A reciprocating saw is an essential power tool for any busy job site. Whether you are a professional tradesperson, a DIY home renovator, or a maintenance enthusiast, a reciprocating saw makes fast and efficient cuts through wood, metal, fiberglass, PVC, or concrete.
Complete DIY or Professional Cutting Projects with a Powerful Ultra Compact Reciprocating Saw
Whatever type of cutting project you have planned, a reciprocating saw can easily saw off tree limbs, clear thick brush, slice through a PVC or metal pipe, and cut through drywall, fiberglass, or concrete.
This fantastic saw is a favorite power tool with professional contractors due to its easy to maneuver one-handed design. You can use the saw with one hand and use your other hand to hold a piece of wood or pipe while you saw through the material. So instead of struggling with a bulky and heavy saw, invest in an ultra-compact and lightweight reciprocating saw.
The 9 Best Reciprocating Saws
- DEWALT DWE305 Reciprocating Saw
- DEWALT MAX Compact Reciprocating Saw (Our Top Pick)
- BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C Reciprocating Saw
- Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Reciprocating Saw Kit
- WEN 3630 Reciprocating Saw
- SKIL 9216-01 Reciprocating Saw
- PORTER-CABLE MAX Reciprocating Saw
- Makita JR3050T Reciprocating Saw
- Makita XRJ04T Reciprocating Saw Kit
Our Top Pick for the Best Reciprocating Saw
Our top pick for the reciprocating saw is the DEWALT MAX Compact Reciprocating Saw.
With fast and efficient performance and a compact, lightweight design that allows you to work in tight, restricted spots, the DEWALT cordless reciprocating saw is a must-have cutting tool for your toolbox.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose the Best Reciprocating Saw
Corded or Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Just like a band saw or a rotary tool, there are corded and cordless options available. Corded reciprocating saws are best used for heavy-duty projects that need unlimited power.
However, there are also cordless models that deliver a powerful corded performance just like the Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Reciprocating Saw Kit. If you need a portable cutting tool, nothing beats a cordless battery operated reciprocating saw like the DEWALT DCS387B or the Makita JR3050T Reciprocating Saw.
Strokes Per Minute (SPM)
The speed of a reciprocating saw is calculated in strokes per minute (SPM) like 2,800 SPM or an ultra-fast cutting speed of 3,000 SPM. Basically, the faster the SPM, the faster the blade can cut through wood or metal.
Stroke length
Reciprocating saws have blade stroke lengths of 7/8-inches, ¼-inch, 1-inch, or a longer blade stroke length of 1¼-inches or 1-1/8-inches. The saw’s blade stroke length determines how fast and effective the blade will be when cutting through work-pieces of varying thickness.
Power
Just like a strong 9 or 11 amp motor is important for a corded saw, battery power will ultimately determine a cordless saw’s overall performance. Cordless reciprocating saws usually have 12, 18, or 20 amp batteries.
A 12-volt battery should be sufficient for trimming small tree branches or light-duty DIY projects. For commercial projects or heavy-duty brush cutting jobs or DIY projects, you will need an 18 or 20 amp battery. A very important aspect to remember about battery power is that a 20-volt battery may have the tendency to drop back to 18-volts under a heavy workload.
Blades
Whether you need to slice through wood, plastic, metal, or even concrete, there is a blade to suit every job.
Your reciprocating saw may come with one blade, a blade pack, or it may have a universal blade attachment which allows it to accept all types of blades like the Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Reciprocating Saw Kit. Although a longer blade is ideal for cutting thicker material, it can wobble or break easily as opposed to a shorter blade.
Changing Blades
Changing blades can be dangerous and time-consuming. A tool-free blade system or a keyless blade clamp makes blade change-outs safer and faster.
Shoe Adjustment
Reciprocating saws may come with an adjustable shoe which provides you with even more cutting versatility. The shoe adjustment facility should work smoothly and accurately. If you are a newbie reciprocating saw user, adjusting the shoe may take some practice before you can adjust it like a professional.
Variable Speed Control
A variable speed control trigger gives you ultimate control over the reciprocating saw. You can select the speed to suit your project which is especially important for when you have to switch from small to large work-pieces.
Ergonomic Design
Ergonomic design features may include a rubber over-molded grip or a textured handle, which provides superior comfort and minimizes hand fatigue.
The weight of the saw is especially important during long periods of intense cutting. A corded model will usually be lighter than a cordless model. If you prefer a cordless saw, look for one that has an ultra-lightweight design such as the DEWALT MAX Compact Reciprocating Saw or the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C Reciprocating Saw.
9 Best Reciprocating Saws – Reviews
1. DEWALT DWE305 Reciprocating Saw
Fast, efficient, and sturdy, the DEWALT DWE305 Reciprocating Saw is tailor-made for heavy-duty cutting projects.
A multi-purpose power tool, the reciprocating saw can be used for cutting through almost any type of material like nail embedded wood, light to heavy gauge metals, drywall, plaster, plastics, rubber, fiberglass, and composites.
You have complete control over the tool with a 2,900 SPM variable speed trigger and a long 1-1/8-inches blade stroke length provides fast and precise cutting results.
The DWE305 features a keyless, lever-action 4-position blade clamp for quick and easy blade changes in 4 directions and allows for a variety of applications like flush cutting.
DEWALT has created an ergonomic saw that is so easy to use. It has a lightweight 8.1lbs design and the easy-gripping handle feels comfortable in your hand and minimizes operator fatigue.
The DEWALT DWE305 is covered by a 3-year limited warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Designed for heavy-duty tasks
- Highly versatile
- Ideal for thick wood, light to heavy gauge metals, drywall and plaster, plastics, rubber, fiberglass, and composites
- Sturdy construction
- Very powerful 12 amp motor
- Four-position blade clamp
- Keyless, lever-action blade clamp
- 0-2,900 SPM
- 1-1/8-inches blade stroke length for fast and efficient cutting
- Variable speed trigger
- Lightweight design
- Comfortable ergonomic easy-gripping handle
- Three-year limited warranty
Cons
- No carrying case
- Does not come with a blade
- Bit bulky
2. DEWALT MAX Compact Reciprocating Saw
If you need to make fast and accurate cuts in confined spaces, the DEWALT MAX Compact Reciprocating Saw is the right tool for the job.
The strong motor and powerful 20-volts battery deliver the power you need for DIY renovations or small professional projects. For efficient cutting through thick wood or metal, the variable speed trigger churns out 0-2,900 SPM and the long 1-1/8-inches stroke length allows for increased task versatility.
The saw’s compact and ultra-lightweight 5.4-lbs design means you can easily maneuver the saw in confined spaces such as in between studs or perform other types of intricate cuts.
Blade change-outs are effortless with the keyless lever-action 4-position blade clamp which also allows for a wide range of applications like flush cutting. The adjustable pivoting shoe also gives you more cutting versatility.
You can use the tool in comfort with the ergonomic over-molded rubber grip handle. If you need to work in low-light environments, the bright LED light illuminates your work-piece and line for up to 20 seconds for improved cutting visibility.
The 20-volts Max 5.0Ah XR battery guarantees a longer runtime and improved performance and the 4 amp charger can be used with all DEWALT 12 and 20-volts Max batteries and tools.
You can purchase the reciprocating saw as a bare tool or in a kit that includes a battery, a charger, and a soft bag for additional tool storage.
DEWALT offers a 3-year limited warranty on the reciprocating saw.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Strong motor and powerful battery
- Battery ensures a longer runtime and improved performance
- Ideal for wood and metal
- Compact and lightweight design
- Ideal for making precise cuts in confined spaces
- Perfect for flush cutting and making cuts between studs
- Fast and effective cutting performance
- Bright LED light
- Four-position blade clamp
- Tool-free blade change system
- 0-2,900 SPM variable speed trigger
- Pivoting shoe
- Battery is compatible with all DEWALT 20-volts Max tools
- Charger can be used with other DEWALT Max batteries
- Three-year limited warranty
- Soft tool bag
Cons
- Expensive
- Vibrates a lot with thick metal
- Not ideal for heavy-duty applications
3. BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C Reciprocating Saw
Powerful, lightweight, and easy to use, the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C Reciprocating Saw is an excellent tool for light-duty DIY renovations, backyard maintenance, or even small car repairs.
The reciprocating saw features a powerful 3000 SPM motor with a variable speed trigger that offers 0-3,000 strokes/minute and a stroke length of 7/8-inches which allows for fast and precise cutting. The electric brake also enhances safe operator control.
Whether you are pruning tree limbs, trimming back brush, cutting wood flooring, cutting small metal pipes, or sawing off bolts, the versatile BLACK+DECKER can do it all.
As the reciprocating saw is cordless with a strong 20-volts battery, you can use it anywhere around your property or job site without having to worry about the power cord.
Changing out blades is effortless with the convenient tool-free system and the adjustable pivoting shoe ensures that the blade remains straight even if you’re cutting at an angle.
If you need to work in confined spots, the saw has a lightweight, compact design which gives you good manageability and cutting flexibility.
As the BDCR20C is part of the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX System, it can be used with any tool in the MAX 80+ tool range. The 20-volts battery can hold a charge for up to 500 days, but it can drop back to 18-volts under load.
The reciprocating saw comes with a blade to get you started right out of the box.
BLACK+DECKER offer a 2-year limited warranty on its reciprocating saw.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Great price
- Ideal for cutting through tree limbs, clearing brush, and cutting small pipes or bolts
- Fast and accurate cutting performance
- Maximum variable speed control up to 3000 SPM
- Compact and ultra-lightweight
- Cordless convenience
- Tool-free system
- Adjustable pivoting shoe
- Strong 20-volts lithium-ion battery
- Available as a bare tool or with a battery and charger
- Compatible with the M12 System, which features over 80+ tools
- Comes with a 5-inches blade
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Battery runs out of power quickly under load
- Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks
- Vibrates a lot
- No case
4. Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Reciprocating Saw Kit
With a fast cutting speed, increased power, and durability, the Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Reciprocating Saw Kit is a must-have power tool for home use or light-duty professional applications.
The highly efficient reciprocating saw has a strong Powerstate brushless motor that delivers 30% faster cutting and 5X the tool life of competitive saws.
A rugged well-built saw, the 2720-21 can be used for trimming small tree limbs, clearing brush, or cutting PVC pipes. The variable speed trigger provides maximum power up to 3000 SPM and the ½-inch stroke length provides fast cutting results.
Its reliable 18-volt battery has twice the run time and power per charge than standard lithium-ion batteries and charges quickly in just one hour. The smart REDLINK PLUS intelligence system delivers 20% more torque and ensures protection against overloading, overheating, and over-discharging.
Excellent user-friendly features include an easy-grip handle, an adjustable shoe, a spring-loaded release lever, and a keyless QUIK-LOK blade clamp which allows for quick blade changes. You have unparalleled blade versatility at your disposal as the universal quick-lock system allows the tool to be used with HACKZALL and SAWZALL style blades.
For better visibility in low light environments, the saw has an integrated LED light, and a rafter hook allows for easy storage on the job.
The reciprocating saw comes with an M18 REDLITHIUM XC 4.0 extended capacity battery, M18, and M12 multi-voltage chargers, a 12-inch blade, and an all-metal carrying case.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Ideal for light-duty professional and home use
- Rugged and well-built
- Fast and efficient
- Cordless flexibility
- Easy to operate
- 30% faster cutting and 5X times the tool life than other competitive saws
- Brushless motor
- 3000 SPM variable speed trigger
- Powerful and fast-charging battery
- Redlink Plus Intelligence system
- Adjustable shoe
- Spring-loaded release lever
- Compact and lightweight
- Integrated LED light
- Easy-gripping handle
- Keyless QUIK-LOK blade clamp
- Battery fuel gauge
- Accepts both HACKZALL and SAWZALL style blades
- Rafter hook
- 12-inches blade
- All-metal carrying case
Cons
- Expensive
- Little bit heavy
5. WEN 3630 Reciprocating Saw
The WEN 3630 Reciprocating Saw is a versatile cutting tool that makes it a great choice for DIY renovation enthusiasts.
It has an extra powerful 10 amp motor and the fast 0-2800 SPM variable speed trigger gives you an exceptional cutting performance with various materials like wood, metal, drywall, rubber, and plastics. Designed to suit a range of projects, the pivoting head features 8 different stops, with stops at every 45°.
Working with the WEN 3630 is a delight as the long 1-1/10-inches stroke blade makes it so easy to cut through thicker materials. The tool-less blade change system allows for quick installation and removal.
An adjustable shoe provides additional support when sawing and the trigger lock keeps the saw running after you let go of the trigger. For your comfort, this reciprocating saw has a lightweight design and an ergonomic soft rubber-grip front handle that is specially contoured to fit your hand.
The reciprocating saw comes with 2 blades, 1 for metal and 1 for wood.
WEN offers a 2-year warranty on its reciprocating saw.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Strong 10 amp motor
- Exceptional cutting control
- Perfect for DIY renovations
- Ideal for wood, metal, drywall, rubber, and plastics
- Variable speed trigger provides a fast cutting speed up to 2800 SPM
- Tool-less blade change system
- Long 1-1/10-inches stroke blade
- Comfortable soft rubber-grip front handle
- Pivoting head has 8 different stops
- Adjustable shoe
- Trigger lock
- Ergonomic design
- Comes with 2 blades
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Still a bit heavier than other similar brands
- Vibrates at higher speeds
- No hard case
6. SKIL 9216-01 Reciprocating Saw
If you are an advanced DIY enthusiast, the ultra-compact SKIL 9216-01 Reciprocating Saw is a quality workhorse that delivers excellent cutting results.
The sturdy heavy-duty metal housing protects the motor from dust in a busy indoor work-space. The powerful 9 amp 120-volts motor has a no-load 800-2700 SPM and a long 1-1/8-inches stroke length which makes this saw a great cutting tool for tough applications like demolition work, cutting branches, slicing through wood, plastics, or composites.
You can quickly select your preferred speed with the variable speed trigger. For precise cutting, the pivoting foot provides good traction on denser material and the tool-free blade system allows for fast blade change-outs.
User-friendly features include an 8-feet power cord and a power-on indicator that lets you know when the tool is plugged in and alerts you in case of any accidental start-ups.
The counter-balanced design helps to reduce vibration. Its lightweight, compact design and textured grip make the saw very easy to hold and use, especially in tight corners or even over your head.
The reciprocating saw is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Powerful 9 amp motor
- Durable heavy-duty metal tool housing
- Ideal for tough DIY applications
- Can be used on wood, plastics, or composites
- No-load 800-2700 SPM
- Long 1-1/8-inches blade stroke
- Variable speed trigger
- Power-on safety indicator
- Pivoting foot
- Counter-balance minimizes vibration
- Tool-free blade change system
- Lightweight and compact
- Counter-balanced Design
- Textured grip
- 8-feet power cord
- 30-day full refund
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- No blades or tool bag
7. PORTER-CABLE MAX Reciprocating Saw
Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, the PORTER-CABLE MAX Reciprocating Saw is perfectly suited for aggressive cutting tasks.
The reciprocating saw has a strong motor, an ultra-powerful 20-volts lithium-ion battery, and a 1-inch blade stroke length for fast and precise cutting results. For increased operator control and task versatility, the 3,000 SPM variable trigger makes it very easy to adjust your speed to suit specific materials and applications.
Even though the Tigersaw has a high-performance drivetrain that allows it to chew through almost anything, like tree branches, PVC pipes, or metal bolts, it is lightweight and ultra-compact so you can use it in cramped, confined spaces.
To minimize fatigue during challenging tasks, the contoured over-molded handle is optimized for increased comfort. The tool-free blade release system allows for quick blade change-outs and the pivoting shoe allows for precise cutting in any material.
As the PCC670B is part of the 20-volts Max System cordless platform, you can use the reciprocating saw with compatible batteries and chargers.
PORTER-CABLE offers a 3-year limited warranty on its reciprocating saw.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Excellent price
- High-performance train allows for aggressive cutting tasks
- Fast and efficient cutting
- Strong motor
- Ultra-powerful battery
- 3,000 SPM variable speed trigger
- Tool-free blade release system
- Pivoting shoe
- Lightweight and ultra-compact
- Easy to maneuver
- Contoured over-molded handle
- Three-year limited warranty
- Compatible with other 20-volts MAX batteries and chargers
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Blade feels a little wobbly
- Can vibrate when cutting through thick steel
- Can get hot after long continuous use
8. Makita JR3050T Reciprocating Saw
Whether you are a professional framer, carpenter, electrician, plumber, roofer, construction worker, or DIY enthusiast, the Makita JR3050T Reciprocating Saw delivers a powerful performance.
Designed for tough tasks, the JR3050T is a fantastic saw for metal cutting, wood cutting, drywall, plaster, plastics, remodeling, and demolition applications. The strong Makita-built 11 amp motor delivers fast variable speeds of 0-2,800 SPM and the long 1-1/8-inches blade stroke provides efficient cutting results.
Makita has incorporated superb user-friendly operating features that help you to work smarter. The reciprocating saw is double-insulated with ball and needle bearings for longer tool life, and its durable body design includes a protective rubber boot to seal the motor and bearings from dust and debris.
For fast blade change-outs and extra cutting versatility, the saw has an easy to adjust heavy-duty shoe and a tool-less quick blade system.
To reduce operator fatigue during tough all-day projects, the saw has a well-balanced, 7.1lbs lightweight design, a soft-grip handle, and a large 2-finger trigger with a lock-on button for added convenience. The built-in dust blower clears the line of cut for increased visibility, greater cutting accuracy, and a cleaner work-space.
The Makita reciprocating saw comes with a blade and a hard carrying case, and it is covered by a 1-year warranty.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent value for money
- Very good price
- Ideal for tough applications
- Designed for metal cutting, wood cutting, drywall, plaster, plastics, remodeling, and demolition applications
- Powerful Makita built motor
- 0-2,800 Variable speed trigger
- Long 1-1/8 inches blade stroke for fast and efficient cutting
- Double insulated
- Ball and needle bearing construction
- Easy to adjust the heavy-duty shoe
- Large 2-finger trigger with lock-on button
- Built-in dust blower
- Quick tool-free blade change system
- Comfortable soft-grip handle
- Well balanced and lightweight
- Comes with a blade and tool case
- Instructions are easy to understand
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Blade holder can come loose
- Blade lock may be hard to retract in the locked position
9. Makita XRJ04T Reciprocating Saw Kit
With a fast and efficient cutting performance and unlimited cordless freedom, the Makita XRJ04T Reciprocating Saw Kit is destined to be your new project buddy.
The Recipro is powered by Makita’s legendary variable speed motor that delivers 0-2,800 SPM and the fast charging 18-volts 5.0Ah Lithium-ion battery provides 3 times faster charge times and 50% more runtime.
For improved tool performance and extended battery life, Makita’s Star Protection Computer technology protects the battery against overloading, over-discharging, and overheating. You have great tool versatility at your fingertips as you can use the battery with Makita’s extensive cordless tool line-up and the saw is compatible with any battery that has the Star Protection symbol on the outside.
Whether you are cutting tree branches or metal pipes, the long 1¼-inches blade stroke length promotes fast and efficient cutting. The refined crank mechanism design minimizes blade deflection and reduces vibration.
Construction job sites or workshops can be full of dirt and dust but Makita’s innovative Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) is engineered to improve dust and water resistance in harsh operating conditions.
Must-have ergonomic features include a compact design, a large dual-position variable speed trigger, and a rubberized soft-grip handle. The electric brake ensures maximum productivity, and the “tool-less” blade change facility allows for quick and easy blade change-outs.
You can buy the saw as a bare tool or purchase it as part of a kit, which includes two 18-volts LXT Lithium-ion 5.0Ah batteries, an 18-volts LXT Lithium-ion rapid optimum charger, a Recipro saw blade, and a hard tool case.
Pros
- Great quality
- Fantastic value for money
- Powerful Makita built battery
- Ideal for wood and metal
- Designed for heavy-duty tasks
- Fast and efficient cutting performance
- Long 1¼-inches stroke length
- Fast charging long-lasting battery
- Refined crank mechanism
- Reduced vibration
- Tool-less blade change system
- Electric brake
- Compact and ergonomic design
- Rubberized soft grip handle
- Large 2-finger trigger
- Star protection Computer Technology
- Battery can be used across the Makita platform
- Can be used with other Star Protection batteries
- Two 18-volts LXT Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah Battery
- 18-volts LXT Lithium-Ion Rapid Optimum Charger
- Recipro Saw Blade
- Tool Case
Cons
- Expensive
- Shoe is not adjustable
Our Top Pick for the Best Reciprocating Saw
Our top pick for the reciprocating saw is the DEWALT MAX Compact Reciprocating Saw.
With fast and efficient performance and a compact, lightweight design that allows you to work in tight, restricted spots, the DEWALT cordless reciprocating saw is a must-have cutting tool for your toolbox.
Check the price on Amazon
