Milwaukee 2821-20 vs DeWalt DCS382B Reciprocating Saw
Updated · Price Drop Radar
Bottom line
Bob Vila tested eight reciprocating saws and named the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall the clear winner: it cut a 2x4 in 7 seconds, a 2 in PVC pipe in 4, and was the only saw to cut through a metal stud without a struggle. Power Tools Insider also names the 2821-20 its best overall. We found no accessible independent test or spec sheet for the DeWalt DCS382B, and the DeWalt models Bob Vila and Power Tools Insider tested are different saws. So the Milwaukee has the evidence, and the DeWalt is a platform choice. If you own DeWalt 20V batteries, check the DCS382B's specs on DeWalt's page. If not, the Milwaukee is the one with the test results.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821-20
DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCS382B
Side by side
| Spec | Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821-20 | DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCS382B |
|---|---|---|
| Independent test found [1][2] | Bob Vila tested the M18 FUEL Sawzall kit | None for the DCS382B |
| Stroke length and speed [2] | 1-1/4 in stroke, up to 3,000 strokes per minute | Not confirmed in the sources we read |
| 2x4 cut time [1] | 7 seconds (8 seconds with deck screws in it), per Bob Vila | Not tested |
| 2 in PVC pipe [1] | 4 seconds | Not tested |
| Metal stud [1] | The only saw Bob Vila tested to cut it without a struggle | Not tested |
| Vibration [1] | Smoother than most, per Bob Vila | Not tested |
| Weight [2] | About 7 lb with a battery, per Power Tools Insider | Not confirmed in the sources we read |
| Features [1][2] | Integrated LED, adjustable shoe, retractable hook, metal gear housing | 20V MAX XR brushless, per the listing |
| Battery platform [1][2] | Milwaukee M18 | DeWalt 20V MAX |
| Runtime [2] | Up to 150 cuts in 2x4 lumber on an XC5.0 battery, per Power Tools Insider | Not confirmed in the sources we read |
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821-20
- Bob Vila's clear winner of eight saws
- Fast and smooth, and the only saw to cut a metal stud without struggle
- Retractable hook for storage, and the charger also takes M12 batteries
- Pricey, per Bob Vila
- About 7 lb with a battery, heavier than compact saws
- Only fits M18 batteries
DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCS382B
- 20V MAX XR brushless saw, per the listing
- Uses DeWalt 20V batteries you may already own
- Fits a DeWalt tool lineup
- We found no independent test
- We couldn't confirm stroke length, speed or weight
- Only fits DeWalt 20V batteries
Which one is right for you
| If you are | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Own Milwaukee M18 batteries | Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821-20 | Test results and the same battery |
| Own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries | DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCS382B | Your batteries fit |
| Heavy demolition and metal | Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821-20 | Cut a metal stud without struggle in Bob Vila's test |
| Starting from scratch | Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall 2821-20 | The only one with a test behind it |
| Want the lowest tool price | DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCS382B | Check live prices for both |
What to look for
Stroke and speed
Why it matters: Longer strokes and higher strokes per minute cut faster.
How to check: Compare stroke length and strokes per minute.
Watch out: Power Tools Insider lists the Milwaukee at 1-1/4 in and up to 3,000 strokes per minute. We couldn't confirm the DeWalt's.
Cutting tests
Why it matters: Timed cuts show real performance.
How to check: Look for timed cuts in wood, pipe and metal.
Watch out: Bob Vila timed the Milwaukee at 7 seconds through a 2x4 and 4 seconds through PVC.
Weight
Why it matters: A saw you hold overhead tires you.
How to check: Compare the weight with a battery.
Watch out: Power Tools Insider lists the Milwaukee at about 7 lb with a battery.
Battery platform
Why it matters: The battery is a big part of the cost.
How to check: Count the M18 and DeWalt 20V batteries you own.
Watch out: Power Tools Insider adds $100 to $150 for a battery and charger on a bare tool.
Vibration
Why it matters: Reciprocating saws can leave your hands numb.
How to check: Look for reviews that mention vibration.
Watch out: Bob Vila says the Milwaukee felt smoother than most saws it tested.
Traps and timing
- Bob Vila tested the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall kit. The 2821-20 on this page is the bare tool without batteries.
- The DeWalt saws in Bob Vila's and Power Tools Insider's reviews, such as the compact and DCS380B models, are different from the DCS382B. Power Tools Insider describes the DCS380B as brushed.
- Both listings are tool-only, so budget for batteries and a charger.
- We could not confirm the DCS382B's specs. Check DeWalt's page.
- Check the live Amazon price for both.
Before you check out
- Count the batteries you already own.
- Decide how much demolition and metal cutting you do.
- Check the saw's weight with a battery.
- Confirm the model on the listing.
- Check the live Amazon price.
How we put this together
We don't test reciprocating saws in a lab. We compared the makers' published specs, the Amazon listings and independent reviews, all listed under Sources, and where they disagree we say so. Prices come from Amazon and are refreshed by our system throughout the day.
Price Drop Radar earns a commission on qualifying Amazon purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. That never decides which product we recommend.
Quick answers
Which reciprocating saw did Bob Vila pick?
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall, which it called the clear winner of eight saws tested.
How fast did the Milwaukee cut?
7 seconds through a 2x4, about a second more with deck screws in it, and 4 seconds through a 2 in PVC pipe.
Has the DeWalt DCS382B been independently tested?
We didn't find an accessible independent test.
Do these include batteries?
No. Both listings are tool-only.
Which has the longer stroke?
We could confirm only the Milwaukee's 1-1/4 in stroke.
Sources
- The Best Reciprocating Saws, Bob Vila
- Best Reciprocating Saws for Demolition 2026, Power Tools Insider