We always want the best value for our money. HF brands are famous for being inexpensive, but Are the Harbor Freight Sawzalls worth it?
We have been using our HF Sawzall for a few years now. We’ve reviewed them this is our honest opinion.
FAQ about Harbor Freight Sawzalls
According to Harbor Freight, they save you money by cutting out the middleman. They buy their tools from the same (undisclosed) factories that supply the competition.
Can HF Reciprocating Saws be returned?
Yes, You have 90 days to return your HF Sawzall for any reason for a full refund or replacement. But don’t forget to bring your original receipt.
Sometimes a 20% restocking fee applies for returns. They will wave the restocking fee if:
- The tool is unopened and in new condition.
- The item you exchanged is an upgrade product in the same category.
- You are replacing the saw under the Extended Service Plan
- Or you return the Item under the manufacturer’s Warranty
What does a Sawzall cost?
Typically Harbor Freight reciprocating saws start around $25 up to $110 for the one with the most bells and whistles. Other name brands like DeWalt or Milwaukee begin at about $100-200, depending on the model.
We got ours on sale around Christmas time for $19.99 with the famous Harbor Freight coupons about 7 years ago. We have no regrets with the amount of work we’ve done; you can’t beat it for the price.
7 Harbor Freight Sawzalls compared
Which reciprocating saw should I buy?
Currently, Harbor Freight has 7 different reciprocating saws models to choose from. We bought the cheapest one, and we’ve been super happy with it.
Here is a side-by-side comparison
All HF reciprocating saws have the following:
- Variable speed trigger
- Keyless blade change (WE LOVE THIS)😍
- Adjustable pivoting shoe –
- some require a hex key to adjust the depth positions; others from the NEW Hercules line are keyless.
Cons:
- No carrying case 😏 ( I carry my HF saw in the original Milwaukee case that I kept from the previous Sawzall I owned)
| 110-120v models | ||||
| Model: | HERCULES HE75 | Bauer 1975E-B | CHICAGO ELECTRIC | CHICAGO ELECTRIC |
| Customer rating | 4.8 out of 5 | 4.7 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 4.6 out of 5 |
| Power | 12 amps | 10 amps | 7.5 Amp | 6 amp |
| Strokes per min. | 2800 | 2500 | 2500 | 2500 |
| Stroke length | 1-1/8 in. | 1-1/8 in. | 1 in. | 7/8 in. |
| Pivoting Shoe | 30° | up to 3/4 in | tilts to 110° | up to 30° |
| Weight | 8.84 lbs | 7.47 lb. | 7.45 lb | 5.97 lb. |
| Tool length | 19-5/8″ | 19-3/4 in. | 20 in. | 18 in. |
| Rafter hook | yes | no | no | no |
| LED light | yes | no | no | no |
| Trigger lock | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Anti-vibration | yes | yes | no | no |
| Rotating handle | no | no | no | yes |
| Electric brake | yes | no | no | no |
Corded
- HERCULES HE75 Compare to MILWAUKEE 6519-30
- 12 Amp
- electronically controlled motor maintains consistent power under load, won’t bog down during heavy-duty cuts
- Shoe depth settings (keyless lock button)
- Power cord (ft.) 10 ft.
- Includes 6 in. 14 TPI saw blade.
- Bauer 1975E-B Compare to RIDGID R30022
- 10 amp
- Includes: hex key for depth position adjustment of the shoe
- CHICAGO ELECTRIC 7.5 amp Compare to SKIL 9206-02
- 7.5 Amp
- Rugged cast aluminum head with a rubber boot for a secure grip
- Power indicator light
- Included: hex wrench for depth position adjustment of the shoe
- CHICAGO ELECTRIC 6 amp compare to PORTER-CABLE PCE360
- Handle rotates 180° with five positive stops (LOVE) ♥️♥️
- The newest version of this saw has a blade release lever. The one we have has a twisting keyless chuck.
Check out our Instagram page for some videos of this saw in action.
| Lithium-Ion Battery powered | |||
| Model: | Bauer HYPERMAX 1775C-B | Hercules HC75B | HERCULES HCB751B |
| Customer rating | 4.8 out of 5 | 4.8 out of 5 | no reviews |
| Power | 20v | 20v | 20v |
| Strokes per min. | 3000 | 3000 | 2900 |
| Stroke length | 1-1/8 in. | 1-1/8 in. | 1-1/8 in. |
| Pivoting Shoe | 3- positions | 37° pivot w/ 3 depth positions | 3 depth positions |
| Weight | 5.99 lbs | 5.9 lbs. | 6.3 lb. |
| Tool length | 18-7/8 in. | 17-5/8 in. | 17-1/2 in. |
| Rafter hook | no | yes | yes |
| LED light | no | yes | yes |
| Trigger lock | yes | yes | yes |
| Anti-vibration | yes | yes | yes |
| Rotating handle | no | no | no |
| Electric brake | yes | yes | yes |
Lithium-Ion Battery Powered
- Bauer HYPERMAX 1775C-B Compare to RYOBI P516
- all-metal gears
- Compatible with all BAUER 20v batteries.
- Pivoting Shoe has a keyless locking button.
- Hercules HC75B Compare to MILWAUKEE 2621-20
- All-metal gearing and gear case
- Bright LED light to illuminate dark work areas
- Compatible with all HERCULES® 20v batteries
- Pivoting Shoe has a keyless locking button
- Included 6 in. 14 TPI blade
- HERCULES HCB751B Compare to MILWAUKEE 2720-20
- 20V
- Brushless motor
- Pivoting Shoe has a keyless locking button
- All-metal gearing and gear case
- Bright LED light to illuminate dark work areas
- Compatible with all HERCULES® 20v batteries
In review
We definitely think that HF sawzalls are worth the money. 🤑🥳
Hercules models offer you the most extended stroke length and an LED light.
The lithium-ion battery-powered charger and battery are sold separately. And NO carrying cases are included.
The Chicago Electric model 6 amp is the smallest, lightest, and easiest to use. And, of course, that fantastic rotating handle.
HF doesn’t currently offer a one-handed operated saws-all. In case that is important to you, here are some alternatives.
Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall
Looking for some other type of power tool?
*FYI, we were not paid by Harbor Freight for this article. We wanted to share our personal experiences. However, We are Amazon associates and receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. Thanks for your support.
4 Walls Overnight 
The 6 amp Chicago Electric has now been rebranded as Warrior. Depending on the coupon you use it runs between 20 and 25 dollars and is certainly a bargain at that price.
The major problem with the saw is when a blade breaks it usually breaks right at the holder and there is no way to eject the tiny part of blade that remains thus making the entire saw worthless. I’ve gone through a couple of the saws that way, but again for the price I don’t really care. If I purchased another one I would make sure that the extended warranty covered that situation and then purchase it and return it every time a blade broke.
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