A reciprocating saw is a handyman’s most important tool for mass demolition, mass deconstruction or just simple renovations at home. Reciprocating saws are a must have for commercial electricians, plumbers or DIYers who need to reach between tight spaces or perform overhead work. After scouring through multiple reviews, we settled for these 6 best reciprocating saws.
The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B emerged as our top pick for a couple of reasons. It is a lightweight cordless unit that is easy to use and features a reliable battery. If you are going for a reciprocating saw that will best serve for heavy-duty demolition tasks, the DEWALT DWE305 Corded Reciprocating Saw will fit perfectly. It’s a bit pricey but comes with a 12 amp motor that will blast through anything.
Best Sawzall Reciprocating Reviews 2021
[table id=35 /]1. BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B 20V Bare – Best Reciprocating Saw
Ask most DIYers and they will reveal that one of the best sawzall tools for any DIY demolition project is the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B. The reason is simple; this reciprocating saw will slice through a kryptonite stainless lock like butter especially with the proper blade installed.
Design
The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B is a cordless reciprocating saw that is designed to impress those looking for a cordless alternative. It is easy to use thanks to lightweight build quality and with the lithium-ion battery, you get a decent run time which is great. It features a short stroke length (the distance the blade travels in a forward cutting stroke) for precise control which can be quite handy when dealing with a delicate demolition or cutting project.
Features
At only 4 pounds of weight, the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B is definitely the lightest unit on this list. This makes handling it a breeze especially if you plan to use it on a regular basis. Unlike most lightweight units that vibrate a lot during operation, this one incorporates a dampening technology that significantly reduces the vibration. Also, its cordless feature makes it a must-have for pruning trees out in the woods. The unit comes with a variable speed trigger that is powered by a 3000 spm motor to give you improved control and precision for cutting thin wood.
Performance
One of the outstanding aspects of BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B’s performance is the fact that you can change the blades with ease. Blade changes are by far one of the most daunting tasks any DIYer has to undertake. With this unit, however, you can change the blade even if you don’t have the right tools. Add the convenience of a tool free blade change to its lightweight cordless portability not to mention a powerful lithium battery and you have yourself a winner.
Flaws but not deal breakers
Perhaps one of the possible flaws that most users encountered with the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B is the fact that it has a short stroke length that is about 7/8 inches. For DIYers looking to prune faster this short stroke length can be a disadvantage, however, if you are looking for precision instead of speed, the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B is still a great pick.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Cordless convenience
- Ideal for precision
- Reliable battery life
Cons
- The short stroke length can be a problem
- Some users noticed vibrations in some cases
2. DEWALT DWE305 12 Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw–Runner’s up
Next up is a corded reciprocating saw that is designed to handle heavy duty projects without even breaking a sweat. We are talking about the DEWALT DWE305.
Design
The DEWALT DWE305 is capable of cutting through heavy gauge metal, drywall, plaster, and even fiberglass. It features a tough and rugged look that is coupled by a comfortable rubberized grip for adequate absorption of excess vibration during operations. In fact, thanks to its ergonomic grip you can work with this reciprocating saw for hours without much fatigue. With a 12 amp motor, this unit is powerful enough to handle most purposes.
Features
It also features a variable speed trigger that allows for easy adjustment of the saw’s cutting power so that you can move from cutting metal at high speed to cutting wood at lower rates with ease. With its 1-1/8 long stroke length, the DEWALT DWE305 offers fast cutting that is a requirement when dealing with thick lumber. Furthermore, changing blades is fast and easy with this unit thank to the keyless lever-action blade clamp.
Performance
Performance wise, the DEWALT DWE305 is by far one of the best tools to have for heavy-duty DIY projects. It boasts of a blade clamp support with four blade positions which is great for flush cutting. Plus, the fact that the keyless lever-action supports effortless-change of the blade is a plus for efficiency. The ample stroke length and the variable speed trigger add to the speed you can achieve with this unit and to top it all off, the unit comes with a generous 3-year warranty.
Flaws but not deal breakers
The DEWALT DWE305 checks all the boxes for most DIYers looking for a reliable tool. However, compared to rival options, it is a bit expensive. Plus it does not come with a set of cutting blades which can be a drawback for some users.
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Ample warranty
- Easy to use
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Cutting blades are not included
- Amp rating could be better
3.Bosch RS7 1-1/8-Inch 11 Amp Reciprocating Saw- best Sawzall for demolition
Let’s be honest, there are only a handful of reciprocating saws out there that can hold up a candle to the Bosch RS7. The reason is simple; the Bosch RS7 can handle anything you throw at it given that it comes with a powerful 11Amp motor. It’s more like the affordable alternative to the DEWALT DWE305.
Design
Designed with the best in class power to weight ration, the Bosch RS7 boasts of a lightweight and compact build that comes with a soft ergonomic handle that offers a decent level of comfort. Basically, if you are looking for a powerful reciprocating saw that also features a powerful grip, the Bosch RS7 is one you cannot miss.
Features
If you are looking for consistency and reliability, the Bosch RS7 can be a good fit. It comes with a tool-less blade change system that adds to the efficiency you can achieve, plus its 1.125-inch stroke length is ideal for plumbers, electricians, and DIYers looking to cut through material fast.
Performance
The lightweight build added to the powerful motor results in an exciting feeling while using the Bosch RS7. It is a variable speed saw that comes with a reciprocating blade capable of delivering smooth cuts. Plus with two LED lights attached, you can achieve precise cutting even in a dark environment.
Flaws but not deal breakers
Although the Bosch RS7 if easy to use especially with the tool-less blade change, some users have complained that the blade release has issues at times.
Pros
- Comes with LED lights for precision
- Comfortable grip
- Powerful motor
- Durable
Cons
- A bit heavier than rival options
- Complaints about blade release
4. PORTER-CABLE PC75TRS 7.5 Amp – best reciprocating saw for wood
If you are searching for a Sawzall that will easily handle light work cutting of steel ornaments or wooden fences, the PORTER-CABLE PC75TRS will work just fine.
Design
This unit comes with a pivoting shoe that allows you to maneuver easily around objects and its soft grip on the rear handle does a great job at minimizing the vibration when you use it for prolonged hours.
Features
You can also achieve fast and effortless blade change thanks to its twist-lock blade clamp. The PORTER-CABLE PC75TRS only weights 7.2 pounds make it a lightweight tool for most lightweight tasks. The two-finger variable speed trigger is also a decent addition for precision and control.
Performance
The PORTER-CABLE PC75TRS is pretty easy to control; you can set it to a fast cutting speed or a slow one with the variable speed trigger. Apart from that, the unit also comes with a 4-inch blade for cutting wood which is a great convenience, especially for beginners.
Flaws but not deal breakers
With a 7.5 amp motor, the PORTER-CABLE PC75TRS can provide effective cutting. However, some users noted that the blade’s stroke length is a bit too long for precise cutting. This, however, makes the PORTER-CABLE PC75TRS a decent choice for those who are looking for fast tree pruning.
Pros
- Reliable motor capacity
- Comes with a variable speed trigger
- Beginner friendly
- Soft grip
Cons
- It’s not ideal for heavy duty tasks
5. Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 – best cordless sawzall for pruning trees
Any commercial electrician will admit that most of the time the work involves cutting through thin and medium thickness metals. For such type of work, a cordless Sawzall that can allow you to make cuts with one hand can be perfect. No other unit fits this purpose better than the Milwaukee 2625-20 M18.
Design
Although the Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 is not designed for demolition, it fits perfectly for users who need a portable cordless tool with a superior one-handed design. This unit comes with an anti-vibration handle that easily reduces fatigue during operations.
Features
Its lightweight compact build quality is among its most attractive features. This unit only weighs about 4 pounds. It comes with a variable speed that goes up to 3,000 spm and with its ¾ inch strokes you can achieve speed and precision at the same time.
Performance
To make work easy for you whenever you want to change the blades, the Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 comes with a quick lok blade clamp that only requires you to tighten and loosen to replace the blades. Furthermore, the onboard LED lighting makes it easy to achieve precision even in a dark room.
Flaws but not deal breakers
The Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 is easy to operate thanks to its compact build and a one-handed design. However, it is a bit underpowered for heavy duty tasks plus exposure to water can cause problems.
Pros
- Portable and compact design
- Comfortable handling
- Easy to use
- Reliable battery life
Cons
- It’s not recommended for heavy-duty tasks
6. Ryobi P515 One – best for metal
If you are looking for an affordable alternative to the Milwaukee 2625-20 M18, the Ryobi P515 One+ Cordless Reciprocating Saw will fit you perfectly.
Design
This unit comes with a high cutting capacity thanks to its 18 v battery-powered machine that peaks at 3,100 reciprocations per minute. Without a doubt, this is more than enough for demolition, landscaping and any kind of renovation.
Features
Ryobi P515 One+ Cordless Reciprocating Saw also features a comfortable anti-vibration handle that prevents slippage or fatigue. With its adjustable pivot shoe, you can adjust the depth of your cuts to improve precision and effectiveness with minimal effort.
Performance
Basically, the Ryobi P515 One+ is a cordless reciprocating saw that is affordable and also easy to use. The tool-less blade clamp makes it a decent pick for saving time during operations. Furthermore, its 7/8 inch stoke is a plus for improved cutting precision of metal, plastic as well as wood.
Flaws but not deal breakers
Although this unit brings about convenience as much as the Milwaukee 2625-20 M18, it could do with some improvement to its battery life span. This is, however, a small price to pay for its affordability.
Pros
- Affordable
- Comfortable grip
- Easy to switch blades
- Adjustable pivot shoe
Cons
- Battery life could be better
Conclusion
In conclusion, even though the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B is not the most powerful tool for heavy duty use, it offers a perfect balance of lightweight convenience and reliable performance making it a favorite among DIYers and professional technicians. However, if you have a deconstruction job at hand, we recommend going with the Bosch RS7 since it’s powerful and affordable. In case you are able to spend some more, going with the DEWALT DWE305 will almost always be a wise choice.
Also Read: Router Table Guide & Air compressor buying guide
