Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821 vs DeWalt 20V XR DCS386

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821
DeWalt 20V XR DCS386
Verified Confidence: 85%

Verdict: Milwaukee's FUEL Sawzall wins on raw cutting speed and demo durability; the DeWalt DCS386 is better controlled and less fatiguing with orbital action.

Winner: Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821: 7.2/10

DeWalt 20V XR DCS386: 7.1/10

Spec-by-spec comparison

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821DeWalt 20V XR DCS386
Max SPM3,0003,000
Stroke Length1-1/8 in.1-1/8 in.
Orbital ActionNoYes (4-position)
Anti-VibrationHandle overmoldMechanical counterbalance
Weight (with battery)~7.5 lbs~7.8 lbs
Warranty5-year3-year

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821

What works

  • 3,000 SPM with 1-1/8 in. stroke — among the fastest in class through metal
  • Battle-tested FUEL motor reliability — handles years of sustained demo work
  • M18 High Output batteries give exceptional runtime on long jobs

What doesn't

  • No orbital action — slower through wood demolition compared to orbital mode on DeWalt
  • Heavier build — 7.5 lbs with battery isn't light for extended overhead work

DeWalt 20V XR DCS386

What works

  • Four-position orbital action dramatically speeds wood demolition cuts
  • Mechanical counterbalance reduces vibration and hand fatigue on long sessions
  • XR brushless motor delivers consistent power with efficient battery use

What doesn't

  • Orbital action unsuitable for metal cutting — produces rougher cuts and faster blade wear
  • Anti-vibration less proven over long-term heavy demo vs Milwaukee's track record

Bottom line

Our pick: Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821. It edges out the alternative on 3,000 spm with 1-1/8 in. stroke — among the fastest in class through metal. That said, DeWalt 20V XR DCS386 still wins on four-position orbital action dramatically speeds wood demolition cuts — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.

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