THE BEST RECIPROCATING SAW

BEST Reciprocating Saw

Have you been searching for hours looking through literally the same reviews? I know what’s out there, as I have so myself read those same reviews about each and every reciprocating saw.

And let me tell you, there are thousands of them!

But why is this review any different? I have invested hours of research to make this the most helpful guide to get the best reciprocating saw based on your needs.

Are you in a hurry?

My top rated model is the DEWALT DCS380B.

In this article you will find some low price reciprocating saws and others that are a little bit higher priced, I do want to mention the fact that there are some models that are a bit more advanced so read carefully.

 

How to choose the BEST Reciprocating Saw

You are probably wondering what details and specifications to look at in order to pick the best model. Am I right?

Every single model has at least one thing different to another, and if you don’t take your time to look at these details, you might be disappointed when you get your reciprocating saw and I don’t want that.

So I am going to go through every important aspect you need to know before deciding which reciprocating saw to get. Let’s get started:

Rating:

Now I know this may seem pretty basic but you might be surprised at how many people just skip this part or simply don’t look at it, but let’s be honest if you’re a serious buyer then you already know how essential these statistics are. Have a look on Amazon for this number and I have personally given each model my rating according to all of my research.

Power:

This number tells you the Amperes of the motor or the Voltage of the batteries, and of course the higher the number the more powerful the model. This depends a lot of the type of jobs you’re going to be doing with the reciprocating saw, you should think about whether it’s going to be light duty projects or heavy duty jobs, when you determine that, you will know what type you need.

Corded or Cordless:

This is quite important and it’s up to you to decide which type of reciprocating saw best fits your needs. But here are some things you should think about, an electric cord can get in the way when you’re working and it limits your portability due to the fact that it has a specific length; but on the other hand batteries can be quite expensive and will require charging but I personally think it’s worth it because batteries have improved a lot in recent times and you get a lot more freedom with a cordless model.

Saw:

The length of the stroke tells you how fast the saw cuts if it’s a longer number then it will cut faster so if you are looking for something less invasive then look for a shorter length of stroke. One more tip, if the stroke length is smaller you can actually work better and easier in tight spaces while the longer stroke length is used for heavy-duty jobs.

Speed:

This detail tells you how fast the reciprocating saw cuts, the higher the number the faster it cuts which could save you time. I recommend that you choose a model with a starting speed of 0 RPM; starting at a higher speed can be quite challenging especially if you are a beginner.

Weight:

This is more in the ergonomic side, something you should consider is the fact that you are going to be holding this saw for a few hours, imagine if you use this machine on a daily basis, you wouldn’t want to be tired all the time right? I highly suggest you choose a model that does not weigh too much in order to be comfortable during your work period.

Warranty:

This factor is major in anything you buy but most importantly in these types of products. In the case of cordless models, most companies have different warranties for the tool and the batteries; so take a look at each detail. All in all, for this detail you should always aim for higher years just to be on the safe side.

Price:

This is something that you should already know before even looking at models, how much are you willing to spend? Is your budget under $100 or higher? This is completely personal but you should know that sometimes it’s better to spend a bit more to get better quality for many years.

Related: Review of the best cabinet table saws

The BEST Reciprocating Saw of 2019

This is my top pick in this the review.

The DEWALT DCS380B 20-Volt, you have probably heard of DEWALT before, but if you haven’t let me tell you a bit about it first; it was founded in 1922 and it has expanded worldwide, it’s known as one of the best power tools manufacturers.

Now back to the DCS380B 20-Volt, this is a 20 volts cordless model, with 1 – ⅛ inches stroke of length.

It has a 4 position blade cramp that lets you perform flush cutting.

As in for speed, it has a variable trigger that allows you to set the saw anywhere between 0 RPM to 3000 RPM. Isn’t that great?

It also has a pivoting adjustable shoe that gives a better depth of cut control and it gives the blade a more lasting life.

Are you worried that the tool isn’t going to last many years? Get this: the model has a double oiled sealed shaft that withstands contamination and increases the tools’ lifetime.

The length of the tool is 18 inches.

Are you going to be working with this tool for many hours? There’s no need to worry because it comes with a rubber overmolded comfort grip that allows you to be very comfortable while in use.

Lastly it comes with 3 years of warranty.

I most definitely give this model 5 stars, a great tool by an amazing company and not to mention the number of customer reviews.

Go check out the customer reviews of the DEWALT DCS380B 20-Volt and the current price of it here on Amazon, and have a look at DEWALT for a few more details.

 

Check out a video of the tool.

 

 

The BEST reciprocating saw for homeowners

The TACKLIFE RPRS01A has a 7 amp motor with a voltage of 120.

The TACKLIFE RPRS01A reciprocating saw

The TACKLIFE RPRS01A reciprocating saw

Here’s a little about TACKLIFE: they focus on every detail when developing a tool and their goal is to keep their customers safe and satisfied at all cause.

The stroke length is 1- ⅛ inches. The speed can be adjusted with the variable trigger, from 0 RPM to 2800 RPM.

The length of the cord is 10 feet and frankly, this is a very important detail to know if you are interested in a corded model.

The tool comes with 2 blades, one is 1 x 6T HCS and the other 1 x 14T BIM. This is a great feature to consider because you won’t have to spend extra on a smaller or larger blade.

Another great feature is the rotatable handle which allows you to set the tool at three different angles in order to choose the best direction for the cut.

And one more thing, it has an adjustable shoe which lets you adjust the length so you get a better result when working with tough materials and it also gives you more stability,

It has a secure blade cramp that allows you to replace or change the blade within seconds!

And when you are working for long hours you can lock the saw at a specific speed. Isn’t that amazing?

Here’s a fact: this model comes with 2 LED work lights in order to help have a clearer view of your workspace and it increases your accuracy as well.

The model is 9.4 pounds and it comes with 2 years of warranty.

And not to mention the great price.

I give this model 3.5 stars, it has really good features.

The reason why I think this model is suitable for homeowners is that it’s not quite as powerful as other models which doesn’t make it appropriate for heavy duty jobs.

Go check out the current price of the TACKLIFE RPRS01A here on Amazon.

 

The BEST corded reciprocating saw under $100

The SKIL 9206-02 has a motor of 7.5 amps and the length of the stroke is 1.125 inches.

The SKIL 9206-02

The SKIL 9206-02

Here’s SKIL’s story: it was founded in 1924 and their tool line has expanded ever since.

It has a quick blade change or replacement system which saves you a lot of time.

The model has a heavy duty metal gear housing for a lot more years of use.

Are you worried about vibration? Well, this model has a counterbalance that controls it!

It has a pivoting foot that gives you more stability when working with tough materials.

Now as in for speed, this model has a variable speed that can be adjusted anywhere between 800 revolutions per minute and 2700 revolutions per minute; and you may be wondering what difference does the starting speed make?

Well starting from a speed that’s different from 0 can be a bit a challenging if you don’t have any previous experience with a reciprocating saw, so that’s why I recommend this model for professional only.

This model has a length of 18 inches.

And unfortunately, it only comes with 1 year of warranty.

It weighs 7.2 pounds

I give this model 4 stars, it comes from a well-known company and it has good customer ratings.

Lastly, I think this model is better than the other corded model under $100 (TACKLIFE RPRS01A) because it’s a little bit more powerful and a lot more lightweight.

Go check out the latest comments from the customers and the current price of the SKIL 9206-02 here on Amazon, and on SKIL for more information.

 

The BEST reciprocating saw for pruning

Black&Decker is one of the most known manufacturers, they are very trustworthy and provide great products.

The BLACK+DECKER LPS7000

The BLACK+DECKER LPS7000

The BLACK+DECKER LPS7000 works with a 7.2 volts lithium-ion battery that can be charged for up to 18 months depending of the hours of use.

The speed can be set anywhere between 0 RPM and 2050 RPM.

The stroke length is 1 inch which isn’t very much if you ask me.

This item only weighs 2.1 pounds, this is a great pick if you are planning on working for long hours.

It has a keyless blade change that lets you have a quick change of cutting positions.

This item has a LED work light to improve your accuracy and view.

It comes with 2 years of warranty.

This model is ideal for pruning because of its weight, when you’re cutting trees you’re most probably doing it overhead and I know how tiring it could be to hold a heavy tool for this task.

I give this model 3 stars, one thing that I don’t like is the stroke of length, I do think this can be an issue for most workers.

Go check out the latest price of the BLACK+DECKER LPS7000 here on Amazon.

 

The BEST cordless reciprocating saw under $50 (Budget option)

The Ryobi P515 One+ is part of their 18V ONE+ system, which consists of over 125 tools that work 18 volts with lithium-ion batteries.

The Ryobi P515 One+

The Ryobi P515 One+

Have you never heard of Ryobi? Here’s their story: it was founded in 1943 in Japan and they have grown ever since.

It has a length of stroke of  ⅞ inches.

The blade has a quick change system where it pulls out easily and any T-shaped blade will fit this model.

The speed can be changed by applying pressure on the trigger, the harder you press the faster it gets, but the fastest it can reach is 3100 revolutions per minute.

This item weighs 4.45 pounds and it comes with 3 years of warranty which is actually the longest in the under $50 price category.

I prefer this model over the BLACK+DECKER LPS7000 as a cordless option because it’s a lot more powerful and it can reach a faster speed as well.

The model has springs and rubber plates that make its’ use a lot more convenient for your comfort and it also reduces the vibration.

It has an overmolded grip which lets you hold the tool firmly in wet conditions.

I personally give this model 4 stars, it was really good customer reviews and it comes from a very trustworthy manufacturer.

Go have a look at the latest customer reviews and the current price of the Ryobi P515 One+ here on Amazon.

 

The BEST Makita reciprocating saw

The Makita XRJ04Z 18V forms part of the 18V LXT line, which exceeds the performance on the corded models.

The Makita XRJ04Z 18V

The Makita XRJ04Z 18V

Here’s a bit about Makita: it’s a Japanese manufacturer that was founded in 1915, they are known for their high-quality power tools.

These are the fastest charging batteries in the whole industry!

It has a length of stroke of 1 – ¼ inches and it has a maximum cutting capacity of 10 inches on wood and 5 – ⅛ inches on pipe.

This model has the largest length of stroke under the $100 price category, which allows you to cut through thicker materials with ease.

It has a variable speed trigger that can be adjusted anywhere from 0 revolutions per minute to 2800 revolutions per minute.

The length of the tool is 19 – ⅛ inches and it weighs 8.3 pounds.

The refined crank mechanism design decreases the blade’s deflection and it also reduces vibration.

It has a tool-less system for quick and easy blade change or replacement.

And one more thing, it has an electric brake which also saves you time when you’re about to change the blade or just simply putting your tool down, this is a safety feature a lot of these models don’t have.

For comfort, it has a rubber soft grip handle that allows you to work for long hours with no problem.

In my opinion, this model is better than the Makita JR3070CT because it has the convenience of not having a cord; it’s also less heavy and has a better price.

I give this model 4 stars, Makita is a very reliable company that provides good products.

Go check out the current price of the Makita XRJ04Z 18V here on Amazon and Makita for further details.

Check out the LXT Advantage video.

 

You can also check out the Owner’s Manual.

 

The BEST Black&Decker reciprocating saw

The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C is a cordless model that works with a 20 volts lithium ion battery.

The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C

The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C

The speed can be adjusted with the variable speed trigger, starting from 0 revolutions per minute up to 3000 revolutions per minute.

The length of stroke is ⅞ inches.

As in for features, it comes with a pivoting shoe which gives you better control and access to the tool.

And when you need to change the blade you won’t need any kind of tool to do so!

This model weighs 4.5 pounds which is pretty lightweight considering all of the products.

This model comes with a 2 year limited warranty.

All in all, I give this model 4 stars, I think it’s a great pick because BLACK&DECKER design tools that last you a lifetime!

One more thing, I think this is a good choice for beginners that are looking for a good portable option. This is pretty easy to use and you will get the hang of it quite fast.

And if you already have a BLACK&DECKER lithium-ion battery you can buy the tool alone but if that’s not the case you can use the battery for more products in the same line.

I prefer this model over the BLACK+DECKER LPS7000 because it’s a lot more powerful and it can reach 3000 RPM while the other model can only reach 2050 RPM.

Go check out the latest price of the BDCR20C 20V here on Amazon and see BLACK&DECKER for more details.

See the Owner’s Manual here. 

 

The BEST variable speed reciprocating saw

Another great option in the Ryobi ONE+ line is the P514 model, which works with an 18-volt lithium ion battery.

The Ryobi P514 18V Cordless One+

The Ryobi P514 18V Cordless One+

But get this: this model also works with Ryobi’s old NiCad battery, so if you have one of those laying around you won’t need to buy new batteries.

This model features an anti-vibe handle which decreases fatigue when used for long hours and a grip zone overmold which gives this a bust when you think about comfort.

This item is basically made to be comfortable for long jobs.

You can easily adjust the speed with the variable trigger, up to 3100 revolutions per minute. It comes with an electric brake which is very useful when you are about to change the blade and it also gives you better control of the tool when using different materials.

This model can reach the fastest speed from all the variable speed models from the review.

Speaking of changing the blade, this model comes with a clamp that allows you to pull out the blade for a quick change without any tools. Isn’t that great?

One more thing, it comes with two blades.

This model is the only one under $100 that reaches a speed of 3100 revolutions per minute.

It has an adjustable pivoting shoe which allows you to have a better use of the blade and greater control of the tool.

This product only weighs 4.1 pounds which makes it lighter than the Ryobi P515 One+, although the specifications are nearly the same I prefer this one because of the difference in weight.

And lastly, the length of stroke is ⅞ inches.

I give this model 4 stars, it has a good speed and like I said previously it’s also very comfortable to work with.

Go check out the current price of the Ryobi P514 18V One+ here on Amazon and on Ryobi for a few more details.

 

The BEST reciprocating saw for multi-use

The WX550L 20V by Worx is not only a reciprocating saw but a jigsaw as well!

 

Yes, you heard that right.

You get two tools for the price of one.

Let me tell you a bit about Worx: their goal is to satisfy their customer by providing top quality products but they design tools that are eco-friendly as well.

This is a cordless model that works with a 20-volt lithium ion battery with belongs to the 20V Worx line.

One more fact about the battery, it actually has a runtime indicator so you will know how much time you have until the next charge.

The speed can go up to 3000 revolutions per minute.

But here’s the thing, the stroke length is ¾ inches which isn’t very much compared to the models in this review.

One great feature is the fact that this model accepts blades from any brand so you can cut a whole list of materials with a quick change of blade in which you won’t even need a tool for.

This product comes with 4 different blades for each type of material.

This item works with an orbital cutting technology which provides greater efficiency but you can also set it at a common linear stroke with the switch.

It’s not over yet! It has a LED light that allows you to have a better sight of your work area and one more thing, it has a built-in dust blower in order for you to clean your area; these two features increase your visibility.

It comes with 3 years of warranty.

I give this model 4.5 stars, it has a great price for what you actually get and it has some good features as well that none of the items reviewed have. It also has really good customer reviews!

This model is the best fit for you if you’re looking to buy a jigsaw as well, with this item you won’t need to spend money on two separate tools and you would need less storage space.

Go check out the latest customer reviews and the current price of the WORX WX550L 20V here on Amazon and on Worx for more details.

Have a look at the video of the WORX WX550L 20V to see how it works.

 

The BEST corded reciprocating saw

The Makita JR3050T is a corded model that has a motor of 11 amps.

The Makita JR3050T

The Makita JR3050T

It comes with a variable speed trigger which can set up to 2800 revolutions per minute.

The length of stroke is 1 – ⅛ inches, the blade the models comes with can be used for many types of materials.

This model features a built-in dust blower to keep your area of work clean which increases your performance and accuracy

It has a heavy duty shoe and you can easily change or replace the blade by pulling it out.

This model was designed to last you years, it has a rubber boot sealed to the motor to protect it and a durable body.

One more thing about the design: it weighs 7.3 pounds which reduces the user’s fatigue as it’s well balanced.

It has a large two fingers trigger which comes with a lock on button for long hours of use.

As in for comfort it has a soft grip and handle for your convenience.

The length of the model is 17 – ¾ inches.

Unfortunately, the model only comes with a year of warranty.

I rate this model 4.5 stars, Makita is a very reliable company and this item has great customer reviews as well.

I have chosen this product as the best corded reciprocating saw because it’s best reviewed on Amazon; you may have noticed that there are more powerful corded options but they are also a lot more high priced, so this model is a good pick if you’re not willing to spend too much.

Go check out the latest customer feedback and the current price of the Makita JR3050T here on Amazon and on Makita for further details.

Here is the Owner’s Manual.

 

The BEST cordless 20V reciprocating saw

The PORTER CABLE PCC670B is a cordless model that is ran by a 20 volts lithium ion battery which is designed to work aggressively.

Porter Cable was founded in 1906 and have expanded over the years.

The length of stroke is a 1 inch, which is a fine size but it could be a bit larger.

It comes with a variable speed trigger which allows you to have more control of the tool, the starting speed is 0 RPM and it can reach up to 3000 revolutions per minute.

You can easily replace the blade without any extra tools.

The pivoting shoe provides better efficiency and keeps contact with the material.

The length of the tool is 14.5 inches and it weighs 4 pounds.

As in for comfort it was a contoured overmolded handle that makes your hours of work a lot more pleasant.

This model is designed to reach those tight places no other tool can provide.

I give this item 4.5 stars as it has outstanding customer reviews and I really like the fact that it’s cordless and it’s a very lightweight product which is great for long hours of use.

And lastly, this model comes with 3 years of warranty.

I have picked this model as the best cordless 20V option because it has a larger stroke length than the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C and the WORX WX550L.

Go check out the latest customer reviews and the current price of the here on Amazon and on Porter Cable for a few more details.

 

Go watch the video to see all the features I mentioned.

Check out the Owner’s Manual.

 

The BEST reciprocating saw for yard work

The Milwaukee 6519-31 is a corded model with an 11 amp motor.

Here’s a little bit about Milwaukee: they have more than 85 years of experience in the business and their goal is to design tools for heavy duty jobs.

It has a variable speed trigger which can be adjusted anywhere between 0 revolutions per minute to 2800 revolutions per minute, the speed is adjusted by the amount of force you apply on the trigger.

This model will last you years due to the gear protection clutch that extends the motor and the tool’s life; it also absorbs high impact forces which makes this tool specially made for outside and tough environments.

When it’s time to change the blade, the tool has a QUIK- LOK blade clamp that allows this process to be quick and simple.

If you are planning on using this tool for long hours check this out: it has a counter weighted mechanism which decreases vibration and makes your work a lot smoother; it also has a redesigned front grip for better comfort.

Another feature is the reduced vibration for better results and finishes.

One more thing, it has a rubber boot for superior gripping.

The length of stroke is 1 – ⅛ inches and the length of the tool is 17 – ¾ inches.

The model weighs 7 pounds.

And get this: it comes with 5 years of warranty and up to this point no other model has these many years.

And another thing, the tool comes with a polyurethane case that allows you to go anywhere with your tool.

I give this model 4 stars, I personally really like Milwaukee and their products. This model has good customer ratings as well.

This model makes a good pick for yard work because you probably require a heavy duty tool for outside tasks, and these tasks can also get a bit rough so the gear protection feature is very convenient to prolong the tool’s lifetime.

Go check out the latest customer reviews and the current price of the  Milwaukee 6519-31 here on Amazon and on Milwaukee for further details.

Check out the Owner’s Manual here.

Related: Best gas pole saws for yardwork

Related: Best manual pole saw pruner for yardwork

The BEST reciprocating saw for outside and inside jobs

The Bosch CRS180B is a cordless model that runs on an 18 volt lithium ion battery.

The Bosch CRS180B

The Bosch CRS180B

Here is Bosch’s story: it was founded in 1886 in Germany and they design tools that deliver the best results.

The tool is made for jobs that tend to have tight spaces to get to and it’s also great for overhead work.

The length of the stroke is 1 – ⅛ inches and the length of the tool is 17.7 inches.

It has a Lock- Jaw blade change system which allows you to have a quick change of blade within seconds.

The motor is very durable since it has an electronic motor protection system that protects it against overload work.

The batteries have the Bosch electronic cell protection which protects them from overload, overheating and deep discharge.

But you may be wondering what makes this model good for both outside and inside jobs?

Well the CRS180B has two-speed ranges, one from 0 RPM to 2400 RPM and the other from 0 RPM to 2800 RPM; but what does this mean?

This is a great tool to have if you work in both environments because you can easily switch between these two-speed ranges depending on what kind of material you are working on, so if you are working with a tougher material I suggest you use the highest speed range.

The tool weighs 6.35 pounds and it comes with 3 years of warranty.

I give this model 4 stars, I really like the protection features it has because it makes the tool a lot more durable and it has good customer reviews as well!

Go check out the latest customer reviews and the current price of the Bosch CRS180B 18V here on Amazon and on Bosch for a few more specifications.

Have a look at the video to see what you get.

 

The BEST one hand reciprocating saw

The Makita JR3070CT is a corded model that runs on a 15 amp motor.

Which is by far the most powerful corded model reviewed!

It has a length of stroke of 1 – ¼ inches and the length of the tool is 19 – ⅛ inches.

The speed can be adjusted with the variable speed trigger according to your needs, it can go up to 2800 revolutions per minute.

The trigger is very large in which you can position two fingers for more comfort and better control of the tool. This means it makes it a great option for a one-handed jobs.

It also has a lock on button for when you are working for long periods of time.

Another comfort feature is the rubberized grip!

It has an orbital cutting option which can be positioned at 4 different angles but it can also be used at a straight cutting option.

The blade can be easily replaced without any tools.

It has a built- in clutch which reduces any gear damage.

The model weighs 9.7 pounds which is a bit heavy compared to the items reviewed previously.

This model also features the anti-vibration technology which increases your accuracy and absorbs random shocks and gives you better results.

I give this model 4 stars, it has good features and it’s also quite powerful; it has good customer reviews too.

Go check out the latest customer reviews and the current price of the Makita JR3070CT here on Amazon and on Makita for more information.

Go have a quick look at the video for more visuals.

Here is the Owner’s Manual.

 

The BEST corded reciprocating saw for heavy duty jobs

The Milwaukee 6538-21 is a corded model that works with a 15 amp motor, it has an overload protection which also prevents motor burn up or even failure.

The Milwaukee 6538-21

The Milwaukee 6538-21

If you had a look at the Makita JR3070CT, then you probably noticed that it also has a 15 amp motor, so why is this one better?

This model comes with 5 years of warranty while the previous model only comes with 1 year, and if you have done tough jobs before then you know that this feature is important.

It has a patented gear-protecting clutch which also protects the motor and the tool from high impact forces caused by blade lock-ups.

The variable speed trigger allows you to adjust the speed anywhere from 0 revolutions per minute to 2800 revolutions per minute.

The constant power technology maintains the speed to protect it from any cutting issues.

And like the previous Milwaukee model, this one too has the QUIK – LOK blade clamp system which allows you to change the blade in seconds.

The stroke length is 1- ¼ inches and the length of the tool is 18 – ¾ inches.

Another feature is the adjustable shoe that gives you better control of the tool!

It also has the orbital cutting option made to get better results for different materials.

The tools weighs 9.8 pounds.

One last thing, the patented counter-balance mechanism decreases vibration during use.

I give this model 4 stars, it’s very durable and it has great features and customer reviews.

Go check out the latest customer reviews and the current price of the Milwaukee 6538-21 here on Amazon and on Milwaukee for further details.

See the Owner’s Manual here.

Related: Best miter saw on a budget

 

BEST Reciprocating Saw – Comparison Table

 

Model Rating Power Stroke Length Speed Weight Warranty Price
TACKLIFE RPRS01A 3.5 stars 7 amps corded 1- ⅛ inches 0 – 2800 RPM 9.4 pounds 2 years $
SKIL 9206-02 4 stars 7.5 amps corded 1.125 inches 800 – 2700 RPM 7.2 pounds 1 year $
BLACK+DECKER LPS7000 3 stars 7.2 volts cordless 1  inch 0 – 2050 RPM 2.1 pounds 2 years $
Ryobi P515 One+ 4 stars 18 volts cordless ⅞ inches 0 – 3100 RPM 4.45 pounds 3 years $
Makita XRJ04Z 18V 4 stars 18 volts cordless 1- ¼ inches 0 – 2800 RPM 8.3 pounds 1 year $$
BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C 20V 4 stars 20 volts cordless ⅞ inches 0 – 3000 RPM 4.5 pounds 2 years $$
Ryobi P514 18V One+ 4 stars 18 volts cordless ⅞ inches 0 – 3100 RPM 4.1 pounds 3 years $$
WORX WX550L 20V 4.5 stars 20 volts cordless ¾ inches 0 – 3000 RPM 4.2 pounds 3 years $$
Makita JR3050T 4.5 stars 11 amps corded 1- ⅛ inches 0- 2800 RPM 7.3 pounds 1 year $$
PORTER CABLE PCC670B 20-volt 4.5 stars 20 volts cordless 1 inch 0 – 3000 RPM 4 pounds 3 years $$
DEWALT DCS380B 20-Volt 5 stars 20 volts cordless 1- ⅛ inches 0 – 3000 RPM 6 pounds 3 years $$$
Milwaukee 6519-31 4 stars 11 amps corded 1- ⅛ inches 0 – 2800 RPM 7 pounds 5 years $$$
Bosch Bare-Tool CRS180B 18-Volt 4 stars 18 volts cordless 1- ⅛ inches 0 – 2400 RPM; 0 – 2700 RPM 6.35 pounds 3 years $$$
Makita JR3070CT 4 stars 15 amps corded 1 – ¼ inches 0 – 2800 RPM 9.7 pounds 1 year $$$$
Milwaukee 6538-21 4 stars 15 amps corded 1 – ¼ inches 0 – 2800 RPM 9.8 pounds 5 years $$$$

 

Reciprocating Saws FAQ Answered

What are reciprocating saws used for?

Reciprocating saws are a must for any worker on a building site because they cut just about anything. But there are certain blades for each kind of material as there are some that are multi- purpose. A reciprocating cuts anything like wood, lumber, pipes and many others, so workers that work in remodeling, demolition or plumbing need to have this tool.  

 

How to change reciprocating saw blades?

Most reciprocating saws or at least all of the ones reviewed in this article have a clamp system in which you pull the clamp and with the other hand you can easily pull out the blade. This process is simple in all of the saws because professionals tend to replace the blade quickly if they use the tool a lot or even more importantly if they want to switch between a wood saw to a metal saw or vice versa.

 

Here is a video to show you how easy it is to change a reciprocating saw blade.


What is the difference between a jigsaw and a reciprocating saw?

Do you have no idea what the difference between a jigsaw and a reciprocating saw is? Well, let me tell you that there are many as there are also many similarities. The main differences are that a jigsaw can make curved lines and parallel cuts on whatever material you are working on and a reciprocating saw is recommended for use in an open space like remodeling windows or cutting pipes. Jigsaws can cut tougher materials like ceramic tiles while reciprocating saws stick to materials like wood and metal. A reciprocating saw is a lot more practical because you can make overhead cuts with no issue while a jigsaw needs to be used on a flat space in order to be accurate.

 

Jigsaw Reciprocating Saw
Cuts ceramic Cuts wood and metal
Not used for flush cuts Not used for intricate cuts
Can be used overhead Can only be used on countertop

 

What is the difference between a circular saw and a reciprocating saw?

A jigsaw and a reciprocating saw may look a bit similar to beginners but a circular saw and a reciprocating saw are very different. A circular saw is basically a big reciprocating saw, it’s used for huge projects. Most circular saws are mounted to a machine while a reciprocating saw is hand-held. A circular saw has a blade that rotates meanwhile a reciprocating saw has a straight blade but there are some that have an orbital option. A circular saw works by making cuts spinning around the material but it can’t cut the material in curves, a reciprocating saw powers with the ease of a button but it’s not recommended for really strong materials.

 

Circular Saw Reciprocating Saw
Mounted to machine Hand-held
Used for really tough materials Not recommended for really think materials
A lot more powerful Powerful but has limits

 

Which cordless reciprocating saw is the best?

My top recommendation for the BEST cordless reciprocating saw is the DEWALT DCS380B 20-Volt, this model will not let you down. It has outstanding customer reviews that are very satisfied with the model. If you know DEWALT then you already know that they are the best in the manufacturing business.

Key features:

  • Cordless (20 volts)
  • 4 position blade clamp
  • Variable speed: 0 RPM – 3000 RPM
  • Adjustable shoe
  • Weight: 6 pound
  • Warranty: 3 years

Related: Cordless vs corded power tools

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Related: Corded vs cordless circular saws

The DEWALT DCS380B 20-Volt vs PORTER CABLE PCC670B 20-volt

You may have noticed that I picked the PORTER CABLE PCC670B as the best cordless 20V reciprocating saw. So my guess is that you’re wondering why I picked the DEWALT DCS380B as my top pick.

For starters, the DEWALT DCS380B has a 1- ⅛ length of stroke while the PORTER CABLE PCC670B has just 1 inch.

The DEWALT DCS380B comes with a blade cramp that lets you perform flush cutting and the other model doesn’t.

I do have to mention that the DEWALT DCS380B is 2 pounds heavier than the Porter Cable item.

My opinion is that the DEWALT DCS380B 20-Volt is a better pick even though it is a bit more expensive; and like I mentioned above it has great customer feedback.

Can reciprocating saws cut metal?

Yes, they can! Like I said before there are some blades that are multi-purpose which means they are capable of cutting wood and metal. But if you are a professional then you are probably looking for just metal cutting blades. Reciprocating saws are made to cut metal with ease!

How long are reciprocating saw blades?

The length of the blade of a reciprocating saw is up to you! All of the products reviewed on this article come with a blade, but guess what? You can purchase whatever length you want later on. I know for a fact that contractors work with different materials that are sometimes tougher than the blade can handle. So if you are going to be working with tough materials than usual then you should think of getting a longer and larger saw.

 

Conclusion

I hope this review has helped you pick a reciprocating saw to solve your problems, remember to look at every detail!

And hopefully, the FAQ answered any doubts you had about reciprocating saws.

 

I want to remind you of my top pick: DEWALT DCS380B 20-Volt

 

If you found another model that fits your specific needs then go out there and get it!

Happy shopping!

The BEST Reciprocating Saws Reviews

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