Best Reciprocating Saw Reviews

Wondering what is a reciprocating saw and how it can help you?

In a nutshell, a reciprocating saws make some the most flexible, multi-purpose cutting tools you can add to your arsenal.

Reciprocating saws have a blade that achieves its cutting action thanks to a push/pull or reciprocating movement. They are also known as saber saws. In fact, the reciprocating saw blades are sold on their own as interchangeable parts of every tool.

If you want to make any rough cuts in building materials or on a demolition site, the best reciprocating saw is a smart choice. In essence, a reciprocating saw is like a mechanized hand saw. There are many reciprocating saw uses, and below we are listing some of the most common nowadays.

Editor's Choice

  • 10- Amp motor
  • Variable speed control
  • Key-less blade clamp
  • 2800 SPM
  • Variable speed trigger
  • 4-position blade clamp
VIEW LATEST PRICE
Rated as
4.5/5
Budget Friendly

Black+DeckerBDCR20B Lithium Reciprocating Saw
  • Bare tool so you’ll need to buy 20V battery and charger separately
  • Trigger is variable speed
  • Cordless
  • Tool-free blade changing
  • Variable speed control
  • 7/8 inch stroke length
VIEW LATEST PRICE
Rated as
5/5
Amazon's Choice

Bosch RS7 Reciprocating Saw
  • 11-amp motor
  • LED lights
  • Variable speed trigger
  • 1 1/8-inch blade
  • Key-less blade change system
  • 10 blades included
VIEW LATEST PRICE
Rated as
5/5
Table of Contents

DeWalt DWE304 10-Amp Recipracating Saw

Main Features
  • 10- Amp motor
  • Variable speed control
  • Key-less blade clamp
  • 2800 SPM
  • Variable speed trigger
  • 4-position blade clamp
VIEW LATEST PRICE
Rated as
4.5/5

First up in our look at the best reciprocating saws is a powerful 10-amp model from DeWalt. DeWalt has a hard-won reputation for providing extremely capable power tools at a reasonable price-point.

If you’re looking to undertake fairly heavy-duty cutting at home or on the jobsite, the DWE304 is a smart choice. Reciprocating saws come into their own for home improvement projects, plumbing work, cutting pipes and a wide range of other applications so they are real multi-tasking workhorses.

Check out the main features of the DeWalt DWE304 before we drill down on where this superb reciprocating saw stands and falls…

The 10-amp motor is powerful enough to let you cut through most materials with ease. It maxes out at 2800 strokes per minute so you get all the performance you need in a compact unit. It weighs around 9 pounds so you won’t be burdened down in exchange for such power.

The range of materials you can work with is, in fact, one of the key selling points of this awesome reciprocating saw. Whether it’s wood studded with nails, metal, drywall, fiberglass, plastic or composite materials, the DeWalt churns through just about anything you put in its way.

This is a corded saw so think carefully about whether this style suits you. To salt the wound, the cable is a scant 7 feet long which doesn’t afford much room for maneuver. The reward you get for needing to be close to a power source, though, is superb cutting power whether through wood, plastic or even harder materials.

DeWalt offer a very wide selection of blades for just about any application you could imagine. These are very inexpensive so think about what kind of cutting you’ll be doing and buy accordingly. There’s no need to go and buy large quantities in one go but you can build up a collection over time so you’ve got all main bases covered.

Changing these blades presents no problem with a blade clamp meaning you won’t need to reach for your toolbox. The 4-position clamp lets the teeth of the blade sit in all directions letting you flush cut in even the tightest spot with complete control and accuracy. This is a great feature on a tool at this price point.

The stainless steel shoe will hold up to even rough treatment. This shoe is easily adjustable.

You’ll get a stroke length of 1 1/8 inches so you can get through mountains of work in next to no time. You’ll also enjoy precise cuts so it’s not just speed you get but precision too.

The variable speed trigger makes tweaking things is incredibly easy. You’ll be able to run your saw at anything up to 2800 strokes per minute which is more than enough for even heavier-duty applications.

There’s nothing in place to combat vibration but you do enjoy orbital action with the DeWalt. Make sure to wear gloves and you’ll mitigate this vibration to some extent.

You don’t require much by the way of extras with a reciprocating saw. The tool itself is what you are paying for. That said, DeWalt throws in a bag and 1 metal cutting blade which is a nice bonus. Be aware in advance that the bag is the soft variety that doesn’t offer much at all by the way of protection. If you plan to take your saw out on site, you might want to sort out a hard case instead.

The trademark bright DeWalt yellow means that you won’t risk misplacing your saw on site and you’ll be able to spot it with ease even from a distance. There’s little worse than dull power tools that blend into the background.

The DeWalt comes with an impressive warranty. You’re covered for 3 years, there’s a 1-year service contract and a 90-day refund so you can buy in complete confidence. You can’t ask for much more than that.

We’ll take a glimpse now at the principal advantages and drawbacks of the DeWalt before we deliver our verdict and move on to our next reciprocating saw review…

Why we like it

  • 1 1/8-inch stroke length for fast cutting
  • Powerful 10-amp motor kicks out 2800SPM no-load speed and is ideal for heavy-duty work at home or on site
  • Outstanding value for money considering the build quality, performance and brand heritage
  • Ergonomic trigger allows you to make speed adjustments quickly and easily
  • Change blades with ease thanks to key-less blade clamp
  • Highly versatile: work with wood, plastic, metal or rubber
  • Blade clamp packs 4 positions for your convenience
  • Work with a vast range of materials from metal to nail-embedded wood, plastics through to fiberglass
  • Class-leading 3-year limited warranty takes the sting out of your buying decision

Conclusion

If you are looking for the best reciprocating saw, the DeWalt DWE304 is well worth popping on your shortlist.

You’ll get a winning combination of affordability, durability and raw cutting power in one compact package. Whether you’re a contractor or working at home, the DWE304 will solve most regular cutting needs in fine style.

The crowning glory is the first-rate warranty and refund in option in place so you’ve got no worries at all. Check out this reciprocating saw today even if you have some hardcore projects in mind. It will not disappoint.

VIEW LATEST PRICE

Black+DeckerBDCR20B Lithium Reciprocating Saw

Main Features
  • Bare tool so you’ll need to buy 20V battery and charger separately
  • Trigger is variable speed
  • Cordless
  • Tool-free blade changing
  • Variable speed control
  • 7/8 inch stroke length
VIEW LATEST PRICE
Rated as
5/5

Next up is a great 20V cordless reciprocating saw from the industry giant BLACK+DECKER.

When it comes to top-tier power tools without breaking the bank, this manufacturer never disappoints. This reciprocating saw is priced so low it’s almost too good to be true but you won’t dip out on quality in return for getting such a bargain.

Not everyone wants a corded saw and this cordless model gives you great flexibility while still performing well across an array of cuts for the double win.

Check out the main features before we explore this great reciprocating saw in a little more detail…

Cordless reciprocating saws give you plenty of added scope when you are working in tight spots. If you want flexibility, speed and cutting power in one affordable package, the BDCR20B is hard to beat. Kiss goodbye to being tethered to a power outlet or tripping over trailing cables and say hello to complete freedom of movement.

This saw is sold as a bare tool. You will need to buy the battery and charging unit separately. Take this into account when budgeting. If you have a number of BLACK+DECKER tools, this can actually save you money in the long run. Simply swap out the battery depending on which tool you need and save money by picking up the bare tools for a win-win.

As long as you have the battery and charger in place, this reciprocating saw comes with a blade included so you can get going straight out the box.

The 20V battery works efficiently even in extreme temperatures. Although it’s rated at 20 volts, that’s when the saw is not in use. This drops to 18 volts when you fire it up so be aware of this slight discrepancy before you buy. We are not a fan of this kind of advertising so, while it’s no deal-breaker, it’s worth flagging.

Changing the blade is a cinch with the BLACK+DECKER. Tool-free changing is super-simple so you won’t break your workflow needing to stop and fiddle around. All you need to do is lift up the nifty little latch and swap out the blades then you’re good to go.

The cutting stroke is fairly short at 7/8 of an inch. This will allow you to cut with control and precision. You can tweak the speed up to a maximum of 3000RPM so you can keep your cuts accurate even on thinner wood. It will cut less aggressively at slower speeds stopping you from damaging your work.

The variable speed functionality is great news if you want to switch from cutting through wood to pipes, for example. You can just make adjustments to the pace and carry on about your work without needing to stop and change out the blade.

Not only do you get the ease of a cordless tool, the BLACK+DECKER is a mere 4 pounds so you can work for hours without straining your arms. This is great news if you have ambitious projects in mind where you’ll need to toil away fro extended periods.

The shoe guide pivots which makes it straightforward for you to get the perfect angle whatever type of cut you have in mind. It also ensures that the blade remains straight even if you’re cutting at an angle.

There’s not really a great deal to say against this saw when you consider its intended purpose. As long as you know in advance that you’ll need to buy a battery and charger separately, we can’t really knock that. Bare tools are commonplace these days and can actually be a money-saver.

The saw does generate a fair bit of vibration. This comes down the handle and straight into your hand. The obvious solution is to invest in a decent pair of gloves. It’s also advisable to take regular breaks so you don’t end up in any discomfort.

Whether you’re trimming your trees or cutting the roots, sawing off bolts or carrying out some home DIY, the BLACK+DECKER makes a highly adaptable addition to your toolkit.

Why we like it

  • Fast, accurate cuts with 7/8-inch cutting stroke
  • Complete convenience of cordless tool without losing out on power or performance
  • Swap out blade without needing to reach for your toolkit
  • Variable speed control for maximum versatility up to 3000 SPM
  • Ultra-lightweight at 4 pounds so work for long spells without fatigue setting in
  • Pivoting shoe for extra adaptability
  • 20-volt battery gives you enough juice to get most jobs done in one go

Conclusion

If you want an all-purpose reciprocating saw with none of the restrictions of a corded model, think long and hard about the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B.

Everyone has different requirements from a reciprocating saw. If you are mainly planning to do small jobs at home or you want a portable saw to carry from job to job, the BDCR20B fits the bill perfectly. This saw is not cut out for extended and heavy-duty applications on the job site but the price tag reflects that.

With a 2-year limited warranty, you can buy with complete peace of mind knowing BLACK+DECKER has you covered.

Check out this excellent reciprocating saw today. It delivers in fine style.

VIEW LATEST PRICE

Bosch RS7 Reciprocating Saw

Main Features
  • 11-amp motor
  • LED lights
  • Variable speed trigger
  • 1 1/8-inch blade
  • Key-less blade change system
  • 10 blades included
VIEW LATEST PRICE
Rated as
5/5

Next up is the consistently well-reviewed RS7 from Bosch, a trusted brand in the construction industry offering top-notch tools at very keen prices. While it might not be the very cheapest reciprocating saw you can buy, it will serve you well whether you’re a home DIY enthusiast or you need something for the job site.

With a powerful 11-amp motor and impressive cutting length, you get a first-class saber saw without breaking the bank.

The handle on the RS7 is designed so you can work throughout the day without feeling cramped and blistered. You can also enjoy great grip and control as you are cutting. Comfort is critical with power tools.

The 11-amp motor on the Bosch is poky enough to deal with most regular cutting needs. You can work confidently with a broad spread of materials. One of the key selling points with reciprocating saws is their ability to carve with ease through anything from wood to plastic, metal to composites. The Bosch takes everything in its stride.

LED lights to illuminate the cutting line come in very useful. This is a nice touch on a fairly inexpensive saw. Often, the kind of jobs you need a reciprocating saw for are in gloomy areas so you’ll be able to enjoy a clear line of sight however dull and dim the conditions.

You’ll get a pack of 10 blades thrown in for good measure. 3 blades are for wood, 3 for wood with nails and 4 are ideal for cutting metal. This gives you everything you need to get going directly out the box without needing to hustle to the hardware store. That said, it might be a wise move to invest in some heavier blades as the ones supplied, while fit for purpose, are relatively lightweight.

Swapping out the blades is simplified thanks to a key-less blade chuck. You won’t need to worry about misplacing any parts and you can substitute the blade while barely breaking your stride. The blade release function can be slightly awkward until you’re accustomed to the way it works so be patient starting out.

As with most reciprocating saws, the variable speed trigger permits for fine-tuning when it counts. You can dial back the power – or ramp it up! – according to what you are cutting and how you are cutting it. You’ll be able to move from cutting wood to slicing your way through denser materials like metals or concrete without needing to mess around.

There’s no hard case provided so think about buying something suitable if you plan to take your Bosch out of the workshop and onto the job site.

As a corded saw, you’ll obviously be restricted to working within range of a power outlet. On the upside, the cord is more than long enough to give you ample room for maneuver for most jobs you might have in mind. If you’re looking for a cordless instead, consider the BLACK+DECKER above or the Porter Cable below. Both are fine saws well worth checking out.

The only real downside of this awesome reciprocating saw is that there’s little to bring down the vibration. The cushioned handle goes some way to help but it’s still less than ideal. The obvious solution is to invest in a decent pair of work gloves since this issue is something most reciprocating saws have in common.

Take a look now at a snapshot of the advantages and drawbacks of the Bosch before we round out this reciprocating saw review and move on to the next great model on our list…

Why we like it

  • Powerful 11-amp motor gives superb performance whatever the application
  • Long blade length of 1 1/8-inch normally associated with more expensive reciprocating saws
  • No misplaced tools with key-less chuck allowing for seamless rapid blade change
  • Cutting zone lit by dual LED lights so perfect for working in dim environments
  • Slice through any material with ease so a real multipurpose saw
  • Keep control at all times with variable speed trigger
  • Minimal kickback which is something that can blight many reciprocating saws

Conclusion

If you want a commercial-grade reciprocating saw at a keen price point, the Bosch RS7 will repay your further investigation. It’s ideal for any of a range of cutting jobs you might need to undertake at home while it’s also rugged enough to take out on the job site.

You will get the performance you’d normally need to pay much for and a highly adaptable addition to your demolition tools. Check out the Bosch RS7 today!

VIEW LATEST PRICE

Porter Cable PCC670B Reciprocating Tigersaw

Main Features
  • 20V lithium-ion battery power
  • 1-inch stroke length
  • 3000 RPM
  • Variable speed trigger
  • Tool-free blade change
  • Ultra-compact
VIEW LATEST PRICE
Rated as
4.5/5

Next up in our look at the best reciprocating saws is another accomplished cordless from Porter Cable.

With a powerful 20V lithium-ion battery behind it and all the convenience of a cordless, if you want a rugged reciprocating saw for your home workshop, this is hard to beat.

The nature of much of the work you do with reciprocating saws means you’ll often be working in cramped, confined areas and there won’t always be a handy power outlet. Cordless saws like the PCC670B are the sensible alternative to bigger corded models. With tools like this, it’s all about intended usage so think carefully about what works best for you.

We’ll glance now at the pros and cons of this tiger saw before exploring its functionality in a bit more depth…

If you are looking for a compact and lightweight saber saw to use in awkward spots, the Porter Cable hits the spot. It not only performs admirably but looks the part too. So many power tools are simply drab hunks of metal but Porter Cable have taken the trouble to produce a mean-looking saw that will grace any workshop or toolkit.

This saw is good for small commercial projects as well. It’s designed with general builders and plumbing contractors in mind. As long as you don’t buy it with the intention of using it day and night for hardcore job site projects, it’s a rugged saber saw that delivers fully.

Bear in mind, as with many of these cordless saws, you’ll need to pick up the battery and charging unit separately as they are not included with this bare tool. This saw forms part of Porter Cable’s 20V Max System. While you might need to spend a little more upfront, if you choose to invest in a range of their tools then you’ll save money over time. Simply use the same charger and battery and pick up the bare tool each time at a fraction of the cost of buying the whole package every time.

Thinking of the charger, you’ll be able to fully charge your saw in 20 minutes or so which is a real bonus. The lithium-ion battery offers great performance and the charger has an integrated fan to protect the battery as you give it some juice.

The maximum no-load speed is 3000RPM and you’ll get a cutting length of 1 inch. This is sufficient for most regular cutting duties. This saw comes with variable speed functionality so you’ll be able to match the speed to the application and get superior results every time. Whether you are hacking down branches or cutting pipework, use the nifty little trigger and dial the pace up or down accordingly.

Changing the blades is fuss-free thanks to the pivoting shoe. You don’t need any special tools to hand. Twist and insert your blade into the shoe and you’re good to go. This is particularly useful if you’re working in a commercial setting where time is money. There are no tools required when you’re making adjustments to the shoe either so this is a very user-friendly saw across the board.

Porter Cable placed comfort uppermost when designing this saw. The cushioned grip is easy on your hands and the overall weight, at less than 4 pounds, means you can wield it for long spells without feeing the burn. There’s no sense in getting tools like this as a labor-saving device if they end up being uncomfy to use.

Although it’s a lightweight and highly maneuverable reciprocating saw, the Porter Cable boasts top-notch build quality and it’s extremely rugged. There’s a metal motor housing in place to prevent any rogue dust and debris from working its way inside and wreaking havoc. The over-molded handle affords you outstanding control not just comfort. Buttons feel solid and built to last.

We’ll briefly outline the main advantages and downfalls of this neat little saw before serving up our verdict and moving on to our final reciprocating saw review…

Why we like it

  • Plenty of power with 20V battery so cut through most materials with ease from wood through to metal
  • Adjust speed easily with trigger to fine-tune your cutting up to a maximum of 3000RPM
  • Swapping your blade couldn’t be easier and you won’t need any tools to do so
  • Metal motor housing is rugged and built to last
  • Lightweight unit in spite of its durability with comfy handle so work for long spells without discomfort
  • Steel buttons are responsive and durable while also preventing you accidentally turning saw on, an ideal safety feature
  • Suitable for a broad spread of applications and materials so you get a lot of versatility along with wonderful value for money

Conclusion

If you want a solid, no-nonsense reciprocating saw at a competitive price-point, Porter Cable might have the answer. You’ll get the convenience of a cordless without a drop in power or performance and a lightweight unit which is nevertheless rugged enough to last for years.

As long as you don’t want to punish it day and night on ambitious projects, this saw is durable enough to serve for commercial use as well as home DIY. Check out the Tiger Saw. It won’t disappoint.

VIEW LATEST PRICE

SKIL 9216-01 Reciprocating Saw

Main Features
  • 9-amp motor
  • Power-on safety indicator
  • Pivoting foot
  • Counter-balance
  • Heavy-duty tool housing
  • Tool-free blade change
VIEW LATEST PRICE
Rated as
5/5

Rounding out our look at the best reciprocating saws is the 9216-01 from the mighty SKIL. You’ll get all the brand heritage of a household name without the eye-watering price tag. Whether you’re a home DIY enthusiast or a professional looking for a recip saw for lighter work on site, the SKIL is tailor-made.

For a hard-hitting workhorse that’s built to go the distance, you’ll find that this reciprocating saw is a consistent bestseller with just cause.

We’ll take a quick peek at the main features of the 9216-01 before we take you through its core functionality in greater detail…

For cutting down shrubs or slicing through wood, the SKIL reciprocating saw takes no prisoners. You’ll even be able to work with metals, plastics or composites as long as you don’t go over the top and expect it to perform miracles. It will serve its turn on the job site but it’s important to keep your expectations reasonable.

A corded model with a 9-amp motor, you can vary the speed in line with what you are cutting through for fast and precise results. Simply flick the trigger and shift the RPM up or down accordingly. Although corded tools cramp your freedom of movement to some extent, the trade-off is a marked increase in power over cordless alternatives.

This saw is prone to switching on accidentally but the handy power-on indicator should alert you to any unwanted activation. This kind of safety touch is essential on a tool as potentially lethal as a reciprocating saw. It’s just rather a shame that SKIL did not address the issue of accidental activation as the power-on indicator is barn door syndrome.

When you are working on harder materials or cutting deep, the pivoting foot is a nice bonus. You’ll get more traction and stability. This saw is perfectly able to deal with harder, denser materials so this foot really comes into its own.

Changing the blades, like with most saber saws, is extremely easy and tool-free. The last thing you need on the job site is a complex procedure and the need to scrabble for your toolbox. This saw comes as a bare tool so you’ll need to think about investing in some decent blades.

For such a reasonably priced saw, build quality is truly impressive on the SKIL. The steel casing means this saw can stand up to plenty of rough and tumble without giving up the ghost. The motor is nicely protected from the bugbear of sawdust that can cause mayhem and reduce the lifespan of your equipment. Despite this, it weighs only a fraction over 8 pounds so you can work for a long time in one stint, even working overhead, without fatigue setting in.

SKIL offer a 1-year limited warranty. You’ll also get the option for a full, no questions asked refund during the first 30 days if you buy this saw and you’re not completely satisfied. You can’t really ask for too much more than that and you’ve got nothing to lose by giving it a road test!

We’ll give you a quick rundown now of where this reciprocating saw excels and where it could do better before letting you know our overall verdict…

Why we like it

  • Potent 9-amp motor for even challenging applications
  • Safety first with power-on indicator to minimize accidentally activating the saw
  • No need for equipment to swap out blades quickly so save time and effort while focusing on the job at hand
  • Added stability with pivoting foot so get superior cutting results every time
  • Durable with metal tool housing to protect the motor from dust and debris working its way into the innards
  • Variable speed for more control across applications

Conclusion

If you want a well-built reciprocating saw that can serve you well in the garden, for DIY projects or on the job site, think seriously about the SKIL. Whether you want to work metal or masonry, composites or plastic, the 9216-01 is worthy of a place on any shortlist of the best reciprocating saws.

From trimming trees through to light demolition work, you’ll be able to handle most cutting tasks you have in mind with consummate ease.

You’ll get a sizeable motor capable of delivering all your cutting needs and, since covered with steel real estate, this saw will last for years. For a dependable reciprocating saw equally at home for DIY or professional contracts, you really can’t go wrong with the 9216-01.

VIEW LATEST PRICE

best reciprocating saw: Looking for more information?

Interested to learn more in-depth details about selecting the right tool for your needs? Read our Informational Buyer Guide and Frequently Asked Questions sections on this topic for more details.

Final Words...

We very much hope you’ve found these reciprocating saw reviews useful and informative.

If you think carefully about exactly how you’ll use your saw and you take your time researching, getting the best reciprocating saw is not really so difficult.

For home DIY or a huge range of applications on the job site, reciprocating saws aren’t the quickest or most precise but they are worth their weight in gold. For many cuts just not practical with other power saws, a saber saw steps in to save the day.

Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions or feedback at all. We love to hear from our readers and we’re more than happy to help.

To round out, here are 10 FAQs to clear up some of the most common queries about these versatile, capable power saws…

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles

Best Miter Saw

Read Review
Most Popular

Best Table Saw

Read Review
Buying Guide

Best Reciprocating Saw

Read Review
Buying Guide

Best Circular Saw

Read Review
Buying Guide

Best Jigsaw

Read Review
Buying Guide

Best Band Saw

Read Review
Buying Guide

Best Scroll Saw

Read Review
Buying Guide

Best Wood Planer

Read Review
Buying Guide

Best Wood Router

Read Review
Buying Guide