Hercules and Milwaukee Circular Saws: Understanding the Differences

Cordless tools are taking the world of home improvement by storm, yet circular saws seem to be lagging a bit behind in this cordless revolution. The primary reason? Circular saws demand a hefty amount of power. Until recently, battery technology wasn’t quite up to snuff, making it tough to find a powerful, yet affordable, cordless circular saw. Luckily, that tide has turned. Today, not only can serious contractors find options from professional-grade manufacturers like Milwaukee, but even budget-friendly alternatives like Hercules are stepping up to the plate. Home improvement enthusiasts now have a wider selection at their fingertips, making heavy-cutting tasks more convenient and mobile than ever.

Understanding the Hercules Brand

The Hercules line of tools is a house brand of Harbor Freight, which inherently ties lower prices to the brand, particularly when compared to premium tool companies. A standout product from Hercules is the 20V Cordless 7-¼-inch Rear-Handle Worm-Drive Style Circular Saw, which retails at a tantalizingly low price of $149.99. To put that in perspective, Milwaukee’s comparable 2830-20 M18 Fuel Rear Handle 7-¼-inch Circular Saw comes in at a whopping $279. That’s a $129 difference—quite the bargain for those looking to save a few bucks while optimizing their toolkit!

While alternative retailers on platforms like Amazon might occasionally sell Milwaukee’s saws for a bit less, the affordability of the Hercules model cannot easily be matched, especially considering it’s exclusive to Harbor Freight. That said, the availability of the Milwaukee saw is considerably greater, being found at various prominent retailers like Home Depot and Ace Hardware. Now, the big question is: is Milwaukee’s pricier option worth the extra cost? Let’s break down the specifications and features of both to find out.

Feature Comparison: Hercules vs. Milwaukee

The Hercules circular saw packs a punch with a 24-tooth carbide blade and can tackle a 2-½-inch cutting depth at 90 degrees, with bevel detents featuring five angles up to 53 degrees. It’s designed with a robust cast magnesium shoe and has guide markings for precision cuts. What’s notable is that the blade’s left-side positioning grants users a clearer line of sight for crosscuts. Some appealing features include an electric brake, a dust blower to keep the workspace clear, an LED work light, wrench storage, and a handy rafter hook for storage.

Similarly, Milwaukee’s circular saw isn’t left behind in the features department. It includes a powerful electric brake, an LED work light, and a magnesium shoe. However, while it offers a comparable dust port, it lacks the dust-clearing blower of Hercules. Decent enough, but if you’re someone that can’t stand working in a mess, that might be a dealbreaker.

Motor and Battery Performance

Both saws operate at a speedy 5,800 rpm due to their brushless motors, claiming superior power to traditional corded options. Harbor Freight boasts about its longer battery life, claiming that the Hercules saw gets around 725 cuts per charge with the Hercules 20V 12 Ah battery. In contrast, Milwaukee’s similar-capacity M18 Redlithium High Output HD12.0 battery yields approximately 570 cuts per charge. The competitive edge here appears to be with Hercules, especially considering its batteries are priced $150 lower than the equivalent Milwaukee units.

User Reviews and Market Reputation

Known for producing reliable tools, Milwaukee has established itself as one of the premier brands in the tool industry, garnering strong ratings from users. Its M18 Fuel Rear Handle 7-¼-inch Circular Saw has received a 9.7 out of 10 rating from Pro Tool Reviews, which praised its speed, power, and excellent cut depth. User feedback frequently highlights its rotating dust port and excellent electric brake, although some reviews note that its line of sight could use some improvement, requiring users to lean over slightly when cutting.

On the flip side, the Hercules 20V Cordless 7-¼-inch Rear-Handle Circular Saw is relatively fresh to the market, resulting in fewer overall reviews. Most feedback tends to be positive, although it lacks the enthusiastic praise that Milwaukee garners. For instance, YouTuber The Rural Minnesota Guy mentions, “They work pretty well, I have no complaints against them.” Another user, Kaleb Ross, tested Hercules and noted its decent performance but recommended opting for a different budget saw if users are not already committed to the Hercules system.

Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice

In the end, both Milwaukee and Hercules deliver powerful, high-quality cordless circular saws that cater to different user budgets and requirements. While Hercules edges out with its lower pricing and longer battery life, Milwaukee stands tall with its proven track record and established reputation. Whether one leans towards Hercules for budget reasons or prefers to invest more in a Milwaukee saw depends largely on individual priorities in terms of features versus cost. It’s a no-brainer that nothing beats personal experience, however, for prospective buyers looking to make an informed decision, getting hands-on with these tools before purchasing is always a good idea!

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