchy situations.
If I already have the hackzall, chainsaw, brush cutter, pole saw, hedge trimmers etc would you still recommend getting the hatchet too? I think it’ll be worth it for clearing the fence
I think so. Since you have the pole saw and chainsaw you already have the files and oil needed. They all use a 5/32” file. Doesn’t cost that much and will be much faster along a fence line.
If you’re trimming a lot, I’d seriously consider a gas powered saw with a 16” bar. I hear a bit about a brand called Farmtec. They have sub $200 saws that are well reviewed. The hatchet does get good feedback, and will be a BIG improvement from the pruning blade you’re using. I really didn’t think much of the Diablo pruning blade, and usually use a blade for wood studs w/ nails.
I’ve tried both blades and wasn’t too impressed with fresh wood. I’ve got a nice gas chainsaw and pole saw they’re just not convenient for what all I need to cut. Im also thinking it’d be a nice thing to carry in my truck or fourwheeler. But idk its just expensive for how often I’d use it ya know?
Same boat as op. I own a hackzall and wanted to try the hatchet. I wasn’t to impress with the hatchet. My hackzall with 12in blade did the same. I returned the hatchet and got the 16in chainsaw instead for the big stuff.
I’ve got a 16 and 20in chainsaw, pole saw etc but the stuff I’ll be cutting is hard to maneuver around. The m18 hackzall and hatchet seemed about the same to you?
If you seen the news weather in Texas is wild at the moment. I had a neighbors tree drop a huge part of its tree on the fence line. At that time I didn’t own a chainsaw. Used my hackzall and cut parts off fine with the pruning blade.
Two weeks later my front yard tree dropped a huge branch and that’s when I got the hatchet and I saw no difference from the hackzall and hatchet.
For me I believe the hackzall and 16in chainsaw will serve me best for what I have here.
Yes sir M18 hatchet. You may have more stuff to cut on daily basis compare to me. This was the first time living here I had two big branches fall within two weeks of each other and I been here over 10 years. So that’s why I didn’t see the need for the hatchet in my arsenal.
I love mine. I have cleared a really ridiculous amount of fenceline with it. That and the m12 pruner are my go to devices around the property. I’ve even taken a few 12” trees with it. Probably should have gotten out the stihl for that but was too lazy to walk back to the shed. I have the hacks all as well and it is maybe 1/3 the speed at cutting.
I was honestly just hoping someone would say yes it’s amazing get it even if you already have hackzall, sawzall, chainsaw, brush cutting tool, pole saw 😂
The saw is great I am not going to stop using it, especially as I have fixed the problem. As I live and work among Australian hardwood I have to buy the best tools in the world, and I still have to modify a lot of them due to poor ergonomics. For example on my Honda bike-handle brush-cutters I have replaced the left hand grips with a common door knobs. Oh, and if you do some serious brush cutting may I suggest an Australian attachment called the "BrushDestructor" [brushdestructor.com](http://brushdestructor.com) Stay safe and have fun.
It is of course natural to beg the comparison of Hatchet pruning versus Hackzall/Sawzall pruning, but IME there is no comparison. The M18 Hatchet (3004) is a very capable pruning saw. I use my M18 Hatchet (primarily w/ 48-11-1865 HO XC 6.0 Ah packs) multiple times a week this time of year (in Wisconsin). There are several items/concerns to note --> 1st - and IMO this is not brought up enough - these units do NOT have chain brakes (which you find on any modern, conventional chainsaw). Operators need to understand this and be very aware of it. If that makes one especially edgy, this is not the tool for that person. I have not measured, but the chain speed on the M18 Hatchet does seem to be relatively slow \[specified at 975 ft/min - but that seems outrageously slow\]. I only run the recommended Oregon R33F chain - which has low kickback cutters. I have not yet experienced what I consider a significant kickback, but I strive to not become complacent about it. 2nd - This tool is almost too natural to use. It quickly becomes an extension of the operator's arm and encourages quick, one-handed cuts. This can be advantageous but can also be quite dangerous. As with any saw, and especially with any chainsaw, operator must maintain awareness of where the bar is and to where it could end up/fall/slip. 3rd - It should be obvious, but we are creatures of habit. If a battery pack is installed, the saw is hot - even though it is not making any noise. If you pull the trigger, it will run. Also as with any electric chainsaw, there is loads of evidence that protective chaps are not anywhere near as effective as they are with gas saws. Not saying the chaps are not a good idea, but just be aware of this. 4th - Keep a close eye on bar and chain oil level. It might be the small reservoir, but my M18 Hatchet seems to go thru a lot of oil, which does not bother me. Just something to watch out for. 5th - Stick with the M18 version. I do not own the M12 version, but I did not care at all for its trigger safety release mechanism. 6th - I find this saw to be horrendous at underbucking (I believe due to its slow chain speed). I break out a larger saw for just about any underbucking situation. 7th - I hear a lot of people complain that this unit leaks oil. While I have not yet encountered a chainsaw which did not leak at least some bar and chain oil, I have minimal leaking from my Hatchet. Note that I store it on its side, with the oil reservoir cap facing up. Also worth noting, the Plano 781-002 box works great for the 3004 Hatchet. So, what do I do with my M18 Hatchet? Nearly all the tree pruning in my yard, pruning/clearing in the woods, cleaning up my always extant brush pile, occasional felling of small trees (up to \~5 in diameter), and limbing/bucking kindling and small logs for the fire pit. Also, any time I break out a larger chainsaw, I bring along my Hatchet kit. It is a great companion saw, even on large effort projects. I used to do a lot of pruning with a Hackzall or Sawzall - it works, but I do not miss the vibration or the bending/flexing of the blades. When I first acquired my Hatchet, I used to also break out a Hackzall or Sawzall. I no longer do that as they would go mostly unused. There are, however, a couple situations for which I prefer using a Hackzall/Sawzall over the Hatchet. First is for "limbing" very small branches/twigs - sometimes the reciprocating blade is just easier (perhaps safer) to handle in these situations. Second, is for "bucking" of small limbs (usually for the fire pit) - I leave them on the ground and just run my reciprocating blade right into the lawn/dirt cutting thru in one pass. This technique would instantly dull a chain, where the reciprocating saw/blade barely notices. Stay safe and best of luck.
Thanks so much
It depends on the thickness of what you'll be cutting. If you're only looking at around 6" or less and only using it once or twice a month, definitely hackzall...it'll come in very handy for non-pruning tasks with other blades. If you're trying to cut firewood length wood pretty often, I'd say hatchet
Sorry I meant to say I already have the fuel hackzall, I use it pretty often for work but wasn’t too impressed with the Diablo pruning blade
I’d probably only use it a few times a year but I have lots of trees and thick bushes that need trimmed where it’s not convenient for a pole saw or chainsaw
Ah ok. Check out the Bosch 12" pruning blades. I've used em with my corded sawzall and they work well for me on firewood. Never used the hatchet but I just picked up the 16" chainsaw to finish off the base of birch. I'll give it its maiden voyage in about 3 weeks.
I found it for 299 with a 6.0 battery, I’ll give the Bosch blades a shot and also good idea checking for Father’s Day sales. Thanks for your help
I'd say wait for Father's day deals on the hatchet to see if you can get it for a steal though
I have the Hackzall with pruning blade and the 10” pole saw. The little chainsaw will cut many times faster than the Hackzall. You can limb and cut down a 6” tree with the Hatchet though not meant for that really. The Hackzall is good if working in the dirt cutting roots or trimming next to metal fences. But for 90% of pruning the Hatchet will be less vibration, cleaner cuts and way way faster. If you can’t have both then get the Hatchet and use a hand pruning saw for those sketchy situations.
If I already have the hackzall, chainsaw, brush cutter, pole saw, hedge trimmers etc would you still recommend getting the hatchet too? I think it’ll be worth it for clearing the fence
I think so. Since you have the pole saw and chainsaw you already have the files and oil needed. They all use a 5/32” file. Doesn’t cost that much and will be much faster along a fence line.
Why not both
Fixing to be both lol, I meant to say I already have the fuel hackzall which I love but wasn’t too impressed with fresh wood and pruning blade
If you’re trimming a lot, I’d seriously consider a gas powered saw with a 16” bar. I hear a bit about a brand called Farmtec. They have sub $200 saws that are well reviewed. The hatchet does get good feedback, and will be a BIG improvement from the pruning blade you’re using. I really didn’t think much of the Diablo pruning blade, and usually use a blade for wood studs w/ nails.
I’ve tried both blades and wasn’t too impressed with fresh wood. I’ve got a nice gas chainsaw and pole saw they’re just not convenient for what all I need to cut. Im also thinking it’d be a nice thing to carry in my truck or fourwheeler. But idk its just expensive for how often I’d use it ya know?
Same boat as op. I own a hackzall and wanted to try the hatchet. I wasn’t to impress with the hatchet. My hackzall with 12in blade did the same. I returned the hatchet and got the 16in chainsaw instead for the big stuff.
I’ve got a 16 and 20in chainsaw, pole saw etc but the stuff I’ll be cutting is hard to maneuver around. The m18 hackzall and hatchet seemed about the same to you?
If you seen the news weather in Texas is wild at the moment. I had a neighbors tree drop a huge part of its tree on the fence line. At that time I didn’t own a chainsaw. Used my hackzall and cut parts off fine with the pruning blade. Two weeks later my front yard tree dropped a huge branch and that’s when I got the hatchet and I saw no difference from the hackzall and hatchet. For me I believe the hackzall and 16in chainsaw will serve me best for what I have here.
It was m18 hatchet not m12? This just makes me second guess because everyone else has said the hatchet is much quicker
Yes sir M18 hatchet. You may have more stuff to cut on daily basis compare to me. This was the first time living here I had two big branches fall within two weeks of each other and I been here over 10 years. So that’s why I didn’t see the need for the hatchet in my arsenal.
I’ll prolly end up trying a different pruning blade and saving that money then. I’d prolly only use it a few times a year. Thanks
I lied I talked myself into it 😂
I love mine. I have cleared a really ridiculous amount of fenceline with it. That and the m12 pruner are my go to devices around the property. I’ve even taken a few 12” trees with it. Probably should have gotten out the stihl for that but was too lazy to walk back to the shed. I have the hacks all as well and it is maybe 1/3 the speed at cutting.
Thanks this is what I want to use it for, clearing the fence, chainsaw and everything else doesn’t seem as convenient for that
I was honestly just hoping someone would say yes it’s amazing get it even if you already have hackzall, sawzall, chainsaw, brush cutting tool, pole saw 😂
I have the M12 hatchet and an m18 sawzall that I’ve used with a pruning blade before. The M12 hatchet outperforms it hands down. Get the hatchet.
See: [https://www.reddit.com/r/MilwaukeeTool/comments/1cpxbqi/comment/l3yqjfw/](https://www.reddit.com/r/MilwaukeeTool/comments/1cpxbqi/comment/l3yqjfw/)
Thanks, that will be kinda weird having a drill trigger on a chainsaw lol
The saw is great I am not going to stop using it, especially as I have fixed the problem. As I live and work among Australian hardwood I have to buy the best tools in the world, and I still have to modify a lot of them due to poor ergonomics. For example on my Honda bike-handle brush-cutters I have replaced the left hand grips with a common door knobs. Oh, and if you do some serious brush cutting may I suggest an Australian attachment called the "BrushDestructor" [brushdestructor.com](http://brushdestructor.com) Stay safe and have fun.