A reciprocating saw is one of the most versatile saws available, being able to cut through just about anything. However, choosing the right one can be difficult, so in this article, we’re going to review five of the best reciprocating saw available to help you find the best one to fit your needs and budget.
Comparison Table
| Product | Name | Features | Latest Price |
|---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK | 1. WORX WX550L 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw |
| CHECK PRICE |
RUNNER UP | 2. Ryobi P514 One+ Reciprocating Saw |
| CHECK PRICE |
  | 3. DEWALT Bare-Tool DC385B Reciprocating Saw |
| CHECK PRICE |
  | 4. Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 FUEL SAWZALL Reciprocating Saw |
| CHECK PRICE |
  | 5. DEWALT DWE305 Reciprocating Saw |
| CHECK PRICE |
Best Reciprocating Saws Review
1. DEWALT Bare-Tool DC385B Reciprocating Saw
If you need a small, portable, and lightweight reciprocating saw, the DEWALT Bare-Tool DC385B Reciprocating Saw is one such option to look into. It is not particularly expensive, it’s user-friendly, and made for handypersons who are on the go. It’s not the most powerful model around, but it can hold its own.
Product Highlights
The DEWALT Bare-Tool DC385B Reciprocating Saw is a cordless reciprocating saw which requires 18-volt batteries. Being cordless comes in handy because you don’t have to worry about power cords being in the way; it helps with portability and versatility.
However, do keep in mind that battery-powered power tools are just not that powerful in general, especially when compared to corded or gasoline-powered tools. The problem can be that the battery life just is not that good; you would be lucky to get 30 minutes of use out of it on a single charge, plus the charger does not come included with this model.
With all of that being said, although it is a battery powered model, the DEWALT Bare-Tool DC385B Reciprocating Saw can produce up to 3,000 RPM. This reciprocating saw comes with a variable-speed motor, so you can choose how fast the blade moves. It comes in handy depending on the materials you are cutting.
Something else you might like here is the non-slip sure grip rubber handle that is both comfortable and easy to hold, which helps with safety concerns. Moreover, the DEWALT Bare-Tool DC385B Reciprocating Saw has a pivoting adjustable shoe so you can change the blade position with ease. It also comes with a key-free blade clamp for quick blade changes when needed.
The Good
We like the DEWALT Bare-Tool DC385B Reciprocating Saw for several reasons, mainly because it is small, lightweight, compact, and portable. It’s a great tool to have if you are moving from one jobsite to another. This is also true thanks to the fact that it uses batteries, plus it has a good cutting speed with a variable speed motor.
The Bad
Something you might not like so much about the DEWALT Bare-Tool DC385B Reciprocating Saw is that it does not come with battery or the charger included. Moreover, you will want to buy 2 batteries here so you can always charge one while the other is in use. The battery life isn’t that great, especially if you need to get big jobs done. Also, this saw doesn’t come with blades.
Pros
- Lightweight and user friendly
- Variable speed motor
- Really good handle
- Convenient and portable
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Blades not included
- Battery life is not great
2. Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 FUEL SAWZALL Reciprocating Saw
This saw comes in at roughly 3 times the price of the first reciprocating saw we looked at, but with that said, it does come a carrying case, a charge, the battery, and a blade. In other words, you actually get a full saw with everything you need to get started, instead of just the bare tool itself. Other than that, the Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 FUEL SAWZALL Reciprocating Saw is fine option to keep in mind for a variety of reasons.
Product Highlights
One thing which is fairly impressive about the Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 FUEL SAWZALL Reciprocating Saw is that it has a lot of power behind it. The included battery is quite strong and can deliver a fair amount of power, and therefore has fast cutting speeds too.
When it comes down to it, this saw is more powerful than the previous model we looked at. The brushless motor requires less maintenance than other motors, provides 30% more cutting speed than other reciprocating saws, and lasts up to 5 times longer than other saw motors. Moreover, the shell is very tough too.
Therefore, the main product highlight of the Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 FUEL SAWZALL Reciprocating Saw is that it is very durable, fast cutting, long lasting, and powerful. Keep in mind that this is when compared to other cordless reciprocating saws. The battery life is about twice that of other comparable models, but still, it’s really not all that long.
Another thing to note here is that this saw comes with a motor optimization system which constantly communicates to ensure optimal power usage and to prevent overheating and electrical issues. The integrated LED work light is another cool feature because it allows you to see what you are doing at all times. The adjustable shoe is a good addition because you can change the position of the blade to suit your needs.
The Good
We like the Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 FUEL SAWZALL Reciprocating Saw for its big and powerful motor, its fast cutting speed, and its long-lasting design. In terms of battery-powered saws, we were surprised at how powerful this thing is.
The Bad
Something which you may not like all that much about the Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 FUEL SAWZALL Reciprocating Saw is that it is heavy. It has a good motor, runs fast, and is powerful, but it is also not very lightweight. You might start to fatigue while of using it. Also, it’s not that small, so getting into tight spaces can be a bit of a problem. As is the case with most battery-powered tools, keep in mind that you probably want to have a second battery ready to go.
Pros
- Very powerful
- Great battery life
- Durable and long lasting
Cons
- Big and heavy
- Require 2 batteries for longer runtime
3. DEWALT DWE305 Reciprocating Saw
The DEWALT DWE305 Reciprocating Saw is very similar to the first DEWALT reciprocating saw we looked at. The major difference is that this model is a corded model that requires a power outlet, whereas the other one was a cordless model.
Product Highlights
One highlight worth mentioning about this DEWALT DWE305 Reciprocating Saw is that it comes with a 4-position adjustable blade clamp that allows for multiple blade positions and flush cutting. The position of the blade is very easy to adjust. Moreover, what is also nice is that this reciprocating saw comes with a keyless lever-action blade clamp; in other words, you can easily change the blade without the use of tools.
Something else you might appreciate about the DEWALT DWE305 Reciprocating Saw is that it is corded, so you never have to worry about dealing with battery life, but of course, cords can sometimes get in the way.
Furthermore, this particular option has a fairly strong 12-amp motor, which is quite strong considering how small and lightweight this saw is; even though it is small and lightweight, it still manages to deliver a decent amount of power. It has a maximum stroke speed of 2,900 strokes per minute and comes with a variable speed trigger so you can easily control the blade stoke speed.
The Good
With the DEWALT DWE305 Reciprocating Saw, you never have to worry about batteries. Furthermore, the saw itself is fairly small and lightweight, yet it still manages to deliver a good amount of cutting power. It’s not the biggest or strongest reciprocating saw around, but it should be able to handle most jobs. The variable speed trigger and the keyless blade change system are both nice additions. Also, the DEWALT DWE305 Reciprocating Saw comes at a very good price considering its fairly high level of quality.
The Bad
One thing which you might not like about this item is that the basic model does not come with the blades. If you want to buy the DEWALT DWE305 Reciprocating Saw with blades, you will have to pay a good deal more. Moreover, we have to say that the power cord on this thing is a bit on the short side, which is not convenient in the least. On a side note, this is a corded saw, but the blade speed is slower than the DEWALT model with a battery instead of a cord.
Pros
- Comfortable handle
- Small and lightweight
- Variable speed trigger
- Easy to change blades
Cons
- Blades will cost extra
- Slower than the battery powered version
- Short power cord
4. WORX WX550L 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw
If you are in need of a really versatile and effective saw, the WORX WX550L 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw is a cool option to go with. This is actually a 2-in-1 saw that doubles as another kind of saw besides a reciprocating saw. It also has some other really neat features, not to mention that it does not cost that much either.
Product Highlights
One thing which is pretty impressive about the WORX WX550L 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw is that it uses a pretty powerful 20 volt battery. This battery lends a lot of power to the motor so you can make bigger cuts through thicker materials with ease. When it comes to cordless reciprocating saws, this model is actually surprisingly powerful and delivers pretty fast blade speeds as well.
However, the most impressive aspect of the WORX WX550L 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw is that it pivots to a vertical blade position. In other words, with the touch of a button, you can convert this from a reciprocating saw to a jigsaw. The fact that you can find a 2-in-1 jigsaw and reciprocating saw is totally awesome and it allows you to complete more jobs with the WORX WX550L 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw than with any other reciprocating saw.
You might also be interested to know that the WORX WX550L 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw is compatible with virtually all jigsaw and reciprocating saw blades. Moreover, the tool-free blade change system eliminates the need for tools to change the blade and makes things much easier. The WORX WX550L 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw also comes with a blower to get rid of sawdust so you can actually see what is going on. It also weighs under 4 pounds and comes with a nice handle, so it is also easy and comfortable to hold for extended periods of time.
The Good
The good part about the WORX WX550L 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw is that you can convert it from a reciprocating saw to a jigsaw at a moment’s notice. This is hands-down one of the most convenient things that we have seen in a very long time. Besides that, the motor is quite strong, yet the entire saw is lightweight and comfortable to use.
The Bad
The bad part about the WORX WX550L 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw is that you want to have 2 batteries on hand, as 1 just won’t last for that long. Also, the battery and the charger do not come included, which is a definite drawback.
Pros
- Quite powerful
- Converts into a jigsaw
- Has a sawdust blower
- Lightweight
Cons
- Battery life is terrible
- Battery and charger not included
5. Ryobi P514 One+ Reciprocating Saw
If you need a really affordable and basic reciprocating saw that can perform simple tasks, the Ryobi P514 One+ Reciprocating Saw is a great option. It’s nothing too special, but actually has an impressive amount of power and speed for its size, not to mention that the tool itself is quite durable.
Product Highlights
The Ryobi P514 One+ Reciprocating Saw is very lightweight and compact. It comes at a fairly small size and only weighs 4 pounds. It also comes with a really comfortable handle. These features combine to make this one of the most user-friendly reciprocating saws around that won’t cause fatigue too fast. The handle is also specially designed to minimize vibrations, another feature which makes the Ryobi P514 One+ Reciprocating Saw comfortable and easy to use, not to mention more accurate.
The Ryobi P514 One+ Reciprocating Saw is a battery-powered reciprocating saw, one that is compatible with multiple batteries. This is convenient because different batteries work for it, but keep in mind that the battery life is not very good. You will probably want to have 2 batteries at all times so you can have a spare ready to go.
With that being said, the Ryobi P514 One+ Reciprocating Saw does have an impressive amount of power, at least when the battery is at fully power. It can deliver blade speeds of up to 3,100 strokes per minute, which should be more than fast enough to deal with any job at hand. Something else you might like about the Ryobi P514 One+ Reciprocating Saw is that it features a tool-free blade changing system. You don’t need any kind of tools to change the blades, which allows blade changes to be completed in mere seconds.
The Good
The good part about the Ryobi P514 One+ Reciprocating Saw is that it is so lightweight, compact, and comfortable to use. It comes with a number of important features which contribute to this. Moreover, while the battery is at full power, the motor is fairly strong and this allows for fast blade speeds. Finally, the tool-free blade change system is a big bonus, not to mention that this is one of the most cost-effective options on the market today.
The Bad
Something which you will not like about the Ryobi P514 One+ Reciprocating Saw is that the battery life is not good at all. When trying to cut big pieces, it will not last very long. Moreover, neither the battery nor the charger is included, so they will be a separate purchase – and expense. Also, this saw does not come with a factory warranty, another definite drawback.
Pros
- Compatible with multiple batteries
- Fast blade speeds
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons
- Bad battery life
- Battery and charger not included
- No factory warranty
Best Reciprocating Saw Buyer’s Guide
Before you go out and buy a reciprocating saw, there are some main features and factors you want to look for.
Corded vs. Cordless
One thing to determine is whether you want a corded or cordless reciprocating saw. On one hand, cords may get in the way, but you never have to worry about batteries. On the other hand, if you have a battery-powered model, you never have to worry about finding power outlets, but battery-powered tools often have horrible runtimes on a single charge.
Blade Speed
Another thing you want to look for before buying any reciprocating saw is how fast the blade moves. Some blades only move at 2,000 or 2,5000 strokes per minute, while others can reach 4,000 strokes per minutes. The faster the blade moves, the faster the work gets done. You are best off if you manage to find a reciprocating saw with a variable speed trigger that allows you to choose the blade speed.
Size and Weight
Something else to keep in mind is how big and heavy the reciprocating saw in question is. On one hand, a big and heavy saw is probably going to have a bigger blade, be more durable, and have more power behind it, making it a bigger option better for bigger jobs. However, smaller reciprocating saws won’t cause as much fatigue and are much more portable.
Adjustable Shoe
The shoe is the apparatus that surrounds the blade and if you find one that is adjustable, you are in luck. If you have an adjustable shoe, it can help increase cutting efficiency and reduce vibrations. Moreover, being able to change the position of the blade allows for more versatility.
Blade Changes
Changing the blade can be a bit difficult if you have to dig up additional tools. However, many reciprocating saws now are made with tool-free blade change systems, which is definitely something you want to look for.
Best Reciprocating Saws FAQ
Can a reciprocating saw cut through nails?
Yes, these saws can cut through pretty much anything short of rocks and bricks. Pieces of lumber with nails in them should not pose a problem in the least.
Are reciprocating saw blades interchangeable?
Yes, the beauty of these saws is that the blades have a universal shank, making the interchangeable between all reciprocating saws.
What is TPI?
When it comes to saw blades, TPI stands for teeth per inch. Fine-toothed blades should be used for thin metals and plastics, with rough-toothed blades being better for wood.
What is the difference between a jigsaw and reciprocating saw?
With a reciprocating saw, the blades move horizontally, whereas with a jigsaw, the blade moves vertically.
Are reciprocating saws with batteries good for the jobsite?
They are definitely convenient in terms of portability, but many contractors go with corded models because always changing and charging batteries gets in the way of productivity.
Conclusion
If you need something that is versatile, lightweight, and easy to use, the WORX WX550L 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw is the way to go because it doubles as a jigsaw too. If you want something affordable and handy, the Ryobi P514 One+ Reciprocating Saw is a prime choice to go with.
