The Milwaukee Company was the inventor of the so-called Sabre saw way back when. It was much used in the USA where its particular reciprocating action was used in the construction industry for fitting windows and cutting apertures in sheetrock walls. Over the last fifteen years or so it has become much more popular here too, and most major power tool manufacturers have a "recip saw" on their stocklists.

Milwaukee has now stolen a march on the competition by using Li-Ion technology to launch a mini-cordless Hackzall. Now some might question the need for such a tool, as most often it is sheer grunt that is required from a reciprocating saw. I must admit to not being entirely convinced myself, but after a day trying out the product at the grand Milwaukee Headquarters and then a few weeks with the product itself, I am pretty sure that it will find a ready market in

some quarters, particularly in the kitchen fitting, shopfitting and plumbing trades. There may even be some keen DIYers with a better budget than most who would buy one.What's in the package? Well it is pretty comprehensive, so let'stake a look. In common with most Milwaukee power tools currently, the tool arrives in a very good, strong, custom case. It will certainly be

able to withstand the rigours of being flung around the back of a van.  All the components fit perfectly into their correct places, including a place for a spare (third) battery. Another nice touch is that the tool can be stored with a blade fixed on. This will save a lot of putting away hassle. Once the lid is closed with the sturdy metal catches, the saw and components are safe. They will not move in transit.  The handle is comfy to carry and there is a provision of a hole to lock the case closed to keep prying small hands away from dangerous blades.

The tool itself has rather a dumpy, sturdy feel in the hand. Milwaukee has used its experience of larger recip saws and incorporated it into this one. There are large areas of grippy rubberised stuff around the main handle, the top of the motor housing where it would be controlled by the left hand, and around the shoe area. It is not just for show - the rubber really helps the user to grip the tool and handle it better.

The trigger is quite small, but well shaped for the index finger to press. A good safety feature is the push-through safety switch that locks the trigger so that the saw cannot be accidentally started.

The trigger is progressive so the harder you press, the faster the blade works - right from 0 to 3000 strokes per minute.

Just above the switch on the left side of the motor housing is another common feature of many of the Milwaukee C12 range - a row of four LEDs that display the available battery power.

When the light gets to red, it's time to change the battery before you run out of power completely.

The shoe is made of pressed grey steel and is certainly sturdy enough for the uses to which this little Hackzall will be put.

Nicely shaped top and bottom, it serves as a guide, as well as protecting the fingers from the FIXTEC chuck that holds the blade.

The FIXTEC system is one that I am pleased that has been included on this little saw. With the twist of the outer ring, a blade can be inserted and then locked into place by releasing the ring again.

That easy - it takes seconds. I have used saws with a bolt-based blade mounting system, but they are not only a time waster, they are not usually very efficient either - the vibration of the saw sometimes loosens the bolt with sometimes dangerous consequences.

The compact battery pack fits into the bottom of the main handle and is common to the C12 range of tools. Not an original Milwaukee idea, but one that many manufacturers now use. It means that the end user can buy into a particular range of tools, and need only buy one set of batteries and charger to power the rest of the range. There is a considerable saving in buying the tool "naked" without charger and batteries.

I must confess to having a lot of fun with this little saw, while also coming to appreciate its definite virtues. For its size, it is quite powerful, and having the range of speeds via the trigger, makes it easy to control. For example, when cutting through some copper pipe, the last few millimetres can be controlled quite easily, avoiding the ragged edge that can sometimes occur with a faster speed.

I also used it to plunge cut through some 20mm thick softwood when I was cutting some through tenons on a practice project I am writing up. With care, it is actually quite easy to do, although drilling a hole through first to take the blade is probably quicker. Once through, the saw is rested on the shoe, pushed firmly down into the work, and guided along the intended cut line.

There is quite an intense LED light set into the front of the saw near the blade. This light is perfectly placed for those workers who need to work in confined spaces and avoids the scenario of holding a torch in your gritted teeth, while on your back in a damp cupboard under a sink.

The full Compact Hack saw kit costs £182.85 including VAT. When bought as part of a Powerpack kit that consists of a flashlight, cordless drill/screwdriver, charger, kit bag and two batteries the price is only £228.85. End users, I am sure, will know where to pick up good value. Add to that an extended three year warranty when registered online and things are even better. The future, at the moment certainly looks Li-Ion shaped, and the Milwaukee C12 range is a worthy component of it.