Best Overall
DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Runner-Up
Makita 36V LXT Brushless Recipro Saw Kit
Best Bang for the Buck
Skil PWRCORE 20 Brushless Compact Reciprocating Saw
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Reciprocating saws — power dick with long , thin leaf blade that employ a back - and - forth motion to rip through textile — have always been considered one of the most versatile saws around . And now , to increase their go - anywhere , cut - anything artistry , they ’re available in battery - power cordless model . There ’s not much these saws ca n’t do when it come to rough cutting .
In general , reciprocate saws are mean for wipeout — rupture out walls , cut away pipe , and severing nails and bolt from between story plates . This saw is a top selection for both contractor and DIYers who want to make quick , powerful cuts . reciprocate saw have been pop since the Milwaukee Tool Company produced the first one of its kind — the legendary Sawzall — in 1951 . Since then , many shaft manufacturing business have been pee their own reciprocating saw , and with so many models uncommitted , we desire to see which ones genuinely delivered on the hope of convenience and power .
We ordered the top reciprocating models on the grocery store today and put them through their gait . We did n’t go tardily on them — after all , a demolition puppet demand to withstand a mess of use and abuse . We abridge dimensional lumber , plyboard , polyvinyl chloride ( PVC ) , steel , and more . Our top patch went toDeWalt’smodelthanks to its powerful battery and well-heeled rubberized clasp . Keep scan to find out more about take the best cordless reciprocate saw , and find out how the following models earned a position on this lineup .
Before You Buy a Cordless Reciprocating Saw
If there ’s one country in which a cordless reciprocating reckon doesnotexcel , it ’s preciseness . These saws have a lot of power , but the blade are long , relatively slender strips of metal that seize to the saw on just one destruction . As the saw pushes the leaf blade back and forth , it will bow and bend , exchangeable to ahandsaw , but at not bad speeding .
For this understanding , it can be challenging to achieve uniform or substantial cuts on a stack of lumber . Users might be able to get each piece within ¼ inch of each other , but the disagreement between pieces will probably make them unusable for building , and the cut end will rarely be solid .
When directly , accurate cut are crucial , go with a circular , miter joint , or tabular array envision — all tools whose blueprint allows them to make ordered , repeatable cuts at specific Angle . But for all those other sawing jobs — peculiarly demolition tasks — it ’s ruffianly to beat the index and versatility of a cordless reciprocating power saw .
How We Tested the Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws
Putting together a leaning of the best cordless reciprocating saw to test was challenging work . We had to draw upon our contracting experience and DIY projects to pick out the features we felt were must - have and those we could do without .
In the death , we selected reciprocating saws with a range of power from known manufacturer . DeWalt , Makita , and Milwaukee are top - of - the - line power - tool makers , so we had a unspoiled feeling about their products , and they did n’t let us down .
For the real hand - on testing , we fitted each of the sawing machine with blades design to cut specific test material . For good example , before we cut metal pipe , we match the saws with alloy sword . Before we cut Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree tree branch , we fitted the saws with arbor blade .
We noted how quickly the adage jaw through the material as we cut through plywood , dimensional lumber , steel pipes , polyvinyl chloride pipes , and limbs . We also noted how easy it was to operate the saw . We check every mapping on each shaft , including the blade - changing mechanisms and variable - hurrying gun trigger sensitiveness ( more sensibility was secure ) , and we scored each saw using a rubric .
The better a cock performed , the eminent its score on that test . After testing was complete , we added and averaged all the scores and used them to serve categorise the saws .
Our Top Picks
add the sound cordless reciprocating saw to atool chestmight seem like a no - brainer , but choosing from among all the fashion model on the market can be a challenge . While reciprocating saws do n’t add up with many bells and whistle , some are better suited to specific tasks than others . The results of our hands - on testing can help readers choose between the unlike role model . happen out how each one of the take after reciprocating saws execute in our testing , and learn the pros and bunko game of each model before invest in one of these tools .
DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Brushless Reciprocating Saw
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct hold our brand ’s highest level of good word .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real - world examination and that exemplify core note value of the Bob Vila brand , include craftsmanship , instauration , and value for the dollar bill . Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional revaluation squad and are in person approved by Bob Vila .
Our rating : Ease of Use4/5;Performance5/5 ; Build Quality5/5 ; Value5/5
Photo: Glenda Taylor
We ’re familiar with the high quality of DeWalt power tool , but we were still impressed at the beefiness of the 20 - volt ( V ) MAX reciprocating saw . This is a full - size saw — it weighs in at a hefty 11.5 pounding with the battery instal . The rubber overmold on the handgrip and barrel allowed us to get a steady grasp , which is crucial on such a powerful saw . Like most reciprocating saws , it ’s wholly proportionate and can be used just as easily by a leftover - hander as a right - hander . It boasts a brushless motor — which mean less friction in the motor and fewer national section to fag out out .
We tested this saw on plyboard , dimensional boards , steel pipes , screws , and nails , and it cut through all of them with power to give up . We really like its varying trigger . With just a light pull on the trigger , it come out prissy and slow ( some varying - speed gun trigger set about at too quick a pace ) , and we were able to increase the speed incrementally just by pull hard . At top speed—3,000 strokes per minute ( SPM)—the DeWalt is a monster of a saw . Users will need to keep a firm adhesive friction on this tool at high-pitched swiftness .
The stroking length of 1⅛ inches was plenty long enough for saw through boards and pipes , and the blade clinch on the front made it easy and quick to swap out the various sword we used for examination ( metal , arbor , wood , steel ) . This herculean saw cut through all our test material with repose .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila Photo: Glenda Taylor
This reciprocate experience use the same 20V MAX batteries as other DeWalt 20V MAX power tools , so users can swap them back and forth if want . The kit come with a 6Ah FlexVolt stamp battery and a battery courser . This top - performing reciprocating saw have a handy moderate pathfinder Christ Within that turned on automatically when we pulled the trigger .
Get the DeWalt cordless reciprocating watch atAce Hardware(tool only , no battery),The Home Depot(tool only , no stamp battery ) , orAcme Tools(tool only , no battery ) .
Makita 36V LXT Brushless Cordless Recipro Saw Kit
Makita ’s 36V reciprocate power saw is worth checking out for anyone hunting for a long blade stroking and speed control . It offers amphetamine adjustment via its two - speed excerption switch . When we choose the lowest velocity choice , the saw topped out at 2,300 SPM . When we chose the high - speed pick , the sword prune at a rich 3,000 SPM . However , on either setting , we could apply lightheaded trigger pressure sensation and fetch the amphetamine down , thanks to its tender varying - speed trigger .
In addition to holding two 18V lithium - ion batteries for extended run time , the Makita features a brushless motor for making the most of the batteries and for less wearing on the motor . This is a heavy - duty tool — it weighs in at a beefy 10.2 pounds with batteries installed — but its rubberized bag and ergonomic design reduce fatigue .
This model also feature a lengthy 1¼-inch blade stroke , which provides several more cutting dentition per virgule than shorter blades . It made speedy work of cut through our testing material ( plywood , dimensional baseball bat , steel , and premature ventricular contraction pipes ) .
Photo: homedepot.com
As a bonus , it come with a brilliant go guidebook light and a fold - out rafter sweetener for advert the saw over a rafter or joist while working . We really like this feature because it allows the drug user to hang the adage safely when work at heights rather than set it somewhere it could settle .
Get the Makita 36V cordless reciprocating watch atAmazonorThe Home Depot(tool only ) .
Skil PWR CORE 20 Brushless Compact Reciprocating Saw
Our rating : Ease of Use4/5;Performance3.5/5 ; Build Quality4/5 ; Value4/5
Those look for an affordable option for projects around the house might be interested in the Skil . This outfit come with a stocky adage ( model RS5825B ) , a 2.0 Ah 20V lithium - ion battery , one wood steel , and a courser , allow for users to get to employment direct away .
In testing , it evidence to have enough power to complete moderate demolition tasks , including cutting through plywood , sword pipe , and even unripe Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree limbs , when fitted with the fit blades . A heavyset model , it weighs about 7 pounds with the assault and battery tie ( the battery weighs in around 3 pound ) , and we regain it lightweight enough to use for overhead cutting without a stack of weapon fatigue . We liked its bright LED template sparkle , which clearly illuminated the fabric being burn . Its varying induction , alas , was n’t as sensitive as those on higher - priced role model . We found it challenging to slow it down without hold on altogether , and it goes from 0 to 3,000 SPM with just slight pressure on the trigger .
Photo: amazon.com
The stroke duration is 1 column inch , which is n’t fast-growing but is typically more than enough for DIY destruction project . We found it comfortable to grip and easy to habituate , although we would suggest purchasing an extra battery with a gamy Ah military rank to stretch runtime . The include 2Ah barrage started to run down after 30 min of employment .
Get the Skil cordless reciprocating encounter atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Best One-Hand Grip
Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Reciprocating Saw
Our evaluation : rest of Use4/5;Performance4/5 ; Build Quality5/5 ; Value4/5
For quick cut of forest , plywood , and pipe where a loose hand is necessary to grok the material , we ’re well-chosen to recommend the Ryobi 18V , model PSBRS01K. This reciprocate sawing machine , which has a brushless motor , weighs less than 6 pounds with the shelling installed , and we set up it easy to grip and maneuver with just one paw . This allowed us to steady the materials while we were testing to check smoother swing .
We write out a variety of material ( using material - appropriate vane ) . The PSBRS01 K did a okay job on all materials except green tree limb . We ’d stick in a new arbor sword , so that was n’t the issue , but in examination it felt as though the dense green wood was bogging down the saw blade . We lightened up on the pressure and eventually cut through the branch , but it took about twice as long as the other proverb did . This may have been partially due to its comparatively short ⅝-inch blade stroke . However , the Ryobi run across comes with a average 18V 1.5Ah atomic number 3 - ion battery — that ’s less than a third of the big businessman of the 6Ah battery our top pick provides . A more muscular barrage might make a big difference .
Photo: amazon.com
The Ryobi reciprocating see has some definite upsides , though . Its conception and light weight did n’t induce branch and script tiredness , and the varying - f number trigger was just as sore as the more expensive tools — it will still return 3,000 SPM at top speed . Its guidebook light is also strong and clear-cut . In the conclusion , we liked this see for the power to use it with just one paw . It is suitable for lightheaded - duty demo uses , but its bombardment could stand to be more powerful .
Get the Ryobi cordless reciprocating saw atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best 12-Volt
Bosch PS60-102 12V Max Pocket Reciprocating Saw Kit
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5;Performance4/5 ; Build Quality3/5 ; Value3.8/5
After testing some of the full - size reciprocate saws in this card , the Bosch PS60 - 102 reciprocate saw seemed quite small in comparison . It ’s a 12V rather than an 18V or 20V mannikin and has a relatively short ⅝-inch chance event duration . We were n’t carry a explosion of power from this slight tool , but we were pleasantly surprised .
During our tests using the different blades , it took more or less longer to reckon through the materials with the PS60 - 102 than with the more potent saws , but it did n’t bog down down when cut . It ’s a light - obligation get wind for sure , but it ’s robust and capable of making multiple cuts for demolition determination . Its variable - speed gun trigger is sore and promiscuous to regulate using finger pressing .
Photo: homedepot.com
Our best-loved use for this power saw , however , was for tree pruning . We fitted it with an arbor sawing machine , and it made quick study of cutting away both green and deadened Sir Henry Wood . We base its LED light to be a flake on the wimpy side for use in dim lighting situation but appreciate the battery - index luminosity right by the gun trigger . The others we tested had index lights on the batteries themselves , which is stock , but learn those requires turning the tool upside down . With the PS60 - 102 , we could easily see the battery aliveness as we cut . It ’s also quite a morsel quieter than the adult model , which is to be gestate due to the small battery , but it ’s still a nice plus .
Get the Bosch cordless reciprocating saw atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. , orParts Warehouse .
Best Jobsite Pick
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating Saw
Our evaluation : simpleness of Use5/5;Performance4/5 ; Build Quality3.5/5 ; Value4/5
Having owned — and loved — one of the original reciprocating saws ( the Sawzall ) made by Milwaukee , we had to try this upgrade cordless version . Milwaukee is known for its quality pro tool , and this gamey - terminal good example , the 2821 - 21 , is no exception . Its broken , robust design is well suited to large demolition projects .
It has a brushless motor for barrage fire sweetening and longer motor animation , and it fare with a sinewy 18V 5Ah barrage fire . It ’s relatively heavy at just under 10 Lebanese pound with the battery installed . Still , it extend a rubber overmold and ergonomic styling that allowed us to get a loyal grip when operate the saw .
Photo: amazon.com
It features a longsighted 1¼ -inch cerebrovascular accident length , and when accommodate with the appropriate blade , it quickly chewed through all the materials we put in its path , including plywood , dimensional timber , sword and PVC tobacco pipe , and tree diagram limbs . The varying - speed induction is extremely sensitive , and we used it at a very slow speed as well as its maximum 3,000 SPM .
The light-emitting diode Inner Light on this saw is first-class , and we were able to bend off the shop lights and cut in dim lighting with only the guidebook illumination — it ’s that smart . A spring lever on the side pretend blade change a shot , and the 2821 - 21 comes with a steel rafter hook for conveniently hanging the tool when working at heights . The only complaint we had was that the visible light on the battery index did n’t make , but that may have been a job with this particular tested dick . The Milwaukee Sawzall may well do everything a DIYer needs and be well suited for professional destruction manipulation as well .
Get the Milwaukee cordless reciprocating saw atAce Hardware , The Home Depot , orBlain ’s Farm & Fleet .
Photo: homedepot.com
Best Subcompact
Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Cordless Recipro Saw Kit
Our evaluation : Ease of Use4/5;Performance5/5 ; Build Quality5/5 ; Value4/5
There ’s concordat , and then there ’s subcompact car , the latter describing Makita ’s XRJ07R1B 18V LXT cordless reciprocating saw . This saw ’s focus is punching above its exercising weight class , offering 3,000 SPM while valuate just 12½ column inch long and weighing only 5.7 pounds with the battery attach . While it ’s lightweight , we determine it to be a two - handed saw rather than a one - handed byword due to its pattern . We tried using it with one bridge player , but it ’s not balanced well enough — we had to use a 2nd hand along the lower front border for support .
As thick as this saw is , it does vacillate quite a chip — more like a full - size of it theoretical account than a compact one — but that also speak to its powerfulness . This rich little saw cut right through all our trial materials : wood , plywood , blade pipework , PVC pipework , and tree limb . It did n’t let up for anything , unless we deliberately slowed it down via its sensitive variable - velocity trigger .
Photo: amazon.com
The power saw features a brushless motor that bid more tycoon and battery efficiency than brushed alternatives . This unit has a stroke distance of 13/16 inch , which is on the slightly short side , but it ’s made for cutting in pixilated maculation where a longer apoplexy length might not act .
The rubberized overmold makes it easy to grip the tool firmly without slip , and the LED guide light is bright and clear . It get with an 18V 2Ah rechargeable lithium - ion battery . This is a muscular adage , but we admit we were n’t thrilled with its boxy design . We ’d love to see Makita redesign this mannikin for one - handed use of goods and services while keeping all its other perks .
Get the Makita 18V cordless reciprocating see atAmazon , The Home Depot , orTractor Supply Co.
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila Photo: Glenda Taylor
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When ChoosingaCordless Reciprocating Saw
A cordless reciprocating saw can be an essential cock , as it can trim down materials in a few second that would otherwise take several minutes to get through with a handsaw — or not be possible to cut at all . But there are a few constituent to consider when buy at for these tools , which are explicate in detail below .
Standard vs. Compact/One-Handed
When cordless reciprocate saws first appear , they only come in large , double - handed versions . Since then , manufacturers have make there ’s a market for compact or one - handed model .
Power &Variable Speed
Some of the earliest corded reciprocate saws had two mood — on or off — with no method acting of swiftness control . A unmarried focal ratio wee-wee it punishing to control the cold shoulder and wears blades out faster . fortuitously , many of today ’s cordless good example do good from adjustable speeds .
Good cordless reciprocate saws have variable - speed triggers that appropriate the user to throttle the speed of the saw blade from just a few stroke per minute to full pep pill , which might be more than 2,500 strokes per minute . This variable speeding allows the user to startthe bladeas accurately as possible and get the most life out of a blade or battery . And because full - size reciprocating saws are passably powerful , being able-bodied to start the sword at a slow fastness and then increase the pep pill when necessary offer a standard of safety .
Orbital Action
Mostreciprocating saws usea back - and - off stroke to gnaw through a cloth . The backward stroke cuts through the cloth , while the forward stroke resets the vane . This is usually more than sufficient , but when it come to cutting through flaccid materials such as construction lumber , there ’s another agency : orbital action .
Reciprocating power saw with orbital action ( fragile elliptical move ) use a more rotary brand route while cutting . On the blade ’s backstroke , the take care brand also journey downward . On the forward stroking , the vane move around upward . This ellipse motion allows the blade to issue faster through softer materials like pine , cedar , and redwood , but it ca n’t do much besides make a chattering noise when it comes to cutting tough material like metal . Orbital activity can be a feature article on a cordless reciprocate sawing machine but is not common , and none of the saw we tested come with orbital action .
Blade Type and Stroke
All reciprocating saws(corded or cordless ) apply standardized steel ; each character has a aim for which it ’s most desirable . Choosing the right blade earmark the proverb to cut most efficiently .
It ’s also worth noting that reciprocate saws have different shot lengths . This refers to the back - and - Forth River aloofness that the blade travels . Compact models might have strokes under an inch , while larger models may exceed 1⅛ inch . The longer the stroke , the more dentition will pass over the material with each pass , which travel rapidly up cutting off . But saws with longer strokes can be challenging to use in restricted locations where the end of the saw can bump into a wall or other item that ’s in good order behind the material being cut .
We question Jacob Rhodes , the Owner and Chief Engineer atTrueTrac , a family - owned and operate specialty woodwork peter manufacturing company in southern Ohio . He recommends different apoplexy length depending on what you plan on using the reciprocating see for : “ Opt for a saw with a farseeing fortuity duration ( over 1.5 inches ) for deep cuts in boneheaded and profound duty materials . ” He bestow that “ if you ’re only using it for touchy cut and materials like wood and polyvinyl chloride , a solidus length of 1 inch to 1.5 inches is fine . ”
Comfort
In late eld , manufacturers have started designing both corded and cordless tools , including reciprocating saws , with an eye toward biotechnology . While the original model work reasonably well , there are Day when a pro or DIYer might expend several hours using a reciprocate sawing machine , and traditional grips and designs can result in hand and arm fatigue .
Some ergonomic modeling have specially designed grip that allow the user to obtain the saw at unlike positions depending on the angle at which they ’re saw . This adjustable handle enable them to operate the tool in a more comfortable way .
Also , vibration control via natural rubber grips is becoming more popular in these saw . The safety absorb some of the vibration associated with high - speed sawing . This also lessens the fatigue on the user ’s paw , arms , berm , back , and neck .
Battery Life
There are no hard - and - fast rules about bombardment life when it come to reciprocate saws . But bonk that the larger the amp - 60 minutes evaluation ( Ah ) of the shelling , the longer it will bring for a exceptional power saw . How long a battery will extend , however , depends on too many ingredient to sail through down , including :
Rhodes shared some technical advice on this topic , stating that shoppers should “ Look for a electromotive force of at least 18V for tougher cuts and longer animation between direction . ” He also intimate making sure the batteries are atomic number 3 - Ion , “ they are the diligence standard , offer proficient lifespan and dependable operation . ”
Cordless reciprocating proverb with brushless motors will get more life-time out of a battery than the same model with a brushed motor . Motors with coppice — the old monetary standard — tend to be slightly less powerful than brushless motor . The brushes make clash ( resistance ) in the motor , which need the byword to apply more battery power , resulting in short battery spirit .
brush motor tools are typically less expensive , but a brushless model is unquestionably the way to go if assault and battery life sentence is a priority . Remember to buy additional stamp battery for every model . Some byword are listed as a “ stripped prick ” or “ peter only , ” which do not include battery or battery chargers . barrage fire are pricey , so some users buy power tools of the same marque and then swap out barrage fire between them .
Shopping for a Used or Refurbished Reciprocating Saw
There is always the secondary market for ethnic music who do n’t want to invest a gross ton of money into a pecker they might not practice that often . The used marketplace is usually full of tool that DIYers purchased and have since moved on from . user can score some of the best reciprocate power saw at serious discounts .
shopper can check site likeAmazon Renewed , eBay Refurbished , andWalmart Restoredfor reciprocating saw . These situation often carry the most popular power tools and betray them for significantly less than a shopper might pay for a raw version .
If purchasing directly from a individual seller off of a classified site , there are a few thing to debate :
FAQs
Even with this all-embracing background signal on the best cordless reciprocating saws , you might still want a bit more entropy . Below , find succinct solvent to some of the most ofttimes call for questions about cordless reciprocating saws .
There are a lot of fantabulous usage for a reciprocate proverb , and some examples include : – Construction and demolition – trim down metal pipes – die down shipping pallet – pace work ( such as pruning branch )
Reciprocating saw are not design with any prophylactic or guards to keep them from cutting someone , so they can be very dangerous if used in an unsafe fashion .
Some reciprocating saw leaf blade have specific uses . Sir Henry Wood and metal blades are for trim down their several materials , but structure or demolition blades extend a combination of both .
Yes , a cordless reciprocate take in conform to with a Natalie Wood leaf blade is an excellent prick for cut tree branches . spindle blades are also available , which make the project even wanton .
To use a reciprocate saw:1 . Don your prophylactic paraphernalia ( baseball mitt , safety glasses , and eye protection).2 . Unplug the tool if it ’s a corded model or remove the electric battery if it ’s a cordless simulation before opening the blade clamp and inserting the appropriate leaf blade . 3 . shut the blade clamp.4 . link a battery or plug the tool into an outlet.5 . Assuming a stable placement , put one hand on the foregrip and one on the hold ( for one - handed theoretical account , this might not be possible).6 . Position the vane above the material you ’re preparing to cut.7 . Slowly squeeze the trigger to start the sword and then cautiously lower the blade to begin cutting.8 . easy increase the speed.9 . Release the trigger after cut down through the material .
Corded reciprocating saw have been be intimate to last for many age , but even professional can get several year out of cordless reciprocate saws . In worldwide , the assault and battery will probably go unfit first . atomic number 3 - ion batteries only bear full charges for 3 to 5 year .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the expression , remodeling , and real estate industries . She and her husband own a general catching company , and Taylor is have in both residential and commercial construction coating . She examine a wide ambit of magnate tools as well as other base melioration , menage , and lawn - and - garden product .
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