The 10 Best Reciprocating Saw

A reciprocating saw, also known as sawzall, sabre saw, or oscillating saw, is one of the most powerful and handy tools that anyone can have. This is an ideal tool for small house projects and projects in the worksite. This tool’s stability and the excellent features installed in it are among the major reasons this has been receiving extreme popularity at present. It is also versatile enough to work perfectly in cutting numerous types of materials, including solid steel pipes, overgrown hardwood branches, and any other material. The oscillating saw can also do a good job in demolition if you are doing a home remodeling project. You can expect it to take down your garage, bathroom, and shed in the quickest manner possible by opening up the walls on top, cutting through the middle, and ripping and bringing them all down, including the screws and nails to the floorboards.

One of the most excellent features of the reciprocating saw is its ability to change the blades designed for cutting quickly. This is a huge help if you want to have an easier time choosing the right edge for your project. Note that there are a lot of blades that are available in the market and are designed for the oscillating saw. The blades are available in various lengths and sizes, and you have to consider picking those that can suit perfectly for the kind of projects and tasks that you plan to complete.

The blades also come in various types, and your choices include the fine-tooth which you can use in making smooth cuts for plastic, hardboard, and wood, the knife blade which you can use in a wide array of materials such as rubber, cloth, linoleum, and leather, the coarse tooth which is perfect for cutting green wood and the hack saw which you can use in cutting metal. A demolition blade is also available in the market, and this is perfect for projects that require tough cutting on nails and hardwoods.

With this product comparison list, we hope you find what the best reciprocating saw is. We wrote the main features of each product. In addition, you will learn the advantages and disadvantages of each model, and for what purposes it is best suited. The most important features you should look for are the weight, the cutting thickness, the number of strokes (more strokes = more power), and accessories for efficient work.

The Best Reciprocating Saw Reviews

Find the best reciprocating saws that suits your needs from our reviews. We’ll help you find the right tools for your project, as well as keep you safe and productive on your next project.

1. Makita JR3050T Corded Reciprocating Saw

The JR3050T is the best corded reciprocating saw on our list and has a powerful 11-amp powerful motor, is easy-to-maintain, and it will work great as an addition to the tool shed of any home. With a change of blades, it can make quick work of trimming trees and bushes and slice through ceramic or steel pipe.

Pros and Features:

• The engine with 11 amps can reach a maximum speed of 2,800 SPM
• The shock of drops can be absorbed by the robust double-wall plastic housing.
• The JR3050T can make cuts quickly without extra effort with the correct blade.
• It won’t waste production time changing blades and shoe adjustments.
• Comes with a useful case for carrying
• Tool-less changes to the blade and shoe make the setup frustration-free.
• Precise cutting with variable speed trigger

2. DEWALT DCS380B 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw

If the DeWalt DCS380 wants to compete at the top of the 18V/20V Max class, it can withstand a few upgrades in the form of vibration control, a brushless motor, and orbital action. It’s still in second place on our list and can get the job done! This is the best cordless reciprocating saw.

Pros and Features:

• You can easily adjust up, down, right, and left to the 4-position blade that this reciprocating saw uses.
• The variable velocity trigger enables you to gain full control over your cuts even at fast speeds.
• Up to 3,000 RPM can be cut with the ability to change speeds on the fly.
• The adjustable pivoting shoe makes it incredibly easy for just about everyone to use this saw, regardless of the task at hand.
• The 1 1/8-inch stroke length of this saw means that you can as quickly as possible get through each of your tasks/projects.
• In dark corners and tight spaces, the LED working light will make it easier for you to see what you are doing when cutting.
• A little bit better could be the torque.
• 0-3000 SPM Variable Speed Trigger

3. DEWALT DWE305 Reciprocating Saw, Corded, 12-Amp

Corded systems age more gracefully than cordless models, and currently, the DeWalt DWE305 12-amp reciprocating saw is one of Amazon’s top-10 sellers. It’s one of the only models to include a blade lock system with 4 positions, and it has a unique shoe design.

Pros and Features:

• Materials such as nail-embedded wood, fiberglass, heavy gauge metal, plastic, rubber, drywall, and plaster can be cut with it.
• If you go through the specs, you’ll find that it’s a reciprocating saw of 12 amps, meaning it’s a tool ready for a job site.
• 2,900 strokes per minute with a stroke length of 1-1/8
• The four-position blade clamp enables flush cutting
• Speed control variable speed trigger
• Clamping blade keyless lifting-action

4. Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Fuel Sawzall Cordless

One of the most capable saws you can ever hold in your hands is the Milwaukee 2720-21. And has the power of a larger model with a cord, yet it operates off a battery. This is the second out of all the best cordless reciprocating saws.

Not just that, and it does have several advantageous features that help it perform at a consistently high level regardless of where or when you use it, as well as some added convenience.

Pros and Features:

• Provides the fastest cuts in its class
• The REDLINK PLUS intelligence system guarantees optimized performance and overload protection.
• For quicker cuts, the brushless motor delivers constant power.
• LED light and a rafter hook for simple on-the-job storage
• A little bit pricey

Here’s an in-depth video for more details:

Cons:

• No Variable Speed Trigger feature

5. BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B 20V MAX

The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B Cordless reciprocating saw is a power tool for any home improvement project. It’s lightweight and easy to use, so you can get the job done quickly and easily. The cordless design also makes it perfect for jobs that require mobility. And unlike some corded saws, the cordless BLACK+DECKER has no dangling cords or wires to trip over while you’re working in tight quarters.

Pros and Features:

• It can deliver a substantial level of cutting power, which may not be found on the market in other reciprocating saws. The model provides up to 3,000 SPM.
• If you like a portable saw, the improved runtime and power offered by the lithium-ion battery will impress you.
• It is a small saw, weighing only 4 pounds, possibly one of the market’s lightest.
• When you cut thinner woods, you won’t overdo the mark substantially. Here a variable speed is useful for accurate cuts.
• Longer battery life
• It offers up to 3X more run time than other cordless reciprocating saws available on the market too.
• You should wear gloves. It is recommended because it’s vibrating so much. It transmits the whole vibration of the mechanism to your hand that holds the rear handle.
• Variable speed trigger

6. DEWALT DCS367B 20V MAX XR Compact Reciprocating Saw

A lightweight model, the DeWalt DCS367B Compact Reciprocating Saw, is another tool with the lithium-ion system, which is currently being extended by DeWalt. Customers and critics alike have received many excellent reviews of this reciprocating saw.

Pros and Features:

• Release of Lever-action blade
• Significantly greater cutting efficiency than lightweight one-hand models
• Blade clamp 4-positions
• Heaviest in the class of compact models
• Regulation of vibrations requires assistance.

7. Milwaukee 6538-21 15.0 Amp Super Sawzall Reciprocating Saw

The Super Sawzall Milwaukee 15-amp is the leading model of the company that originally developed the tool.

Pros and Features:

• Outstanding cutting pace for all materials
• One of the most costly in its group
• Simple to carry for all cuts and easy to line up
• Well designed and strong
• Holds up well in regular, continuous use
• Needs a high-duty extension cord

8. DEWALT DW310K 12 Amp Heavy-Duty Reciprocating Saw Kit

With Dewalt best reciprocating saws, you can’t go wrong. I purchased the tool to replace a Sawzall that I had for 15 years. Heavy-duty, very powerful. It is easy to use the fast blade release.12 Amp motor provides increased power for heavy use

Pros and Features:

• Keyless steel blade clamps for fast and straightforward change of blade and reliability
• Variable speed trigger enables the user to control the speed instantly
• The tool is cumbersome, which is a good thing, I suppose.

9. PORTER-CABLE PCC670B 20V MAX

Although it does not have much finesse and is not exceptionally precise, for every serious handyman, a reciprocating saw can be of invaluable use. It is one of the most versatile multi-purpose cutting tools out there and an excellent choice for all those who need a compact cordless machine for construction materials to make rough cuts.

Pros and Features:

• The High-Performance Drivetrain offers 1 “length of stroke and 0-3,000 SPM
• The compact nature helps the instrument to enter tight spaces.
• This app is for people who want to use a power tool to restore or remodel projects.
• No special tools are required to modify the blade or to adjust the shoe.
• The pcc670b motor cable’s housing is made of metal and comes with a contoured handle, which ensures that these tools are reasonably operated.
• It comes with a lithium battery of 20V that offers a longer run time.

Cons:

• No Variable Speed Trigger

10. SKILSAW SPT44A-00 13 Amp

The reciprocating Skilsaw Buzzkill tries to turn this demo tool class into its head. Models such as Skilsaw Buzzkill are typically slower to cut, but they save on vibration and wallets.

Pros and Features:

• Skilsaw has built this around an impressive 13-amp engine, although not the most powerful engine on the market, and its tool weighs 8.8 lbs.
• To allow comfort at any angle, Skilsaw went with a D-Handle on the back of the saw.
• The trigger is a variable trigger that can be managed very quickly and maintain a constant pace.
• The blade locking mechanism is a conventional system that tends to be well managed when used in critical situations.
• The tool has a 0-2800 SPM 1-1/8′′ stroke length.

Related:

• Best Reciprocating Saw Blades
• Best Pruning Saw

Buying Guide For Reciprocating Saws

To find the best reciprocating saws, one must know what to look for. Kind of like when you are buying a car- not just any car will do. Some cars get better gas mileage, some cars have better features and others just might be safer. The same can be said for reciprocating saws. When you go to the store to buy one, you must consider what is important to you. How much will you be using it? Are there safety features that are important to you? What is your price range? These are all things that will narrow down the options for you. Not all reciprocating saws are the same.

Power

One of the most important factors when choosing a reciprocating saw is a . The best reciprocating saws will have a powerful motor yet still energy efficient that will be able to do the job you are wanting it to do. When buying a reciprocating saw, make sure the voltage is what you want it to be. The higher the voltage, the more powerful the saw will be. However, too high of a voltage can cause more problems than it solves. If you are only going to be using it for small jobs, then you will not need as powerful as a motor as someone that is going to be using their reciprocating saw every day.

Right Blade Speed

When buying a reciprocating saw, you should also consider the speed of the blade. This will determine how quickly you will be able to complete the task at hand. The faster the blade speed, the less time it takes to get your job done. However, you should also consider how much control you need. A faster blade speed can be a little more difficult to control and may cause the person using it to have a little less control over the saw.

Extra Features

Reciprocating saws will also come with multiple features. Because there are so many different things that you might use your reciprocating saw for, having an assortment of features is important. For example, if you will be using it for a variety of applications, then you might want to look for one that has an adjustable blade angle and stroke length. If you just want to use it for straight cuts through wood, then features such as these are not as important.

Safety Features

You should also consider the safety features if they are important to you. Some reciprocating saws will be designed to lock the trigger when it is not in use and others will have a safety mechanism that will turn the machine off if pressure is released from the handle. These safety features can make using your machine a little bit safer, but they are not necessary for everyone.

Price

Another factor to consider is the price range of the reciprocating saw. Top rated reciprocating saws will have a little more to them, which means that they will cost a little bit more. However, you should not fall into the trap of spending a ton of money if it is something that you are just going to use occasionally.

Location

The last thing to consider is where you will be using your reciprocating saw. If you will be using it in a dusty environment, then you may want to make sure that the reciprocating saw has a sealed motor. If it does not, then having an extra filter can help keep your machine clean and working at its highest capability.

Corded vs Cordless

Reciprocating saws are used in many different trades for their versatility. Not only can you cut at angles with the smaller blades, but the larger ones can cut through steel and other tough material. Different types of reciprocating saw blades can be used to make cuts in different materials. This makes reciprocating saws a staple in almost any tradesperson’s toolbox.

A corded reciprocating saw will require a long extension cord and can constantly move and vibrate, making it difficult for many to use.

A cordless reciprocating saw doesn’t have to constantly be plugged into a power source and is much lighter, making it easier to use all day long.

The cordless models are also more powerful and can cut faster than the corded versions.

The biggest downside to a cordless reciprocating saw is that it will need to be plugged in to charge, so the user may have to carry around an extra power cord.

The battery also doesn’t last for more than a couple of hours depending on the model. The battery is also more expensive than a corded reciprocating saw that plugs into a wall.

FAQ

How do I pick a reciprocating saw?

When choosing a reciprocating saw, you’ll need to consider the jobs you’ll be using it for. They come with different stroke lengths, so make sure you pick the one that will be best for the task at hand. You’ll also want to consider the blade size and whether or not the saw has a variable speed control.

Are brushless reciprocating saws better?

There are pros and cons to both brushless and brushed reciprocating saws. Ultimately, which one is better depends on the individual’s needs. Brushless reciprocating saws are more efficient because they don’t have to use up energy powering the brushes. This means that they can run cooler and last longer. However, brushed reciprocating saws are often more powerful.

What is a reciprocating saw good for cutting?

A reciprocating saw is good for cutting wood, metal, and other materials. Reciprocating saws are right for slicing through drywall, ceramic tile, brick and pipes – so think before you start it up near your gas line. There are also water or wet-cutting blades that allow users to cut materials that may be too tough without the use of a coolant.

Is a 12-amp reciprocating saw powerful enough?

This really depends on the type of project. If you’re working with large pieces of wood, it’s more than powerful enough. If you’re working with thinner materials (such as drywall, for instance), then it may not be quite as powerful enough. Almost all reciprocating saws include at least one blade that can cut through metal if needed — something many other power tools can’t do on their own!

Different models offer different performance levels and some are better suited for certain jobs than others; make sure to read the product descriptions carefully before purchasing or renting a tool!

Is a reciprocating saw worth it?

A reciprocating saw is a tool that you can use for a variety of purposes, such as demolition, construction, and carpentry. It is especially well-suited for cutting metal. Because the reciprocating saw has a lot of features that are advantageous for these projects, it is worth the investment.

Which is better jigsaw or reciprocating saw?

Neither are better than the other. The choice should depend on your personal needs, how you plan to use the saw, and whether or not you have a preference for cordless vs. corded tools.

How long does a battery last on a reciprocating saw?

The usage time for a reciprocating saw’s standard configuration is about 2.5hrs with an average speed of 3,000 strokes per minute.

Reciprocating saws come equipped with small motors and as such don’t produce a lot of power or use a lot of current. These factors make them rather efficient when it comes to battery life, which usually lasts around two hours if continuously used. If you’re resting the blade after every cut, expect to be able to work at your material for twice as long – five hours! That being said, if you can afford it, go ahead and buy double-stacked batteries from the outset so that you won’t ever have to stop mid-project midway through because your portable finish saw died on you.

How many amps do I need for a reciprocating saw?

It depends on the voltage you are working with. As a rule of thumb, you want at least 12 amps for your power source or it may not have the stability to run efficiently through 10 inches of hardwood.

The general consensus is that if your saw is powerful enough to cut wood up to ten inches thick, then it will meet all necessary needs. Of course this excludes any cordless type recip saws with less than 20 volts so please refer back to the question for specifics on what they would recommend.

Conclusion

The best reciprocating saw is the Makita JR3050T. It is first on our list because every major reviewer also had it on the top and it accumulated the most points. If you are looking for a high quality reciprocating saw with an adjustable pendulum stroke that is suitable for both hobbyists and professionals, this saw is the right one for you. With the right saw blade, it can handle all common materials such as wood, plastic, aluminum, or metal. With an output of over 1500 watts, the device is in the absolute top field. For you as a craftsman, this means that you can effortlessly process even the densest materials.

A reciprocating saw is suitable for both fine and rough cutting work. It is characterized by its resilience and flexibility, which enables you to saw even in hard-to-reach places (for example: sawing off drainage pipes directly on the wall).