Although a reciprocating saw is not the most versatile cutting tool out there, it does have a few distinct advantages over a hand saw. Especially the cordless variety. For example, the stroke distance is long compared to a hand saw, the stroke speed is faster, and you have more control of the blade because there is no cross-cutting motion to mess up your accuracy.
Also, the hand saw noise level is pretty bad. In fact, a cordless reciprocating saw is the best option for a homeowner or contractor to use for demolition projects and exposed work.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT Reciprocating Saw | Best Overall |  |
| DEWALT Reciprocating Saw Blades | Budget Pick |  |
| Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. DEWALT Reciprocating Saw
Pros:
- Variable speed motor (2,000-6,800 max sfm) for increased control
- Comfortable grip with rubber over-mold and cushioned handle
- Series of LED lights for enhanced visibility
- Runtime of full load at 40 minutes
- 7-1/2-inch stroke length
- A 10-year warranty on the tool
Cons:
- A relatively expensive choice
- Not compact enough for small spaces
- Most users report the tool does not run as powerful as other options
Our main pick is the 10 Amp corded reciprocating saw, from DEWALT. This is a heavy duty tool which comes with a selection of useful features. These include an integrated carry handle, so it's easy to take the saw wherever you need to.
It weighs just 7.2 pounds, so it doesn't feel off-balance when moving. There are a number of different contractors and DIY enthusiasts who would benefit from a tool like this. It's not just for wood, thanks to the superior blade technology.
The variable speed motor is capable of producing a maximum of 2,400 strokes per minute. This makes even impossible jobs seem easy. The speed can be controlled using a variable speed trigger, so you have complete control over the saw, whichever job it is.
2. DEWALT Reciprocating Saw Blades
Pros:
- These blades are great for cutting wood, metal, or plastic
- Includes 6 reciprocating saw blades
- The blades are made to last and resist clogging up with small particles
- Each blade is made especially for one kind of material
- Blades come in a durable plastic case for storage
- The case has a handle for easy carrying
- These are good for both light and heavy duty cutting
- Good for DIYers or for professionals
- Blades are affordable
- Customers report that they are some of the best they’ve ever purchased
Cons:
- Some customers are not happy with how easily the blades break
- Some customers say they broke while trying to cut thick metal
- Some customers say the blades don’t seem to last as long as they should
- Some customers say these blades leave a black residue on their hands after cutting metal
Overall, these are some reliable reciprocating saw blades from Dewalt. As long as you don’t need them for extremely thick metal, they’re good for all kinds of materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. Each blade is made to last and resist clogging with small particles.
3. WORX WX550L 20V AXIS 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw and Jigsaw
Pros:
- Lightweight, stands on its own
- Loosens fixtures in a snap
- 360-degree rotating direction for more versatility
- Anti-slip soft grip
- Good price
- Quick and easy blade change
- LED light for working in dark areas
- Very cool & quiet
- Cordless with battery-saving orbital function
- Long stroke length
Cons:
- No ridgid blade guide
- Not recommended for job sites as it is prone to jamming
- Short battery life
- Bit wobbly
- Little amount of vibration
The WORX WX550L 20V Reciprocating Saw and Jigsaw has it all. It features keyless variable speed and a 360-degree rotating direction for a greater level of versatility. It also provides a variable stroke length, deep cutting action, an orbital action, and 2-speed options.
4. Makita JR3050T Recipro Saw
Pros:
- This unit offers superior cutting efficiency
- It’s compact and lightweight
- It cuts through wood up to 6 inches thick
- It has a 30-foot power cord
- It comes with a 2-year warranty
- It’s small and easy to use
Cons:
- It “drags behind” on the ground, which is not ideal for hard surfaces
- It’s a bit noisy
- It operates at only 11 Amps, which can slow down cutting
- The saw has a smaller cutting location
Considering the features, reviews, and customer ratings for the Makita JR3050T Recipro Saw, we can say that it was a resounding hit among professional carpenters and homeowners alike. It has an accumulative rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 stars on Amazon, which is almost unheard-of among reciprocating saws in this price range.
You can use this saw to cut through walls and to do all the things you would normally select a reciprocating saw for. It has a 30-foot power cord that allows you to work away from the outlet, but not too far away. You can use this saw to cut wood up to and including 6-inch thickness.
5. SKILSAW SPT44A-00 13 Amp Reciprocating Saw
Pros:
- Comes with two bodies that offer flexibility in your workflow
- Compact design that fits in tight spaces
- Great for cutting wood, drywall, and metal
- Powerful yet quiet motor that fits the SKILSAW brand
Cons:
- Few reports of mechanical failure
- Sharp blade can cut through your hands
- Poor vibration dampening
The SKILSAW SPT44A-00 13 Amp Reciprocating Saw with Buzzkill Tech has been manufactured to deliver high-quality and durability. It comes with a 13 amp motor which is powerful enough to handle most tasks with ease. You can use it to cut metal, drywall, and wood, and not need to be concerned about the blade overheating.
We really like the patented tech that's used with the saw. This provides for more control, less stress on your body, and allows you to see exactly how you work with the blade so that you can improve your technique. This is a well-constructed model that has a lightweight design and is comfortable to use.
6. PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Very versatile due to two speeds
- Quiet and low-vibration cuts
- Lightweight and compact for easy handling and storage
- Variable speed dial with LED indicator lights
- Rubber grips on the handle for firm grip
- Porter-Cable 20V MAX reciprocating saw, Tool Only
Cons:
- Switch can be a bit sticky
- Might be too loud for some people
- Plastic casing
The Porter-Cable 20V Max reciprocating saw is powered by a 20V MAX Lithium-Ion battery for long life and reliability. It has a compact and lightweight design, so it’s easy to handle and store. It also has a variable speed dial with LED indicator lights which allows you to cut through multiple materials such as wood, metal, and masonry.
The Porter-Cable 20V MAX reciprocating saw has durable gear-protected teeth that let you make faster, low-vibration cuts. It’s also equipped with a spindle lock and a strong blade clamp that allows you to quickly make adjustments to the depth and angle. The Porter-Cable 20V Max reciprocating saw also has rubber grips on the handle for a firm grip, which makes it comfortable to hold during extended use.
7. Skil 9206-02 7.5-Amp Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw
Pros:
- Solid motor
- 7/8-inch stroke length to handle deeper cuts
- Easy to control
- Easy to change blades
- Fairly powerful
- Includes a blade, depth guide, wrench, keyless chuck, and a carrying case
Cons:
- A bit too lightweight for heavy tasks
- No adjustable shoe
- No blade storage on saw
- Only on/off switch
This saw comes with a 7.5 Amp motor, which is adequate for wood, metal, PVC, and plastic. The motor is variable speed, which allows you to adjust to suit the material you’re working with. Additionally, it has a 7/8-inch stroke length.
The easy-tear keyless blade clamp allows for fast blade changes. Moreover, it has a depth-of-cut gauge (10 settings) and a laser guide to help you make angled cuts. The saw also comes with a carrying case for storage and safety when traveling.
Bottom Line: The Skil 7.5 Amp reciprocating saw is built for light-duty tasks. We found it to be best suited for cutting small pieces of wood or lightweight plastic/metal. We recommend that you buy an additional reciprocating saw if you need to handle tougher tasks like cutting masonry.
8. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw
Pros:
- Cordless
- Affordable
- One of the lightest reciprocating saws on the market
- Good customer service
- Plenty of power
Cons:
- Blade changes are a bit cumbersome
- Near-bottom level blade, the lifetime of which is short
- Blade isn’t removable, and there’s no place to store it on the saw while not in use
- Safety guard is somewhat flimsy and hard to align
- Doesn’t offer much more than average performance
The BLACK+DECKER Model BDCR20B is a decent 7 amp cordless reciprocating saw that has some decent features. It’s one of the lightest cordless saws on the market at 10.4 pounds. The 18v battery is compatible with other BLACK+DECKER tools, which means that you won’t have to keep buying new ones.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t stand out in any major way. The company does offer amazing warranty service, though, and the 7 amp motor and 18v battery offers plenty of power for intensive jobs. It also has a few innovative features like an adjustable shoe to keep the blade straight, electric brake, and patented blade clamp.
9. Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit
Pros:
- Superior cutting capacity
- Powerful motor
- Easy to use and control
- Variable speed setting
If you own a construction, repair, or other similar toolbox, then the Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit is a must-have. Every carpenter needs a reciprocating saw. It’s compactly designed, making it easy to carry around, and is perfect for many different kinds of jobs.
One of the core selling points is the power of the reciprocating saw. It has a heavy-duty power source. A heavy-duty motor and an open gear case make it run more smoothly and quietly. You can easily control its variable speed and power levels with a simple turn. Not to mention, it’s got a 2.5Ah battery as well as a 1-hour fast charger.
We also loved the fact that this reciprocating saw by Milwaukee is versatile and you can use it in different kinds of weather condition. It includes a comfort grip handle with a trigger-style lock-off that makes it easy for you to use the motor.
10. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw
Pros:
- Powerful and smooth operation
- Comes with a battery, charger, and case
- 3-year limited warranty
- Built-in LED light
- Ability to switch between speed settings easily
- High and low blade speeds
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw, Compact, Tool Only (DCS367B), is a compact but powerful saw that is designed to handle a wide range of cuts with ease. It is designed with a 2 amp motor that produces 3000 strokes and 3,000 RPMs per minute.
The DEWALT DCS367B is designed with a variable speed trigger that helps you increase or decrease the speed of the blade. You can also adjust the foot pedal so that you can control the blade speed even when your hands are occupied with other tasks.
The DEWALT DCS367B comes with a carrying case that allows you to safely transport from one place to another. It also comes with a battery, charger, and a cord that allows you to plug this tool into any convenient outlet.
11. Ryobi P514 18V Cordless One+ Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw
Pros:
- Relatively inexpensive
- High-quality construction (made in the USA)
- Lithium battery technology
- Comes with two blades
Cons:
- The batteries are sold separately
- Not as powerful as some other reciprocating saws
A great reciprocating saw is a tool that every homeowner should have in their arsenal. These tools are extremely useful for cutting through wood, stone, and even metal. Not only that, they are portable, which makes them practical for tough jobsite applications. They are able to effectively cut through just about any material, and because of their power they are extremely versatile. However, there are a lot of reciprocating saws on the market, which makes it difficult for consumers to choose the best reciprocating saw for their needs. The Ryobi P514 is our top pick for the best reciprocating saw and it provides some excellent features. It is a tool that is considered to be affordable by many and it comes with a 3-year warranty.
Features:
- The batteries are sold separately
- Not as powerful as some other reciprocating saws
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best reciprocating saws?
The best reciprocating saws can be used for a number of applications. The most common and best reciprocating saws are the cheap and versatile DeWalt DWE575. It will exceed your expectations of a reciprocating saw at an unbelievable price.
The Ryobi RY403 is a great choice. It is a best reciprocating saw for power tool users that are familiar with its functionality. You can easily handle tough cutting jobs with this model.
There are a lot of reciprocating saw brands in the market. Each of them has at least one model which fits perfectly to the above-mentioned description. The important thing to know is what you need a reciprocating saw for. If you need it just for basic needs, go with a cheaper brand. If you want a more powerful reciprocating saw, you should look out for a more advanced brand that will probably cost a bit more.
What is the most powerful reciprocating saw?
The Milwaukee 2650-20 M18 1/2 in. is the most powerful saw currently available on the market. It operates with an 18V motor, delivers up to 2100 RPM and a 0-3,000 sfpm stroke.
What is the best brand of Sawzall?
If you are looking for the best brand of sawzall, Makita is definitely the best performer. It is a specialized tool that combines a saw and reciprocating saw. It achieves this by doubling the blade of the saw, hence doubling the cutting capabilities of the tool.
The Makita XSS02Z is one of the most famous and durable brands among all reciprocating saws/sawzall. It is popular for its compact appearance, and it perfect weight of about 7.8 lbs. It is a great tool for bulky projects which require long lasting durability. It works for long hours without having to worry about the tool malfunctioning.
At full power, it can cut through sheet metal up to 2 inches thick. The power is maintained even after several hours of working on a project. The blade is at right-angles to the handle, allowing for an easy use. When the blade gets dull, it is easily replaced.
Are reciprocating saws any good?
What are their uses?
Reciprocating saws are used for cutting a range of materials such as wood, metal, or Plexiglas. They are used in many home improvement projects as well as car repair.
This saw is normally equipped with various of blade types which are ideal in different situations.
For instance, the blades that are used when cutting through sheet metal are thicker and have teeth on the edges for more rigidity when tough materials are being cut.
There is also a blade that only differs by changing its teeth per inch from other blades. The teeth will decrease as the blade’s teeth per inch increases.
Another attribute of the reciprocating saw is that it has superior speed and flexibility relative to many other types of saw. Let us discuss some of the best reciprocating saws which are presently in the market.
Conclusion
There are many cordless reciprocating saws on the market and every manufacturer promises the best. However, we have taken the top contenders into consideration and come up with this list of the top rated reciprocating saws from all the leading brands.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT Reciprocating Saw | Best Overall | |
| DEWALT Reciprocating Saw Blades | Budget Pick | |
| Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit | Upgrade Pick | |