Are you in need of a saw that can cut through virtually anything, including wood, metal, nails and even walls, at an incredible speed? If so, a reciprocating saw is your best shot. This saw outshines many other saws because of its push-pull mechanism that ensures a neater cut at a faster rate.
Due to its efficiency, they are literally tons of them in the market today, which makes it difficult for one to choose the best. In this article, we’ll review the 11 best reciprocating saws you can find in the market and also show you their distinguishing features.
The Best Reciprocating Saw On The Market of 2022
1. Worx 20V AXIS 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw and Jigsaw
After a careful review, it became obvious that no other tool should take the number one spot other than the Worx WX550L 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw. It’s the only reciprocating saw on the list that doubles as a jigsaw. It’s just too sophisticated to say the least.
It has an orbital mode that allows you to switch between the two kinds of saws at a push of a button. Unlike other products on this list, it has a built-in dust blower that expels sawdust and particles from cut materials.
Its versatility is proven in its acceptance of virtually any kind of blade, whether it’s produced by Worx or not. With its tool-less blade change system, you can easily switch between any blade of your choice.
It’s got a powerful motor with a high stroke per minute speed. More so, it has a variable speed which you can adjust as you cut through a material.
Despite its heavy-duty sophistication, this tool weighs only 4.2 pounds. It’s also cordless and runs on lithium batteries. Also, irrespective of what you seek to do with it, its maximum speed remains 20V.
The major downside with this tool is that the cutting time you may enjoy depends on the type of battery you install in it. This means you may get only 20 minutes of cut time if you settle for a battery with a low amp.
2. Dewalt 20V Max Reciprocating Saw
The Dewalt 20V Max Reciprocating Saw makes our chart as one of the most efficient saws in the market. It’s a cordless reciprocating saw which offers you more ease of use unlike traditional saws with long and often interfering cords.
As such, the saw runs on rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries that offers as much as four hours of cutting time depending on the amp hours of the battery you installed. As the name implies, it has a maximum running voltage of 20 Volts, which is sufficient to cut virtually anything that comes its way.
With an array of blades to choose from, the saw cuts effortlessly with sheer precision in a push-pull manner. Its efficiency is further guaranteed in its 1-⅛ stroke length that delivers an amazing cutting speed of 3000 strokes per minute.
It comes equipped with a 4-position blade clamp that ensures your target object is firmly in place for a perfect cut. Another important feature of this equipment is that it has an LED light you can turn on when working at night.
But then, this reciprocating saw does not come with the batteries and charger. You’ve got to get them on your own. Besides this, the Dewalt 20V Max DCS380B Reciprocating Saw is a masterpiece.
3. SKIL 9 Amp Reciprocating Saw
The SKIL 9216-01 9 Amp Reciprocating Saw is another powerful tool you just can’t get enough of. Unlike the Dewalt 20V Max, this one has a 9 amp cable that ensures a 120V voltage flows through it.
With this power rating, it certainly won’t come as a surprise that this machine is heavy-duty, cutting through virtually anything you bring its way. It doesn’t have a fixed blade, which means you have an array of blades to choose from depending on the nature and thickness of the object you wish to cut.
What’s more, is that the blades are pretty easy to change. When plugged into a power source, a power-on indicator will turn on so as to reduce the chances of domestic accidents during the use of the reciprocating saw.
The SKIL 9216-01 9 Amp Reciprocating Saw has an adjustable speed dial that enables you to moderate how fast it cut objects. It’s made of steel and weighs only 8.05 pounds. Its dimension of 18.5 x 4 x 8 inches is also not bad for a heavy-duty tool of its caliber.
As magnificent as this tool may be, the major downside which you may worry about is its cord. It means you’d have to operate it very close to a power source and be careful enough not to cut the cord when in use.
Nonetheless, this cord can be a blessing knowing that you don’t have to wait for the tool to charge up before use, as it is the case with its contemporaries.
4. Makita 12V Max CXT Reciprocating Saw
Just a first look, and you will appreciate the beauty of the gun-shaped Makita RJ03Z 12V Max CXT Reciprocating Saw. It’s of a sleek design with dimensions of 16.8 x 5.2 x 13 inches which complements its lightweight of 2.8 pounds.
This tool is cordless, meaning it doesn’t get plugged to direct power supply. Instead, it runs on the 2V Max CXT 4.0Ah rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries (BL1041B). But then, this battery and the charger doesn’t come with the tool. You’ve got to buy it separately.
Despite its low voltage rating, the Makita RJ03Z Reciprocating Saw’s motor has a ½” stroke that delivers a variable speed of 0 – 3000 strokes per minute.
Just like the other reciprocating tools we’ve reviewed thus far, this one has a “tool-less” blade changing system, with different sizes of blades to choose from. The handle is ergonomic in design, and you can count on its rubberized body for a comfy grip as you do your cutting jobs.
It also has a bright LED light, which you can take advantage of when cutting in a dark workspace. You can turn this tool on/off either through the trigger or paddle switch operation.
On the downside, the blades are pretty short in length and would not offer deeper cuts, unlike some of its competitors in the market.
5. Bosch 12V Max Pocket Reciprocating Saw Kit
If you’re looking for an ultra-lightweight reciprocating saw to attend to your cutting needs with little worries, then the Bosch PS60-102 12V Max Pocket Reciprocating Saw is one of the best picks in the market.
Weighing only 2.3 pounds, this tool boasts of outstanding ergonomic features that will make cutting easier and more comfortable. Whether you choose to use it in an overhead position or in a horizontal one-hand position, this tool will certainly not deny you the compact feel you deserve.
The Bosch PS60-102 is cordless and runs on a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. With a battery gauge indicator, you certainly would know when next to recharge. More so, it’s equipped with an LED light that comes in handy when you are cutting in a dark area.
It has a fast-cutting motor with an incredible speed of 3,600 strokes per minute. What’s beautiful is that it takes a maximum of 12V voltage to achieve this speed. The dimension of 14.8 x 7.2 x 8.8 inches fully reflects it lightweight.
For safety purposes, it has an Electronic Cell Protection system for longer run time, not to mention that the device is safe from overheating and overloading.
One con you should be aware of is the shortness of blades. It may give you a tough time cutting branches, but it’s certainly a good pick for cutting stuff with a small diameter.
6. VonHaus 9 Amp Reciprocating Saw
The VonHaus 9 Amp Reciprocating Saw is yet another cutting masterpiece in the market. It’s capable of slitting through different materials including metals, wood, and plastics, all thanks to its terrific 9 Amp motor.
This reciprocating saw boasts of a maximum speed of 2500 revolutions per minute (rpm) and a stroke length of 1 – ⅛”. It’s a corded-electric tool that requires a 120V power source to work.
Unlike some saws we’ve reviewed that have only short blades, the VonHaus 9 Amp reciprocating saw have both two short blades and six long ones which you can choose from, depending on your cutting needs.
The short blades are designed for cutting metals, while the long ones are specially built for woods. It has a tool-less blade changing system for ease of use. Speaking of ease, it has an ergonomic design perfected in its comfy silicon handle. Its body also has a replaceable carbon brush design.
Due to its unique architecture, it is suitable for both right and left-hand use. But then, you’ve got to know that this saw is pretty heavy, weighing a massive 9.1 pounds with a dimension of 18.9 x 9.7 x 3.9 inches.
If you’re totally cool with this and its cord, then this tool may just be what you need.
7. Makita 18V LXT Reciprocating Saw
With a dimension of 3.6 x 14 x 7.6 inches, the Matika XRJ07ZB 18V LXT Reciprocating Saw is one of the smallest saws we have on our list as far as size is involved.
It has a brushless motor that offers a maximum speed of 3,000 strokes per minute and a pretty fair stroke length of 13/16″. It is also one of the best cordless reciprocating saws you can find in the market.
It runs on a 2.0Ah battery which you have to buy separately with the charger. Also, it delivers a maximum voltage of 18V.
Another outstanding features to love about this reciprocating saw is its compact design. It makes it easier to operate, making you suffer less fatigue than competitive products.
As expected, it has a tool-less design, which means you can easily install and remove blades without any technical expertise.
Nonetheless, the downside of this tool is that the blades are quite short, which makes it difficult to cut very thick objects like tree branches. But it is ideal for cutting metals of all sorts and wood.
8. Porter-Cable 20V Max Reciprocating Saw
For a start, the Porter-Cable PCC670B 20V Max Reciprocating Saw is a tool that belongs in a league of its own. Judging by its physical appearance and terrific features, you won’t agree less.
This tool has a variable speed of 0 – 3000 strokes per minute at an incredible 1″ stroke length.
One of its major selling points is the length of its blades. They are so long that they are ideal for cutting very thick objects, including tree branches.
Besides, you can always choose from an array of blades with varying teeth and functions. Likewise, it’s got a variable-speed trigger to manage the cutting speed of the blades effectively.
The pivoting shoes ensure that the objects are stable while the blades slit through them. For your maximum comfort, this Porter-Cable reciprocating saw is fitted with a well-modeled handle that ensures you get one of the best cutting experience.
It weighs only 4 pounds and has a dimension of 16.2 x 3.5 x 7.6 inches. It is a cordless machine that runs on rechargeable batteries. It delivers a maximum voltage of 20V.
Frankly, I can’t find any cons that undermine this masterpiece’s position on this list.
9. Tacklife 12V MAX Reciprocating Saw
Also on our list is the sophisticated Tacklife RES001 12V Max Reciprocating Saw. Actually, it gives a maximum voltage of 10.8V which is easily summarized to 12V.
It’s a lightweight tool, weighing just 3.4 pounds with a compact dimension of 12.2 x 5.3 x 2.8 inches.
For emphasis sake, this is one of the most sophisticated reciprocating saws you can find in the market. It has a six-step teeth-like clamp that helps to keep what you’re cutting in place while the blade runs through it.
Speaking of blades, the Tacklife Saw has pretty long blades that can touch what most of the other saws can’t dream of.
It’s a cordless machine that runs on a rechargeable lithium battery. A one hour charge can comfortably give you a 30 minutes cutting time.
More so, its powerful motor delivers a maximum speed of 2500 strokes per minute. As it is with the other products we’ve reviewed this far, the Tacklife Reciprocating Saw has a tool-less blade change system.
The only issue I have with this tool is its low motor speed compared to the others. Besides this, it’s an efficient device for cutting metals, wood, plastics, and other materials.
10. Ryobi 18V Max Reciprocating Saw
Another phenomenal cordless machine in the market today is the Ryobi P517 18V Max Reciprocating Saw. It is powered by lithium-ion batteries.
Just like every other reciprocating saw on our list, this one has a tool-less blade changing system that allows you to use any compatible blade you deem fit, without the rigors of technicality.
It’s got a pivoting shoe at its tip that you can rest against an object to ensure you get an accurate angular cut.
It also has a variable speed trigger that allows you to adjust the cutting speed of the machine. Meanwhile, it boasts of a maximum speed of 3200 strokes per minute at 1-⅛ inch stroke length.
To complement its outstanding features, the Ryobi 18V Reciprocating Saw has a spring-assisted handle that eases off vibrations and gives you better control of the tool.
It has a fair weight of 5.6 pounds and a dimension of 17.5 x 3.5 x 6.5 inches. On the downside, this tool requires five lithium batteries to run, which is much compared to what others use.
11. Milwaukee 18V Hackzall Reciprocating Saw
The Milwaukee 2625-20 18V Hackzall Reciprocating Saw is a superior one-handed saw with remarkable cutting power.
It has a no-load speed of 3000 strokes per minute and at a stroke length of ¾ inch. Without a doubt, it slits materials such as metals and wood conveniently.
However, the cutting efficiency is dependent on the thickness and nature of the material, and the type of blade you choose to use. With the Quick-Lok blade change mechanism, switching between blades has never been easier.
In order to ensure you don’t suffer much fatigue as you use this powerful tool, it’s equipped with an anti-vibration handle, which has an ergonomic design that literally cushions the cutting effect. It’s easy to use.
Do you have any reason to work into the night? Don’t worry your head. It’s equipped with a bright LED light so you don’t make a mistake or get yourself hurt, even in the darkest of nights. However, an extra light source won’t be a bad idea either.
This device uses the M18 XC kind of batteries. They are not just powerful but outrightly reliable.
As long as the dimension of 13.5 x 7.2 x 3.5 inches isn’t too small for you and you’ve got no problem with its 4.1 pounds weight, then this tool may just be what you’ve been looking for.
Buyer’s Guide: Things To Consider Before Buying A Reciprocating Saw
They may all be the same type of product, but they certainly differ from one another in various ways. Starting from the physical appearance to technical features, you’ve got to get yourself acquainted with these important details of reciprocating saws so you don’t make a mistake when buying.
Motor Speed
One of the important things you should consider before placing an order for a reciprocating saw is the speed of its motor. This is one of the things that determines how fast the saw cuts.
For optimum efficiency, look out for a saw with a maximum load speed of at least 2500 strokes per minute. If you can find a better speed of 3000 or more, then it’s better.
It’s called a no-load speed because when the cutting commences, the friction from the object will certainly reduce the speed. So imagine you settle for a reciprocating saw of about 1500 strokes per minute, it means the actual speed will drop to about 900 strokes per minute.
You know what that means, right? Longer cutting time.
Cord Or Cordless
Gone are the days when every reciprocating saw is powered from an electric wall socket. These days, innovations have made it possible for you to achieve a high motor speed while running on batteries.
If you are pretty uncomfortable with cords and hiccups that come with it, then you may have to settle for a cordless saw. The major difference is that the runtime of the cordless saws is dependent on the power rating of the battery.
In most instances, these batteries would have to be removed from the reciprocating saw before they can be charged. This means you may have to purchase a battery if you don’t want to be cut off during a cutting exercise.
Dimension
For some folks, size matters. Although the products we reviewed in this article are closely related, their sizes differ. While some seem to be pretty long, others look bulkier.
The shape and size contribute significantly to the ease of using the tool. You need something that you would be comfortable with. And more importantly, a reciprocating saw with an ergonomic design.
Weight
Most people find reciprocating saws quite difficult to use because of how bulky they are. Some are not just bulky in shape, but also heavy in size.
One mistake that is common among online shoppers is the failure to check the weight of the products they’re ordering. You shouldn’t make the same mistake.
Heavy saws weighing as much as 8 pounds are often heavy-duty machines with high motor speed. But the discomfort it brings cannot be compared to a machine weighing only 2.3 pounds.
This doesn’t mean that the lightweight ones are inferior. Nonetheless, you’ve got to ensure that the salient features you need in these machines are present irrespective of the weight involved.
Blade
A lot of Reciprocating Saws in the market have a tool-less blade change system. This means that they don’t have fixed blades. On the contrary, each of these saws has about five to ten blades you can choose from.
But then, some of these saws only use short blades that don’t offer deep cuts. You may find such saws to be less effective in cutting tree branches.
If, however, what you need to cut is just metal, wood, and pipes of little thickness and diameter, then such blades can suffice. Beyond that, you may have to opt for a reciprocating saw with longer blades.
LED Light
As an added advantage, reciprocating saws with LED lights make it easier for you to cut items at night, without the use of an external light source.
It may not be a major determining factor, especially if you have a torchlight that you can leverage at night. Nonetheless, it is still worth a tick on your checklist when you want to buy a reciprocating saw from the market.
Conclusion
Although all the reciprocating saws we reviewed here are unique and resourceful in their own way, the Worx 20V AXIS 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw and Jigsaw has proven to be the best in more ways than one.
Despite the fact that it uses a maximum voltage of 20V, it still offers a great motor speed and has better stability than most of its contemporaries in the market. You can certainly make it your preferred pick, or you can as well, bank on any of the remaining ten saws with incredible features.
