Are you familiar with the term “Sawzall”?
You may have heard it used to describe a type of reciprocating saw, but did you know that it’s actually a registered trademark of Milwaukee Tools?
Despite this fact, many people use the term “Sawzall” to refer to any brand of reciprocating saw.
In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Sawzall and its evolution over the years.
Join us as we take a closer look at this iconic tool and answer the question: is Sawzall really just a brand name?
Is Sawzall A Brand Name
As mentioned earlier, Sawzall is a registered trademark of Milwaukee Tools. This means that only reciprocating saws manufactured by Milwaukee can legally be called Sawzalls.
However, over the years, the term “Sawzall” has become so popular that it’s often used to describe any brand of reciprocating saw. This is similar to how people use the term “Kleenex” to refer to any brand of facial tissue.
So, while Sawzall is technically a brand name, it has become a genericized trademark due to its widespread use in the industry.
The Origins Of The Sawzall
The reciprocating saw, also known as the “recip saw,” was invented by the Milwaukee Electric Tool Company in 1951 as a portable and easy-to-use replacement for the hacksaw. The original trade name Sawzall was coined by Milwaukee Tool for its brand of reciprocating saw, and it has since become a popular term used to describe any brand of reciprocating saw.
The reciprocating saw was initially developed as an evolution from a previous saw made by Milwaukee Electric Tool Co. that 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 had changeable blades that could match certain materials. This made the saw very flexible for users and demand for it increased greatly after it was released to market.
Over time, the reciprocating saw has become a common tool found in construction sites everywhere. Modern reciprocating saws have additional features, such as variable speed, battery power, and an extensive selection of quick-change blades. Despite these advancements, the basic design of the reciprocating saw has remained relatively unchanged over the years.
The Evolution Of The Sawzall
The reciprocating saw, commonly known as a Sawzall, was invented by the Milwaukee Tool Company in 1951. The original Sawzall was designed to be a portable electric hacksaw, and it quickly became a popular tool for construction and demolition work. The design of the Sawzall has remained relatively unchanged over the years, with most models featuring a large blade resembling that of a jigsaw and a handle oriented to allow the saw to be used comfortably on vertical surfaces.
However, the performance and versatility of the Sawzall have improved drastically over time. One major factor in this improvement is the development of better blades. Today’s Sawzalls can cut through a wide variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastics, and ceramics. They also come with adjustable shoes to help guide and prevent kickback, as well as orbital shift levers that allow the blade to cut in a push/pull manner plus in a slight circular motion.
Another major improvement in the Sawzall’s evolution is battery power. Many newer models now come with rechargeable batteries that provide more power and longer run times than ever before. This makes them more convenient and portable than their corded predecessors.
The Rise Of Milwaukee Tools
Milwaukee Tools has a long and rich history of manufacturing power tools in America for the tradesman. Since its inception, the company has been known for its quality products and dedication to solving problems for those in the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades.
In the early 2000s, Milwaukee Tools had lost focus and was trying to be a brand for everyone. However, in 2005, when Techtronic Industries Co. (TTi) acquired Milwaukee, the company decided to go back to its roots and better focus on solving problems for those in the MEP trades. This renewed focus on the professional trades led to the introduction of “disruptive innovation” and a period of internal revolution that continues to this day.
One of the key factors in Milwaukee Tools’ success has been its unrelenting growth. Under the leadership of Steve Richman, who became group president of Milwaukee Tools in 2007, the company has been growing at a rate of 20% or more a year for a decade. This growth has been possible due to Milwaukee Tools’ focus on becoming a “solutions” company rather than just a power tool company.
Another crucial technology advantage for Milwaukee Tools has been its pioneering work with lithium-ion technology for batteries. This allowed the company to develop conveniently cordless power tools with all the punch of corded and gas-powered varieties. This gave Milwaukee Tools a clear competitive advantage over its competitors who seemed satisfied with less-robust nickel-cadmium batteries.
Milwaukee Tools has also moved into the realm of cordless power equipment with its MX FUEL line of battery-powered tools. This line of tools includes everything from rotary hammers to sewer cleaners, and it’s designed to meet the needs of skilled tradespeople who require reliable and durable equipment.
The Trademarking Of Sawzall
Milwaukee Tools introduced the first reciprocating saw in 1951 and registered the trademark Sawzall for it. The term Sawzall quickly became popular and was eventually used to describe any brand of reciprocating saw. However, Milwaukee still holds the trademark for Sawzall, meaning that only their reciprocating saws can legally be called Sawzalls.
The trademarking of Sawzall has had a significant impact on the power tool industry. Milwaukee’s reputation for high-quality power tools includes their most famous product, the Sawzall. However, several other manufacturers offer reciprocating saws with similar features and quality, sometimes at a lower price.
Despite the competition, Milwaukee’s Sawzall is still produced and remains popular in the trades. The trademark registration continues in effect, ensuring that only Milwaukee can legally call their reciprocating saws a Sawzall.
The Misuse Of The Term Sawzall
Despite the fact that Sawzall is a registered trademark of Milwaukee Tools, many people use the term to refer to any brand of reciprocating saw. This is a common misuse of the term and can lead to confusion in the industry.
Using the term “Sawzall” to refer to any reciprocating saw can be misleading, as not all saws are created equal. While Milwaukee Sawzalls are known for their durability and reliability, other brands may not have the same level of quality.
Additionally, using the term “Sawzall” to refer to any reciprocating saw can be a violation of trademark laws. If a non-Milwaukee manufacturer markets their product as a “Sawzall,” they could face legal action from Milwaukee Tools.
Is Sawzall Really Just A Brand Name?
While Sawzall is a brand name for reciprocating saws made by Milwaukee Tools, it has become a common term used to describe any brand of reciprocating saw. However, it’s important to note that not all reciprocating saws are created equal. The Sawzall brand is known for its high-quality and durable construction, as well as its innovative features such as the forward-facing support point and One-Key technology.
When shopping for a reciprocating saw, it’s important to consider the specific features and capabilities of each brand and model. While some may be cheaper or seem like a good deal, they may not have the same level of performance or longevity as a Sawzall. It’s always best to do your research and invest in a quality tool that will last for years to come.