As an active DIYer, do you get tired of scrolling through online and local stores unsure of which reciprocating saw to choose? Buying a cordless reciprocating saw is difficult because there are so many on the market and you don’t know which one is best.
You have to ensure that all the features you need are available and that you get your money’s worth. I’ve had many questions about which of the many saws fits this description and gives the least problems.
For this reason, this guide has been put together to help you make a quicker decision.
Table of Contents
A quick glance of Cordless Reciprocating Saw
The Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw on the Market of 2020
1. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit(Our Top Recommended)
The DEWALT 20Vmax is an all-round cutting tool that helps you to cut faster, is durable and versatile.It comes with a 4-position blade clamp that allows you to flush-cut. With a top speed of 3000 strokes per minute and a 1-⅛” stroke length, you can make way faster cuts than you used to. However, if you need a slower speed, there is a speed trigger for that.
You can change blades easily with the keyless lever-action 4-position blade clamp feature when you are working with different blades. This feature works to give you a positional versatility allowing you to change your blades freely without tools.
Lithium-ion batteries power this saw, so you don’t need to look for electricity sources to use the saw. You can also cut deeper, and in a more controlled way using its pivoting adjustable shoe.
However, one little challenge you may find with this saw is that its batteries don’t last long. You may need to buy a few extra.
This saw has quality features that are worth your money. It cuts fast and deeper; it has a keyless blade clamp feature and a pivoting adjustable shoe that gives you sole control of how the saw works.
- The saw is user-friendly
- You get value for your money
- It is durable
- The lithium batteries are not so strong
2. Milwaukee Electric Tool 2520-21XC M12 Hackzall Saw Kit (Best for the Money)
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This Milwaukee Electric Hackzall is a powerful tool that is suitable for heavy-duty, serious constructions. It’s an easy favourite because of its innovative features.
Using its 12V Brushless motor, this saw might just be the tool you need to get all your construction work done hassle-free. It supplies you with all the power you need to finish a project. Despite its ruggedness, you would still find the saw easy to use and operate.
It is suitable for many types of materials, including wood, metal and stone-like materials. You can cut through anything; the saw gives you an increased productivity rate. You also do more for less with the saw’s unique power.
At a speed of 3,000SPM with a stroke length of 0.625 inches, this saw comes highly recommended. It promotes stability as you work with its one-handed design; your work turns out neatly and professional-looking.
The saw also provides fast and efficient cutting no matter what you’re cutting, even for demolition projects or tree trimming jobs. If you need to change blades while you work, that’s not a problem. Its tool-less blade feature sees that you get to do it quickly.
It's great because you can charge its batteries under 45mins. However, you may find it rather challenging to take out its batteries if you need to change them. Milwaukee might need to do some more work in that area.
This saw is a great heavy-duty choice. It can hack down anything, including tree branches and metal. It is a versatile tool that allows you to take charge of your cutting experience.
- You are in control of the speed with the variable speed trigger.
- It is pretty powerful.
- It is suitable for heavy-duty work.
- It charges very fast.
- It is difficult to access the batteries.
3. Black + Decker BDCR20C 20v Max Reciprocating Saw with Battery and Charger
This is a versatile, sturdy but lightweight saw that can handle whatever type of material you throw at it
You get a superfast speed of about 3000 strokes per minute, and a stroke length of ⅞ inches. This makes it fast and cuts deep enough to help you get through projects quicker.
If you, however, wish to cut at a slower speed, it has a variable speed trigger that allows you to adjust your speed. It also comes with an electric brake that gives you full control of your cutting. The adjustable pivoting shoe also gives you control over your cuts.
It’s easy to switch blades on this saw because you have the tool-free blade changing mechanism that helps with that. With this saw, you get 18 – 20 volts of power with its Lithium batteries, enough for you to work effectively.
The batteries are included in the package; however, you may need to buy some extra batteries to keep handy while you work. You may drain the batteries quickly depending on how long you work. This is the only annoying downside to this saw.
This saw is a perfect tool for house projects and other jobs in the workshop. It cuts fast and easily too. It also gives you complete control over all your cuts with the latest innovative mechanisms.
- It’s lightweight and easy to use.
- It comes with batteries in the package.
- The batteries don’t last too long.
4. Tacklife 12v MAX Reciprocating Saw
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If you’re looking for a power tool that is laden with unique features to make your work much easier, then this saw might be what you need.
It comes with a 1500mAh Lithium-Ion Battery that needs just one hour to charge. You can get to cutting after fully charging the battery in a short hour. You can cut for as long as 30minutes uninterruptedly when the battery is full.
In terms of speed, this saw delivers a speed of 2500SPM. If you wish to cut at a slower pace, you can modify this with the variable speed trigger. This way the saw doesn’t make any cut you don’t authorise, you are in full control.
When you’re changing blades, you do not need any special tools. The saw is built with a tool-less quick-lock blade holder that allows you to change blades effortlessly. It also has a double safety switch that activates the saw only when you press two buttons.
Even though this saw works like a beast, one significant challenge that you may face as you use this saw is that it does not have an anti-vibration mechanism. This makes your hand ache after you may have cut for a while.
This saw gives you some original features that make your work easier. Fast cutting, variable trigger speed, and fast charging are just a few of what you stand to gain if you decide to get this saw.
- It comes with a double safety switch for your protection.
- It has a variable speed trigger.
- It vibrates a lot during cutting.
5. Ryobi P514 18V Cordless One+ Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw with 2 Blades
The Ryobi 18V Cordless One+ has some top-notch features that make it stand out. For example, it has a slightly higher SPM than other saws.
When it comes to versatility and ease of use, this saw is not lagging. With this saw, you can make extremely precise cuts if you’re looking to make precision cuts. It has a non-slip handle; the Ryobi rubber grip that helps you maintain a steady cut.
It also has an anti-vibration handle that takes the shock of all the vibration coming from the saw’s motor. This is also an additional way to ensure you make precise cuts. The tool-less blade changing feature gives you swift blade changing access to enable you to get back to work in record time.
Now when it comes to speed, this saw gives you an intense 3,100SPM that makes it suitable for most types of cutting jobs around the house. You can cut different materials using this saw, and it’ll still go strong.
For a saw this good, it may be a little disappointing that there is just one small snag. It might just be a little challenging to access the trigger button of the saw while you’re holding it upside down. This is a problem because many situations may have you holding the saw this way.
This saw is easy to use, helping you make precise cuts. Its vibration is reduced to the barest minimum, and it allows you to use Lithium batteries as well as NiCad batteries.
- It is very lightweight.
- It has an anti-vibration mechanism.
- It is sturdy.
- The trigger button may not be easily accessible.
6. Milwaukee 18v Lithium-Ion Cordless Sawzall Reciprocating Saw
This reciprocating saw is a great tool that comes with the quick-lock blade clamp and a metal gearbox. It saws it all!
The QUIK LOK Blade Clamp allows you to switchblades for different types of cutting by merely opening a latch, inserting the blade and closing it. It makes it easy so that you can go back to cutting quickly.
The all-metal gearbox and body keep this saw in good condition no matter how roughly it is handled. If it mistakenly drops, no matter how often it stays in good shape. The metal covering serves protection for your saw.
To prevent too much vibration and optimise your sawing experience, this saw is fitted with a counter-balance mechanism that reduces vibration. No matter what type of material you are cutting into, you don’t have to be worried about vibration.
This saw requires 1 Lithium-ion battery; it is, however, disappointing to find that there is none included in this package. The battery for this saw also doesn’t last long. As you get batteries for this saw, be sure to get back up batteries so that you don’t get stranded.
This saw will help you make fast cuts on jobs and projects around the house or outdoors. It has a firm grip so you can make precise cuts, and it has a metal gearbox protection to keep the saw safe.
- It has a low vibration mechanism.
- It cuts quite fast.
- It has a quick blade changing feature.
- It doesn’t come with batteries.
- The batteries usually do not last long.
7. Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hackzall Reciprocating Saw, Bare Tool
This Milwaukee Reciprocating saw is a bare tool that worths your money with its easy to use features and functions. Its 3000SPM & ¾-Inch stroke length makes your cutting swift.
It has a one-handed design that allows you to have total control over your cuts unlike usual reciprocating saws. It gives you access to tight corners where other saws may not be able to get to. The saw comes with an anti-vibration handle as well as a QUIKLOK blade clamp feature.
The saw also has LED work light to improve cutting accuracy. One downside to this saw is that it doesn't come with batteries. There are no batteries included in the purchase.
From anti-vibration features to a tool-less blade changing mechanism, this saw offers you a smooth cutting experience. You can also cut as fast as you wish for as long as you wish because of its handy size.
- It is compact-sized and easy to carry.
- It has LED lights for more accuracy.
- It can access tight corners.
- It doesn’t come with batteries.
8. Bare-Tool CRS180B 18VLithium-Ion Reciprocating Saw
This is an efficient tool that comes in handy for quick jobs in the house or workshop.
With its exclusive Lockjaw blade holder, you can get a quick and easy blade replacement to aid you in working faster. It’s so easy; you can change blades with just one hand and get back to cutting what you need to.
This saw is built to deliver speed and efficiency. Its 1-⅛” stroke length helps you make cuts deep enough to saw through most materials. It has a suitable rate of 2,400SPM that still gives you fast cuts, even though it is slightly lower than the others.
To maintain the right speed level you want, you can hone in on the variable speed trigger that the saw comes with to regulate the speed of your saw. The saw is not so heavy, so you can also use it for overhead cuts such as dangling tree branches.
One downside this saw has though, is that it doesn’t have any batteries included in the package. If you’re looking to purchase some, be sure to get the bigger sized batteries. Small cells will run out fast.
This saw is an excellent tool for very handy homeowners. It is ergonomic and durable. Strong enough to do some heavy-duty work.
- The saw is rugged yet ergonomic.
- It can get into spaces where other saws can’t.
- It doesn’t come with batteries.
- Batteries run out fast.
9. PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw
Although this saw may not be the largest or biggest, it packs a fast SPM rate that makes up for its size. Its other features also work together to put this saw on our list of the best-reciprocating saw.
The Porter-Cable saw features a high-performance stroke length of 1” to give you cuts deep enough to get rid of anything you’re trying to cut. It also works very swiftly at a speed of 3,000 Strokes per Minute and a variable speed trigger that regulates your speed.
It has a nicely shaped compact design that helps the blade of the saw get into the tight spaces you want to cut. With its tool-free blade release mechanism, you can change blades as smoothly as possible.
It is a versatile tool that you can use to cut up many different materials. Its easy to grip handle makes it perfect for cutting for extended periods; you don’t get weary of holding it. One downside that this saw has is its overheating problem. You may need to pause usage because it sometimes overheats.
This saw might be a great delight for handy workers everywhere judging by all its user-friendly features. It has a variable speed trigger, a tool-free blade clamp and a rapid cutting rate of 3,000SPM.
- It cuts fast.
- It is user-friendly.
- It is easy to carry.
- It may start to overheat after you use it for a while.
10. Black+Decker 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating
This is a tool that helps you get mini projects done. It has double-strength runtime and a combo deal that makes buying the saw worth it.
When you buy this saw, you get two batteries included in the pack which allows you to have double the strength of a regular battery. This double-power enables you to use the saw for an extended period and more projects.
It has a stroke length of ⅞” for deep cuts and a swift SPM rate of 3,000. You can cut as fast as you wish, and yet tone down your pace with the active variable speed trigger.
Another innovative feature you stand to gain from this saw is its combo drill & driver 11 position clutch that helps you work neatly without having to destroy the work surface or strip screws while you work. This saw also features an LED work light to get a clearer view as you cut.
This is one feature the other saws failed to have. However, one complaint you may find with this saw is that the batteries do not charge fast. However, once you charge them, you can use them for an extended period. It is also not advisable to use the saw for big projects. It works best as a personal tool.
The features of this saw are unique and different. You see your cuts better with the LED work light, and the dual battery helps you to work longer than usual.
- It has an LED work light.
- It has double batteries.
- It’s not suitable for larger projects.
- Batteries charge too slowly.
Buying Guide
Reciprocating saws help to get any forms of demolition or remodelling jobs done in the house. If you’re looking to break or demolish things in the house, including metal pipes or plastic items or even bricks, a reciprocating saw is your best choice.
In the guide above, you have taken a look at the best ones on the market. Now it’s time to see how to make the right choice of the one to buy.
Key Features to Look for
Variable Speeds
One important feature to look for is a reciprocating saw that gives you a variable speed trigger with which you can adjust as you cut.
Pivoting Adjustable Shoe
This simply means the metal guard around the saw blade. It allows you to make different types of cuts, so it is a much-needed feature.
Stroke length and SPM
Longer stroke lengths help to get you a faster Stroke per minute. Look out for saws with stroke lengths between ¾ - 1-¼ inches and SPM of about 2,400 – 3,500.
Metal Casing and Ergonomic Feature
A metal case on the body of your saw gives it extra anti-wear protection. Ergonomic features such as rubber grip and anti-vibration mechanism help to make using the saw easier.
What’s Your Budget?
After equipping yourself with the necessary information you need to choose a good saw, it is essential to consider your budget for the saw. How much do you plan to spend? If you want a good reciprocating saw, a budget of about $40 is an excellent place to start; for a more sophisticated saw; however, you would need about $150 or more.
Conclusion – The Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw, Our Choice
As you have gone through this guide, it’s safe to say that you now have all that you need to choose a great saw. The Milwaukee Electric Hackzall is an easy favourite, and our top recommended among all the great saws on the list.
Its features supersede the rest of the saws, making it stand out among the rest. Some of its most striking features include its one-handed design, its 12V Brushless motor and its 45-minute fast-charge mechanism.
If you want to get the most out of a Sawzall to suit all types of cuts, this Milwaukee Hackzall is your best bet.
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