Best Reciprocating Saws To Slice Through Wood, Metal And Pipes (2023)

Reciprocating saws can be used for a variety of things but they are one of the go-to tools for house remodeling work. You can slice through all kinds of materials, including nails, wood, metal or even pipes. You can even use it for chopping tree branches.

But of course, it does depend on the blades you’re using. You still have to use different blades in order to cut different materials.

Below, you’ll find some of the best reciprocating saws available in the market today. They may or may not come with blades.

Reciprocating saws are also known as sawzalls.

 

Best Reciprocating Saws

These are some of the well rated and reliable reciprocating saws that you can buy online.

1. DEWALT 20V Max XR Reciprocating Saw (DCS367B)

The first on the list is none other than a DEWALT reciprocating saw. It’s a compact tool that runs on battery. If you’re doing mostly lightweight cutting, then this one is suitable as it’s cordless and compact.

The MAX XR has a variable speed trigger between 0 to 2,900 strokes per minute (SPM). It refers to the number of times the saw can go back and forth within a minute.

One great thing about the saw is that it’s pretty light at only 5 pounds, making it suitable even for the ladies.

Pros

• Comes with a keyless 4-position blade clamp. This allows you to change the saw blade easily.

• It has a compact design of only 14 inches.

• The saw also comes with an LED light which allows you to work in darker places.

• It has a limited warranty.

Cons

• There has been complaints of harder vibrations compared to some other saws.

• Slightly expensive.

 

2. Milwaukee 2621-20 M18 Lithium Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Another reciprocating saw worth looking at is one by Milwaukee, another well known brand in the power tools industry. Like the one above, this Milwaukee saw is also cordless and comes at over 7 pounds.

The good thing is that you only need 1 lithium ion battery to power this tool. It also comes with an easy-to-switch blade clamp.

This Milwaukee saw also has a counter balance mechanism which means if you’re cutting through thick materials, the vibrations can be reduced automatically using its internal mechanism.

Pros

• Comes at a speed of 3,000 RPM.

• This sawzall also comes with an all metal gearbox which helps to protect the internal parts in case you drop it.

Cons

• It’s heavier than the DEWALT cordless sawzall.

• Like other cordless saws, it has less power compared to electric versions, meaning they are not suitable for heavy demolition work.

 

3. BOSCH GSA18V-083B 18 V Compact Reciprocating Saw

BOSCH is another well known brand in this industry and they make good reciprocating saws too. This one is also battery powered (cordless) but it’s lighter than the DEWALT and Milwaukee sawzalls above.

It also comes with a compact design that is suitable if you’re using it in tight spaces. This reciprocating saw also has an easy blade-change system.

Apart from that, this BOSCH saw also comes with more strokes per minute, i.e. 3.05k SPM. This means it should cut materials slightly faster than those mentioned above.

You’ll also be able to work in darker places with its built-in LED light.

Pros

• Its fast 3,050 SPM cuts materials faster than the order cordless saws.

• Easy-to-change blade clamp.

• Only requires battery to power it.

Cons

• Not suitable for heavy duty work.

 

4. SKILSAW SPT44A-00 13 Amp Reciprocating Saw

Next one on the list is finally an electric version of the reciprocating saws. This means it will require an electric plug point for its usage.

This SKILSAW tool has a 13 Amp motor that is powerful enough to do most heavy duty cutting. Naturally, this makes it heavier than cordless versions as it weighs 9 pounds. The size is also bigger at almost 20 inches.

This sawzall comes with a patented Buzzkill Technology which produces very little vibration if compared to others in the range. it also has a variable speed trigger that gives you control when you’re cutting all sorts of materials.

It is the ideal tool for those who do house remodeling as a career choice.

Pros

• It is known for its vibration suppression, making it a suitable tool for long-term work as it’s much less tiring.

• The sawzall comes with sufficient power for plenty of remodeling work.

• Comes with limited warranty.

Cons

• It’s heavier than cordless saws.

• You’ll need an electric plug point.

 

5. BLACK + DECKER Reciprocating Saw

BLACK + DECKER is a staple in this industry and it’s no surprise they have a reciprocating saw that works well. It’s a cordless version that is battery-powered.

This cordless saw is easily the cheapest among those listed here, so it’s suitable if you’re on a tight budget. However, cordless tools normally come with limited power and is more suitable for lightweight work.

Like the best sawzalls, this one also has a variable speed trigger, giving you better control of the cutting process. It also has a tool-free blade change which makes it easier to rotate between blades.

This saw comes with a lithium battery that can be charged and reused.

Pros

• Easily rechargeable

• Lightweight at only 4.5 pounds, and with its compact design, it’s suitable for tight areas.

• Comes with limited warranty.

• Cheapest in the range.

Cons

• Not suitable for heavy duty work.

 

6. KIMO 20V Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Another brand worth considering is one by KIMO. They’re slowly gaining reputation in this industry as well. This version is a cordless version which is battery-powered.

Like the BLACK + DECKER saw, KIMO also uses a lithium ion chargeable battery.

This KIMO saw also comes with an incredible 0 to 3,300 SPM utilizing its 1 inch stroke length, even more than the one by BOSCH. It apparently cuts materials much faster than the other cordless brands.

This sawzall also has lesser vibration despite being a lightweight, and can be used for cutting metal, wood or even pipes.

Pros

• Has the highest strokes per minute (SPM) compared to other reciprocating saws here.

• It is pretty compact at 14 inches, making it suitable for working in narrow or tight areas.

• Also has a tool-free blade change.

• Comes with a brushless motor that helps to prolong the tool-life.

• Comes with an anti-vibration handle to reduce tiredness when using the tool.

Cons

• Not suitable for heavy duty work.

 

What to consider when buying reciprocating saws

Before you purchase the best reciprocating saw for yourself, there are some things you need to consider first.

1. Cordless or corded?

Choosing between a cordless or electric saw is one of the main considerations. A cordless sawzall is more compact and light, making it suitable for lightweight work, or for working in tight spaces. If you’re just doing minor work at home, then a cordless one is sufficient.

An electric / corded saw comes with more power, suitable for heavy duty and long-term work. If you’re in the business, you should have a more powerful tool for cutting.

However, you also need to find a plug point first before you’re even able to power the tool. A cordless one comes in handy in case your work area doesn’t have an electric source.

2. Strokes per minute

Strokes per minute dictates how much material can be cut within a minute. The higher it is, the faster it should be.

That said, most of the tools are not far off from one another when it comes to strokes per minute.

3. Price

Price is important for most people when making a buying consideration. However, most of the sawzalls featured here are around the same price range. The only one that is so much cheaper than the rest is the BLACK + DECKER saw.

4. Anti-vibration features

For long-term work, anti-vibration features are important. The more a tool vibrates, the more tiring it will be, especially when doing work for a long time.

If you’re using the saw often, then choose one with anti-vibration features.

 

In a nutshell

We’ve listed some of the best reciprocating saws above that have also been well reviewed by others.

Hopefully you’ll be able to find one that suits the job.

 

---

Related posts:

The 7 Best Pole Saws To Trim Trees

5 Best Compact & Mini Circular Saws

The Best Circular Saws Available Today [Buying Guide]