We all know the feeling of looking at something and knowing exactly where and how to cut it to get the job done – but your saw is too big and bulky to get at the cut. Or, even worse, you will not be able to manipulate your saw to the exact right angle you need because the saw’s cord will get in the way. Kiss both of those issues goodbye forever with the use of cordless reciprocating saws!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Cordless Reciprocating Saws
- OUR TOP PICK: Dewalt Bare-Tool DC385B 18-Volt Cordless Reciprocating Saw
- RUNNER-UP: Porter Cable PCC670B 20-volt MAX Lithium Bare Reciprocating Tigersaw
- HONORABLE MENTION: WORX WX550L 20V AXIS 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw
Comparison of the Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws
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How to Choose a Cordless Reciprocating Saw
You should keep some things in mind when looking into cordless reciprocating saws, such as:
Battery Life
Your saw will not really be any less of an inconvenience than a corded saw if you need to constantly be changing out the batteries, now will it? Of course, you have to expect that these saws will burn through batteries fairly quickly. But there are definitely some that are less energy efficient than others, so make sure you are aware.
Versatility
A cordless reciprocating saw is supposed to make your life easier by enabling you to get into areas into which you would not be able to fit a saw with a motor, or tight crevices that you could not navigate with a corded saw. You don’t want to get a saw that can go anywhere but not cut anything – so make sure your saw can chomp through a wide range of material.
Weight
This quality builds off of the two listed above – again, this saw is supposed to make your life more convenient, not more complicated. You are going to be shoving this saw into pretty tight spaces, maybe spaces that require you to use only one hand, and you could potentially be carrying it along with you on hikes to clear brush, so make sure it is something you will be able to transport easily.
Review of the Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws
You have an idea of what a cordless reciprocating saw is, and how to look for a good one. So let’s move on to looking at some of the best cordless reciprocating saws on the market today:
Best Overall:
Dewalt Bare-Tool DC385B 18-Volt Cordless Reciprocating Saw
PROS
CONS
The Dewalt Bare-Tool DC385B 18-Volt Cordless Reciprocating Saw is capable of doing pretty much anything, without being restricted by a cord! This saw has got it all. It provides a quick blade release system, and has multiple blade locations, which gives this saw a lot of versatility that you will not see in other saw models.
Users report that this saw can cut through anything and everything, from construction material such as metal sheeting, bars, pipes, bolts, nails, wood, plumbing, wiring, flooring, and roofing to roots, tree limbs, and other outdoor obstacles.
But even though it can chomp through it all, don’t think that this saw gets worn down easily: users say it lasts up to eight years of heavy use without breaking or any sign of wear and tear. You know you are making a valuable investment when you go with the Dewalt Bare-Tool DC385B 18-Volt Cordless Reciprocating Saw. There is a reason this saw is endorsed by professionals who work in construction!
Bottom Line
The Dewalt Bare-Tool DC385B 18-Volt Cordless Reciprocating Saw is an ideal cordless reciprocating saw that will be able to handle pretty much anything you throw at it and will withstand the test of time. Just make sure you are ready to handle the vibrations it produces.
Runner-up:
Porter Cable PCC670B 20-volt MAX Lithium Bare Reciprocating Tigersaw
PROS
CONS
The Porter Cable PCC670B 20-volt MAX Lithium Bare Reciprocating Tigersaw is a great cordless reciprocating saw with several amazing features that will save you significant time and effort.
First, the piston on the saw is sealed at the blade end, meaning that absolutely no sawdust or metal chips (depending on what you are cutting) will be able to make it into the gears and motor through the piston shaft. This feature will ensure the saw continues to work efficiently no matter what it cuts through, since there is no way for the excess material to gum up the shaft.
Additionally, this Porter Cable saw has tool less blade adjustment – you will not need to use a hex wrench or another kind of tool to loosen and tighten the blade, as it comes with a simple, built in twisting collar. Don’t think that all the extra bells and whistles means this saw is in any way less efficient, though – this saw can still cut through anything and everything in record time!
Bottom Line
The Porter Cable PCC670B 20-volt MAX Lithium Bare Reciprocating Tigersaw is an awesome saw with a lot of cool additional features that make operation and use much easier. Because it is shorter than many of the other saws described here (which can also be a plus), it does not cut as quickly.
Honorable Mention:
WORX WX550L 20V AXIS 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw
PROS
CONS
The WORX WX550L 20V AXIS 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw gets you twice the bang for your buck! This awesome saw comes with two different modes: reciprocating mode and jigsaw mode. But do not for a second think that means this saw is more complicated or difficult to operate than the other saws on this list.
This saw is easily sped up or slowed down based on the strength of the trigger pull, so it is intuitive to use. It also comes with an included LED light, making it more convenient for you to use in tight spaces and nooks and crannies that may not have much light (or to just straight up work in the dark, if that is something that is necessary for you).
A bonus with this saw: beyond its jigsaw and reciprocating functions, it can also act as a “Theragun,” or personal massager. Just drill a hole in a baseball, slap it on this saw, and use the vibrations on your sore back – it’s a tool that provides you a workout and a cool down all in one.
Bottom Line
The WORX WX550L 20V AXIS 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw is a great saw that can provide you with a variety of functions, including the super fun personal massager bonus mode. Just make sure you have extra batteries on hand, as this bad boy burns them up pretty fast.
4. Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 FUEL SAWZALL Reciprocating Saw Kit with 1 Battery
PROS
CONS
The Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 FUEL SAWZALL Reciprocating Saw Kit is the only product on this list that comes with pretty much everything you would ever need to start doing some heavy duty cutting, plus an convenient hard shell plastic case for carrying it all!
This kit arrives with a battery, a cutting blade, an M18/M12 charger, and the M18 FUEL case with compartments for not just one but two batteries, so you will always be able to carry an extra battery along with you. Not that you will find yourself needing one that often, as the battery for the Sawzall lasts a long time, and as a perk is also able to recharge fairly quickly.
There are a number of other perks to this saw, including the blade release lever which helps to release the blade even when the saw is choked in dust, and the included LED light. Best of all, Milwaukee is a reliable tool brand you can count on, so you know you are purchasing quality when you buy this saw.
Bottom Line
The Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 FUEL SAWZALL Reciprocating Saw Kit is a fantastic saw kit that has anything and everything for you to get started on some serious cutting. It is quite heavy, so make sure you are ready to handle this bad boy.
5. Ryobi P515 One+ 18V 7/8 Inch Stroke Length 3,100 RPM Lithium Ion
PROS
CONS
The Ryobi P515 One+ 18V 7/8 Inch Stroke Length 3,100 RPM Lithium Ion is a great little cordless reciprocating saw for Do It Yourself projects around the home and yard. Users report that this saw successfully chomps through roots, pipes, steel posts, galvanized threaded rod, nails, screws, drywall, blocking, and underbrush.
It is a fantastic tool to have on hand for any homeowner projects that might spring up. It is also simple and easy to operate, even to change out the blades. The two blades that come with this tool are specifically designed for different kinds of cuts, with the fine tooth blade designed for cutting steel and the coarser teeth blade designed for cutting through wood.
But regardless of which blade you are using or what you are cutting, you will be able to appreciate that this saw is quiet – which makes it ideal for trail use or clearing brush for hunting.
Bottom Line
The Ryobi P515 One+18V 7/8 Inch Stroke Length 3,100 RPM Lithium Ion is an awesome saw that is pretty much ideal for any homeowner’s project. If you need something with a bit more power, you may want to go with one of the other options on this list, though.
Conclusion
Cordless reciprocating saws are a true game changer when it comes to the ease and convenience of cutting. Make sure you get a saw that you will be able to carry and manipulate to cut whatever you need it to, and one that will not burn through batteries too quickly. Once you have those bases covered, there is not much you will not be able to do!
People Also Ask
What is a Cordless Reciprocating Saw?
A cordless reciprocating saw is a saw that is primarily powered by air reciprocation, meaning the movement of air through an air compressor is what gets the saw going. It does not have a motor, so comparable to other saws, it is much lighter and easy to manipulate. The cordless quality takes this to the next level by ensuring you will never be tied to a nearby outlet or have to maneuver around the cord.
What is a Cordless Reciprocating Saw Best Used For?
A cordless reciprocating saw is best used for projects where you need to navigate into tighter spaces, or projects where you know you will not have access to a power outlet. This makes cordless reciprocating saws ideal for tasks such as yard work, or trail clearing for hiking or hunting.
Who Makes the Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Our top pick for a cordless reciprocating saw is Dewalt. Dewalt is a reliable tool making brand that has created a reliable tool for basically any task imaginable, and their cordless reciprocating saw is no different. Plus, Dewalt is an American brand.
What are the Benefits of Investing in a Cordless Reciprocating Saw?
If you are going to go with a cordless reciprocating saw, you definitely want to go with a high quality model, not some off brand – even if it is cheaper. The reasons for doing this are because you get a wide range of benefits from a high quality saw. These include extra features, such as LED lights; enhanced safety benefits; and the ability of the saw to last a very long time and give you a good return on your investment.