Reciprocating saws are an important tool for plumbing, demolition, electrical, and construction jobs. They are the perfect tools for rough cuts or jobs where accuracy is of the utmost importance.

Due to their lightweight and compact size, these saws are also a good fit for restricted spaces and areas with small corners.

Below you will find my favorite reciprocating saws which are suitable for all types of tradesman and jobs.

Best Reciprocating Saw

Dewalt 20V Max XR Reciprocating Saw

The Dewalt Reciprocating Saw has a convenient lightweight and compact design, perfect for projects that need to be done in restricted spaces.

It features a variable speed trigger of 0-2900 SPM, a bright LED light, a blade clamp, a pivoting shoe, and an anti-slip grip.

The saw is suitable for cutting metal,wood, and its lightweight size of only 5 lbs makes it a must have tool for those working on various jobsites.

The unit also includes a 3 year restricted warranty, but the charger and battery must be bought separately.

What customers are saying

This saw received excellent reviews. Customers were most happy with its cordless design, powerful fast cutting functionality, and tool-free blade changing feature.

Still, some customers had issues with the saw vibrating too much and cutting out during operation.

Best Cordless Saw

Milwaukee Fuel Hackzall Saw

The Milwaukee Reciprocating Saw cuts a lot faster than models from competing brands with a much lower vibration level.

Cutting is extremely convenient with its one hand cordless operation and compact size, especially in restricted spaces or overhead cutting jobs.

The unit features overload protection, a brushless motor, and a dual gear counterbalance device for faster cuts and less user fatigue.

You can do more cuts per charge with the M18 red lithium battery pack. The unit is protected against debris and water, thanks to its weep holes and rubber seal.

What customers are saying

The majority of customers were incredibly satisfied with their purchase, commenting on the unit’s good balance, user-friendly operation, and versatility.

However, some customers complained about receiving units that stopped working after a few uses.

Best Heavy Duty Saw

Skilsaw Heavy Duty Reciprocating Saw

This 15A Skilsaw Reciprocating Saw delivers a reliable and tough performance unmatched by other brands on the market. Its unique patented buzzkill technology ensures minimum vibration.

Instead of simply moving vibration or having it shift to the operator, the vibration is stopped at the source with a full frame linear counterbalance feature.

This saw is suitable for even the toughest of jobs, with continuous response electronics that immediately detect the load, then increase power where necessary.

This means you can perform regulated cuts with no wear on yourself or the saw. This saw received plenty of 5-star reviews with customers commenting on how powerful, heavy-duty, and reliable it is.

Best Blade Selection

Dewalt 20-Volt Compact Reciprocating Saw Kit

This Dewalt Saw Kit is a must have item in any toolbox. The unit delivers a 50% longer lifespan than its counterparts, thanks to its patented tooth design.

The thick, tall blade shape is ideal for performing straight cuts on heavy metal materials, and the unit boasts advanced durability during robust demolition jobs.

The bi-metal design offers an extended cutting edge, as well as blade bendability.

This kit is manufactured in the United States. Other standout features include its 4 position blade clamp, variable speed of 0-2900 SPM, and a stroke length of 1-⅛” for quick and precise cuts.

What customers are saying

This saw received decent reviews with customers most impressed with its easy handling, durability, quality, and compact design.

A few customers, however, had issues charging the unit and also complained about its vibration.

Best Compact Saw

Bosch 18 V Compact Reciprocating Saw Bare Tool

This Bosch Saw was designed for easy mobility while performing intricate tasks in the confined areas that standard reciprocating saws won’t fit.

This unit features an incredible power to weight relation, delivering an impressive 3050 SPM while weighing a mere 4.4 lbs and being 15-¾” in length (bare tool).

With this cordless, compact, and powerful tool at their disposal, plumbers and electricians will be able to get rid of more material with every stroke.

And thanks to its lightweight design, overhead jobs with ongoing cutting also won’t be an issue.

What customers are saying

Customers gave this saw great reviews, commenting on its lightweight design, excellent control, straightforward handling, and long battery life.

Best Reciprocating Saw Kit

Dewalt Flexvolt Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit

The Dewalt Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit comes with incredible Flexvolt technology, meaning the battery changes the voltage whenever you switch tools.

The unit also features variable speed regulation and an SPM rating of 0-2950. It can produce 158 cuts for each battery charge, and working in dim-lit areas is no problem with its built-in LED light.

This is an extremely versatile saw that allows you to choose between corded power or cordless independence.

Thanks to the keyless lever operated blade clamp, blade changes on this model are also super easy and fast. Customers love this reciprocating saw and gave it excellent reviews.

They were especially impressed that it is a battery-operated unit with corded power. But many of them also loved its long battery life.

Other Recommended Saws

Dewalt Atomic 20V Cordless One-Handed Reciprocating Saw

The Dewalt Reciprocating Saw comes in a convenient compact size of 12.5” and weighs 3.13 lbs. It has a variable speed functionality and a pivoting shoe, making it perfect for different applications.

The brushless motor feature provides enhanced power, and with the LED light you can work well in dimly lit areas.

Blades changes are also straightforward, thanks to the tool-free blade release feature that helps you save valuable time, and boosts productivity.

Included in the purchase, are 2 blades and a belt hook. The battery and charger must be bought separately.

Kimo 20V Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw

The Kimo 20V Reciprocating Saw is cordless and comes with a brushless motor and lithium-ion battery for fast cutting.

The unit delivers 3000 SPM and can be used with T-shaped blades of any kind.

Blade changes are fast and easy with the tool-free blade release feature, and the anti-vibration handle is ergonomically designed with convenience in mind.

This saw is perfect for demolition jobs or light construction work. It weighs only 3.7 lbs, which makes working in tight spaces a lot easier.

Craftsman V20 Reciprocating Saw

The Craftsman Saw comes with incredible features like a variable speed mechanism, high-performance motor, and tool-free blade release for fast and straightforward blade changes.

The unit is only 14.5” long which makes it ideal for use in constricted areas.

The handle is contoured for added convenience, and you’ll have access to a 3-year restricted warranty upon purchase. Accessories and clips are not included but can be bought separately.

Makita Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Recipro Saw

The Makita Reciprocating saw is equipped with a 2 speed brushless motor that’s designed for fast cutting.

The tool-free blade changing system helps you save valuable time, and aids in enhanced productivity onsite. The unit has a compact size of 17-¼” and weighs 8.2 lbs.

Included in the purchase is a 90-day restricted warranty, but the battery is sold separately.

Bosch Bare-Tool 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Reciprocating Saw

This Bosch Saw delivers an impressive 1-⅛” stroke and features a unique lockjaw blade holder that allows you to change the blades with one hand.

The unit also offers versatility with 2 speed changes, and can easily cut through various materials.

The cordless and lightweight design is perfect for cutting without kickbacks, and the ergonomically shaped soft grip handle prevents user fatigue.

Working in restricted spaces is also very easy with this compact and powerful tool.

Reciprocating Saw Uses

Reciprocating saws are incredibly resourceful tools that can be used for various projects, for example:

Demolition work

Reciprocating saws can easily and promptly cut through most materials where precision is essential.

Pruning

These saws are powerful and durable, making them ideal for trimming trees or pruning shrubs without the need for manpower, as the case is with hand saws.

Remodeling jobs

Reciprocating saws can also effortlessly cut through PVC pipes, quickly remove surplus sheathing over window or door frames, and easily get rid of sole plates under door sills.

Features To Consider

Corded Vs Cordless

Cordless saws

Cordless saws offer advanced maneuverability and allow you to switch locations without a power source, i.e. extension cord, generator, or electrical outlet.

The only drawback is that the tool will start losing power once the battery starts running low.

Corded saws

These saws are perfect for quick and powerful cuts, considering you have access to full power the entire time.

They are often more compact and lightweight as well since they do not come with a battery.

Straight Cut Vs Orbital Cut

The blade movement dictates whether it is an orbital or straight cut.

Straight cut

Straight cut reciprocating saws feature a blade that moves back and forth. These are used for cutting metal, as well as projects that necessitate a more controlled cut.

Orbital cut

Orbital cut reciprocating saws have blades that move in oval or elliptical directions and are used for projects that involve an aggressive cutting motion.

Some reciprocating saws have an adjustable feature that enables you to change between orbital and straight cuts, contingent on the project at hand.

Adjustable shoe

This feature offers more steadiness and control. It enables you to see the blade and gives you a chance to cut in different positions.

Variable speed

Variable speed is an incredibly useful feature as it permits enhanced consistency and accuracy. It also enables you to choose the right speed according to the material you are cutting into.

Tool-free blade change

Tool-free blade changes allow you to quickly change the blade without the need for tools. Always ensure the saw is unplugged before attempting a blade change.