Reciprocating saws are the ultimate tool to cut through almost anything. They are most commonly used for demolishing and remodeling, but they won’t do the job right if you pick a model with substandard quality. There are a lot of features to look out for, but our experts have helped narrow down your choices for the best reciprocating saw with a detailed guide.
Reviews of the Best Reciprocating Saws
1. DEWALT 20V Max Reciprocating Saw
The Dewalt 20V Max Reciprocating Saw has a 4-position blade clamp that provides better control and more versatility when cutting wood. The 1-⅛ stroke length makes these battery powered reciprocating saws cut faster with the speed trigger.
From 0-3000 SPM, you can adjust how fast you go and how quickly you get the job done. This also features a heavy duty pivoting shoe that is adjustable to prolong the lifespan of your blade and creates more depth control.
The system in this saw is faster than other options and combines lithium-ion batteries with other innovative technologies.
What We Like
- Versatile application
- Great for any skill level
- 4 position blade clamp
- 1-⅛ stroke length
- Variable speed trigger
- Advanced battery technology
- 3-year warranty
- Pivoting adjustable shoe
- 3000 spm maximum speed
What We Don't Like
- Doesn’t come with the blade
- Battery charger is sold separately
2. BLACK+DECKER 20V Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Cordless reciprocating saws are great if you value portability. Also running on the 20V system, the Black+Decker 20V Max Reciprocating Saw gives you maximum control with the integrated variable speed trigger and the pivoting shoe feature. It’s incredibly lightweight at only a little above 5 pounds, which means less strain on your arm and longer working hours.
For safety, this saw has an electric brake, and the 3000 SPM motor will cut through the toughest materials quickly.
This budget-friendly option also has a tool-less blade change for quick switches for different materials. The lithium-ion battery pack is more efficient and powerful than other models due to the incorporation of the 20V system as well.
What We Like
- 3000 SPM
- Lightweight for working for long periods
- Variable speed trigger feature
- Easy to use and swap blades
- 20 volt MAX system
- Tool-less blade change
- 2-year limited warranty
- Comes with everything you need
- Cordless tool
What We Don't Like
- Might shake a lot
- Limited battery capacity
3. WORX WX550L 20V AXIS 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw and Jigsaw
The WORX WX550L is a 20 volt 2-in-1 reciprocating saw and jigsaw. The easy blade change from one type to another is done with a simple push of a button. What’s amazing about the WX550L is the orbital action blade rather than the traditional back and forth. Our experts felt that the orbital action blade cut through wood and other materials faster with less fatigue.
The WX550L is compatible with both 20V and 40V tools from WORX and the design is only a mere 4 pounds. The lightweight saw design is easy to grip and portable for moving to different job sites. Plus, the battery is impressive, too.
What We Like
- Lightweight design and excellent motor power
- Highly portable
- 2-in-1 jigsaw and reciprocating saw
- Orbital mode feature
- Compatible with 20V and 40V tools
- Easy ergonomic grip
- Simple use
- Tool-free blade changes
What We Don't Like
- Getting the battery separately will be expensive
- Instructions may not be clear to some
4. PORTER-CABLE Reciprocating Saw
Porter Cable 20V MAX reciprocating saws are superior and offer peak performance thanks to their efficiency and power. This battery powered reciprocating saw from Porter-Cable also features a high-performance drivetrain that gives a 1-inch stroke length and 0-3000 SPM.
The compact reciprocating saw also has a tool-free blade change with a quick release button and is great for cutting wood in cramped spaces. Like most other saws, the Porter Cable reciprocating saw has a variable speed adjustment trigger feature that will increase the control you have over cutting.
Get ready to work for longer hours without fatigue thanks to the overmolded handle on this recip saw that is designed for comfort. The battery is sold separately, though, so prepare to pay extra.
What We Like
- Battery powered compact saw
- Portable for different job sites
- Quick tool-free blade change release button
- 1-inch stroke length
- 0-3000 strokes per minute (SPM)
- Easy to use
What We Don't Like
- Battery and battery charger sold separately
- Not the best for heavy duty use
5. GALAX PRO Reciprocating Saw
Not having to wait long for the tool to charge earns the GALAX PRO a spot on our team’s list. The 20 Ah battery of this recip saw charges in as little as an hour and has a battery indicator so you won’t ever be caught off guard.
A variable speed trigger is also present in these reciprocating saws, with your choice of 0-3000 strokes per minute. The speeds allow you to effortlessly cut through fiberglass, metal, or cast iron. The blade change can be implemented with a lever without requiring any tools.
This GALAX PRO Reciprocating Saw is light in weight and provides excellent performance. Plus, it features a good grip to lessen strain when cutting wood.
What We Like
- Tool-less blade change
- Easily portable
- Fast charging lithium-ion battery
- Soft and comfortable grip
- Variable speeds
- Powerful cooling
- Great for one-handed cutting
- Comes with different blades
- 3000 maximum SPM
What We Don't Like
- Blade can get stuck
- Better for smaller projects
6. SnapFresh Cordless Reciprocating Saw
The SnapFresh Cordless Reciprocating Saw offers a wider range of motion compared to corded reciprocating saws. It cuts faster and is ultra-light weight for quick cutting of wood and other materials. The battery powered compact saw makes one-handed jobs easier and the battery can reach a full charge in just one hour.
There are different blades that come with the kit. In addition, the quick switch on the saw is easy and safe with an auto-lock chuck on the clamp and also a tool-less blade switch design.
The powerful motor on this power tool has an adjustable cutting speed ranging from 0-3000 SPM.
What We Like
- Very lightweight
- Comes with different reciprocating saw blades
- Has a protective lock
- Fast-charging battery with long battery life
- Suited for a variety of materials
- Ergonomic handle
- Seamless blade changes
- Great for one-hand operation
- Speed control
- Easy to use
What We Don't Like
- Better for light cutting work
- Buttons are widely spaced
7. Milwaukee 2722-20 M18 Fuel Super Sawzall Reciprocating Saw
The Milwaukee 2722-20 Super Sawzall Reciprocating Saw rounds out our expert saw recommendations. It’s highly priced compared to other design options such as the one from Dewalt due to the integration of more features. For example, there is a rafter hook on the design that allows you to store the saw easily when you’re finished with your cutting task. It’s also light in weight.
The M18 fuel saw also features an LED light that can light up the way to minimize cutting errors. The 1-¼ inch stroke length and variable speed trigger will give you longer strokes to get through more material each time. In addition, the battery lasts long as well.
You can also check other models including our review of Milwaukee 2821-20.
What We Like
- Highly compatible with existing power tools
- Light in weight
- Bright LED light
- Easy to change blades when cutting
- Longer blade stroke
- Powerful saw
- Features a rafter hook for storage
- Long battery life
- Brushless motor
- Redlink Plus intelligence for cooling
- Easy to use
What We Don't Like
- More expensive
- Blade locking mechanism isn’t efficient
Reciprocating Saws Buyer’s Guide
As staple power tools in wood projects and demolition work, the best reciprocating saws should be well priced, have everything you need, including a powerful motor, reliable cutting performance, and a long battery life. Our team has put together different features to consider when you’re looking to buy your first reciprocating saw in the market.
Motor Power and Speed
How fast you can complete your DIY projects and how efficiently is dictated by the motor power and the speed of the reciprocating saw. Let’s talk about the speed of the blade first, which is referred to as the SPM, or strokes per minute. Most of the options our team introduced have 3000 SPM, which is what you should look for.
Most reciprocating saws like MAKITA JR3050T with variable speed triggers that can control the speed via trigger pressure. However, there are some that have a variable speed dial design that’s more hands-on. Our team recommends the speed trigger for control because it doesn’t require you to stop what you’re doing to change speeds on the recip saw.
The next consideration is motor power. The power of your saw greatly hinges on this. A 12 amp [1] is basic and very common in professional grade tools. This will make sure you can cut through a variety of materials with minimal trouble. Our experts do not recommend going for saws that have any less than 5 amps for cordless options. On the other hand, don’t go for anything less than a 7 amp corded model.
A brushless motor is also more efficient and has a quieter operation compared to conventional motors. Plus, a brushless motor is also low maintenance.
Corded or Cordless Reciprocating Saw?
Speaking of cordless reciprocating saws and their corded counterparts, it takes us to the next section where our team dives deep into which power source is a better fit for you.
Other than giving you more range of motion, a cordless reciprocating saw is also more portable. However, due to having a larger battery in some models to store more juice and extend battery life, a cordless reciprocating saw can be heavier than one with a corded power source.
A corded saw can usually generate more power than its cordless counterpart due to having access to a power source. If you have it plugged in, you could potentially cut wood or perform construction jobs for long work hours without having to stop. A cordless model tends to have less power for standard reciprocating saw blades and can’t cut through as many tough materials, but they’re great for light projects and overhead. There are some models with a fast charger, though.
So, which power source would our team recommend? One of the best things about cordless saws is they are better than corded options for tight spaces and those who work in more than one job site. If there are no electrical outlets in your work environment, then we also strongly recommend a cordless option with a long battery life.
If having enough power is not an issue at work, then a corded saw offers a whole lot of power to the blades and can cut through more materials from metal to plastic. Corded models are better that cordless reciprocating saws for heavy-duty tasks but do be careful not to trip on the cord. You can always compensate for the shorter range with a longer extension cord as well.
Blades
Although these tools cannot perform plunge cuts, some reciprocating saws can come with a variety of different blades suited for different cutting jobs. Even if your model doesn’t, it should be able to accommodate blade switches, in case you perform different jobs such as cutting pipes, pruning tree branches, home improvement, or demolition work.
There are blades better for cutting wood, while other reciprocating saw blades are ideal for metal or fiberglass. A metal cutting blade is tougher than a wood cutting one, and it will cut through materials such as nails, pipes, nail-embedded wood, and metal conduits. However, you might not need metal blades if you don’t work on this material. Consider what you cut at work to decide on the which reciprocating saw blade you need and how many to get. If you work both on a demolition project and a home project, you can purchase a kit of blades to complete your arsenal.
Our experts will say that an orbital action blade is much more sought after than the traditional back and forth movement. An orbital action blade will not only move horizontally. When in orbital mode, the blade moves in a slightly elliptical motion that will help you slice through construction materials and perform precision cuts and flush cuts with even less force required.
Always choose high quality reciprocating saw blades. The right blade will last longer, be more effective and also won’t snag and stick as much during work time.