Cordless Pruning Shears and a Compact Reciprocating Saw: Three New Tools Worth Watching

Introduction

A fresh batch of cordless outdoor and jobsite tools has landed, and three of them stand out for different reasons: a new Milwaukee M12 pruning shear, the larger-capacity DeWalt 20V Max alternative, and an 18V compact reciprocating saw from Metabo HPT that undercuts its rivals on price. Here is how they compare and who each one makes sense for.

Milwaukee M12 Pruning Shears

The all-new Milwaukee M12 pruning shears are a brushless tool, which is slightly unusual for the M12 line since it is not branded as a Fuel model. Milwaukee claims it handles branches up to 1-1/4 inches with up to 1,000 cuts per charge.

It carries a five-year warranty, a step up from the three years offered on the DeWalt rival, and it is priced at $250. It is currently on pre-order. For most buyers, though, the higher price is hard to justify against the 20V alternative unless you plan to use the tool all day long.

DeWalt 20V Max Pruning Shears

The DeWalt 20V Max pruning shears claim cuts on branches up to 1-1/2 inches with up to 1,100 cuts, so the two tools are not really an apples-to-apples comparison. The bigger 20V battery platform gives DeWalt more capacity to work with.

At roughly $170 for the kit, it is also meaningfully cheaper than the Milwaukee. If you are working outside in the heat, the higher-voltage platform can help keep the tool running cooler, which makes this the more practical pick for most people.

Metabo HPT 18V Cordless Compact Reciprocating Saw

Metabo HPT (sold as HiKOKI in other parts of the world) has a new 18V cordless compact reciprocating saw that has flown under the radar. It is similar in size and style to subcompact reciprocating saws from other major brands.

Full power figures are not yet available, and real performance will only show under load. As a reference point, some subcompact saws in this class have historically underwhelmed while others turned out to be surprisingly powerful. What is clear is the value: it is cheaper than competing DeWalt and Makita subcompact options by at least $50, and it comes with a lifetime tool warranty.

What Else Is New From Metabo HPT

Metabo HPT is rolling out a wave of new 18V products. The new hammer drill and impact driver kits include battery packs with a fuel gauge for the first time, and the hammer drill kit comes with a free third battery for $180, which is a strong deal.

Beyond drills, there are new drywall screw guns, a 4,000-lumen tripod light, new pin nailer kits, a large lineup of new SDS hammers, and new grinders priced at $200 that also carry the lifetime tool warranty. The brand’s cordless nailers in particular have a strong reputation, and the existing grinder was considered underwhelming, so the new models are worth watching.

Buying Advice

If pruning is your priority, the DeWalt 20V Max shears are the better value for most people thanks to the bigger branch capacity, larger battery platform, and lower kit price. Pick the Milwaukee only if the five-year warranty and all-day ergonomics matter more to you than the $80 premium. For light demolition and branch work around the yard, the Metabo HPT compact reciprocating saw is an intriguing low-cost entry with a lifetime warranty behind it.

Conclusion

The Milwaukee M12 pruning shears bring brushless convenience and a long warranty at $250, the DeWalt 20V Max shears deliver more cutting capacity for about $170, and the Metabo HPT 18V compact reciprocating saw looks like one of the best value plays in the subcompact category. Match the tool to your workload and platform before committing.