| DEWALT DCS367B (Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw)
(Editor's Choice)  |
| DEWALT DCS388T2 (Most Powerful and longest Runtime Cordless Saw)
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| DEWALT DWE305 (Best Corded Reciprocating Saw)
(Editor's Choice) |
| BLACK-DECKER BDCR20C (Cheapest yet Quality Cordless Saw)
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| PORTER-CABLE PCE360 (Cheapest yet Quality Corded Saw)
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| Makita JR3050T
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| Makita XRJ05Z
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The reciprocating saw is the best invention in the power tool so far. This one tool can cut multiple materials and it is best for home and construction sites.
Reciprocating saws can easily cut anything from wood to metal in just a few seconds which is why they are used by so many people, including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and woodworkers due to their versatility and ability to cut any material easily.
It is important to choose the quality reciprocating saw whether you need it for your DIY projects or professional use.
We have selected the best reciprocating saws for you including cordless and corded models. and don’t forget to look at the in-depth guide to make an informed buying decision.
Best Reciprocating Saw
1. DEWALT DCS367B 20V Reciprocating Saw
Dewalt is a brand that is present in all types of power tools we use. Name any tool, and chances are you will find the Dewalt brand.
Dewalt DCS367B features a brushless motor, which increases the runtime of the tool. The lightweight tool only weighs 5 pounds without the battery.
The stroke length of 1-1/8 inches allows you to cut the material quickly and efficiently. This reciprocating saw is capable of delivering 2900 Strokes Per Minute (SPM) that is just awesome. Other than the speed, the saw has a variable speed trigger that allows you to change the speed of strokes depending upon the material that gives you more accuracy.
Unlike traditional reciprocating saw, Dewalt offers a 4-position clamp that allows you to do a variety of cuts. A keyless blade clamp lets you change the blade in friction of seconds. These features make this reciprocating saw more versatile than its competitors.
One drawback of the product is high vibration. Dewalt has the highest vibration level among its peers. If you can handle some vibration during the work, then this is a great tool for you.
The ergonomic handle design makes your hand less fatigue during a long operation. It has a LED light that illuminates the work area. Another feature I liked about the Dewalt Saw is it has an adjustable pivot shoe. This feature allows you to cut in the area where space is limited.
The dimensions of the saw are LxWxH 14.5 x 6 x 7 inches. The product comes with 3 years limited warranty, 1-year free service, and 90 days money-back guarantee.
- It is lightweight and compact in design.
- It comes with a 3 years warranty.
- It has a unique 4 positions clamp.
- Adjustable pivot shoes allow you to work in tight space.
- It has a higher vibration level than other reciprocating saws.
2. DEWALT DCS386B FLEXVOLT Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Dewalt is popular among DIYers and professionals because of its durability, performance, and long warranty period. This Dewalt tool is in talks for quite some time.
Dewalt has come up with Reciprocating Saw with Flexvolt technology.
The power of this cordless reciprocating saw increases by an immersive 50% when attached with FLEXVOLT batteries.
The tool is not only compatible with Flexvolt batteries but with normal Dewalt batteries as well. It is lightweight as it weighs only 7.7 pounds, and its compact design makes it easy to use.
The tool has variable speed control, and it moves at the speed of 3000 SPM faster than the normal Dewalt reciprocating saw. It has a stroke length of 1-1/8 inches, and with the stroke speed, the tool delivers the fastest cutting speed.
The bright LED light helps you to work in poor lighting areas. I personally like one feature: using the Tool Connect app, you can easily manage the tool at the job site.
A keyless lever-action blade clamp allows easy blade removal and installation. The dimensions of the product are 19.2 x 7.3 x 4.1 inches. The product comes with 3 years limited warranty, 1-year free service, and 90 days money-back guarantee like other Dewalt products.
- It weighs only 7.7 pounds.
- When used with FLEXVOLT batteries, it increases the power by 50%.
- It comes with 3 years limited warranty.
- It comes with a variable speed trigger.
- We weren’t able to find any suitable cons.
3. BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C 20V Cordless Reciprocating Saw
The parent company of Dewalt is not far in the race of best-reciprocating saw.
Black+Decker BDCR20C is a powerful 20V max reciprocating saw in the market. It is lightweight as it weighs only 4.1 pounds without a battery, and the ergonomic handle design allows you to work for a long haul of time without getting fatigued during the work operation.
It has a tool-free system like Dewalt to change the blade easily, and you can also adjust the speed in many different ways.
The tool comes with one pivoting shoe that gives not only accuracy but also flexibility in tightly spaced areas. Another best part is it can stroke up to 3000 SPM, which is way higher than many of its competitors, and the length of the stroke is 7/8 inches only, which are lower than the Dewalt products that use 1-1/8 inches stroke length.
It gives you the freedom of using other batteries of higher capacity other than the Black+Decker 20V battery. But make sure they are Lithium-Ion batteries only.
The dimensions of the product are 15.6 x 3.4 x 7.1 inches. One thing I didn’t like is the warranty period. Dewalt comes with a 3 years warranty, but the parent company Black+Decker only comes with 2 years warranty.
- It is lightweight as it only weighs about 4.2 pounds.
- The tool-free system changes the blade easily.
- It allows you to use a battery of other brands.
- The ergonomic design makes your hand less fatigued.
It comes with only 2 years of warranty.
4. Makita XRJ05Z 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Makita has a reputation for making reliable and durable power tools for many decades. Makita has introduced an 18V Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw, a small brother of the 36V Brushless Cordless Saw. The Makita XRJ05Z offers better performance than the corded reciprocating saw.
Makita has a 2-speed brushless motor that delivers the strokes up to 3000 SPM along with a variable speed trigger for your convenience. The length of the stroke is 1-1/4 inches.
It is lightweight as it weighs only 8.2 pounds and the high-quality rubberized soft grip handle provides comfort during the long haul of work. It has a crank mechanism design to reduce vibration and minimizes blade deflection. The tool has an electric brake for maximum productivity.
The features I like about this Makita tool are that Extreme Protection Technology improves the dust and water resistance of the tool when working in harsh conditions. The patent Star Protection Computer Controls protects the saw from overloading, over-discharging, and overheating.
The Makita 18V battery is known for delivering the highest charge-time than its competitor, which means you will spend more time working and less time doing nothing.
Other features I like that make this tool attractive are LED light to illuminate the work area, a retractable hook, and tool-less blade change design to remove and install blades quickly.
Like Dewalt, this model also comes with 3 years limited warranty.
- It weighs only 8.2 pounds.
- It is dust and water-resistant, which lets you use it in harsh conditions without any worry.
- It comes with a 3 years warranty.
- It has a crank mechanism designed to reduce vibration.
- No orbital action mode change.
5. DEWALT DWE305 12-Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw
This is the 3rd Dewalt product out of 7 in our reviews of the best reciprocating saw. The exceptional features and versatility make this model among the top in this segment.
The Dewalt DWE305 Reciprocating Saw is powered with a 12-amp motor designed for heavy-duty applications. It has a stroke length of 1-1/8 inches, and along with 2900 SPM, it gives fast and efficient cutting.
The main feature of this saw I like is the keyless blade clamp that allows for quick and easy changes, and you can also adjust the blade in 4 directions as your wish. The variable speed trigger and the above features make this reciprocating saw extremely compelling.
Looking for more features? The tool weighs only 7 pounds. The anti-slip comfort grip allows you to work without any worry of the tool getting slipped from your hand. Besides anti-slip rubber, the ergonomic design handle increases the efficiency of the work and also allows you to work for a longer period of time.
This tool can cut various materials like metals, plastic, fiberglass, flush cutting, branches, lumber, and almost all other materials, used in construction.
The pivoting shoe function allows you to work in a tight area without any problem. The dimensions of the product are 19.25 x 9.38 x 4 inches. Like other Dewalt products, this also comes with 3 years limited warranty, 1-year free service, and 90 days money-back guarantee.
- It weighs only 7 pounds, so it is easy to carry it everywhere.
- It is specially designed for heavy-duty works.
- Keyless blade clamps allow you quick and easy blade changes.
- Ergonomic design handles increases the efficiency of the work.
- The pivoting shoe function is not adjustable.
6. Makita JR3050T 11-AMP Corded Reciprocating Saw
This Japanese manufacturer power tool is in great demand worldwide because of its durability, performance, and extra features at a low price, making it the perfect choice for professionals and DIYers.
Makita JR3050T 11-Amp Reciprocating Saw is corded and loaded with great features compared to others. The product is lightweight as it weighs only 7.3 pounds compared to others in the same segment, and the soft ergonomic handle lets you work for a longer time without feeling tired.
The tool-less blade clamp doesn’t require any kind of tool to remove and install the blade. The dust blower system removes all the dust and debris from your way to make your work a lot easier. It has a special lock-on feature for your safety.
The tool has a variable speed trigger with a maximum stroke capacity of 2,800 SPM. It has a long 1-1/8 inches stroke for faster cutting. The tool is engineered with all ball and needle bearing for longer tool life. The tool is double insulated as well. These small things increase the life of a tool, and these small exclusive features make Makita a global leader. It comes with 3 years limited warranty, but the product is quite capable of working for a long period of time.
- It weighs only 7.3 pounds.
- It comes with a 3 years warranty.
- It is equipped with a dust blower system.
- It has a lock-on feature.
- It does not have a LED light.
7. PORTER-CABLE PCE360 7.5-Amp Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw
Porter-cable is another brand that is owned by Stanley Black and Decker. For over 100 years, the Porter-Cable is manufacturing and providing high-quality tools to DIY enthusiasts and professionals.
Thanks to its 7.5-amps motor, Porter-Cable PCE360 is powerful enough to cut metal and wood efficiently. The product is lightweight as it weighs around 8 pounds, and the low vibration provides comfort to the user.
This corded reciprocating saw has a variable speed trigger to change the speed according to the need for material. The maximum stroke capacity of the saw is 3,200 Stroke Per Minute. The length of the blade stroke is 1.25 inches.
The pivoting shoe gives the tool maneuverability while cutting and shoe adjustment easily changes the depth for extended blade life. It features a twist-lock tool-free blade change easily and quickly for your convenience. This 120-volt tool does not come with any carry case, so you need to take care of the tool when not in use.
Corded reciprocating saw provides the same power from start to end, and battery-operated reciprocating saws start decreasing power as battery drains.
Like Dewalt, the Porter-Cable PCE360 also comes with 3 years limited warranty, 1-year free service, and 90 days money-back guarantee.
- It comes with a 3 years warranty.
- It weighs around 8 pounds.
- It is capable of producing 3,200 strokes per minute.
- The twist-lock tool-free mechanism changes the blade quickly.
- No LED light.
What is a reciprocating saw?
A reciprocating saw is a powerful tool that costs less but is more versatile than other power tools. The saw uses the motion called strokes to cut materials. The saw is capable of cutting wood, plastic, trimming overgrown trees, demolition works, plumbing works, construction sites, and many other places.
Reciprocating saw is also known as Sawzall. Technically, Sawzall is a trademarked brand name of the Milwaukee Electric Tool Company. It became so famous that the people started calling reciprocating saw as a Sawzall.
How to use a reciprocating saw?
As we said, the reciprocating saw is the most versatile tool humankind has ever built. In short, the saw can be used for demolition work, at construction sites, plumbing work, cutting branches, etc. Using a reciprocating saw is quite easy.
Special blades for cutting different materials are available in the market, and you are advised to use that specific blade only. To take out the guesswork, the blade is already printed with its use.
Before removing or installing the blade in the saw, make sure to unplug in the case of corded or remove the battery in case of cordless reciprocating saw for your own safety. The saw comes with a keyless or twist-lock mechanism that allows you to swap the blades in a few seconds.
The next step is to adjust the shoe for a better angle and depth of the blade. This is not necessary when you are doing freehand cuts. The blade is in place, and the shoe is also adjusted.
Now is the time to do some cutting; all you need to do is keep in the angle, squeeze a little, and press the trigger. If you are cutting piping or large wood, then start with slow speed and then increase the speed all the way.
Features to consider in a good reciprocating saw
We know this tool has versatile uses, but when purchasing the reciprocating saw, you only need to keep a few things in mind. But these few things are important during a selection process. The things you need to keep in mind during the buying process are:
Weight
Weight is an important aspect you need to consider before purchasing a reciprocating saw. The Reciprocating saw is versatile so you are going to use it at any angle, and a lightweight reciprocating saw allows you to use it perfectly without getting tired. A lightweight saw also allows you to use it for overhead cutting.
Weight plays an important role in cutting various materials because some require more strength and some material is easy to cut. If you are using a heavier reciprocating saw, then it would be hard for you to cut some type of material. The corded reciprocating saw is of less weight than the cordless saw.
Different types of saw blades
Different saw blades are used for cutting different materials. You can use the same blade on different materials, but it will give the worst performance and will reduce the life of the blade.
There are special blades available in the market for wood. A blade for wood has 5 to 10 teeth per inch, or shortly known as TPI.
A blade for wood cannot be used to cut metal. A metal cutting blade has 10 to 24 TPI. This number of teeth makes it easier to cut nails, pipes, and other metal products.
Another type of blade is known as the demolition blade. They are thicker in size and use for cutting heavy-duty construction materials. The blade TPI ranges from 6 to 11.
Combo blade has different sets of teeth range for multiple uses, so you don’t need to change the blade, and it also allows for quick cutting. If you found a blade that has written 6/10, then half of the blade will be 6 TPI, and the rest will be 10 TPI.
Special types of blades are also available in the market for special purposes like cutting plaster, tiles, stones, etc. This blade should be used for the specified purpose only.
Power
Without power, the power tools are of no use. Even with underpower, you are going to waste money for nothing. In a corded, the reciprocating saw comes in 7.5 amps, 9 amps, 10 amps to 15 amps variants. You will get more power as the motor amp starts increasing. 15amps is more powerful and expensive, and maybe you don’t require that much power. For a homeowner, the power between 7.5-amps to 10-amps is suitable. On 7.5-amps, you can easily prune the tree.
For professional work, choosing an 11-amp tool is recommended and then increases the power as per the job requirement.
For cordless, there are 2 options: 18 V battery and 20 V battery. The 20 V is more powerful than the 18 V, and that belief is wrong. You only get 20v power when the battery is fully charged. After some time, you get the same power as the 18 V battery gives.
LED light
Not all reciprocating saws come with LED lights. LED light is important in poor lighting conditions. It illuminates the work area so you can work efficiently at any time of the day. Built-in LED light allows you not to carry the torch everywhere you go for work. Always make sure to check for the built-in LED light.
Quick Blade Changing
Time has gone when you need to waste time on removing and installing blades. The quick blade design allows you to change the blade in less than a minute. There are two types of design currently in the market; the twist-lock mechanism and the lever on the outer part of the body.
In the twist-lock mechanism, you have to twist the body, and the blade will come out easily.
In the case of the lever, you need to pull the lever, and the blade will come out. This one is more convenient than the twist lock one.
Variable speed trigger
Since the reciprocating saw is versatile, you can use it to cut many materials but different material requires different speed. You can cut wood at high speed, but metal needs to be cut at slow speed. So, this is why the reciprocating saw you purchase must have a variable speed trigger to change the desired speed.
Warranty
The reciprocating saw comes with 1-3 years of the warranty period. A brand like Dewalt, Makita provides a 3- years warranty to the customer. Black+Decker gives only 2 years warranty.
A small warranty can cost you more if any part becomes faulty after 2 years and you have a warranty of only 1 or 2 years.
FAQs
Q. How does a reciprocating saw work?
The working mechanism of a reciprocating saw is similar to the jigsaw. The blade will make forward and backward strokes using a motor. The stroke cuts through different materials with different speeds, and the variable speed trigger lets you change to the desired speed.
Q. What are the uses of reciprocating saw?
Reciprocating Saw is very versatile. It can be used by DIYers as well as professionals. The reciprocating saw is used for cutting overgrown trees, making straight or curved cuts, demolition, plumbing work, cutting sill plates, sanding holes, at construction sites, and many other places.
Q. Which one should I choose; corded or cordless?
Selecting between corded and cordless reciprocating saw is a toughie. Corded ones are more powerful than cordless, simply because it runs on continuous electricity. The cordless ones run on a lithium-ion battery, so as the battery starts draining, so did the power.
The corded reciprocating saw is lightweight compared to the cordless one because the corded tool eliminates the need for a battery.
A cordless reciprocating saw can move anywhere, even in tight space areas. The corded saw is limited to the length of the cord, but the cordless saw can be used anywhere without any worry of cord or electricity.
The cordless reciprocating saw is best for DIYs and homeowners, but professionals working at construction need to evaluate the usage first, then select the corded or cordless reciprocating saw.
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