Jigsaws are the default tool for many professionals when doing detailed or finishing work, known for their ability to make fine cuts in angles and curves where a larger saw cannot.
Seasoned carpenters will always be on the lookout for a quality option in this tool, and with good reason – a bad one can turn a project sour in moments.
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A quality jigsaw will be easy to maneuver and possess both cutting power and accuracy at once; even the strongest saw loses value if unable to keep to the line required.
Other factors to consider before purchasing include weight, vibrations, and overall user comfort.
As this article deals with cordless models, in particular, buyers should take special note of the battery life.
Poor battery efficiency can leave the user with a dead tool or case of batteries to replace it, both of them a considerable and unwanted weight to carry to a project.
Our Best Cordless Jigsaw Reviews and Comparisons
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
TOP PICK | 1. DEWALT DCS331B
| Check Price |
RUNNER UP | 2. Makita XVJ03Z
| Check Price |
  | 3. Ryobi One+ P523
| Check Price |
  | 4. Bosch JSH180B
| Check Price |
  | 5. Milwaukee 2445-20 M12
| Check Price |
1. DEWALT DCS331B
Product Highlights
A powerful and compact jigsaw with the durable construction and quality performance that DeWalt is known for.
Features
- Metal components increase durability
- Anti-slip grip for added comfort and protection
- Keyless shoe and blade
- Four bevel positions
The Good
This saw is another example of DeWalt’s commitment to getting the job done, with the precision for finishing work and the power to cut up to half a foot with ease.
The Bad
This model is often sold as ‘tool-only’ and will require the battery to be purchased separately.
Pros
- Compatible with many twenty-volt battery packs
- Cuts up to half an inch
- Four orbital stops
- Keyless blade
Cons
- Dust blower performs poorly
- No light at the front
2. Makita XVJ03Z
Product Highlights
Makita looks out for users with the lightest saw in its class and a computerized engine monitor to prevent overloading.
Features
- Keyless blade can be changed without the need for tools
- Lowest weight in class at a little more than six pounds
- Engine delivers roughly twenty-six hundred strokes per minute
- Two-finger trigger for control and safety
The Good
This saw’s low overall weight and added safety features add to its considerable appeal as a quality tool.
The Bad
This model is sold tool-only as well, and costs somewhat more than similar tools.
Pros
- Automatic engine monitor
- Double-finger trigger for safety
- Lighter than most jigsaws
- Blade changes without tools
Cons
- Does not ship with a battery
- On the costly side
3. Ryobi One+ P523
Product Highlights
This saw has a number of add-ons that make it easier to use than the competition.
Features
- LED headlight illuminates workspace
- Powerful dust blower to keep the working area clean
- Base can be dropped as the blade wears down, bringing fresher teeth near the base into play
- Four orbital positions for easy and efficient use
The Good
This saw includes the ancillary features that experienced carpenters enjoy, including a bright LED bulb to see the project and a quality dust blower to ensure a clear line of sight to the cut.
The Bad
Blade changing is not toolless, and not all standard blades are compatible with this model.
Pros
- Workplace illumination
- Dust control system
- Built-in blade saver system
- Four preset orbital stops
Cons
- Ships without battery or charger
- Blade changing can be tricky
4. Bosch JSH180B
Product Highlights
A fast and compact jigsaw that can be used for hours on end through thick and thin.
Features
- Eighteen-volt engine moving up to twenty-seven hundred strokes per minute
- One-handed blade change for working in tricky areas
- Bevel tilts up to forty-five degrees to the cut
- T-shank blade cuts up to three-eighths of an inch
The Good
This saw offers the power and performance of bulkier tools while weighing in at a breezy four pounds.
The Bad
In addition to shipping as a bare tool, this saw will require Bosch batteries and blades.
Pros
- Battery life is longer than similar tools
- Four pounds
- One-handed blade change
- Blade lock for safety
Cons
- Requires brand name blades and batteries
- Dust blower is subpar
5. Milwaukee 2445-20 M12
Product Highlights
Milwaukee tools does away with the frills to present this simple and sturdy saw.
Features
- Intuitive trigger action and easy to handle in operation
- Exceptionally durable compared to similar tools
- Relatively long battery life
- Twelve-volt engine running up to twenty-eight hundred strokes a minute
The Good
A solid and durable tool that will be easy to use and last through much more demanding work than other models.
The Bad
At twelve volts, the battery is a far cry from many similar tools, and the lack of orbital control is a downside.
Pros
- Extreme durability
- Worksite illumination
- Nonslip handle with rubber coating
- Non-marring insert for easy movement
Cons
- Subpar battery
- No dust control
Conclusion
The jigsaw can be one of the most versatile tools around the workshop, and there are a lot of factors you may want to take into account before making a purchase. Many professionals will reach for the jigsaw even when the task really calls for another tool.
Such a central piece of a toolbox needs to be selected with careful attention to the particular needs of the job at hand. Whatever model you decide on for your project, one feature that bears repeating is the need for proper safety measures.
A jigsaw can often be used in tight quarters or one hand. These are prime conditions for potentially lethal accidents, and so finding a model with reliable blade locks or guards should be a priority for every carpenter.
Note that many of the models listed above are ‘bare-tool’, and so will not come with accessories or batteries. Buyers should carefully check whether their chosen tool is compatible with their existing stocks of blades, batteries, and other accouterments before finalizing their purchase.
