Best Overall

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit

Best Bang For The Buck

DeWalt 12-Amp Reciprocating Saw

Best Cordless

Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Recipro Saw Kit

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Also known as a “ recip saw , ” a “ saber byword , ” and a “ Sawzall , ” the handheld reciprocating saw is the tool of alternative for demolition work . Reciprocating saws cut through a variety of cloth , including wood and metal . The in force reciprocating saw count on the type of material you need to cut ; how often you intend to use it ; and , most importantly , the quality of the product you ’re searching for .

We late tested eight different reciprocate saws , using them to cut through wood , plastic , and metal , to distinguish which ones were the top performers . Once the sawdust top , theMilwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating go out Kitemerged as the clear winner . Milwaukee ’s highest - last reciprocating saw fade quickly and easily through wood , PVC , and alloy .

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit on white background

Below , we offer our findings on each of the models we tested and cover what to look for when shop for the skillful reciprocating saw .

Before You Buy a Reciprocating Saw

If you do n’t have construction materials to charge out or snub by , a reciprocating saw might not be a smashing option for you . Likechainsaws , reciprocating saws can be laborious ( up to 10 Cypriot pound ) , and if the backsheesh of a locomote vane create contact with wood or other material , the saw can kick back forcefully , putting the wheeler dealer atrisk of trauma .

Plus , reciprocating saw are not designed for making preciseness cuts , so if you need to cut out a hole in a retort to set up a cesspit , you ’ll get a more accurate burn by using arouteror ajigsaw . Likewise , recip saws can not make plunge cuts ( trim through the centre of the textile ) . or else , their vane must make contact with the side of the textile for start cutting , so to use a recip saw in this situation , you ’ll first need to make a pilot hole to insert the recip saw blade or use a different eccentric of sawing machine , such as a jabbing saw .

How We Tested the Best Reciprocating Saws

We put our reciprocating saw through a series of tests to find the top models . We try out for carrying out by cut through several materials , include a 2×4 , a 1 - inch alloy organ pipe , a alloy stud , and a 2 - inch PVC pipe , time how long it took the reciprocating saw to cut through the material . We performed no fewer than six cutting with each interpret we prove .

We also appraise how well-off each saw was to apply by burden varioustypes of blade ; execute cuts from multiple angles ; and considering weight , handle design , and quivering . last , we looked at value by comparing price for each reciprocating saw .

Our selections include both twilled and cordless models to suit everything from episodic use around the house to everyday professional function .

DeWalt 12-Amp Reciprocating Saw on white background

Our Top Picks

The following reciprocating saws boast a mixed bag of the central features mentioned above , and each is a standout in its class for power , speed , and durability . The unspoilt reciprocating saw for you may well be on this lean .

Our Ratings : Ease of Use5/5;Performance4.8/5 ; Build Quality5/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value5/5

There ’s the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall reciprocating proverb , and then there ’s everyone else . That ’s sincerely what it felt like after essay this model , the agiotage pecker brand ’s top - of - the - melodic phrase reciprocate saw .

Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Recipro Saw Kit on white background

This saw dominated our testing . Not only did it produce fantastical power , but it felt smoother than most without the vibration we experienced with other reciprocate saws . It took just 7 seconds to cut clear through a 2×4 and about a second more than that with deck roll in the hay embedded into it . It also made prompt work of our 2 - inch plastic pipe , cutting through it in just 4 second , and it was the only saw we examine to snub through our metal stud without a struggle .

In forgetful , the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall is in another conference when it add up to reciprocating sawing machine . Yes , it ’s pricey , but it ’s not that much steep than the reciprocate saw we try from other top - tier cordless tool manufacturers — peculiarly since Milwaukee sweetens the deal by include two large - electrical capacity 5 - A - hour ( Ah ) batteries .

Other notable feature include a retractable hook ( which makes storing the M18 Sawzall light ) and a charger that will also take Milwaukee ’s little 12 - volt batteries , which is a great feature if you ’re already invested in the Milwaukee kinsfolk of cordless puppet . If you ’re going to spend on a cordless reciprocate proverb , this is our preferent , turn over down .

Eight of the Best Reciprocating Saws resting on a 2 by 4 on a concrete driveway

Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila

Get the Milwaukee M18 reciprocating saw atAce Hardware(1 battery)orThe Home Depot .

Our rating : Ease of Use4.5/5;Performance3.3/5 ; Build Quality5/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value5/5

DeWalt ’s corded reciprocating saw may not match the execution of the more potent 15 - amp corded reciprocate saws or cordless model out there , but it ’s for certain up to the task for most home software . With its 1⅛-inch stroke duration and max 2,900 SPM , it cut through our test 2×4 in about 18 minute . Plus , it ’s less than half the toll of most cordless models and shoot a line DeWalt ’s surpassing build caliber .

Person using a Bosch reciprocating saw to cut through metal ductwork

Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila

This simulation also features a new blade design that allows you to deploy the blade vertically or horizontally , making it easy to shift from cutting upwards , downward , and side to side . The large safety also helped to calm the blade as we were cutting through various materials . And with this vibration damping , we were able to make passably precise cuts . With a toll of a little over $ 100 , it ’s a great value from a firebrand that ’s turn over one of the best magnate instrument companies in the business sector .

Get the DeWalt 12 - Amp reciprocating saw atAce Hardware , Amazon , orThe Home Depot .

Our rating : relaxation of Use4.5/5;Performance4.5/5 ; Build Quality4.5/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value3.5/5

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit on white background

Photo: The Home Depot

Most reciprocating saw resonate such that they forget your hand and gird tingling and numb after just a few cuts , but Makita ’s 18V LXT is an exclusion . Of all the saws we tested , it produced the least amount of quivering , cutting smoothly through Sir Henry Wood , metallic element , and PVC .

With its 18 - V brushless motor , 1¼-inch stroker length , and 2,800 SPM speed , it is n’t short on power , either . We cut through a 2×4 in about 8 seconds , putting it on par with some of the fastest reciprocate saw we tested . cut through wood with a turnkey in it was a check mark slower , and it struggled a fleck with our metal stud , but overall , it was a high performing artist .

Makita ’s tools are known for their ergonomic designs , and this reciprocating saw shew why that is . This see felt well balanced in our hands , and we appreciate the overmolded handle ( which made it easygoing to fascinate ) and the ample rubber coating that allow us to get a steady hold on the saw disregardless of what angle we chose to curve from .

DeWalt 12-Amp Reciprocating Saw on white background

Photo: Amazon

We wish that Makita includes two declamatory - capacitance 5 Ah batteries and a rapid battery charger , which means you ’ll be able to rationalise almost indefinitely by rotate the batteries . However , this reciprocating watch is among the priciest .

Get the Makita reciprocating saw atAmazonorThe Home Depot .

Best Compact

DeWalt 20V MAX Compact Reciprocating Saw Kit

Our rating : Ease of Use4/5;Performance4.5/5 ; Build Quality5/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value4/5

DeWalt managed to make this heavyset reciprocating saw nearly as powerful as the full - size two - handed cordless models we tested . With its brushless 20 - V motor and stamp battery , it farm a uttermost of 2,900 SPM with a 1⅛-inch separatrix length . While this was n’t powerful enough to cut at the same pace as the top performers on our list , we still shorten through a 2×4 in about 10 indorsement — just a few ticks tedious than the flying reciprocating sawing machine on our leaning . That ’s say something , considering this DeWalt reciprocating see measure just 14.5 inches long , lay down it small enough to fit between bulwark macho-man .

With this power saw ’s four different blade clinch positions , one - handed pattern , and a total weightiness of just 6.5 pounds , we were able to make cuts at various angles — even above the headland . That ’s not to say it wo n’t give your arm a workout . Using it one - handed , particularly if you ’re extending your arm to strive tighter spots , command some muscle , as we noted while using it to thin tree diagram outgrowth .

Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Recipro Saw Kit on white background

Photo: Amazon

This pocket-sized reciprocating saw also produce noticeably more quiver than some of the full - sizing models we tested , which also added to the challenge of using it one - handed . Those gripes aside , it ’s a neat reciprocating saw if you need to work in tight spot but do n’t want to compromise on power .

Get the DeWalt 20V MAX reciprocating see atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orThe Home Depot .

Best for Yard Work

Milwaukee M12 Hackzall Recip Saw Kit

Our Ratings : simpleness of Use5/5;Performance3.5/5 ; Build Quality5/5 ; Noise5/5 ; Value4/5

With its small 12 - volt motor and a stocky shelling that fits neatly inside the handgrip ( instead of hanging off the back ) , the Milwaukeehacksawis the smallest reciprocating saw we test . It weighs just over 3 pound , which made it prosperous to contact overhead to pare tree branch . It also bring out less vibration than larger theoretical account , relieve weariness on the hand and arm and eliminating the bouncing around you get with some reciprocating sawing machine . The Hacksaw also shines while cutting at odd angles — its one - handed plan and little size made it easy to issue upward and side to side .

While we love its modest size of it , there ’s a clear compromise in cutting power . Its ⅝-inch stroke distance is far shorter than the 1½-inch cam stroke distance of big reciprocating saw . Plus , this mini reciprocating saw lacks the rationalize world power of a two - handed reciprocating saw . It take about 24 second to cut through a 2×4 versus the 8 seconds of our top models . This is a saw designed for unaccented - duty jobs . If you need maneuverability over unsanded baron for prune tree diagram or occasionally need to hack through larger - diameter baseball bat , then the Milwaukee hacksaw is a great pick . If you ’re after a saw for demolition , look elsewhere .

DeWalt 20V MAX Compact Reciprocating Saw Kit on white background

Photo: Amazon

Get the Milwaukee M12 reciprocating saw atAce HardwareorThe Home Depot .

Best Corded

Bosch Vibration Control D-Handle Reciprocating Saw

Our paygrade : Ease of Use3.5/5;Performance4.8/5 ; Build Quality5/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value4/5

Bosch set itself aside from other cordless peter by fitting this one with a big 14 - amp motor , dampen engineering science that switch off vibration significantly , and smooth surgery upon startup .

We loved the design of the Bosch during examination . The dull starting signal of the steel extinguish the jerkiness you get with other reciprocating saws that seem to go from 0 to 100 in a split up second . What truly radiate here is the vibration control and sore power of the Bosch . It switch off through our trial 2×4 in just 10 second , by far the fastest of the corded models we test .

Milwaukee M12 Hackzall Recip Saw Kit on white background

Photo: Ace Hardware

This is a will not just to its enceinte motor , but also the vibration dampening , which was noticeable and made it significantly easier to foreclose the steel from hopping around as we cut off . That shakiness dampening also assist when we cut through metal .

While we loved the great power and control of the Bosch , we were n’t thrilled with the weight . Bosch lists its weight at 8.7 pound , but our scale cross-file well-nigh a pound more than that , making it heavy than any of thesawswe tested . We contract a physical exertion using this saw . Still , if you need raw powerfulness without the limitations or price tag that come with a cordless model , this is the best twilled reciprocating saw for the problem .

Get the Bosch reciprocating see atAmazonorThe Home Depot .

The Best Reciprocating Saw Option: Bosch Vibration Control D-Handle Reciprocating Saw

Photo: Amazon

Best Power Saw

Kobalt XTR 24V Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Our Ratings : Ease of Use4/5;Performance4.3/5 ; Build Quality4/5 ; Noise4/5 ; Value4/5

Given that this reciprocating saw is powered by a 24 - V motor and assault and battery , we had high Hope for Kobalt ’s take on this cordless tool . We were n’t defeated . With its high output signal , it slice through our psychometric test 2×4 in about 8 endorsement , putting it in the same course as the fastest reciprocating saws we test . It execute likewise when cut through alloy and plastic PVC , which should n’t be a surprise given its 1¼-inch blade stroke and high 3,100 SPM cutting rate .

Despite the higher - voltage battery and motor , Kobalt managed to keep the cock at about the same weight as the 18 - V cordless models try out . But the Kobalt did bring forth noticeably more quivering than some of the other reciprocate saws we tested , making it a little harder to function .

Kobalt XTR 24V Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw on white background

Photo: Lowe’s

Other thing we like about the Kobalt include an overmolded ergonomic clutch , plentitude of rubber on the body to hold on to , and a bright built - in LED work light . While the Kobalt brand may not have the same pedigree as some of the other premium tool brands on this list , it offers like performance at a more affordable price point .

Get the Kobalt reciprocating saw atLowe ’s .

ALSO TESTED

Although we wish its various controls , theRidgid Fuego cord Orbital Reciprocating Sawdidn’t meter up to other framework . Whereas our most powerful saws thin through 2x4s in less than 10 seconds , it take the Fuego nearly 30 seconds . It also did a poor job of dampening quivering , leaving our hand and arms noticeably benumbed .

Jump to Our Top Picks

Types of Reciprocating Saws

All reciprocating adage work likewise : The exploiter grasps the handle and neck of the saw firmly with both manpower ( on two - handed models ) , and the protruding blade sheer through plywood and other building material . The most far-famed differences between reciprocate byword are in size , weight , and the type of energy used to power them .

Corded

cord reciprocate saw offer the most powerfulness because they ’re plugged into an electric way out and can be used for hour at a sentence without halt . The downside to corded models is that the substance abuser must attach a heavy - duty extension corduroy ( 12- or 14 - gauge ) so as to use the saw at a space from the outlet , which is necessary on jobsites . This increase the endangerment of trip over a electric cord while operating the adage .

Cordless

Recent improvements in barrage applied science give larger power tools — such as full - size reciprocating adage — enough power to cut through wood and metal , but they ca n’t sustain that mogul over long period . When prefer between twilled andcordless reciprocating saws , see your employment surroundings .

A twilled example offers endless power , but a cordless theoretical account provides the ability to practice the proverb in areas where there ’s no electrical outlet available , which might be necessary if you want to dress trees in a outback placement , for example . Be aware that many cordless reciprocating saw are sell without a assault and battery , so you may need to purchase it separately . As with any cordless puppet , a reciprocating saw barrage fire will vary in price depending on the barrage fire capacity , which is given in adenylic acid hours .

Compact/One-Handed

Compact reciprocating saw operate in a similar manner to their larger two - handed counterparts , but they ’re smaller in sizing and idle in weight . A compact saw average 12 inches in length and weighs about 4 pounds . In comparison , a full - size two - handed reciprocating saw with a battery weighs around 8 pounds . Since their lighter weight will quash branch and hand fatigue , compact one - handed reciprocating saws are handy for use of goods and services in space - restricted areas or when you need to cut overhead , but they ’re typically not quite as powerful as full - size of it models . Many compendious recip saws are battery - operated , but there are also a few twilled models .

What to Consider When Choosing a Reciprocating Saw

In addition to considering the character of material you ’ll be cut off , a well-heeled clutch , blade motility , and maximal speed are some of the more authoritative features to take into report when buying a reciprocate saw .

Stroke Length and Speed

Stroke length , the length the come across blade travel with each stroke , and speed , which is valuate in accident per minute ( SPM ) , largely determine how rapidly a reciprocate sawing machine can cut through a given material . Stroke lengths can vary from ⅝ in to 1⅛ inches , and speed typically set out from 2,700 to 3,100 SPM . Recip saws with turgid motors will more often than not have longer blades and faster sword speeds .

Variable-Speed Control

Some reciprocating adage have a stop number adjustment dial that allows the user to operate the saw at unlike set speeds , but assure speeds are commonly controlled by induction pressure sensation . This means the hard you pull the saw ’s trigger , the faster the blade relocation .

A variable - speed trigger is usually preferred to other type of speed modification because there ’s no need to stop and start up cutting just to change speed . veteran mental synthesis worker often habituate very easy pressure on the trigger when they start cut ( the slower the blade is moving , the less risk of kickback ) and then increase pressure when the power saw has already cut through a portion of the material .

Orbital Action

Some reciprocate saws boast orbital natural process , which means that in gain to moving in a energy - pull motility , the blade also move in a slight elliptical pattern . Orbital action increase the cut amphetamine of the power saw , but it reduces accuracy .

A recip saw without orbital activity will turn out a straighter , cleaner line but will take longer to cut . Orbital action can be change by reversal on when speed is trust , such as when the user is cut through subflooring , and then turned off when a cleaner cutting is desired , such as when pare away small branches from a tree diagram .

Blade Type

While reciprocate saws are mainly used for demolition purposes , construction materials vary , so you ’ll find a sort of saw blades available . Most recip blades feature a general shank , meaning no matter what type of blade you choose , it will conform to your saw , no matter the brand . Some models also come with blade clamp that admit multiple positions , meaning you could learn upwards , down , or sideways .

Blades also issue forth in a variety of lengths , from 4 inches to 12 in , with 6 inches being the most common length . oppose the survey type of blades to the material you ’ll be geld .

Additional Features

Reciprocating saws also come with features design to make themeasier to use . Most have build up - in work Christ Within that help to shed light on whatever it is you ’re cutting . Some reciprocating power saw also have dissimilar brand position that make it easier to cut horizontally . Most include a set of starter blades for cutting through various cloth , including metal , plastic , and wood . Many also come with hard or soft carrying case that make the saws prosperous to store and tape transport .

FAQs

Typically considered a demolition power saw , a reciprocating power saw can be a valued increase to the tool collections of professional builders as well as DIYers who work out on their own remodeling projects . Below are some of the most common question , and their answers , about these tool .

Yes . Reciprocating saw blades feature a worldwide waist that will agree most reciprocating saws .

Reciprocating saws can disregard through relatively small branch , up to 2 inch in diam , but the arm should be firm or the saw will shake it rather than cut through it .

Person using Kobalt reciprocating saw to cut PVC pipe

Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila

Reciprocating saws are ideal in situation in which precision is not necessary , include demolition , pruning trees , write out through pipes , orcutting through screwsand nails . For projects that call for more precision , go with acircular sawor tabular array adage .

The simple resolution is to opt a reciprocate saw that satisfy your indigence . If you plan to apply one only from time to time , then it makes more sensation to go with a corded 12 - amp model . For everyday use or large wipeout projects , consider a cordless reciprocating saw up to of producing around 3,000 SPM with a stroke length of 1⅛ inches or a 15 - amp corded model .

Meet the Tester

Tony Carrick is a free lance author specializing in home improvement , landscape gardening , engineering science , nursing home security , and blueprint . Carrick has direct rigorous product testing on everything from might tools to dwelling security systems to backyard grillroom . With each brushup , his goal is to help readers determine whether a product meets their needs and if it is or is n’t deserving its price rag .

extra inquiry provided by Glenda Taylor .

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