Sawzall vs Reciprocating Saw: How Do They Differ?
Contents
- Sawzall vs Reciprocating Saws of Other Brands: Reviews
- 1. Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 Sawzall : Overall Best
- 2. Milwaukee 6519-30 12A Sawzall : Best Corded Design
- 3. Milwaukee 6538-21 15A Sawzall : Best Constant Power
- 4. Makita JR3050T Reciprocating Saw : Overall Best
- 5. Black+Decker BDCR20C Reciprocating Saw : Easiest Tool-Free Blade Change
- 6. Dewalt DCS388B Reciprocating Saw : Best Brushless Motor
- How To Pick The Right Tool
- Corded vs Cordless
- Short or Long Stroke Length
- Reciprocating Saw Vs Sawzall: Which Is The Better Option?
- What Is In The Name?
- What About The Designs?
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
Sawzall vs reciprocating saw, which provides better cutting performance and versatility?
Reciprocating saws go by many names, such as sabre saws, recip saws, and even Milwaukee's brand name, Sawzall.
As the name suggests, a reciprocating saw drives its blade forward and backward in a straight, push-pull motion, like a piston.
That motion, plus the right blade, lets it cut wood, nail-embedded lumber, metal pipe, plastic, Masonite and drywall.
So the real question is whether Milwaukee's Sawzall line is a better option than other brands of reciprocating saws.
OUR TOP PICK
Our top Sawzall saws pick is the Milwaukee 2720-20 M18. It offers strong cordless cutting performance, overload protection and versatility.
OUR TOP PICK
Our top reciprocating saws pick is the Makita JR3050T. This model combines a strong corded motor with a long stroke and tool-free blade changes.
Sawzall vs Reciprocating Saws of Other Brands: Reviews
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 Sawzall | 1. Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 Sawzall Top Sawzall Saw | - Battery powered - Powerstate brushless motor - Redlink plus intelligence - Onboard LED - Adjustable shoe | Check Current Price |
| 2. Milwaukee 6519-30 12A Sawzall | 2. Milwaukee 6519-30 12A Sawzall | - Powerful 12-amp motor - Variable speed trigger - QUIK-LOK blade clamp system - Rubber boot - Gear protection system | Check Current Price |
| 3. Milwaukee 6538-21 15A Sawzal | 3. Milwaukee 6538-21 15A Sawzal | - 15-amp motor - Constant power technology - Patented gear protecting clutch - Dial speed control and variable speed trigger - QUIK-LOK blade clamp | Check Current Price |
| 4. Makita JR3050T Reciprocating Saw | 4. Makita JR3050T Reciprocating Saw Top Reciprocating Saw | - 11-amp motor - Long stroke length of 1-1/8 inches - Tool-free blade changes - Variable speed trigger | Check Current Price |
| 5. Black+Decker BDCR20C Reciprocating Saw | 5. Black+Decker BDCR20C Reciprocating Saw | - Powered by a 20V max Li-ion battery - Up to 3,000 SPM - Variable speed control - Tool-free blade changes - Adjustable pivoting shoe | Check Current Price |
| 6. Dewalt DCS388B Reciprocating Saw | 6. Dewalt DCS388B Reciprocating Saw | - Up to 3,000 SPM - Long 1-1/8-inch stroke length - Variable speed trigger - Keyless blade clamp system - Pivoting shoe | Check Current Price |
1. Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 Sawzall : Overall Best
The Milwaukee 2720-20 is part of Milwaukee's M18 FUEL line. It packs a lot of power and speed into a compact cordless saw.
Specs
- Battery powered
- Powerstate brushless motor
- Redlink plus intelligence
- Onboard LED
- Adjustable shoe
According to Milwaukee's 2720-20 product page, the POWERSTATE brushless motor supplies constant power and runs cooler, and Milwaukee claims it cuts faster than its corded counterparts.
REDLINK PLUS electronics link the tool, battery and charger to provide overload protection.
The adjustable shoe lets you move the cutting point along the blade, so you use more of the teeth and the blade lasts longer.
It is sold as a bare tool, with no battery, charger or case.
Pros
- Efficient and cool running motor
- Milwaukee rates it faster cutting than its corded saws
- Adjustable shoe improves blade’s life
- Onboard LED lights the cutting space
- Has overload protection
Cons
- Battery pack is not included
- Doesn't come with a case
Conclusion
This is a strong Sawzall that combines cordless convenience, cutting power and long blade life.
2. Milwaukee 6519-30 12A Sawzall : Best Corded Design
The Milwaukee 6519 is a classic 12-amp corded Sawzall with a 1-1/8-inch stroke. Milwaukee now lists the 6519-31 kit as no longer available, so you may only find remaining stock or used units.
Specs
- Powerful 12-amp motor
- Variable speed trigger
- QUIK-LOK blade clamp system
- Rubber boot
- Gear protection system
Milwaukee's 6519-31 page lists 0 to 3,000 strokes per minute, a 1-1/8-inch stroke and a 12-amp motor.
The gear protecting clutch absorbs the shock of sudden blade lock-ups, which extends gear and motor life. A counterweighted mechanism reduces vibration.
It takes standard 1/2-inch shank Sawzall blades, which can also be clamped upside down for flush cuts. Blades and a case are not included with the bare tool.
Pros
- Long stroke cuts fast
- Gear clutch absorbs high impact forces
- Easy to change blades with QUIK-LOK clamp
- Redesigned front grip is more comfortable
- Variable speed trigger adds versatility
Cons
- Discontinued by Milwaukee
- Saw blades are not included
Conclusion
The Milwaukee 6519 offers a good balance of power, speed and stroke length, along with good comfort.
3. Milwaukee 6538-21 15A Sawzall : Best Constant Power
The Milwaukee 6538-21 Super Sawzall is Milwaukee's heavy-duty 15-amp corded model.
Specs
- 15-amp motor
- Constant power technology
- Patented gear protecting clutch
- Dial speed control and variable speed trigger
- QUIK-LOK blade clamp
Per Milwaukee's 6538-21 page, Constant Power Technology maintains speed under load, and a counterbalance mechanism reduces vibration.
The 15-amp motor and 1-1/4-inch stroke give it the cutting power for demanding demolition work.
Some owners report that the plastic shoe release lever flexes, and that the pin holding the guard can work loose.
Pros
- Delivers constant speed and power
- Strong motor and stroke boast superior cutting
- Absorbs impact forces to extend motor and gear life
- Counterbalance reduces vibration
- QUIK-LOK blade clamp provides easy and fast blade changes
Cons
- Plastic parts appear flimsy
- Pin holding the guard in place may fall out
Conclusion
The Milwaukee 6538-21 offers strong power, control and versatility, with only minor design flaws.
4. Makita JR3050T Reciprocating Saw : Overall Best
If you want a simple corded saw with plenty of cutting power, consider the Makita JR3050T.
Specs
- 11-amp motor
- Long stroke length of 1-1/8 inches
- Tool-free blade changes
- Variable speed trigger
The JR3050T runs on an 11-amp motor, as listed on Makita's product page. The page now also points buyers to replacement models, so check availability.
The variable speed trigger lets you start slowly and speed up once the blade is in the cut.
Some buyers report that the saw and case arrived with small scratches. Inspect a new tool on arrival.
Pros
- Delivers up to 2,800 strokes per minute
- Has a long stroke length for fast cutting
- Variable speed trigger matches speed to the material
- Tool-free blade changes
- Ergonomic handle and soft grip increase comfort
Cons
- Can arrive with scratches and blemishes
- May not be the best choice for cutting steel
Conclusion
The Makita JR3050T is a simple, durable corded saw with enough power for most demolition and remodeling work.
5. Black+Decker BDCR20C Reciprocating Saw : Easiest Tool-Free Blade Change
The Black+Decker BDCR20C is a light-duty cordless saw for everyday household jobs.
Specs
- Powered by a 20V max Li-ion battery
- Up to 3,000 SPM
- Variable speed control
- Tool-free blade changes
- Adjustable pivoting shoe
It runs at up to 3,000 strokes per minute, which is plenty for pruning, PVC and light demolition.
Tool-free blade changes and shoe adjustment make it quick to set up.
Some owners notice a little play when they install a long blade.
Pros
- Super easy to change blades without tools
- Adjustable shoe helps prolong blade life
- Easy to attach and detach the battery
- Light and easy to handle
- Variable speed control allows for optimized performance
Cons
- Long blade may play or wobble
- Battery pack and charger sold separately
Conclusion
The Black+Decker BDCR20C offers tool-free blade changes and variable speed at a budget price.
6. Dewalt DCS388B Reciprocating Saw : Best Brushless Motor
If you want a cordless reciprocating saw with power close to a corded tool, consider the Dewalt DCS388B.
Specs
- Up to 3,000 SPM
- Long 1-1/8-inch stroke length
- Variable speed trigger
- Keyless blade clamp system
- Pivoting shoe
It uses DeWalt's FLEXVOLT 60V MAX battery platform and a brushless motor, which maintains speed under load.
The keyless, lever-action blade clamp makes blade changes quick and easy.
The battery and charger are sold separately.
Pros
- Brushless motor maintains efficient performance
- Variable speed allows for optimum cutting
- Long stroke length adds versatility during use
- Integrated LED keeps the workpiece illuminated
- Ergonomic handle and grip improves comfort
Cons
- FLEXVOLT batteries are heavy and costly
- Charger and battery sold separately
Conclusion
The Dewalt DCS388B is one of the most powerful cordless reciprocating saws, well suited to heavy demolition.
How To Pick The Right Tool
It’s quite simple, really! Just consider the following:
Corded vs Cordless
Cordless models run on a lithium-ion battery pack, while corded models plug into an outlet. The main benefit of a corded saw is steady, uninterrupted power for long demolition jobs.
Cordless saws offer convenience and portability. That's why they're so popular with homeowners and DIYers.
Short or Long Stroke Length
Stroke length is how far the blade travels back and forth on each stroke, such as 3/4 inch, 1-1/8 inches or 1-1/4 inches. It is not the depth of cut. A longer stroke removes more material per stroke and suits demolition, while a shorter stroke is easier to control in tight spots.
For general use, 1-1/8 inches is a common middle ground.
Reciprocating Saw Vs Sawzall: Which Is The Better Option?
Sawzall vs reciprocating saw, are there any differences between them? Let’s find out.
What Is In The Name?
A reciprocating saw, as I mentioned earlier, is a tool whose blade moves back and forth to cut, instead of spinning. Many tradespeople call any reciprocating saw a "Sawzall."
Sawzall is a trademark of Milwaukee Power Tools (Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation). Every Sawzall is a reciprocating saw, but not every reciprocating saw is a Sawzall.
What About The Designs?
Two Milwaukee features often set Sawzall saws apart: the QUIK-LOK blade clamp and, on cordless models, REDLINK PLUS electronics.
QUIK-LOK lets you change blades without tools. Most current saws from other brands also have tool-free blade clamps, so the gap here is small.
Other reciprocating saw brands use their own electronics, but REDLINK PLUS is Milwaukee's system. It links the battery, charger and tool to provide overload protection.
That protection helps cordless Sawzall saws run longer without damage.
Whatever brand you choose, wear safety glasses and gloves, check for hidden wires and pipes before cutting into walls, and unplug the saw or remove the battery before changing blades.
Final Thoughts
Sawzall saws are high performing, versatile reciprocating saws, well equipped for cutting most construction materials, with quick blade changes.
Other brands make strong saws too, including long-stroke models for aggressive demolition.
The Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 Sawzall is the best option for cordless versatility. It adds REDLINK PLUS overload protection and an adjustable shoe.
However, the long stroke, steady corded power and tool-less blade change of the Makita JR3050T Reciprocating Saw make it a winner for corded performance.
Sources
- M18 FUEL Sawzall Recip Saw (2720-20), Milwaukee Tool
- 15.0 Amp Super Sawzall Recip Saw (6538-21), Milwaukee Tool
- Sawzall Recip Saw Kit (6519-31), Milwaukee Tool
- Recipro Saw, 11 AMP (JR3050T), Makita
