So, you are searching the market for the best reciprocating saw? Gladly, you are in the right place. Give a read to this helpful article and chances are high that this article would help you pick up the best one of your choice.
First of all, let me define the term “reciprocating saw”. The reciprocating saw is a motor-powered saw which is used to accomplish the cutting task through a push-and-pull motion. The power of reciprocating saw can’t be ignored nowadays. Whether you want to cut metal, wood, fiberglass, masonry, or plaster it can be a great choice. They are multi-tasking in their work and this is the reason (multi-tasking) which makes them a remarkable tool. Moreover, you shouldn’t get confused with different terms such as – recip saw, hognose, and Sawzall; these terms are used interchangeably for a reciprocating saw.
11 Best Reciprocating Saw – Reviews
That said, they are made to work fiercely and they don’t care for rough cuts in building materials. Other than the reciprocating movements, the quality of the blade also matters. Most often they are bought for commercial purposes; however, you can also purchase it for domestic purposes. Mostly they are owned by plumbers, electricians, and real estate projects. They have a keen association with contractors.
1. Ryobi P515 Reciprocating Saw
This is the first battery-powered reciprocating saw on our list. If you want to upgrade your tool or own a new one, then, this is the best choice while remaining in the budget. You are getting an ergonomically designed and anti-vibration handle; ergonomic design means less fatigue. So, without any further ado, let’s look at its key features.
Whether you are a plumber, building constructor, interior designer or you just want the recip saw for a hobby, this model wouldn’t disappoint you in the performance field. You can change the blade in a fraction of seconds due to the quick blade change design. To pull out the blade simple unlatch the front. Therefore, no specific tool is required to change the blade. It is compatible with any T-Shaped blade; that can slide and lock into the saw.
With that said, it has a variable speed trigger. Do you want to cut different sorts of materials? No problem! The variable speed trigger will help you to increase or decrease the speed of the reciprocating motion. To increase the power of the saw just increase the pressure on the trigger, simple easy.
Now comes the anti-vibrational handle. If you work for hours and hours, then, this anti-vibration handle will give you a comfort station. You can work tirelessly for extended periods of time. The effect of jerks when cutting hard materials is controlled with the springs and rubber plates that are placed inside the saw.
Other than alleviating the rattling effect, the grip of the saw also has keen importance, especially when cutting hard materials. The Ryobi P515 reciprocating saw provides a nice grip with the rubber over-molded. The rubber over-molded helps you to get a good grip on this beast.
The best cordless reciprocating saw is powered by the lithium-ion battery. However, the battery and charger aren’t included with the tool, the buyer has to pay extra for that. Moreover, the P515 is compatible with a wide range of Ryobi batteries such as – from P100 to P108. So, guys, have fun with Ryobi P515 recip saw.
Read Out Customer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- The variable speed trigger for better control over reciprocating motion.
- Provides a nice grip.
- Comes with a comfortable ergonomic design.
Cons
- Cutting hard materials drains the battery faster.
2. Bosch CRS180B Reciprocating Saw
The Bosch CRS 180B is the best Sawzall with a superior ergonomic design. Bosch is a famous manufacturer of hardware products. And Bosch is one of the best reciprocating saw brands out there. What are the key features of this nice recip saw, let’s have a bird’s eye view.
This nice reciprocating saw comes with a 1-1/8-inch stroke which removes more material per stroke, pretty nice. It is one of the most powerful and efficient recip tools out there on the market. It has a compact design and lightweight, consequently, it is easy to carry and work in narrow places. It works great for light and heavy-duty cutting. Moreover, it comes with two-speed settings for better control over the reciprocating motion of the blade.
As said earlier, its compact design helps the plumbers or electricians to reach the tightest areas and accomplish their cutting job in a nice manner. There are two-speed ranges in this battery-powered reciprocating saw i.e. 0-2, 400 SPM and 0-2, 700 SPM. The two speed ranges greatly helps the user to adjust the speed with respect to the nature of the material. The two-speed ranges function is quite noticeable. When the tool is overloaded there are high chances that the electronic motor goes out of order. To counter the fear of motor failure, there is an EMP (Electronic Motor Protection) feature that protects the motor when it is overloaded.
The tool is powered by a Bosch 18V Lithium-ion battery. However, the battery is not included with the tool. You have to buy the battery separately. In case if you already have a battery of any Bosch tool, then, you can use that battery, if compatible. Moreover, the battery is featured with a Cool Pack Design which ensures the prolonged battery life and enhanced performance. The ECP (Electronic Cell Protection) protects the battery when the tool is overloaded.
That said, the blade change mechanism can’t be ignored. In the case of Bosch CRS180B, there is a Lock-Jaw holder which makes the blade change system pretty easy and simple.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- EMP system to protect the motor against overload.
- ECP to protect the battery during overload.
- Two-speed ranges i.e. 0-2, 400 SPM and 0-2, 700 SPM.
Cons
- Battery drains faster during heavy operations.
3. Dewalt Cordless Reciprocating Saw – DCS380B
The next good deal for electricians, carpenters, plumbers, rescue crews, and contractors is the DEWALT’s DCS380B 20V MAX reciprocating saw. It comes with patented technology. It gives excellent performance and exactness with cuts in the work areas. To lighten the dark work areas there is a bright LED light on the saw.
This model is suitable for a variety of jobs. It comes with a four-position blade clamp that allows easy blade change. Its compact design and lightweight allow working in tight areas, which means increased efficiency. So, you get a reciprocating saw of versatile nature at a reasonable price.
The tool comes with a variable speed trigger. The reciprocating motion has a speed up to 3,000 SPM (strokes per minute) which is a very reasonable speed for fast cutting. The variable speed feature gives increased control over the blade.
The ergonomic design helps to work properly with the least possible fatigue. This excellent tool is battery powered, the battery type is Lithium-ion battery. Note that the battery and blade are not included with the tool. You have to buy the blade and the battery separately.
There you have it guys, have fun with your tool. Now let’s look at the key features in a single glance. Just like the Bosch CRS180B and Ryobi P515 reciprocating saw, it has a variable speed trigger. The maximum reciprocating motion is 0-3000 SPM, which is good enough for a variety of jobs. Moreover, it has a 1-1/8 inch stroke length that helps to cut the material very fast. Easy change blade system.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Excellent performance.
- Compact design.
- Budget-friendly.
- Variable speed trigger.
Cons
- The blade isn’t included with the tool.
4. Black & Decker LDX120PK
The cordless drills are more than just a tool. They are have gained much importance because of their excellent performance and increased portability. If they are used in the way they should be, then, they
can save much time such as – they can save a lot of time where there is a shortage of electricity. Most importantly the batteries have enabled them to be taken to remote places for all sorts of drilling tasks.
It is one of the best cordless reciprocating saw for 2021. Black & Decker is a very famous brand for cordless drills. The company has been improving its tools continuously. Therefore, we found this tool as one of the best choices and we highly recommend this tool if you can spare money for it.
The tool has a compact design, consequently, it is not that much heavier. You can carry it easily without straining your muscles. The ergonomic design and lightweight helps to carry it in narrow places and make it feasible to be used for an extended time period.
The Lithium-ion battery is placed under the handle. That said, the best reciprocating saw comes with a comfortable grip. The good grip helps you to carry it tightly when overloaded. The cordless reciprocating saw is powered by a 20V Lithium-ion battery. The battery is capable to hold the charge up to 18 months, however, it also depends on how much you will be using the device.
The motor of the instrument produces a speed of 0-650 RPM. With 0-650 RPM, it provides enough speed for basic tasks. However, we don’t claim that this is the only cordless reciprocating saw that you should consider. There are a lot more options than you can consider.
Another worth mentioning feature is the LED work light. The LED light can be of great help in narrow places where there isn’t enough light. With Black & Decker, you will hardly regret your decision, correct me if my opinion is wrong.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Compactly designed.
- Lightweight.
- Long lasting battery.
- LED work light.
Cons
- The motor could be more powerful.
5. Milwaukee 2520-20 M12
Buddies, the ten beasts listed above are designed to be operated with two hands, almost. To make the list of all and sundry we listed this best recipro models 2021 i.e. Milwaukee 2520-20 M12 Fuel cordless recipro saw. Before listing the pros and cons, let me tell you about the manufacturer.
The Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation is a famous manufacturer in the category. The company has an array of corded and cordless tools. Some of the products by the company are – digital meters, compress meters, temperature meters, thermal imaging items, instruments for cutting, rotary cutters, tool combo kits, and more. Milwaukee has a strong commitment to its users and they have been improving their products constantly over time.
The M12 Fuel HACKZALL comes with a one-handed design. You get superior control and comfort with this awesome tool. Surely, it is made to make its users feel high while cutting. With the one-handed design, it becomes easy to reach tight spaces and get the job done. Besides the increased portability, with the Fuel Hackzall, you get a brushless motor with a longer life than its competitors.
It is lightweight and runs in a cool and calm manner. It is equipped with a dual gear counterbalance mechanism that significantly reduces the vibrational effect. Making the story short, it is the best choice if portability is one of your main concerns. Honestly, put your investment in this tool and it will surely pay off.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- One-handed design.
- Compact size/lightweight.
- Brushless motor.
Cons
- No cons can be described so far.
6. Dewalt DWE305
Here is another best recipro saw on our list by Dewalt. The features are not much different than Dewalt Cordless Reciprocating Saw DCS380B. However, this reciprocating saw 2021 is not cordless. Therefore, it has limited portability. It has a powerful 12 Amp motor which can accomplish heavy-duty jobs.
The motor provides the maximum speed of 2,900 SPM with a stroke length of 1-1/8 inch as compared to that of PORTER Saw PCC670B which has a stroke length of 1”. The stroke length is enough to cut the materials faster and save time. To get good control over cutting, there is a variable speed trigger. The variable speed trigger gives more control to the user.
That said, the aspects related to the blade can never be ignored. This unit has a 4-position blade clamp which gives more versatility and allows one to reach places; to cut the material. The blade can be changed easily and no specific tool is required to change the blade.
What materials are suitable to cut with this recipro saw? The corded reciprocating saw is good at cutting wood, metals, plaster, drywall, fiberglass, nail embedded wood, and rubber, awesome. Whether it’s easy to carry and work? Yes, Of course. The tool has a length of 17.5 inches which is not that much which makes it difficult for the user to carry it and work at the job place.
The tool has a comfortable grip that makes the user use it for longer periods of time. It has a rubberized grip that can absorb enormous vibrations, consequently, the tool saves its users from fatigue and carpal tunnel. Therefore, the ergonomic grip adds more value to the reciprocating saw. Lastly, the ultimate decision is yours!!!
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Ergonomic grip.
- Powerful motor.
- Effortless blade change.
- Excellent performance.
Cons
- Amp rating is lower than the competitors.
- It has a Fixed shoe.
7. Bosch GSA18V Review
Bosch is a German multinational engineering company. The company has a good reputation as the largest supplier of automotive products. Bosch is one of the best manufacturers of hardware tools. Therefore, we placed another recipro tool by the same manufacturer i.e. Bosch GSA18V-125N.
The tool has easy handling “hawkbill” design which makes it prominent from its competitors. The next pertinent feature is the orbital and non-orbital sawing action for a better cutting experience. It is designed to work fiercely like a beast out there. It has a powerful and improved EC Brushless 18V motor. Moreover, the motor has a better runtime than its predecessors.
The powerful motor provides 0-2,500 SPM with a stroke length of 1-1/4 inch. The stroke rate enables to remove more material per stroke. Honestly speaking, the handy tool provides more versatility than most of its competitors. How is it so? Let me justify what I said. This is the first cordless reciprocating saw that provides multiple orbital settings i.e. (0-1-2). The multiple orbital settings make the tool feasible for different kinds of materials. Moreover, it has a variable speed trigger which includes a speed dial to the set the desired speed while cutting. There is an accelerator trigger to control the speed when starting a cut.
The Bosch GSA18V has a versatile soft-grip handle with a vibration control enhancement. The Bosch 18V saw uses a rotating shaft blade lock. The compactly designed instrument has an angled motor design which gives – extreme versatility and more access to hard-to-reach spots. Hence, Bosch recip saw gives more advantages to the users so users can use the device for hours and hours with the least fatigue.
DIYNETWORK: “How to Use a Reciprocating Saw”.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Multiple orbital settings.
- Soft grip handle.
- Rotating shaft blade lock.
- LED lights.
Cons
- Expensive.
- Battery not included with the tool.
8. SKIL 9216-01 9 Amp
To make the list balanced, here is the cheap reciprocating saw on our list. The SKIL 9216-01 is the corded reciprocating saw with plenty of power and an easy blade change mechanism. Though it is not much popular as compared to the Bosch, PORTER, Black and Decker, and Dewalt reciprocating saw it has that much power and versatility that it can accomplish the tasks nicely. Whether it is used to trim shrubs/trees or cut the wood, metal, rubber, plaster, and nail embedded wood, the SKIL 9216-01 recip saw will do the job in a decent manner.
The instrument weighs around 8.05 lb. The dynamics are not much ergonomic, however, the tool has a sturdy design to withstand the wear and tear. The 9 Amp motor is powerful for heavy-duty applications. For more durability, you get a heavy-duty metal gear housing. Moreover, you are getting a pivoting foot for increased stability. The pivoting foot provides more stability when cutting through materials.
If compared with other Sawzall of its price range, it is not much appealing. However, it is a nice choice for starters. As said earlier, the tool doesn’t have an ergonomic design. The good thing about this unit is that it won’t break your bank. So if you are going to use more for domestic purposes, then, it is a nice choice. For ultra heavy-duty jobs, think for other options on the market.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Cheap.
- Good performance.
- Tool-less blade change mechanism.
Cons
- Better options available in this price tag.
9. Hitachi CR18DGLP4
Hitachi is a Japenese company, an expert in producing Construction Machinery, Automotive Systems, Digital Media, and Information & Telecommunication Systems. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The reciprocating saw by Hitachi is worth mentioning here. Without any further delay, discuss what you get with this recip saw.
The recip saw is meant to make the job easier and reduce the time taken to complete the task. However, the job can be done with an ordinary blade, but, the Sawzall makes the job more than fun, really. The foremost aspect of the Sawzall is its motor – how powerful is the motor? What is the stroke rate? These are the questions that must be addressed before purchasing a saw for yourself.
So this model has a powerful motor that is capable of generating a speed of 0-3,300 SPM (strokes per minute). The stroke length is 1 inch, which might seem lower, but, it is good to go. The stroke length is lower than most of its competitors (with 1-1/8 inch stroke length), however, we can say that the lower stroke length has been balanced with the speed, obviously, when the motor will run at max speed (3,300 SPM) the blade would remove more material.
The unit has a compact design with a soft grip handle; to give more control to the user. The soft grip helps to reduce the vibrational effect while cutting and makes the cordless Hitachi CR18DGLP4 reciprocating saw more stable in the user’s hand. Like other brands, the blade change system is very efficient. You can change the blade effortlessly without any specific tool required. You are getting comfort and convenience at the same place, nice!!!
This awesome tool is powered by a Lithium-Ion 18V battery. Unlike most of the other brands, the battery is included with the tool which makes it one of the best choices. Moreover, you get an adjustable front shoe for more control. Additionally, there is an LED light for convenience in the dark spaces.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Excellent performance.
- Good motor speed (0-3,300 SPM).
- Battery included.
- LED light for more convenience.
Cons
- The stroke length could be increased.
- Ordinary dynamics.
10. Makita XRJ01Z Recipro Saw
Makita Corporation is a well-known manufacturer of hardware and power tools. The company is based in Japan. The XRJ01Z 18V is the cordless reciprocating saw by Makita. What are you getting with Makita XRJ01Z? That’s a nice question? Let’s head over to the features…
You are getting an ergonomically designed saw with a strong motor and soft grip handle. The cordless recipro saw provides a versatile cutting experience with a motor speed of (0-3,000 SPM) and a stroke length of 0.5”. The stroke length might seem lower, however, its enough to cut PVC pipe, Copper pipe, Conduit, and more. Moreover, with Makita XRJ01Z recipro saw you get a dual-position ON/OFF switch. The dual-position power switch allows for paddle and trigger switch operation.
The blade change mechanism is very efficient – the tool-less blade change system allows us to change the blade effortlessly. The Makita’s recipro model is 15-5/8” long so it’s easy to handle and work for hours and hours without any wrist pain or carpal tunnel. Whether you are a contractor or you want the tool for domestic purposes, with Makita XRJ01Z 18 Volt saw you get more efficient and faster cutting. It is compatible with the 18V Lithium-Ion batteries and is part of the Makita’s 18 Volt Lithium-Ion series. The battery has a fast charge time, therefore, you get a chance to get more out of the instrument.
With that said, the purpose of battery-powered Sawzall is to provide more functionality and portability. Consequently, to provide a comfort station to the user, the company provides a built-in LED that helps in dark places, rubberized soft grip for easy handling, and ergonomic dynamics for increased versatility.
The battery and charger are not included with the tool, so, you have to buy them separately. That said, the tool is only compatible with genuine Makita chargers and batteries. At last, let me give you my honest opinion, the Makita cordless battery powered recip saw is a nice choice. However, it might not suit the ultra heavy-duty jobs. In either case, the final decision would be yours.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Sturdy design.
- Dual-position ON/OFF switch.
- Comfort and functionality at the same place.
Cons
- The stroke length is lower.
- Not suitable for ultra heavy duty operations.
11. PORTER PCC670B
The PORTER-CABLE PCC670B is one of the best budget reciprocating saw for 2021. However, its features are not extraordinary but have maximum resemblance with the models listed above. So, keep the expectations low regarding this unit.
With that said, its features are not that of low class to be the deal-breaker. Don’t go on its price, it is as powerful as the expensive units out there on the market. Without any further delay, let’s discuss some of its features.
The best cordless reciprocating saw delivers a 1-inch stroke. The powerful motor gives a speed of 0-3000 SPM. The stroke length is enough to cut the materials faster and save time on the other hand. The design is compact and the tool is lightweight, which enables the user to reach the narrow and tight places while at the job.
Moreover, it has a quick blade change system, consequently, no specific tool is required to change the blade. It has a variable-speed trigger as that in Black & Decker, DEWALT DCS380B, and Bosch Bare-Tool CRS180B. The variable speed trigger enables the user to change the speed according to the type of material. Hence, the user gets more control of the reciprocating saw.
The constant contact with the material is provided with the pivoting shoe. To make the saw to fit snugly in the hands of its user; there is an over-molded handle. The handle not only gives a good grip but is also comfortable enough for the user. One thing that might not sound good to you is that the tool doesn’t come with a battery. This awesome tool is powered by a 20V Max system, that pushes the saw to work like a beast, hmmm!!! For the battery, you are to pay more, again, it might not be a deal-breaker for you. Friendly, the ultimate decision is always yours.
Read Customer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Variable speed trigger.
- Powerful motor.
- Ergonomic design.
- Budget-friendly.
Cons
- Battery not included with the tool.
The main factor which determines their quality is cutting performance. Not every saw is good at cutting both the wood and metal. There are certain factors that need to be considered regarding the recip saw. Some of them are as under:
Weight
As you are going to hold this tool in your hands, therefore, weight is the most important factor to be considered. Weight shouldn’t be that much to hinder the efficiency or make you get tired earlier. The most comfortable you are with the tool, the more work can be done in a short span of time.
Vibration
Vibration is a by-product, we can say. It is one of the important factors when buying a saw. No doubt less vibration can increase your efficiency. Therefore, go for the best reciprocating saw in 2021 that remains stable during heavy work.
Grip
A good grip can give the reciprocating saw a snug fit in your hands, so, the tools remain in your hands in a decent manner. The grip is an ergonomic consideration that must not be ignored.
Different Types of Reciprocating Saw:
When the word cordless comes to mind the next thought which pops out is the increased portability. You can take your precious tools where ever you want. Most importantly, you don’t need to bother to depend on a power source. No matter you are using it vertically or horizontally, it works great in either dimension. Everything has pros and cons. One of the cons of the cordless saw is the battery itself. You won’t be able to use it when the battery is down. However, this type dominates because of the increased portability.
For vertical or horizontal cutting surface, the ordinary reciprocating saw can be of great help. But, what if you need an elliptical or oval shape. For this, you need to have an orbital setting option in the instrument. With the orbital setting, you can get more refined cuts.
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