Best Reciprocating Saw Reviews

If you are planning to overhaul your house or build furniture right from the log, you are sure to do a lot of destruction. Big construction projects require a lot of demolition to be undertaken of all sorts of materials - hardwood, glass, masonry, metal, plaster, etc. Not just any tool can stand up to the challenge.

Finding the best reciprocating saw is one way of being able to cuts through the toughest of materials relentlessly without compromising on performance and durability. What makes reciprocating saws a must-have for your construction kit is their versatility. They can be employed in plumbing, electrical and HVAC jobs other than cutting and demolishing.

What Should You Look For?

When buying a good tool, always focus on the features you need.

Enquire if the product offers what you need. A reciprocating saw is no exception. The tool comes with variable designs, mechanisms, and features that can make all the difference in your workplace. So, keep in mind the following thing when looking for the best reciprocating saw.

  • Corded or Cordless: Reciprocating saws come in two variants-corded and cordless. The corded versions derive power when plugged into a source. The cordless variants, on the other hand, use a battery and are fully portable. The corded saw provides optimum power as long as you work but is cumbersome as it can restrict maneuverability.A cordless saw can be used even in tight spaces easily, allowing for easier movement but since it runs on batteries, it needs to be repeatedly charged and can be time-consuming. The best partner for a cordless reciprocating saw is Li-ion batteries that last the longest among the battery variants available in the market.
  • Stroke Speed: Stroke speed determines how fast the saw can work. The more the number of strokes in a minute, the faster is the saw.
  • Amperage: Reciprocating saws are available in a range of amperages, which basically determines how much power the device packs. 10 to 11 amps of power are sufficient for big DIY projects. You may need to bump up the amperage only when engaged in professional projects.
  • Comfort: When buying a reciprocating saw, it is important to consider your comfort and ease-of-use with the product. To begin with, consider the size of the tool. These tools go by the simple principle that bigger the tool, the more power it packs.However, when buying one for yourself, premeditate the kind of work you are going to do. It would serve you well to buy a bulky, powerful machine only if you are going to do a heavy-duty job. Smaller devices pack enough power to help you make all sorts of repairs around the house.The frequency of use should be kept in mind too, as lugging around a heavy machine now and then can be fatiguing. Minding the size and weight of the machine can also keep you from getting tires easily when working for long. Rubber coating around the grips on the device also make it easier to hold in time-taking jobs where you tend to sweat a lot.
  • Blade-change: Reciprocating saws have to come across all sorts of surfaces and tough materials when doing their job. The blade of the tool takes the heaviest hit and tends to lose its edge over time. The option of tool free blade change that allows the user to change the blade without coming in direct contact with it, it an essential feature to look for. Not only does it make the change more efficient, but it also assures safety, eliminating the possibility of any grave injuries.
  • Speed-control: If your reciprocating saw allows you to work at variable speeds, it can improve the quality of your work. Thinner materials require slower speeds to ensure sharper cuts while thicker materials need to be cut through at faster speeds. The option of altering the speed of action can reduce the time taken and increase efficiency.
  • Additional Features: A reciprocating saw is a very powerful device in itself. However, a few additional features can add to the performance of the device and make the user’s experience more satisfactory.Reciprocating saws tend to vibrate a lot so that a vibration-reducing feature will go a long way in decreasing fatigue. A device with an adjustable shoe gives you control over how deep the blade of the saw goes through a material. This feature proves useful when you want to get neater, precise results.If your device can work elliptically or in an orbit, other than going only back and forth, it can help you get even results in tight spaces, like when through an overhead wall.If your model comes with a sturdy case, it makes storing and transporting the device in the best condition, possible. A case that has storage spaces for additional parts is even more efficient.

Top 5 Reciprocating Saws:

With so many features to consider and models to browse through, it can be baffling to pick just the right saw. Here are the top 5 reciprocating saws that pack power and performance to justify every penny you spend for them:

1. DeWALT Bare-Tool DC385B 18-Volt Cordless Reciprocating Saw

A powerful 18V cordless reciprocating saw can be the perfect addition to make your tool kit fit for any job. This model from the trusted brand of DeWalt has a stroke length of 1-1/8 inch and 0-3000 rpm making it fit for cutting fast through tough materials.

The keyless blade clamp with lever-action enables safe and quick blade change. It also has a 4-position blade clamp that allows flush cutting, increasing versatility.

The 18V saw can be employed to carry out heavy duty jobs efficiently, other than being an easy-to-use tool around the house. The device is cordless that makes maneuvering it in tight spaces a breeze. It can be easily carried around without the hassle of a looking for a power source.

It is a lightweight product, at around 6.2 pounds and can be used for long without much fatigue.

The product comes with a 3-year warranty and 1-year free service guarantee.

Things We Liked

  • Bare tool; economical option.
  • Adjustable shoe.
  • Anti-slip grip on the handle.

Things We Didn't Like

  • The product does not contain batteries. If not used alongside tools that use similar batteries, it can drive up costs.
  • ​Does not come with a carry case.
  • Uses NiCad batteries that take longer to charge and drain out fast.

2. Milwaukee 6509-31 12 Amp Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit

The Milwaukee Sawzall is one of the best in business. It packs a powerful 12 amp motor that functions at 0-3000 rpm, enabling it to cut through a range of materials.

A stroke length of a ¾ inch provides increased control over movement. The device includes a Quik-Lok blade clamp that allows fast and safe blade change. It can also be used for flush cutting also. The device is designed ergonomically with a front grip to ensure comfort in use.

It can be used for a variety of jobs other than cutting through wood, masonry, and hard materials. Pruning, trimming branches removing hardwood flooring- all these and more home improvement needs can be solved with this one product. It weighs around 11.4 pounds but since it is corded, does not cause much fatigue.

It comes in a sturdy storage case and with a warranty of 5 years on a defect in material or workmanship.

Things We Liked

  • Designed to reduce vibration when in use.
  • A gear-protecting clutch that absorbs high-impact forces to increase the durability of the device.
  • Comes with a carry case, which makes storage and transportation easier.

Things We Didn't Like

  • Corded; cumbersome to maneuver and dependent on the power source.
  • The grip is not rubber coated.

3. Ryobi P514 ONE Plus 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Reciprocating Saw w/ Anti-Vibe Handle

This powerful device from Ryobi packs as much power as it does good looks. Being cordless, it provides a lot of freedom of movement and enables efficient use in tight spaces. A stroke speed of 0-3000 rpm cuts fast and smoothly.

Variable-speed trigger increases versatility and makes it suitable for use with a range of materials of varying thicknesses. Tool-less blade clamp allows for safe blade change while anti-vibration handle reduces fatigue in usage. The front grip has an over-mold coating that ensures secure handling.

The blade can also be mounted reversed to allow flush cutting.

The Ryobi P514 One Plus reciprocating saw is a light model weighing only 4 pounds which makes it fit for use in longer durations.

The size, however, does not compromise on performance as the device packs an impressive 18 amps of power that cuts through hard materials smoothly.

The product comes with a limited 3-year warranty and a 90-day exchange policy.

Things We Liked

  • Ergonomic design; increases comfort and efficiency.
  • Adjustable shoe helps to reduce vibrations and saves time and effort
  • It is powered by Li-ion batteries that charge faster and last longer.

Things We Didn't Like

  • Battery and charger not included.
  • Battery powered; people who need to work for long durations may find recharging cumbersome.

4. Bosch RS7 1-1/8-Inch 11 Amp Reciprocating Saw

Featuring a strong 11 amps of power, this reciprocating saw from Bosch can be employed for professional construction jobs and can be used around the house just as well.

The tool-less blade change mechanism allows safe and quick blade change while the ergonomic design and handle with soft grip enable secure grip and comfort during long use. The device also features a variable-speed trigger to enhance precision when working with various materials.

Weighing around 9.8 pounds, it is quiet light and can be used comfortably even when working for long. The product has a 1 year limited warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee.

Things We Liked

  • Dual LED lights in the cutting zone to enhance precision and visibility in dimly lit spaces.
  • Comes with an all-purpose blade.
  • Universal blade holder.

Things We Didn't Like

  • Orbital-movement not allowed.
  • No storage case included.

5. Makita RJ03Z 12V Max CXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Reciprocated Saw

Makita’s 12V powered reciprocating saw is a good bet for home and commercial use. It packs a powerful motor that allows variable speeds and 0-3000 strokes per minute. The saw has a ½ inch stroke length for fast cutting. A unique feature is the dual- position on/off switch design that enables you to alternate between paddle or trigger switch operation.

This Makita saw weighs a mere 3 pounds with batteries that makes it a delight to use in time-intensive projects. The product comes with a 3-year limited warranty.

Things We Liked

  • Rubberised handle to increase comfort of grip.
  • Built-in LED light.
  • LED charge level indicator.

Things We Didn't Like

  • Battery and charger not included.

Conclusion:

On analyzing the features of 5 of the best reciprocating saws, one fact that emerges is that the choice of buying a corded or cordless model depends on your usage requirements.

The benefit of sustained optimum performance in corded models gets canceled by their unwieldiness. In the case of cordless models, on one hand, where they have easy maneuverability, they also have the demerit of quick battery drainage on the other.

So, it can be safely said that they have equal advantages and disadvantages. The judging parameters now have to be found from among the commonalities between these variants that are essential to the affordability and performance of the product.

The competition boiled down between Milwaukee 6509-31 12 Amp Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit and Ryobi P514 ONE Plus 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Reciprocating Saw w/ Anti-Vibe Handle on the following criteria:

Price

The Milwaukee, although a corded model with no additional costs attached, is priced enough to leave your pocket substantially light. The Ryobi comes sans batteries, but the price gap is such that even if you have to buy the batteries, it would be a cheaper deal. Add to it the ease-of-movement that the cordless variant provides and Ryobi wins this category.

Warranty

Milwaukee offers an impressive five years of warranty while Ryobi offers the standard 3-year warranty period. Milwaukee takes this round without a doubt.

Weight

The corded Milwaukee is weighed at 11.4 pounds, which can prove to be fatiguing if used for long. The Ryobi, on the other hand, is merely 4 pounds but minus batteries. However, adding batteries would not bridge the 7-pound difference. Ryobi being lighter and more comfortable to use for long, wins this category.

Power

Despite being a bulky machine, the Milwaukee offers only 12 amps on its motor, which is good individually. However, when compared to Ryobi’s power-packed 18 amps motor, it just does not stand ground.

Clinching 3 out of 4 judging criteria, Ryobi P514 ONE Plus 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Reciprocating Saw w/ Anti-Vibe Handle emerges the winner.

Don't forget to check out our other saw reviews as well in case you're looking for more information.​