Reciprocating Saw Reviews 2019 – Buying Guide

There are numerous reciprocating saw models on the market, and choosing one that is perfect for your project can be troublesome. Read these reciprocating saw reviews to make informed decisions.

What is a reciprocating saw?

A reciprocating saw is a kind of saw whose cutting action involves a reciprocating or push-and-pull action by the blade. Also known as a sawzall or recip saw, it is identified by a large blade like that of a jigsaw and a handle that allows the device to be used easily on all vertical surfaces. It is chiefly used in demolition projects and in construction. Again like a jigsaw, the reciprocating saw too is designed to have a foot at the bottom of the blade. The woodworker places his foot on the surface that has to be cut so that he has a better grip on it, lest the blade jumps away from the cut when the blade passes through the wood.

Let’s jump onto the reciprocating reviews and see which one is best for you. Here’s a quick comparison of the top 5 sawzalls.

Top 5 Reciprocating Saw Reviews

1. DEWALT DCS387B 20-volt MAX Compact Reciprocating Saw with Tool –A Review

The highlight of this reciprocating saw is its lightweight design. It is just 14.5″ in length and lets users make cuts in very tight spaces. It has a four-position blade clamp allowing for flush cutting and great versatility in positions. Its 1 1/8″ stroke length provides a faster speed of cutting and with a variable speed trigger of 0-2,900 spm, it can give more blade control for precise cuts. Its shoe at teh base of the blade gives more versatility when cutting materials. It comes with LED lighting that provides ample light in dark areas. This item is sold without a battery.

Pros:

• The blade works very fast and has an upward and downward motion too.
• It has LED lights that have been very thoughtfully added for poor work areas.
• The blade’s circular motion passes through nails very smoothly.

Cons:

• The saw vibrates a bit too much, regardless of the speed.
• The flexible blade fails quickly. The blade release feature stops working barely after you start using it.
• It doesn’t clean easily.

2. BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B

The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B Reciprocating Saw has a variable speed trigger and for ease of use, there’s also a pivoting shoe. The maximum battery voltage it can handle is 20 volts. This saw can do up to 3,000 strokes per minute and a 7/8″ stroke length. The battery for this saw is sold separately from the main unit. It is a frameless motor with extended tool durability.

Pros:

• This tool is lightweight and a pleasure to use.

Cons:

• This unit vibrates a lot, with the vibrations passing into the user’s hand that holds the rear handle. Therefore, it cannot be used for more than a few minutes in every session.
• It is necessary to wear protective gloves.

3. DC385B 18-Volt Cordless Reciprocating Saw –A Review

The Dewalt DC385B 18-Volt cordless reciprocating saw helps you cut any surface you need to. You can use it for any projects such as construction, demolition, remodeling and cutting through openings in walls and roofs, metal ductwork, kitchen cabinets, etc.

This powerful unit is known for its superlative performance and variable speed motor that pushes the blade to give a maximum of 3,000 strokes per minute. Its cutting stroke length is aggressive at

1-1/8-inch that enables it cut through any building material. Its blade clamp can be set at four positions for flush cutting and enhanced versatility.

It also has an adjustable shoe that fits into the bottom of the unit with an open top for a panoramic view. Users will also benefit from a keyless blade clamp, which works on a lever and blades that change easily. Anti-slip rubber handles help grip the unit carefully.

Pros

• Its blades cut through materials fast.
• It has adjustable blade clamps.
• A pivoting shoe helps grip the unit better.
• It is powerful and dependable and user-friendly.

Cons

• It does not have a battery charger or pack.
• The batteries don’t remain charged for long.
• Its battery contacts aren’t good.

4. Makita JR3050T 11 Amp Reciprocating Saw –A Review

The Makita Reciprocating Saw is perfect to cut through wood, drywall, metal, plastics and plaster, besides demolishing and remodeling. It weighs 3.3 kg and has a strong 11 Amp motor which is tough enough to work all day. It cuts efficiently with a blade stroke measuring 1-1/8″.

Its variable speed trigger is a maximum of 2800 RPM for cutting through several applications. To install and remove blades fast, it is aided by a tool-less blade change and a pivoting shoe. Its design helps eliminate user fatigue while users can experience greater comfort by its soft grip on the handle. Its in-built dust blower system helps clear dust and debris from the cutting line so that the user’s visibility is not impaired.

Pros:

• It is easy to use, lightweight and durable.
• It is sturdy, powerful and long lasting.

Cons:   None

The DWE357 COMPACT Reciprocating Saw is powered by a 12 Amp motor and has a variable speed trigger of delivering 3,000 strokes per minute. It also has a 1- 1/8″ stroke length for quick and precision cutting for heavy-duty jobs. The unit is about 14.5″ in length; it is lightweight and can also cut in the trickiest spaces. It also has a keyless, four-position blade clamp lever action for quick and easy changes of blade. It is designed for professional use.

Pros:

• This unit is well balanced.
• It is lightweight and easy to use.
• It is modern and based on the latest technology.
• It has a powerful electric motor and is designed for professional use.
• It is very versatile.

Cons:

• As a work unit, it is very big.
• It’s not very resistant.

Best speed and recommended power levels

If a demolition expert is looking for the best tool for his job, he should choose one with a lot of strength or power. One good tool for this kind of job is the reciprocating saw, available in corded or cordless versions. They offer easy convenience of taking around a location without unplugging it, plus maneuvering it is also easy. However, the piece of equipment will begin to lose power as the battery runs low.

If a professional wants to get the best sawzall for the money, buy a corded reciprocating saw, he should ensure that the device has a power range from under five amps to over 15 amps. However, even a 10 amps unit will provide enough power for heavy-duty sawing.

Cordless or electric?

When you’re out shopping for a reciprocating saw, you’ll find two types–the corded and the cordless reciprocating saw. Each comes with its own pros and cons, neither is better than the other, so usually woodworkers or handymen possess both.

Cordless reciprocating saws: These saws are more portable than their corded counterparts. Plus, they are much more powerful too. So, when using these saws, you don’t need to depend on generators but you do need to use a battery recharging unit.

In weight, they are roughly the same or lighter than the corded versions. This makes them more comfortable to work with, particularly when you have to work in cramped conditions. They are very good at cutting light materials.

Corded reciprocating saws: These reciprocating saws are a good alternative to battery power. If they are blessed with a good power source, these saws can work unstoppably to cut even the toughest materials. They can provide a maximum cutting power of 15 amps. However, a disadvantage is that extension cords can make for difficulties of working in tight corners or awkward spaces. They are the best in this reciprocating saws world that satisfy every need for cut surfaces that woodworkers may have.

Accessories you may need

If you are buying this tool for the first time, it is important that you also buy some safety accessories. Here are some salient ones that should be part of your tool kit:

• Tool cases and bags: You need to invest in a tool case or bag so that you can carry the unit around safely. Some units come with a tote bag to keep it from incidental damage and so that it is portable.

• Safety gloves: Buy nylon and rubber gloves, which ensure a good grip. They should be breathable so that your hands don’t slip with sweat.
• Safety goggles: These goggles come with an adjustable strap that give a good fit and ensure comfortable wear for protracted periods. Users also experience UV protection on hot days. They also protect users from the dust that kicks up in woodworking projects.

Conclusion

The market is filled with competing products in the reciprocating saw category. Each one of them is as good or better than the other for one or two important reasons, so it is very difficult to pinpoint which of them is the best reciprocating saw today.

All models of reciprocating saws in the market today are professionally built and rugged to suit their work applications. Despite this, within each model, you will find differences between models, so it find that one best reciprocating saw, you will need to know a lot of features that make a good product before you can zero in on any one.