Best Reciprocating Saw Reviews

A reciprocating saw is a demolition and rough-cutting tool. Contractors and DIYers use it for remodeling, plumbing, HVAC and electrical work, pruning and cutting through nailed lumber.

Below we compare seven corded and cordless models.

OUR TOP PICK

Our top pick is the Worx WX550L 20V Axis 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw. This is a battery-powered reciprocating saw that also doubles as a jigsaw. It is light and easy to handle, and a built-in dust blower keeps the cut line visible.

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The Best Reciprocating Saws Are:

Product	Details
1. Worx WX550L 20V Axis 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw	1. Worx WX550L 20V Axis 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw Top Pick	- Speed: 3,000 SPM - Power Source: Battery-Powered - Weight: 4.2 pounds	Check Current Price
2. Tacklife Reciprocating Saw with Rotating Handle	2. Tacklife Reciprocating Saw with Rotating Handle	- Speed: 0 to 2,800 SPM - Power: 7 amps - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 9.55 pounds	Check Current Price
3. Black+Decker BDCR20C 20V Max Reciprocating Saw	3. Black+Decker BDCR20C 20V Max Reciprocating Saw	- Speed: 3,000 SPM - Power Source: Battery-Powered - Weight: 4.5 pounds	Check Current Price
4. SKIL 9206-02 7.5 Amp Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw	4. SKIL 9206-02 7.5 Amp Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw	- Speed: 0 to 2,700 SPM - Power: 7.5 amps - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: not verified	Check Current Price
5. Porter-Cable PCC670B 20V Max Reciprocating Saw	5. Porter-Cable PCC670B 20V Max Reciprocating Saw	- Speed: 0-3,000 SPM - Power Source: Battery-Powered - Weight: 4 pounds	Check Current Price
6. Dewalt DCS380B 20V Max Reciprocating Saw	6. Dewalt DCS380B 20V Max Reciprocating Saw	- Speed: 0-3,000 SPM - Power Source: Battery-Powered - Weight: 6 pounds	Check Current Price
7. Makita JR3050T 11-Amp Reciprocating Saw	7. Makita JR3050T 11-Amp Reciprocating Saw	- Speed: 0-2,800 SPM - Power: 11 amps - Power Source: Electric-Powered - Weight: 7.28 pounds	Check Current Price

1. Worx WX550L 20V Axis 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw

The WORX WX550L is a 2-in-1 saw: a pivoting head switches it between a reciprocating saw and a jigsaw in seconds.

It takes standard reciprocating saw blades and T-shank jigsaw blades, so replacements are easy to find. If you need both tools but lack the money or space for two, this saves both.

Its 20V battery fits other WORX 20V tools. It is a light-duty saw, not a demolition tool.

Specs

Speed: 3,000 SPM
Power Source: Battery-Powered
Weight: 4.2 pounds

Pros

You can use it as a reciprocating saw and a jigsaw
Shares batteries with WORX 20V tools
It is lightweight and very easy to handle
It maintains great visibility, thanks to the dust-blower

Cons

It is a little bit more expensive
Not powerful enough for heavy demolition

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2. Tacklife Reciprocating Saw with Rotating Handle

This mid-priced corded saw has a 7-amp motor, a variable speed trigger from 0 to 2,800 strokes per minute and a 1 1/8-inch stroke.

Its handle rotates to three positions, and an LED light shows the work area. It comes with a storage case, a 6T and a 14T blade, and a pivoting shoe.

Tacklife products can be hard to find now, so check availability.

Specs

Speed: 0 to 2,800 SPM
Power: 7 amps
Power Source: Electric-Powered
Weight: 9.55 pounds

Pros

It features a variable speed setting
It comes with a rotating handle that makes it easy to control
It comes with a working light to provide you with more visibility

Cons

Some users said the handle needs some improvement

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3. Black+Decker BDCR20C 20V Max Reciprocating Saw

The Black+Decker BDCR20C is a light cordless saw with a variable speed trigger up to 3,000 SPM and tool-free blade changes.

It is listed with an electric brake that stops the blade quickly when you release the trigger. With the right blade it cuts wood, plastic and thin metal, but it is meant for light jobs. The package of this unit includes 1 BDCR20 reciprocating saw, 1 reciprocating blade, 1 20V max lithium battery, and charger.

Specs

Speed: 3,000 SPM
Power Source: Battery-Powered
Weight: 4.5 pounds

Pros

Battery and charger included
Light and easy to control
Electric brake system for added safety

Cons

There is a report that it shakes a lot.

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4. SKIL 9206-02 7.5 Amp Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw

The SKIL 9206-02 is an affordable corded saw with a 7.5-amp motor, variable speed up to 2,700 SPM and tool-free blade changes.

A counterbalance helps reduce vibration, and a pivoting foot keeps the saw stable against the work. It suits small projects around the home rather than daily demolition.

Specs

Speed: 0 to 2,700 SPM
Power: 7.5 amps
Power Source: Electric-Powered
Weight: not verified

Pros

This is one of the most affordable reciprocating saws out there.
There is a pivoting foot that you can use to get more stability when cutting materials.
You can change the blades without needing more tools.
It is a good all-around-tool in the household.

Cons

Some said it is not for bigger carpentry works.

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5. Porter-Cable PCC670B 20V Max Reciprocating Saw

The Porter-Cable PCC670B is an affordable 20V MAX cordless saw for DIYers and homeowners. It has a variable speed trigger from 0 to 3,000 SPM.

With this feature, you can adjust the speed of the blade to suit the material you are cutting. It comes with a tool-free blade release system, which means you do not need any tool to remove the blade. This feature comes in really handy, as it helps to reduce downtime.

Its compact design reaches tight spaces, and it weighs about 4 pounds without a battery.

The "B" model is the bare tool, so the battery and charger are sold separately. It is built for homeowner use rather than daily jobsite abuse.

In all, it is a great reciprocating saw that delivers great performance. It also comes with a contoured over-molded handle for increased comfort. The overall length of this unit is 14.5 inches.

Specs

Speed: 0-3,000 SPM
Power Source: Battery-Powered
Weight: 4 pounds

Pros

Variable speed trigger for increased control
Tool-free blade release for easy and quick blade change
High-performance drivetrain for aggressive cutting
Affordable price

Cons

You have to purchase the battery and charger separately

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6. Dewalt DCS380B 20V Max Reciprocating Saw

The Dewalt DCS380B is a 20V MAX cordless reciprocating saw. DeWALT now lists it as discontinued, so you may find it only as remaining stock.

Per DeWALT's DCS380B page, its variable speed trigger runs from 0 to 3,000 SPM.

It has a 1 1/8-inch stroke and a 4-position keyless blade clamp for flush cutting and tool-free blade changes.

A pivoting adjustable shoe gives you leverage and lets you use more of the blade's length. The battery, charger and blades are sold separately. DeWALT backs it with a 3-year limited warranty.

Specs

Speed: 0-3,000 SPM
Power Source: Battery-Powered
Weight: 6 pounds

Pros

Variable speed trigger for more control
Powerful and highly efficient
4-position blade clamp for flush cuts
Soft, over-molded grip for comfort

Cons

It does not come with a blade, battery, and charger
Discontinued

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7. Makita JR3050T 11-Amp Reciprocating Saw

The Makita JR3050T is a corded saw with an 11-amp motor for heavy-duty tasks. It weighs about 7.3 pounds.

It has a variable speed trigger from 0 to 2,800 SPM. For efficient and effective cutting, this unit comes with a blade stroke length of 1.125 inches.

This tool handles metal, drywall, wood, plastics, demolition and remodeling work.

It has a tool-less blade change system and an adjustable shoe.

Makita backs it with a 1-year warranty. The package includes a 6” 6TPI reciprocating saw blade, 6” metal cutting reciprocating saw blade, 18TPI (723054-A-1), and a tool case.

Makita also engineered this tool with all ball and needle bearings to extend the life of the tool. It comes with durable body design. The protective rubber boot seals the bearings and motor from debris and dust.

Specs

Speed: 0-2,800 SPM
Power: 11 amps
Power Source: Electric-Powered
Weight: 7.28 pounds

Pros

Corded power for heavy demolition
An 11-amp motor that can handle a wide range of applications
A tool-free blade system

Cons

The quality of the blade lock can be improved

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Why You Should Have A Reciprocating Saw

As mentioned above, there are plenty of uses for the reciprocating saw, or Sawzall. But here are some of the reasons why you should have one in your tools:

It Is A Portable Tool

Portability is one of its strongest suits. Reciprocating saws come in corded or cordless forms. The cordless ones offer more portability since they run on batteries and there is no cumbersome cord to deal with while working but the corded ones are still compact and lightweight enough to be considered portable.

It Is A Versatile Tool

With the right blade, a reciprocating saw cuts wood, nail-embedded lumber, metal pipe, PVC and drywall. It is a rough-cutting tool, so use a jigsaw or circular saw when you need clean or precise cuts.

It Offers Variable Speed Settings

Most reciprocating saws today have variable speed. Start slowly to set the blade in the cut, use lower speeds for metal, and full speed for wood.

The Strokes It Can Deliver Have More Depth

Longer strokes are faster while the shorter ones can be used for making plunge cuts. You can make strokes as long as 1 ¼ inch and as short as ¾ inch.

It Is Convenient To Use

It cuts in awkward spots where other saws cannot reach, such as between studs or flush against a floor. Masonry needs a special carbide or diamond grit blade, and even then progress is slow.

Which One Should You Get?

All these products are great options but let us help you decide on the best one that suits your needs:

Great For Multiple Projects: Worx WX550L 20V Axis 2-In-1 Reciprocating Saw

Since this saw works as a reciprocating saw and a jigsaw, it covers many light projects. You may not need to buy a separate jigsaw.

Packed With Features: Tacklife Reciprocating Saw With Rotating Handle

This one has many useful features, including variable speed, a rotating handle and a built-in light.

Has An Electric Brake: Black + Decker BDCR20C 20V Max Reciprocating Saw

What sets this apart from the others is that it comes with an electric brake, which works well with its variable speed setting. This actually allows you to get more control over your reciprocating saw.

Great For Household Usage: SKIL 9206-02 7.5 Amp Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw

If you only need a saw for household use, this should have the features you need to get the job done. It also has an affordable price tag.

Great For Diyers And Homeowners: Porter-Cable PCC670B 20V Max Reciprocating Saw

If you are looking for the best Sawzall for carving, trimming, and cutting, then this is one of your best options. It is one of the best options for homeowners and DIYers.

Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw For Prolonged Use: Dewalt DCS380B 20V Max Reciprocating Saw

Cordless convenience, a 4-position blade clamp and a pivoting shoe make it a solid choice if you already own DeWALT 20V batteries.

Best For Heavy-Duty Tasks: Makita JR3050T 11-Amp Reciprocating Saw

If you are looking for the best electric-powered reciprocating saw for heavy-duty tasks, then this is your best option.

You may also want to add a couple of sawhorses to use with your reciprocating saw. You may also want to learn about other types of saws. Check out these roundup reviews:

What To Look For When Buying A Reciprocating Saw

To make sure you are buying the best reciprocating saw, here are some key features you need to look for:

Amps

On corded saws, a higher amp rating usually means more cutting power. If you are cutting through thicker types of materials, it makes sense to get a reciprocating saw with a higher amp.

Variable Speed Setting

Find out if it comes with a variable speed feature. Not all reciprocating saws will have this feature. If it does, make sure you check the different speed settings available. It changes the number of strokes the saw can do in just one minute.

Slower speeds are better for metal, and faster speeds for wood.

Orbital Blade

Some saws offer an orbital action that moves the blade in a slight ellipse. It cuts wood faster and more aggressively but leaves a rougher edge.

Turn orbital action off for metal and for cleaner cuts.

Corded/Cordless

Decided whether to get a corded saw or a cordless one? A corded saw can have a lot of benefits such as not worrying about running out of power.

As long as you have an electrical socket to plug it in, you can use it readily. In the case of cordless units, you need to make sure it has sufficient battery power in order to work well.

On the other hand, cordless units are more portable, and they can be used anywhere, even when there isn’t a power source nearby or even if there is a power outage. There is also no cumbersome cord to get in the way of achieving those more intricate cuts.

Ergonomics

Another thing you have to consider is the hand grip. Look for a reciprocating saw that features non-slip handles, so they are easier to work with.

Make sure the handles are big enough to hold without suffering from hand fatigue. It should be easy to hold and maneuver, so you can get the cuts you want.

Anti-vibration features also matter if you plan long demolition sessions.

How To Use A Reciprocating Saw

Unplug the saw or remove the battery before changing blades. OSHA says to disconnect tools before changing accessories.
Before cutting into a wall, floor or ceiling, shut off power to circuits in the area and check for pipes and wires.
Wear safety glasses and gloves, and clamp or support the work so it cannot pinch the blade.
Press the shoe firmly against the work, start slowly, then increase speed.
Let the blade stop before you pull it out of the cut.

What’s Next?

Looking for more tools? Head to our homepage for more product reviews and buying guides.

Conclusion

With the reviews and buyer’s guide in this article, choosing the best reciprocating saw for your needs should no longer be an issue. Our top pick for the best reciprocating saw is the Worx WX550L 20V Axis 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw.

It works as both a reciprocating saw and a jigsaw, and it is light and easy to use. For heavy demolition, choose the corded Makita JR3050T instead.

Sources

20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw (DCS380B), DeWALT
Hand and Power Tools (OSHA 3080), OSHA