10 Best Reciprocating Saw in 2020 – Review and Buying Guide

The reciprocating saw is a new generation saw a machine that can be used to construct to demolish any structure. It can cut through all types of materials. Using this tool is very easy but getting the right one is not that easy. Choosing the best reciprocating saw to get the task quickly done is challenging as reciprocating saw comes in various types and various uses. 

There are many options available like corded or cordless, and new features like anti-vibration and light-weighted. Being a genuine buyer, you can go for the battery-powered saw. These are easy to reach under challenging positions. In this blog, we have enlisted 10 such reciprocating saws that are top sellers and performance-driven. Along with this, we have discussed the buying consideration to make it easy for the customers to buy the best one.

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Comparison Table of The Best Reciprocating Saw

 

Top 10 Best Reciprocating Saw for the Money

01. Milwaukee 6519-31 Reciprocating Saw

 

 

Product Features

• Great lock technology
• Reduced vibration
• Gear protection clutch
• The strong and powerful motor of 12 AMP
• High performance in cutting a variety of materials

Product Specifications

• Brand: Milwaukee
• Model: 6519-31
• Weight: 7.1 Pounds
• Dimensions: 22.3 x 11.1 x 5.3 inches

Product Description and Performance

This Sawzall by Milwaukee is specially designed to give the best cutting experiences on all sorts of material. It consists of internal components that protect the motor and other important machine areas from job site abuse. It has a variable speed trigger that can run the motor up to 3000 SPM. Furthermore, high strength and quality saw a machine that comes with a quick-lock system that enables easy installation and blades removal. 

Pros

• Reduced vibration
• Easy blade installation
• The motor of 3000 SPM

Cons

• Not so handy while carrying

02. DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw

 

 

Product Features

• Adjustable shoe extensions
• Great speed
• Increased positional versatility
• Compact design and light-weighted
• Delivers faster cutting

Product Specifications

• Brand: DEWALT
• Model: DCS380B
• Weight: 1 pound
• Dimensions: 6.13 x 18.31 x 4 inches

Product Description and Performance

This DCS380B reciprocating saw machine by Dewalt is a cordless machine that offers various excellent features. It has a 20V max* system that cuts through surfaces faster with more precision and control. The best thing about this saw machine is the 4-position blades clamp. Furthermore, This feature allows for easy blade change without any keys. This reciprocating saw machine has an LED light for illuminating the dark areas where no lights can reach. It is also more productive and gives high performance compared to other saw machines in the same segment.

Pros

• Speed can be changed
• Enhanced stability
• Excellent motor capacity

Cons

• Very loud vibration

03. PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw

 

 

Product Features

• Delivers high performance
• Triggers high speed
• High-performance battery
• Tool-free blade release
• Advanced technology design

Product Specifications

• Brand: PORTER-CABLE
• Model: 16.19 x 3.5 x 7.63 inches
• Weight: 4 Pounds
• Dimensions: 16.19 x 3.5 x 7.63 inches

Product Description and Performance

This performance-driven reciprocating saw machine by Porter-Cable is a compact design that makes it easy to reach small places. Also, it is a cordless machine that requires no electric supply while cutting the surfaces. With a brilliant 1″ stroke length and up to 3000 SPM, this saw machine is highly durable and reliable. It has a variable speed trigger that helps in changing the speed of the saw. Besides, it has an easy blade changing system that requires no keys. 

Pros

• High stroke length and SPM
• Durable battery
• Gives great speed

Cons

• Not build to last long

04. Makita JR3050T Reciprocating Saw

 

 

Product Features

• Conveniently stored
• Extended life
• Great adjustments and new features
• Gives great speed as well as safety
• Very light-weighted and easy to use

Product Specifications

• Brand: Makita
• Model: JR3050T
• Weight: 10 pounds
• Dimensions: 17.79 x 3.81 x 6.69 inches

Product Description and Performance

If you are looking for a light-weighted and high-performance saw machine, this Makita saw is the best option. This saw machine comes with variable speed up to 2800 SPM and has a 1-1/8″ blade stroke that offers effective and efficient cutting. It is perfect for cutting metals, woods, plasters, and plastics. It comes with a heavy-duty shoe that gives strength to the saw machine. Also, the tool-free blade change feature of this reciprocating saw makes it handier.

Pros

• Amazing stroke length
• Great locking feature
• Needle bearing

Cons

• At times, cases are cracked

05. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw

 

 

Product Features

• Light-weighted design
• Feasible LED lights
• Comfortable pivoting shoe
• Gives great speed
• Great battery life
• The advanced technology used for a great life

Product Specifications

• Brand: DEWALT
• Model: DCS367B
• Weight: 5 Pounds
• Dimensions: 14.5 x 6 x 7 inches

Product Description and Performance

The DSC367B reciprocating saw machine is a compact design machine with less weight for making the cutting process easier. It consists of a motor with up to 2900 SPM with a variable speed trigger. Besides, this saw machine’s stroke length is 1-1/8 inch, which makes cutting more précised and perfect. Another prominent feature is the LED light that offers brilliant lighting in the working area. Also, it performs very well on both wood and metal surfaces.

Pros

• LEDs are bright
• Great motor
• Very light weighted

Cons

• Batteries are not great at performance

06. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw

 

 

Product Features

• Easy installation of blades
• High voltage battery gives great life
• Contains pivoting shoe
• Triggers great speed
• Gives 7 to 8 inches of stroke length

Product Specifications

• Brand: BLACK + DECKER
• Model: BDCR20B
• Weight: 4 pounds
• Dimensions: 15.63 x 3.44 x 7.13 inches

Product Description and Performance

The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B reciprocating saw machine comes with 0-3000 SPM and a stroke length of 7/8 inch. It has a lock-off button that enables easy removal and installation of blades. This saw machine does not come with a cord and requires no electricity while cutting off the surfaces. The maximum battery voltage is 20V and the minimum is 18V for this saw machine. Further, the pivoting shoe stabilizes this machine while you are cutting the metals or wood. 

Pros

• Speed variant
• Blades can be changed easily
• Comes with a 20 volts motor

Cons

• Poor battery and charger performance

07. WORX WX550L Reciprocating Saw

 

 

Product Features

• Gives orbital cuttings
• Comes with a dust blower
• Made up of advanced technology
• Helpful in cutting various materials
• Very light weighted and easy to use

Product Specifications

• Brand: WORX
• Model: WX550L
• Weight: 4.2 Pounds
• Dimensions: 9 x 5 x 6.5 inches

Product Description and Performance

This WX550L reciprocating saw offers orbital cutting, making the cutting process easier without putting much strain on your hands. It is compact and light-weighted, which helps the user to use it in a small area. It is a cordless saw machine that makes it easier to carry and handle. The best feature of this saw is any type of reciprocating saw blades can be used with it. Also, this saw machine is perfect for cutting wood, metal, tree, and PVC pipes.

Pros

• Light in weight
• Inbuilt battery
• Dual functionality

Cons

• Blades are loose

08. RYOBI RJ186V Reciprocating Saw

 

 

Product Features

• Made up of premium quality material
• Very handy to install
• Easy and simple to use
• Light in weight
• Enhanced portability

Product Specifications

• Brand: RYOBI
• Model: RJ186V
• Weight: 7.3 Pounds
• Dimensions: 19.68 x 4.13 x 6.29 inches

Product Description and Performance

This RJ186V reciprocating saw by RYOBI is a high-quality machine that offers easy and perfect cutting. This saw machines consist of a 10 Amp motor that is capable of producing 3000 SPM. It also has an anti-vibration technology and comes with a variable speed trigger to manage the speed. This reciprocating saw is very easy to use and install. Moreover, it is suitable for beginners and can give a great learning experience. 

Pros

• Comes with speed variant
• Has an anti-vibration technology

Cons

• Not so durable
• Not handy for big projects

09. VonHaus 9 Amp Reciprocating Saw

 

 

Product Features

• Amazing results on different materials
• Great performance with 9AMP motor
• Very light in weight
• Modern design
• Comes with 8 blades (2 for metals and 6 for wood, respectively)
• Easy blade installation

Product Specifications

• Brand: VonHaus
• Model: 15/138US
• Weight: 9.03 pounds
• Dimensions: 23.2 x 9.75 x 3.75 inches

Product Description and Performance

This is another brilliant saw machine by VonHaus, which comes with a 9 Amp battery with a maximum 2500 SPM. It comes with a variable speed trigger and lock system that helps in managing the machine. Moreover, this saw machine is moderately packed with 8 blades, which is another excellent feature. These blades include 2 for metal and 6 for wood cutting. Also, this saw machine offers easy changing of blades with any tool.

Pros

• Brilliant lock system
• Easy to handle
• Accurate results

Cons

• Low-quality blades are used
• Poor vibration technology

10. Skil 9206-02 Reciprocating Saw

 

 

Product Features

• Comes with a variable speed dial
• Convenient grip
• Made up of heavy-duty aluminum which lasts for a longer period
• Contains counter bounce for controlling vibration
• Very light-weighted and easy to handle machine

Product Specifications

• Brand: Skil
• Model: 9206-02
• Weight: 10 Pounds
• Dimensions: 62.25 x 6 x 3.75 inches

Product Description and Performance

This reciprocating saw by Skil is the last product of the list. This saw has a metal housing that protects the gears. Also, it has a vibration control system that reduces strains on the hands. It has a small 7.5Amp motor that makes it light-weighted and easy to handle. Furthermore, this saw machine’s pivoting foot makes it more stable when you are cutting the wooden or metal surface. And the tool-less blade changing feature makes this saw machine worth buying.

Pros

• Light-weighted
• Great motor quality
• Durable in nature

Cons

• Tough installation
• Heating issues

Buying Guide

The reciprocating saw comes in a wide variety and offers many options that may confuse the customer. For a first-time buyer, it becomes very hard to choose the best reciprocating saw. Generally, choosing the right one depends on the requirements of the customer. But some general aspects of buying them are type, weight, rpm, and strokes. In this guide, we will briefly discuss some considerable aspects that help buy a reciprocating saw.

Quality

The quality of a saw machine defines its reliability, durability, and persistence. When the quality of the saw machine is high, these factors are also high in that machine. As we consider buying a saw machine that can serve long with minimum maintenance, the machine’s quality becomes important. Hence, always try to go for a machine with high quality as such a machine will also perform well in all circumstances.

Ease of use

When we buy any product, the first aspect that we look at is the ease of use. When we use the reciprocating saw we always desire precision, adaptability, and easy cutting experience. Also, check whether the machine has an anti-vibration feature that eases the cutting process is necessary. An anti-vibration feature not only gives the best cutting but also enhances the life of the blades. So before buying the saw machine, make sure it provides all of these features as mentioned earlier. 

Type

Reciprocating saw machine comes in various types, but the most considerable type is whether they are corded or cordless. The corded saw machine comes with an electric cord that can be plugged into an electric outlet. The cordless or the battery-powered saw machine comes without any cord and runs on the pre-installed chargeable battery. While comparing both of these, the cordless is nowadays folk’s favorite. Also, it does not require any electric outlet and can be easily used without any power cut. 

Weight 

The weight of a machine is another essential aspect that defines its portability. When the machine’s weight is less, it is easy to carry from one place to another. Preferably a lightweight saw machine is more portable and handy than the heavy weighted saw machine. Hence, if you are planning to buy a reciprocating saw machine, consider the one which is light weighted.

RPM & Strokes

RPM defines the number of times the blade will move forth and back per minute. More RPM means more easy and fast cutting. The stroke defines the distance that the blade can move forth and back while cutting the surfaces. These aspects are considered important to give fast, précised, and easy cutting on any surface. Search for the best reciprocating saw, which is having these two factors in abundance.

Blades installation

The most typical thing during the installation of the reciprocating saw is getting the blades at the right positions. Sometimes it may take more than usual time to get installed while sometimes it can easily get installed. It all depends upon the structure of the saw machine. Considering this aspect is as important as bearing in mind all other aspects. Therefore, make sure you buy a saw machine that has an easy installation process of blades.

Safety 

Safety comes first while using such equipment as injury from these types of equipment can remain forever. There is a huge range of reciprocating saws that gives total safety to the use. These saws include safety gear and handles that protect the user from any misshapen. Hence, one must look at the design and the safety features of the reciprocating saw before buying it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the use of reciprocating saw?

The reciprocating saws are used to cut the metal pieces or slices through pipes. These blades are usually used in construction and demolition sites for cutting heavy-duty metal. The cutting process goes into a push and pulls motion, which is also called the saw’s reciprocating motion. While cutting, you have to keep the grip very firm, and your hand should be steady. By applying the right pressure and technique, your cutting process will become way easier than thinking.

Can we cut trees using a reciprocating saw?

Apart from metal, you can also use the saw in cutting heavy branches and limbs from trees. They are popular for cutting stationary equipment and materials and efficiently and effectively over the raw material. These saws have several adjustments that can be used according to the length and width of the branch. Using the right blade, you have two benefits, it will make the cutting process smooth and easy, and it will give you the desired results.

Can we use a reciprocating saw to cut the plywood?

Using the best reciprocating saw over hardware is one of their specialties. These saws are popular for giving accurate and desired shapes. All you have to do is ensure that you are not putting a lot of pressure on the plywood while cutting. When you will lay the plywood on the hard surface and start cutting onto a straight line, you will notice that it has become so effortless and easy. 

What is the meaning of the stroke length?

The stroke length is how far can piston travel into a cylindrical shape object in one go. Depending upon the stroke engines, the distance is identified or measured into such shapes. Mostly 2 to 4 strokes are used in a stroke engine. Here also they have categories like small stroke and long strokes. Both have their roles and responsibilities.

How frequently do we need to change the blades of the reciprocating saw?

The blades of a reciprocating saw do not need a replacement before a year or so. The blade needs to get sharpened every two months or so. Sharpening the blade is very important as it also helps in increasing the life of the saw. It is essential to clean the saw after every use, which will help the blade stay sharp for a longer time. If you are a professional, then you can easily change it at your home. Still, if you haven’t changed it before, it is advisable to get it done with a professional.

Do all reciprocating saw use the same size blade?

The blades used in reciprocating saw comes into a standard size which gets fits in all the saws. The blade’s size is usually 7 to 8 inches and gives a perfect fit to the blade. The thickness of the blade varies from 0.035 inches to 0.040 inches. These blades provide stability to the saw. Also, it helps in increasing the life of the saw.

How do I choose a suitable reciprocating saw?

Choosing the reciprocating saw is the most important thing, but this can be tricky at times. The following are a few tips that will help you choose the best and an affordable saw. Before getting the saw, always check the motor. Getting a saw with high motor voltage always gives significant results. Moving forward, always check the battery. One should always choose a quality battery. It is better to always check the features like orbital actions, stroke length, speed, grip, shoe, etc.

Conclusion 

So we have discussed some best reciprocating saw followed by some buying considerations and some questions related to the same. The reciprocating saw is a deadly combination of power and consistency. They can continuously cut metal and wooden surfaces for a long time with perfection. With the latest addition of cordless or battery-powered machines, they have become more powerful and convenient to use. 

If you plan to buy a reciprocating saw, you must consider the quality and strength before buying it. Go for the one with high motor and battery capacity as such machines can work for a longer time. After this check, the strength and material quality of the saw machine and check the SPM and stroke length. All these aspects will help you in getting your desired reciprocating saw. Hence, all you need to do is consider the mentioned products or the buying guide and buy the best one for you.