In the case of making cuts through different materials like wood, plastic, and metals, usually, the tools that most tend to pick are jigsaws and hacksaws.
However, you would need to put a considerable amount of effort and time to get cutting tasks done with those manual tools. Well, that is where the reciprocating saws stepped into the market.
Like any other power tool, there are a bunch of reciprocating saws that are being offered by a plethora of manufacturers. And choosing the best reciprocating saw among all of them will definitely get challenging for you. Well, that is where we step in!
We are going to make the choosing process feel like cutting slabs of butter using a hot knife. Alongside that, we are also going to offer you a comprehensive buying guide.
What Is a Reciprocating Saw Used For?
These tools generally go by the name ‘recip saw.’ Many even refer to them as Sabre saws. No matter what name they are known by, all of them are for the same functions. Most of those functions are related to demolition work.
As we mentioned earlier, these can make the task of cutting through wood, plastic, and metal feel effortless. Yes, that is basically the primary function of these.
These tools are mainly used to cut through and rip through different types of materials. So you would most see them being used for cutting around windows and doors on a construction site.
Apart from that, these are also used to cut through the plasterboards and joists. And because of different types of blades being available for this tool, you can even make cuts through metal bars. You can even use it for achieving the cutting results that usually a hacksaw would produce.
Also, many of them will have toothless blades. Those are the ones that are ideal for cutting ceramic tiles, cast iron, and stones. In a nutshell, this is basically the tool that is ideal for cutting through loads of materials.
Benefits of Reciprocating Saw
You might already know by now that these tools are generally used for almost all types of cutting tasks.
And even though all of those functions have an alternative manual tool, the advantages that a reciprocating saw bring to the table are something that those manual tools can not offer. The main benefits of having one of these are as follows:
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Versatility
The first and biggest benefit of having one of these would be versatility. As we mentioned, these tools are ideal for almost all types of cutting tasks. From cutting wood to plastics to slabs of metal to concrete, you can do all of them using the same tool.
You would not feel the need to have multiple tools for carrying out those tasks if you have one of these.
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Reliability
Unlike some of the manual tools, these do not face the degradation of functionality over time. The blades that these utilize are replaceable. As a result, these would not become unusable after a certain amount of time.
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Convenience
All of the cutting jobs that the reciprocating saw is ideal for have an alternative manual tool. And completing those cutting jobs using those manual tools can be a bit tedious. Well, if you decide to use one of these tools instead, you would have to put in considerably less effort. It would take less amount of time to complete that specific job as well.
10 Best Reciprocating Saw Reviews
- DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw
- WORX WX550L AXIS Reciprocating Saw
- PORTER-CABLE MAX Reciprocating Saw
- DEWALT DWE305 Reciprocating Saw
- BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw
- Skil Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw
- BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit
- RYOBI 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Reciprocating Saw
- Makita JR3050T Recipro Saw
- DEWALT Bare-Tool Cordless Reciprocating Saw
With all of that aside, let us get back to the reason you are here, which is the narrowed-down list. Yes, we have gone through each of the popular options that are out there and huddled a list with the ones that we think are worth the money. Have a look at the list that we have put up for you:
DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Reciprocating Saw
The manufacturer DEWALT is so popular that you or one of your friends might already have a tool that is being offered by them. Most of their offerings are highly reliable. And the exact same thing can be said for this device too.
To begin with, the design that it implements for the overall footprint is exceptionally lightweight. It weighs just five pounds, which makes it lighter than most of the units that are out there. As are a result, maneuvering will be a relatively easy task for you.
Apart from that, it is highly compact too. Lengthwise, it is just 14 inches. For that reason, fitting it in between cramped studs will not be an issue at all. Also, the blade clamp that it sports is keyless. Because of that, you can quickly and easily swap out the blades.
As the unit is cordless, you will have the full freedom of moving around with it without worrying about running short on cables. For that reason, carrying out specific cutting tasks in higher-up positions will be a piece of cake for you.
Regardless of being cordless, the power that it packs is quite substantial. It uses a 20 volts battery to power up the high-amp motor that it has. This motor can output 2900 strokes in sixty seconds. That means you would not have to waste that much amount of time in the case of completing cutting tasks with it.
Besides that, there is a trigger on the body that will offer you control over the strokes. You can switch it up and select any stroke speed that is between 0 and 2900. Also, it has a bright LED light on the front, which will allow you to work in dimly lit environments easily.
WORX WX550L AXIS Reciprocating Saw
Are you in search of a versatile recipe saw? Want something that will allow you to make angled cuts easily? Well, then you can stop searching because we have the perfect device that will meet all your needs. And, yes, it is being offered by WORX.
Let us start by describing the versatility first. It has a 2-in-1 design. With just a push of a button, you can change the position of the blade. You can operate it at the horizontal position or at the vertically-down position. Because of such a design, it will let you easily maneuver those angled cuts.
Apart from that, the unit has an orbital cutting mode. Once you are in that mode, the blade will utilize a circular motion. That motion of the blade can come in handy while cutting through a particular type of material that requires a different kind of stroking action.
The versatility does not stop there. It comes boasting a built-in dust blower. That will enable you to blow off the dust, wood flakes, concrete dust, and metal shards out of your working space. You would not require any sort of additional machine for that.
Other than that, the overall form factor of the device is reasonably lightweight and compact. Because of being lightweight, handling it in tricker situations will feel effortless. Also, the compact size will play its part in the case of working in tight spaces.
Unlike most of the manufacturers, WORX includes a 20-volt battery and a charger with this package. That means you would not have to spend extra money after you purchase this device. Also, the blade-changing process is entirely tool-free. You can quickly and easily change the blade. There is a trigger-locking mechanism too.
PORTER-CABLE MAX Reciprocating Saw
In your search for the best reciprocating saw cordless, you will stumble upon a plethora of devices. However, not all of them will be able to offer you as much stroke speed as this one from PORTER-CABLE is going to offer.
Let us talk about the thing that powers up the entire device first. It utilizes a high-density 20 volts battery for operation. That battery is combined with a highly efficient motor, which allows it to achieve a stroke speed of 3000 SPM.
With that amount of speed, cutting through different materials will feel like cutting a butter slab with a hot knife.
Apart from that, the design that the manufacturer implemented for the device is relatively compact. Because of that footprint, working in tight spaces with it will not be that much of a hassle. Also, the unit is comparatively lightweight. That lightweight construction makes it exceptionally easy to use.
Just like most of the other devices, this one also has a trigger that will enable you to switch between different speeds. It has a stroke length of 1 inch, which is up to part with the rest of the other high-end devices that are out there.
Also, it utilizes a tool-free mechanism for releasing the blade. For that reason, switching between different sets of blades while you are working with it will be much quick and easy.
Alongside that, there is a trigger that will allow you to switch between different speeds. With just a spin of a button, you can select any stroke speed that is between 0 to 3000 SPM. Because of this mechanism, cutting through a delicate type of material such as softwood will be much easier for you.
DEWALT DWE305 Reciprocating Saw
The manufacturer DEWALT has an extensive lineup of reciprocating saws to offer to the market. From corded to cordless, they have them all. And this one that we are going to talk about is one of the cordless ones that they are offering.
First of all, the motor that the device packs is 12 amps. That powerful motor can make the unit output 2900 strokes in one minute. For that reason, most of the cutting tasks will feel like a walk in the park for you.
There is a variable speed button too. That will enable you to instantaneously change the stroke’s speed, depending on the type of task you are doing.
The blade slot that the device has utilizes a lever-action clamp. That clamp allows it to achieve a tool-free blade changing mechanism. You can easily switch between different blades.It will come in handy if you plan to cut through a different type of material in one cutting session.
On that note, the clamp implements a four-positional design. That design allows the blade to flush cut through materials. As a result, getting a clean cut will not feel like a tedious task anymore. It will also enhance the overall versatility of the device.
The stroke length that the blade can offer is 1-1/8 inches. For that reason, cutting through thick materials will feel like carrying out an easy task for you. Alongside that, the unit is reasonably compact. For such a footprint, fitting int inside tight and cramped places will be pretty easy.
Other than that, the unit is comparatively lightweight too. Because of having a minimal amount of weight, you can easily work with it for a prolonged amount of time. Also, the handle has a rubber coating surrounding it.
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Another manufacturer that has been around for a long time is BLACK+DECKER. They have offerings for power tools and also many automated home equipment. In the case of power tools, what they most excel in is offering powerful cordless units. And that can be perfectly illustrated with this one.
First of all, just like some of the other units, this one also has a tool-free blade-changing mechanism. That means you would not require any tool or equipment to get the blade out of the slot. As a result, operating the machine during heavy workloads will feel like carrying out an effortless task.
As we mentioned, the unit is cordless. Thus, you will not have to worry about running short on the power chord. And as a result, you can move freely and carry out cutting tasks without any hindrance. Also, the shoe that it boasts is fully adjustable. That adds up to ease of use.
Even though it is cordless, the power that it packs is up to par with the rest of the corded ones. It utilizes a 20 volts lithium-ion battery. That battery is combined with a powerful motor. With that combination, the strokes that it can output in one minute is about 300, which is higher than some of the corded ones.
Apart from that, there is a trigger for changing speed. It can be easily adjusted to the number of strokes that you want. As a result, cutting through delicate materials will not feel like a hassle anymore.
You can also set it up on the maximum stroke speed in just one tap, which will allow you to go through multiple cutting jobs in a small amount of time.
Lastly, there is an electric braking feature. That will provide you the optimal amount of control over the device.
As you are mostly going to do demolition tasks using these tools, you would want these to be durable and sturdy. Well, that is exactly what Skil is offering with this one.
To start with, it features heavy-duty metal housing. Because of implementing such housing, the ruggedness that it achieves is relatively high. In fact, it is more durable than most of the available units out there. For that reason, you can expect it to last for an extended amount of time.
Apart from just being sturdy, the unit packs a substantial amount of power. The motor that it features is 7.5 amps. That provides an ample amount of power to get most of the jobs done at ease. There is a variable speed trigger, which will offer you the control that is required for some of the delicate cutting jobs.
Besides that, to mitigate the vibration problem that most of the other units have, this one has a counterbalanced design. As a result, it will not vibrate that much during operation. That will eventually offer you much higher control over the operations.
Like most other high-end devices, this one also implements a toolless design for the blade-changing process. As a result, you would not have to go through the hassle of finding the tool for switching between different blades during operations.
Other than that, the stability that this unit can offer is relatively higher than some of the other pruning saws. It has a pivoting shoe, which is mainly responsible for providing additional stability.
Lastly, the overall weight of the unit is pretty minimal. Because of its lightweight design that it has, you will be able to maneuver it around without any hassles at all.
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit
RYOBI 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Makita JR3050T Recipro Saw
You might have already heard about Makita. They have been around in the power tool market for quite a while now. And throughout time, they have been pushing out highly reliable and decently performing units. Well, this one is one of them.
Let us start by talking about the power that it boasts first. It features a powerful 11-ampere motor. That motor enables makes it perfect for nonstop operation. Also, it can make the strokes it can make in a minute is up to 28000.It also has a combination of ball and needle bearings. Those two will enhance the overall lifespan of the motor.
Apart from that, the blade that it comes with is 17-3/4 inches long. Because of that long blade, you can make about 1-1/8 inches long strokes. As a result, cutting jobs will not take that much amount of time.
Also, changing the device’s blade will not be that much of a hassle because of the toolless design that it sports. It even comes with extra blades.
Apart from that, it also features a variable speed trigger. As a result, you can get the perfect amount of speed required for the type of job you are planning to carry out. There is a large-sized trigger lock-on button as well. That will make sure that you do not accidentally injure yourself while trying to work with it.
It also has a soft grip on the handle. Because of that, you would not face any sort of discomfort, even if you operate it for a prolonged time. Also, you are going to receive a tool case with the package.
That will allow you to store the device while transporting it safely. You would not have to worry about it getting damaged while you are moving it.
We are going to wrap up our review section with this saw that the ever-so-famous DEWALT is offering. If you were on the lookout for a cordless device, then you should definitely have a look at this one.
To begin with, it is exceptionally durable. The materials that the manufacturer utilized is a combination of heavy-duty metal and high-quality plastic. Because of such a combination of construction materials, you can expect it to last for an extended amount of time without showing any performance degradation.
Apart from that, it also packs a highly capable motor. That motor enables the device to output about 3000 strokes in just sixty seconds. With that amount of stroke speed, you can quickly finish most of the cutting tasks.
There is a mechanism that will allow you to change the stroke speed. It will enable you to cut through delicate materials efficiently.
The cutting stroke length that the blade can offer is 1-1/8 inches. As a result, cutting through materials that are thick in general will be easy for you. The blade also utilizes a 4-axis clamp, allowing you to get flush cuts in different types of materials.
On that note, the clamp also has a keyless design. You would not require any sort of additional tools for swapping out the blade because of that design. In fact, it would take you seconds to change the blade. As a result, your work productivity will also increase.
Besides that, the handle has a rubber coating. That coating will ensure that your hands do not slip while you are operating the device. The shoe is also adjustable, which will eventually increase the overall control over the saw. On top of that, the comfort level also increases substantially because of that coating.
Features To Look For Before Buying
If you want to get the most of the money you are going to spend on one of these tools, going through the reviews will not be enough. You would need proper knowledge about the factors that make one of these tools well-performing.
Well, we are here to offer that knowledge to you. With that being said, these are the things that you will have to keep in mind before buying:
Type
First and foremost, you will have to know about the types of reciprocating saws available. Generally, there are two.
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Corded
One of them is corded, and the other one are cordless. The cordless ones utilize a lithium-ion battery, whereas the corded ones will depend on the power cord.
In this case, you have to decide whether there are enough power outlets near your workplace. If there are plenty of outlets available, you can shoot for the corded ones.
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Cordless
On the other hand, if the places where you generally work does not have that much of outlets around, you should opt for the cordless ones. As they depend on a lithium-ion cell, you will have a broader reach. You will also not have to worry about running short on power chords while trying to cut materials higher up from the ground.
Size and Weight
The second thing that you will have to factor in is the size and the weight of the device. Usually, most of the units that you are going to stumble upon will be fairly lightweight.
However, there will be some whose weight will be comparatively high. With those, you will find it quite difficult in the case of maneuvering it around. For that reason, we suggest getting the lightweight ones.
Other than that, you should also factor in the size of the tool. The shorter and the compact the tool will be, the easier it will be for you to work in tight and cramped places.
And you are surely going to stumble upon such scenarios where you would have to cut through materials that are between a small gap. In those scenarios, the compact ones are the units that are going to shine the most.
Durability
As these generally do not come in cheap, you would definitely want to get the most use out of your investment, right? Well, for that reason, you need to factor in the durability of the unit.
As it goes with every other product, the build quality and the type of material that the manufacturer utilized during the construction will dictate the overall durability.
Keeping that in mind, we would recommend shooting for the ones that have a combination of high-quality materials. Usually, almost all of them will be at least 85 percent metal. So you would want to shoot for the ones that are of high-quality metal if you want a tool that will last for an extended amount of time.
Power
In the case of power tools, the power it can provide for doing a certain type of task will depend entirely on the motor that it packs. And when it comes to reciprocating saws, two types of the motor is generally utilized.
One of them is the brushless motor. This type is generally the most efficient one. It can operate continuously for hours and hours without showing any signs of overheating.
And as it has a very slim chance of overheating, you would not have to worry about performance degradation either. Also, these can offer a substantial amount of power too.
Apart from that, many of the devices will utilize a coiled motor. They can provide an equal amount of power as the brushless ones. However, they are a bit sub-par when it comes to efficiency. As a result, you might have trouble in the case of prolonged operations.
Stroke Speed
The stroke speed is something that is going to dictate how fast you can finish a cutting job. As you might have guessed it already, the higher the stroke speed, the faster you will be able to cut through materials.
And this speed is going to vary from one saw to another. In this case, we would recommend shooting for the ones that have an SPM of around 3000 per minute.
Variable Speed Trigger
You would not want the tool to strike at the maximum time all the time. For some delicate tasks, you would need to lower the overall speed substantially. And for that reason, having a variable speed trigger is mandatory.
However, you would not need to worry about this that much because most of the saws will have this variable speed trigger.
Trigger-Lock
Even though almost all of the units will have a variable speed trigger, not all of them will feature a trigger lock. Basically, this locking mechanism adds a layer of security. It will prevent any sort of accidental trigger presses, which will lower the chances of serious injury.
Blade Slot
Another thing that you should give importance to is the blade slot of the saws. If the device you are shooting for does not have a tool-free blade, you need to carry an additional tool to change it. And carrying an extra tool with you all the time can be a bit of a hassle.
For that reason, you should opt for the ones that feature a tool-free design for the blade slot. Those will enable you to change the blades almost instantaneously. As a result, your productivity will increase substantially.
The Handle
One of the crucial parts of these saws is the handle. It is the place where you are going to keep your hands while operating the device. For that reason, you would want it to be comfortable and ergonomic.
Keeping that in mind, we would recommend opting for the ones that have a rubber coating on the handle. Those will be most comfortable to hold.
Apart from that, you should also consider whether the handle has a counterbalanced design or not. If it does not feature that design, it is going to vibrate a lot during operation. And if it does vibrate a lot, you are going to lose control, which will eventually degrade your ability to make precise cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a reciprocating saw to cut trees?
Yes, you can cut trees using these. However, it will highly depend on the thickness of the tree that you are planning to cut. If the tree is too thick, the saw might just shake instead of cutting through it.
- How thick cuts can I get with a reciprocating saw?
The thickness of the cut will depend on the blade that you have attached to the unit. Usually, with the heavy-duty blades that are 0.5 inches, you can cut through thicker materials easily.
- What does TPI stand for in the case of saw blades?
TPI is basically a unit that is used to state the number of teeth the blade has in one inch. The higher the TPI, the slower it will cut, but the edges are going to be smooth.
- Are cordless reciprocatory saws worth it?
Cordless units will depend on a high-density lithium-ion battery. As a result, they are going to perform equally as the corded ones. However, they will offer a broader reach. For that reason, we would say that they are very much worth it.
- Can I purchase a carrying case for my reciprocatory saw separately?
Yes, you can purchase a carrying case for the saw that you have. There are many aftermarket cases in the market. You will surely be able to find one for the unit that you have.
Final Words
The best reciprocating saw will not only provide you with the adequate amount of power that is required to complete most of the cutting tasks easily but also is going to be highly reliable. And we hope we were able to make choosing one of them easier for you.
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