If you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional in the construction industry, you’ve probably heard of the reciprocating saw, also known as the Sawzall.
This versatile power tool has been a game-changer since its invention in 1951 by a Milwaukee tool company. With its unique push-and-pull motion, the Sawzall has become a go-to tool for cutting through a variety of materials, including pipes, nails, wood, drywall, and old flooring.
In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the Sawzall and explore how it has evolved over the years to become the indispensable tool it is today.
So, when was the Sawzall invented? Let’s find out.
When Was The Sawzall Invented
The Sawzall was first introduced in 1951 by the Milwaukee Electric Tool Company. It was designed to replace or complement the hacksaw and was intended to be mobile and easy to use. The Sawzall made use of the increasing availability of electricity and was produced under this name.
Initially, the Sawzall was an evolution from a previous saw that the Milwaukee Electric Tool Co. had made, which had a right-angle cutting mechanism. This was intended to be used by plumbers to cut materials in tight spaces. Soon after, the company released a true reciprocating saw that is still very popular today.
The reciprocating saw had changeable blades that could match certain materials, making it very flexible for users. Demand for it increased greatly after it was released to market. Modern reciprocating saws have additional features, such as variable speed, battery power, and an extensive selection of quick-change blades.
The Origins Of The Reciprocating Saw
The reciprocating saw, also known as a hognose or recip saw, is a type of machine-powered saw that achieves its cutting action through a push-and-pull (“reciprocating”) motion of the blade. The typical design of this saw has a foot at the base of the blade, similar to that of a jigsaw, and a handle oriented to allow the saw to be used comfortably on vertical surfaces.
The reciprocating saw was invented by the Milwaukee Electric Tool Company in 1951 and was initially called the Sawzall. It was designed to replace or complement the hacksaw and was intended to be mobile and easy to use. The Sawzall made use of the increasing availability of electricity and was produced under this name.
The Sawzall was an evolution from a previous saw that the Milwaukee Electric Tool Co. had made, which had a right-angle cutting mechanism. This was intended to be used by plumbers to cut materials in tight spaces. Soon after, the company released a true reciprocating saw that is still very popular today.
The reciprocating saw had changeable blades that could match certain materials, making it very flexible for users. Demand for it increased greatly after it was released to market. Modern reciprocating saws have additional features, such as variable speed, battery power, and an extensive selection of quick-change blades.
Despite its humble origins, the reciprocating saw has become a very common tool found in construction sites everywhere. Its versatility and ability to cut through a variety of materials such as pipes, nails, wood, drywall, and old flooring make it an essential tool for any DIY enthusiast or professional contractor.
The Birth Of The Sawzall: Milwaukee’s Innovation
The Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation played a significant role in the development of the Sawzall. In fact, they are credited with inventing the first-ever reciprocating saw nearly 70 years ago. The Sawzall was created to replace the traditional hacksaw and was designed to be mobile and easy to use.
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation began producing tools for the US Navy during the 1930s. They developed sanders, polishers, electric hammers, and hand grinders. In 1935, they introduced a handheld drill that could be used with a hammer action or without. During World War II, Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation benefited from the manufacturing boom and its position as a supplier to the US Navy.
In 1949, Milwaukee added a spring clutch to handheld sanders, grinders, and circular saws which reduced their recoil. However, it was in 1951 that they introduced the Sawzall reciprocating saw. It was the first portable reciprocating hacksaw that could be used for a variety of materials.
The Sawzall was a game-changer in the industry due to its quick-change blades and variable speed features. It quickly became popular among professionals who needed a tool that could handle different materials on the job site. Since then, Milwaukee has continued to innovate and improve upon their reciprocating saws.
This year, Milwaukee is releasing the next generation cordless Sawzall on their M18 FUEL battery platform. The new model is designed entirely with trade professionals in mind, making it faster and lighter than previous generations while also being more durable. Milwaukee Tool continues to invest time working alongside users to understand their needs and frustrations, leading them to deliver game-changing innovations across all their product lines.
Early Uses And Advantages Of The Sawzall
The Sawzall was initially intended for use in construction and demolition work. Its push-and-pull motion made it perfect for cutting through hard-to-remove nails in a staircase or other similar materials. Plumbers also found the Sawzall very useful for cutting materials in tight spaces.
The Sawzall’s changeable blades made it a versatile tool that could match certain materials, such as wood, metal, or plastic. This flexibility allowed users to complete a wide range of tasks with just one tool. The Sawzall’s durability also made it an attractive choice for professionals who required a reliable and efficient tool for their work.
Over the years, the Sawzall has undergone significant improvements to its design and features. Modern reciprocating saws now have additional features, such as variable speed and battery power, making them even more versatile and convenient for users. The extensive selection of quick-change blades also allows users to switch between different materials quickly and easily.
The Sawzall’s Impact On The Construction Industry
The Sawzall has had a significant impact on the construction industry since its introduction in 1951. It quickly became one of the most widely used power tools by contractors, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and even firefighters. The Sawzall’s versatility and ability to cut through a variety of materials made it an essential tool for demolition work and construction projects.
Before the Sawzall, workers primarily used hacksaws or manual saws to cut through materials. These tools were time-consuming and required a lot of physical effort, which slowed down the work process. With the introduction of the Sawzall, workers could now cut through materials quickly and efficiently, saving time and energy.
The Sawzall’s impact on the construction industry was significant because it allowed workers to complete projects faster and with greater precision. It also made it easier for workers to access hard-to-reach areas, such as tight corners or high spaces.
Over the years, the Sawzall has evolved with new features such as variable speed, battery power, and quick-change blades. These advancements have made the tool even more versatile and efficient for construction workers.
Evolution Of The Sawzall: New Features And Designs
Over the years, the Sawzall has undergone many changes and improvements. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of cordless technology. Milwaukee’s Sawzall M18 cordless lithium-ion, for example, cuts up to 30 percent faster than traditional cordless reciprocating saws. It also has a patented, gear-protected clutch that absorbs constant vibration, making it more comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
Another key improvement is the blade design. The Milwaukee Ax blade, introduced in 1999 specifically for demo applications, features variable TPI for increased material removal and efficiency. In 2012, the company introduced the Fang tip and nail guard technology to prevent nails from damaging blades. The most recent development is the Milwaukee Ax with Carbide teeth, which was the result of extensive research and development based on feedback from professionals. This new line of blades can cut through a variety of materials with ease.
Comfort was also a major consideration in the design of modern Sawzalls. They now feature rubber grips, ambidextrous trigger locks, and low weights for ease of use. The foot at the base of the blade has also been improved to allow for better control and stability during cutting.
In addition to these improvements, modern Sawzalls are now part of a complete 18-volt tool line from Milwaukee that ranges from drills, saws, impacts, and specialty tools. This means that one battery can power all of these tools, making it more convenient for professionals to work on different projects.
Popular Sawzall Applications Today
The reciprocating saw, or Sawzall, is a popular tool used by many professionals in various industries. Window fitters, construction workers, and emergency rescue services all commonly use reciprocating saws. The Sawzall is particularly useful for demolition work, allowing for quick and easy cutting of materials like windows, walls, plumbing, and doors. It is also frequently used for cutting wood, thanks to the inclusion of an orbital action that causes the tip of the blade to move in an oval pattern, up and down as well as back and forth.
Variants and accessories are available for specialized uses such as clamps and long blades for cutting large pipes. Blades are available for a variety of materials and uses, including metal cutting blades, wood cutting blades, blades for composites and drywall, and abrasive coated blades for hard materials like tile and stone. Many of these blade types have a variety of tooth designs intended for special purposes such as tree-limb cutting, demolition work, clean cutting, or contaminated materials.
The Sawzall’s popularity lies in its versatility and ease of use. It has become a very common tool found in construction sites everywhere due to its ability to make rough cuts in potentially close quarters. The Sawzall’s performance and versatility have skyrocketed in recent years thanks to massive improvements in blades.