Best Reciprocating Saws – 2021 Tool-tailored Review

| Last Updated: December 30, 2021

Reciprocating saws are one of the handiest and most versatile tools you can find on the market today.

Investing in a reciprocating saw will make you wonder how you ever got by without one. 

Read on to learn more about these amazing tools.

Comparison of the Best Reciprocating Saws

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Powered by a 12-amp motor, the reciprocating saw is able to deliver 0-2900 SPM or strokes per minute
  • 4-position blade clamp enables flash cutting, making the unit extremely versatile
  • Lever-action, keyless blade clamp makes the blade changing process extremely quick and easy
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  • Anti-slip comfort grip enhances comfort and provides better control
  • With a stroke length of 1-1/8”, the unit is able to deliver 0-3000 rpm, ensuring faster cutting speed
  • Pivoting adjustable shoe is designed with an open top, maximizing visibility
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  • The 11-amp model has a 1-1/8” long stroke
  • Tool-less adjustment feature makes shoe and blade changes extremely quick and easy
  • Tool-less adjustment feature makes shoe and blade changes extremely quick and easy
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  • Delivering 10,000 strokes per minute, the unit is able to cut curved and flat surfaces
  • Reduced vibration feature makes it perfect for sun roof installations, body shop repair, and muffler and exhaust work
  • Comes with two hex wrenches and six high-speed, heavy-duty steel cutting blades
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  • Equipped with a 3000 SPM motor, the reciprocating saw is extremely lightweight and versatile
  • Electric brake and variable speed trigger provide better control
  • Blade changes do not require any tools, while the adjustable pivoting show makes it easy to use
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How to Choose a Reciprocating Saw

Make sure you keep the following qualities in mind when you are choosing a reciprocating saw. 

Power Source

Consider what you are going to be using this saw for. If it is mostly outdoor projects, you likely want to go with a cordless version. If it is mostly indoor projects, a corded version could provide you with more power.

Versatility

Once you switch over to a reciprocating saw, you will not want to go back. This means you are going to want a saw that can cut through pretty much anything, so that you will finally be able to tackle all those projects this saw opens up to you.  

Weight

Reciprocating saws are typically used on projects that could take multiple hours. You want to make sure you find yourself a saw that you can comfortably hold for an extended period of time.

Types of Reciprocating Saws

Corded

Corded reciprocating saws require being plugged into a wall outlet or a generator. These saws are typically the most powerful reciprocating saws you will be able to find and are best for indoor or garage projects, particularly heavy duty home improvement like ripping out a wall.

Cordless

Cordless reciprocating saws are powered by batteries and are ideal for outdoor saw jobs, or other kinds of jobs where you will not have access to a power outlet. Another great aspect of these saws: you will not have to take the cord into account when angling the saw, so you can often get these saws into tighter areas.

Air

Air reciprocating saws are not operated by a motor, but rather by pushing air through their system. This quality makes these saws the most lightweight and easy to carry as compared to all of the other kinds of reciprocating saws.

Review of the Best Reciprocating Saws

Now that you have a better idea of what reciprocating saws are and how to choose a good one, let’s check out some of the best saw models:

Best Overall:
DEWALT DWE305 12 Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw

DEWALT Reciprocating Saw, 12 Amp, 2,900 RPM, 4-Position Blade Clamp, Variable Speed Trigger, Corded (DWE305)

PROS

  • Quiet
  • Feels sturdy
  • Good multipurpose tool
  • Does not over heat easily
  • Comes with an affordable warranty

CONS

  • On the heavier side

The DEWALT DWE305 12 Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw is the industry leader when it comes to reciprocating saw. If you put something in front of this saw, it will chew through it, and it does not really matter what the material is – whether steel, wood, treated wood, pipe, nails, or even cast iron, users report this saw cuts through anything like butter!

But do not think that just because it is a high quality machine that it requires a high level of experience to operate – far from it.

This saw is simple and easy to use, thanks in part to its well designed rubber grip handle, and it is even easy to change out the blades quickly, so you can get right back to cutting. The blades can be aimed in four different directions to provide a wide variety of cuts, so you do not ever have to feel defeated when you are working with the DEWALT DWE305 12 Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw.

Bottom Line

The DEWALT DWE305 12 Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw is an ideal saw for pretty much everything you could ever imagine wanting to be able to cut. It strikes a great balance between efficiency and ease of use – and when we say strikes a great balance, what we mean is it does both to the very best level. It is a little heavy, so make sure you are ready to handle this beast of a saw.   

Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw:
DEWALT Bare-Tool DC385B

DEWALT Bare-Tool DC385B 18-Volt Cordless Reciprocating Saw

PROS

  • Durable
  • Has an adjustable depth stop
  • Lightweight and easy to transport
  • Well made of high quality material
  • Provides a safety switch, so you never have to worry about it being accidentally turned on

CONS

  • List Element
  • List Element
  • List Element

The DEWALT Bare-Tool DC385B is an ideal reciprocating saw that will definitely stand up to anything you put in its path, and all without the inconvenience of using a cord. You might think that because this saw is cordless, there is a compromise of convenience traded in for power.

You would certainly be wrong on that account, because there is not much this saw cannot take on: metal sheeting, bolts, nails, bars, pipes, wood, wiring, plumbing, flooring, roofing, roots, tree limbs, you name it, this saw can chomp through it.

Best of all, its amazing cutting ability lasts for pretty much forever – users report that this saw stands up to eight years of hard labor and continues to cut at the same level of efficiency as when it was fresh out of the box. If you are looking for an investment, you have found it in the DEWALT Bare-Tool DC385B saw, endorsed by professionals who work full time in construction.  

Bottom Line

The DEWALT Bare-Tool DC385B is a strong, steady, durable reciprocating saw that will chomp through anything, even if it has been used for years and years. Make sure you are ready to handle the vibration before you take this saw on, though.

Best Corded Reciprocating Saw:
Makita JR3050T 9 Amp Reciprocating Saw

Makita JR3050T Recipro Saw - 11 AMP

PROS

  • Shoe is adjustable
  • Comes with a case
  • Trigger locks into place
  • A good saw for regular, steady use
  • Good balance of power and control

CONS

  • Trigger lock is easily accidentally activated

The Makita JR3050T 9 Amp Reciprocating Saw is a fantastic reciprocating saw for use in Do It Yourself projects around the house. It can certainly stand up to heavier use as well, as this saw is fully recommended by full time carpenters, remodelers, and other construction professionals.  

But do not think that just because the professionals like this saw, it is difficult for your average Joe (or Joanna) to pick up on. This saw is simple and easy to use, even when going through blade changes. It can cut through a broad range of material, from pipe to pressure treated wood.

It has a number of factors that aid in convenience and use, such as a trigger locking mechanism and an adjustable shoe so you can make cuts of different lengths quickly and easily. You really cannot go wrong with the Makita JR3050T 9 Amp Reciprocating Saw.

Bottom Line

The Makita JR3050T 9 Amp Reciprocating Saw is a great reciprocating saw for the average homeowner to have on hand in case it is necessary for any projects. It will get the job done no matter what you throw at it and brings some great convenience features along with it. Just keep an eye on the trigger lock and make sure you do not activate it unintentionally.

Best Air Reciprocating Saw:
Ingersoll Rand 429 Heavy Duty Air Reciprocating Saw

Ingersoll Rand 429 Reciprocating Air Saw, 3/8' Stroke Length, 10,000 Strokes Per Minute, 1.3 Lbs

PROS

  • Quiet
  • Has great safety features
  • Durable, will not break down easily
  • Air reciprocating mechanism clears the way of debris
  • Ingersoll Rand is a reputable tool making brand that you can always rely on to produce high quality products

CONS

  • No tool less blade change: this saw requires at least two tools to switch out its blade, an Allen wrench and a Phillips head screwdriver

If you are looking for the very best in air reciprocating saws, you will not be able to find one that will work better for you than the Ingersoll Rand 429 Heavy Duty Air Reciprocating Saw. This saw can do it all. It cuts basically anything, and is not slowed down by heavy duty materials – this saw can chew through it all quickly and efficiently.

But don’t think that just because it can eat up anything that it is some sort of sloppy monster: this saw is also able to make precise, clean cuts in some really fine toothed areas. It is able to accomplish this in part through its six included blades: two fine toothed blades, two medium toothed blades, and two coarse toothed blades.

You might think, with the kind of saw that can do it all, that it would be easy to accidentally angle it so that it cuts you, but the way the saw is designed prevents that and puts it at the forefront of safety.

Bottom Line

The branding on the Ingersoll Rand 429 Heavy Duty Air Reciprocating Saw does not lie – there is no doubt this saw is truly heavy duty. Just know that changing out the blades can be a bit of a process because it requires multiple tools.

Best Reciprocating Saw for the Money:
BLACK + DECKER BDCR20B

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* POWERCONNECT 7/8 in. Cordless Reciprocating Saw (BDCR20B)

PROS

  • Powerful
  • Easy to change out the blades
  • Battery life lasts for a long time
  • Great for Do It Yourself projects
  • Lightweight, easy to carry and to use

CONS

  • Vibrates a lot
  • Does not come with a battery

If you are looking for a saw that can always be counted on for a home improvement Do It Yourself project, you will not be able to go wrong with the BLACK + DECKER BDCR20B.  

For the price point and the value it provides, it can’t be beat. You may be thinking that with the lower price point, you probably lose a decent amount of power with this saw, but nothing could be farther from the truth.

Users report that this saw cuts through hardened bolts, branches, stumps, walls, sheet rock, wire mesh, plaster, metal beading, nails, studs, wood planks, car tailpipes, PVC pipe, and dry wall – what more could you possibly need? It is also on the smaller side, so it is easy to carry and manipulate into tight angles, and can even be operated with just one hand if necessary. Basically, if you want a saw you can keep on hand for projects without dropping a ton of money, go with the BLACK + DECKER BDCR20B.

Bottom Line

The BLACK + DECKER BDCR20B is a great saw that produces a lot of bang for our buck. Just make sure you remember to wear work gloves to handle the intense vibration this saw produces.    

Conclusion

Reciprocating saws an really shake up a person’s tool repertoire for the better. A wide variety of projects will suddenly become available to you when you make the choice to invest in one of these babies. What are you waiting for? Get yourself a reciprocating saw today!

People Also Ask

What is a Reciprocating Saw?

A reciprocating saw is a type of machinery that is powered by a motor and produces a strong, powerful cutting action by moving the blade in a push and pull kind of motion.

What is a Reciprocating Saw Best Used For?

A reciprocating saw is best used for straight up demolition. Users report this type of saw is ideal for yard work such as trimming trees, or when you need to cut a large quantity of material into smaller pieces, such as when you are ripping out a wall.

What is the Best Corded Reciprocating Saw?

The best corded reciprocating saw is the Makita JR3050T 9 Amp Reciprocating Saw. It is so tough and powerful it is even recommended by full time construction and demolition professionals. If you want something demolished, this is the saw for you.

What is the Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw?

The best cordless reciprocating saw is the DEWALT Bare-Tool DC385B. It provides the same amount of power as a corded saw, and it also extremely durable – it will be a tool you can rely on for years and years to come.

What is the Best Air Reciprocating Saw?

The best air reciprocating saw is the Ingersoll Rand 429 Heavy Duty Air Reciprocating Saw. That saw is a beast that can chew through anything, and is more lightweight because it is not powered by a motor.

What’s the Difference Between a Sawzall and a Reciprocating Saw?

If you spend any time looking into reciprocating saws, you will stumble across mentions of Sawzalls. Sawzalls are simply a brand of reciprocating saw patented by Milwaukee. They are not our top picks for reciprocating saws.