The Best Reciprocating Saw

Best image of reciprocating saws
Photo: DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw, One-Handed, Cordless, Tool Only (DCS369B)
UPDATED MAY 5, 2024

To help you find the perfect reciprocating saw, we continuously put forth the effort to update and expand our list of recommendable reciprocating saws. Our team collects, edits and publishes new information, in order to present it to you in an accurate, significant and neatly arranged way.

Our Picks

DEWALT Saw image
Powerful 12 amp motor of the reciprocating saw is designed for heavy-duty app...
DEWALT 20V MAX Saw image
4-position blade clamp of DEWALT 20V reciprocating saw allows for flush cutti...
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Cordless Saw image
Cordless reciprocating saw features tool-free blade change
Our Choice
DEWALT Saw image
Powerful 12 amp motor of the reciprocating saw is designed for heavy-duty app...
DEWALT 20V MAX Saw image
4-position blade clamp of DEWALT 20V reciprocating saw allows for flush cutti...
Low Price
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Cordless Saw image
Cordless reciprocating saw features tool-free blade change

8 More Reciprocating Saw Alternatives

DEWALT 20V reciprocating saw has up to 2.5x more runtime*

Compact 14.5-inch length fits in between studs & in other tight spots

Only 5 lbs. in weight (tool only)

The product is easy to use

The product is durable

This product is made of high quality material

Makita-built variable speed motor delivers 0-2,800 strokes per minute and a 1-1/4" stro...

"Tool-less" blade change system allows for faster blade installation and removal for in...

Variable speed trigger for added convenience

HIGH POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO: 12 Amps of power at only 7 Lbs., designed to provide profes...

COMPACT SIZE: Only 17.8 In. long, allowing easier cutting in challenging positions (esp...

CONSTANT ORBITAL ACTION: Fast cutting in all types of materials with orbital action fea...

10-amp motor handles up to 4-1/2 inches of wood and 3/5 inches of metal

Pressure-sensitive trigger provides anywhere from 0 to 2800 strokes per minute

Pivoting head features eight different stops for a variety of jobs: one every 45 degrees

The cordless reciprocating saw is compact at only 12.5-inch front to back

37% Lighter than the DCS367 Reciprocating Saw (tool only)

Brushless motor for increased performance

On-board LED worklight to illuminate workspace

Brushless Motor provides longer runtime, longer motor life, and more power

5/8 in. stroke length for fast cutting in small spaces

Buying Guide

Manufacturers of saw products typically make their products for precise cutting. The reciprocating saw is, however, an exception as it is used for demolition or to make rough cuts on building materials. The motor of a reciprocating saw powers the blade allowing it to cut through a range of materials including fiberglass, metal, masonry, plaster, wood, and stucco.
Reciprocating saws are used in plumbing, construction, electrical, and HVAC jobs. The added features that come with the saw often determine just how the device will be used. If you are a power tool user thinking of buying a reciprocating saw, there are many things that you should consider. For example, you should know how much tool movement you will need while using the saw and power outlet accessibility. You should also compare the convenience of various unit power capabilities.

Reciprocating Saws Recommended Power Levels and Speed

If you are a demolition expert and need a reciprocating saw for your job, then you would need a tool that has a lot of power. Some reciprocating saws are cordless which offers the convenience of maneuverability when shifting around a work area without having to unplug the device. The downside to cordless devices is that the equipment begins to lose its power when the battery starts to run low.

A power tool user working with a corded reciprocating saw has the benefit of full power the entire time they are operating their device. If you buy a corded reciprocating saw, you will have power that is in the range of between less than five amps and over 15amps. As a power tool user, you should have in mind that buying a saw with over 10 amps of power, provides enough power for work that requires heavy duty cutting.

Reciprocating Saw Tips

If you prefer to have the maneuverability that comes with a cordless reciprocating saw, then you should consider buying a cordless saw that has a high power such as 18 or 24 volts. When you are on the job with a cordless reciprocating tool, it is advisable also to have extra batteries supply to ensure that you always complete your projects without any hitches. In addition, purchasing a reciprocating saw that uses the lithium-ion batteries ensures you have longer running time.

Cordless Reciprocating Saw Benefits

The cordless reciprocating saw has many benefits such as enhanced cutting action, portability, variable speeds and more.

Easy Portability – A cordless reciprocating saw enables you to carry your saw to and from different work areas, without the concern of a power source or length of the cord. You can use the saw without having to bring along an extension cord or heavy generator.

Enhanced Action – The cordless saw also provides you with more action as it can comfortably cut vertically or horizontally. In addition, it can make tough cuts fast without the risk of cutting through a cord.

Variable Speeds – The cordless reciprocating saw enables you to have varied speeds and orbital action which provides great tool control. The control lets you as a power user the ability to choose your preferred setting for comfort as well as effectiveness.
Comfort and Convenience of a Reciprocating Saw

When working with any type of reciprocating saw, your job typically requires a couple of hours of continuous work. For this reason, the reciprocating saw should offer the best available comfort level. Sometimes the work requires the tool to be used overhead, and this can no doubt cause fatigue due to using the saw in an upward angle for a long time.

In case you often work with your reciprocating saw on high angles, it may be advisable to use a corded unit as it is in most cases lighter. A cordless device uses batteries which also increase its weight. If you are working within small spaces, consider using small tools to improve your maneuverability. You should also consider purchasing a tool that has an adjustable and rotating blade or handle. With careful selection of your reciprocating saw, you will end up with a saw that has a natural grip and which can be used at various angles.

It is also crucial to look at the tool design before purchase. Power tool users should consider a design that is well balanced, and one that offers better control which makes the device feel lighter when in use. Typically, reciprocating saws vibrate during use and this increases the chance of fatigue. Consider getting a saw that has a reduced vibration feature, which will allow you to use your tool for longer periods of time and complete jobs faster. The device's accuracy also improves if there are no or few vibrations.

Reciprocating Saw Enhancements

When working with reciprocating saws, it is often on demanding jobs that will ultimately ruin the saw blades. When buying your power tool, consider getting one that offers blade changing without the need of any tools. This will enhance the efficiency of the tool while ensuring easy blade replacements.

Another device enhancement is the inclusion of a rubber cord that is flexible, and that which will increase the maneuverability of the saw and a lighted plug that lets you know the saw is powered or not. Consider getting a device that comes with a cord storage area which will help you keep tidy. The availability of a portable container for carrying the device is important and can also be used to carry extra blades for your tool.

Orbital Maneuverability

When you buy a reciprocating saw that has orbital action, you will have a tool that easily moves vertically and horizontally for quick cuts. In addition, the sawing speed of your tool will remain consistent no matter what position of the tool. The variable setting allows you to cut materials like metal, at lower speeds.

Storage Case

The storage case is important as it protects your reciprocating saw when you are on the move. Another advantage of the storage case is that it conveniently keeps the saw and its accessories together.

Tool-Less Blade Replacement

When you buy a reciprocating saw that has a tool-less blade changing ability, you can easily change your power tool’s blade with efficiency and speed. This also helps reduce the baggage of having to carry an extra tool in case you need a blade change.

Variable Speed

The variable speed feature allows you to choose your preferred speed depending on the material.
Auto Stop Brushes

Auto-stop brushes enable the reciprocating saw to come to an automatic stop. This feature activates when the brushes wear out and prevent any damage that may occur to the saw’s motor.

Speed Regulation

This enhancement allows the saw to retain speed while in use. This ensures that the saw does not slow down when in action.

Metal Gear Housing

If you add metal gear housing, you will enhance motor protection which can result to more durability. During heavy use, the metal gear housing also prevents your tool’s motor from burning out.

Reciprocating Saw Advantages

The design of most reciprocating saws enables you to use vertically or overhead with ease. The saw’s long body also offers a comfortable grip and the tool is ideal to work with in small corners and cuts that can be made at the surface level. For example, a required cut in a walls bottom section can be easily done with a reciprocating saw.

Conclusion

A reciprocating saw is a power tool that is diverse and is one that provides critical help during a demolition job. The saw’s extra features add convenience, additional power as well as durability to the device. Reciprocating saws come in corded and cordless versions allowing power tool users to select the device that has the style that best works for you.

Top Rated Reciprocating Saws

If you're looking into finding the best rated reciprocating saw, you should probable check out the DEWALT 20V MAX Saw. We looked at various sources of reviews and found this one to have the best mix between review count and average rating stars.

DEWALT 20V MAX Saw

The Lowest Price We Could Find

Often, going for the best price is a simple but good option. With a price of $45.99 (last checked this morning), we do not list any other reciprocating saw cheaper than the GALAX PRO 120V Saw. Just remember that it's not always the best option to go for the cheapest one.

GALAX PRO 120V Saw

The Reciprocating Saw With the Most Reviews

With at least 440 reviews and counting, the DEWALT 20V MAX Saw might be another option to consider. This large amount of reviews signalizes that many people are using it, with most of them beeing satisfied.

High Quality Reciprocating Saws

It's quite rare that the saying "You get what you pay for" turns out incorrect. If you have the money on the sideline, feel free to choose the most expensive item from our list: The DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Saw currently sells for $156.89.

DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Saw

The Reciprocating Saw With the Most Clicks

If you trust us and our users, feel free to check out the DEWALT Saw. Our statistics say that it is the most favorite Reciprocating Saw from the list above.

DEWALT Saw

Our Bestseller

If you're still undecided, I would recommend that you go with the masses and choose the top selling reciprocating saw: The DEWALT 20V MAX Saw is the hottest bestseller in this category right now.

Reciprocating Saw Reviews

There are no reviews on reciprocating saws, yet.
Be the first to write a review, or check for additional reviews in the Further Reading section below.

Further Reading on Reciprocating Saws

New: Our editorial list of additional articles. We decided to gather informartion all around the internet and present you a list of helpful, external links to interesting reads about reviews, pros & cons and similar products.
Reciprocating Saw vs Jigsaw: 2018 Reviews & Buye...
Which one to choose: reciprocating saw vs jigsaw? Reciprocating Saw vs Jigsaw: 2018 Reviews & Buyer's Guide . Reciprocating Saw Pros & Cons. Pros for  ...
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Corded or cordless reciprocating saw - Pro Construct...
Pros and cons. Corded Reciprocating Saws. Electric reciprocating saws have power cords, and they have to be plugged into an electrical outlet to operate. ...
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Chain Saw Alternatives |Chain Saw Reviews - Consumer...
Even if you have a well-running chain saw, sometimes using it to make a A bow saw, lopper, and reciprocating saw are handy alternatives to  ...
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Reciprocating Saw vs. Jigsaw: Pros/Cons - Woodworkin...
Reciprocating saw vs jigsaw - Don't know which tool to buy for your workshop? This article helps you know the strong points, weak points of each tool. Then you   ‎Reciprocating Saw - ‎Jigsaw - ‎​The Bottom Line - ‎Best Reciproc... ...
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Advantages and Disadvantages of a Cordless Reciproca...
One tool that many do-it-yourselfers use is the cordless reciprocating saw. It is a cordless power saw carries some pros and cons as a standard tool. Advantages. ...
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Reciprocating saw - Wikipedia
A reciprocating saw is also called a hackzall saw when it accepts both Hackzall and Sawzall style blades. The term reciprocating saw (also oscillating saw) is also applied generically to any saw which cuts with a back and forth motion. T... ...
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Research

Do you want to know more about reciprocating saws? Check out the links below to gain knowledge about the whole topic of reciprocating saw products.

Useful Videos

High Capacity Reciprocating Saws - Head 2 Head Review

Head-to-Head Testing / Evaluation FULL REVIEW HERE: ...

Disclaimer: This video was not made by us, but we found it interesting enough to embed it here.

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