Best Rated Reciprocating Saws

Last Update: November, 2023

Whether you’re a professional carpenter, hobbyist, or simply a DIYer, a reciprocating saw is an essential tool to have on hand. They’re incredibly versatile and can easily cut through a variety of materials that other saws aren’t able to.

If you need to make a quick cut, the reciprocating saw is your go-to tool. Even in the smallest of spaces, you'll be able to get in there and make effortless slices. This is a big advancement from the traditional manual-style saws that would require continuous pushing and pulling on your part.

You have hundreds of different reciprocating saws available to choose from on the market, but which one is going to be the best fit for you? Check out our list of the best ones available and learn about what you should consider before making a purchase:

More About The DeWalt Bare-Tool DC385B

You can easily cut through anything, anywhere with this powerful cordless reciprocating saw by Dewalt. Whether you’re building, demolishing, or anything in between, this saw will help you cut through roofs and walls, metal ductwork, plastic piping and more.

The high-performance variable speed motor allows you to move the blade from 0 to 3,000 strokes with a cutting stroke length of 1 ⅛ inch. Plus, you're able to quickly and easily change out the blade with the convenient open top design and lever-action keyless blade.

For safe, easy, and comfortable use, it comes featuring an anti-slip rubber handle that allows you to easily grip and have total control.

>> Related Content: Best Jigsaw, Best Scroll Saw

More About The Milwaukee 6519-31

This durable reciprocating saw by Milwaukee allows you to easily slice through almost any material in even the most rugged environments. It features a special clutch to help extend the life of the motor and surrounding gears, so it will withstand regular use for a very long time.

 It's specially designed to absorb impact and protect the important internal components, such as the motor, from being knocked around and abused during the workday. Thanks to an internal counterweight mechanism, vibration is significantly reduced to provide you with more comfort and accuracy when making cuts.

This saw features a quick-lock to make switching out bladed easy when you need to cut through different material. Once the necessary blade is placed, you simply rev up the motor using the variable speed trigger, which can power the blade up to 3,000 strokes per minute.

>> Related Content: Best Circular Saw, Best Cordless Circular Saw

More About The DeWalt DCS380B

Dewalt’s 20-Volt MAX cordless reciprocating saw is ideal for a variety of jobs from carpentry and plumbing to HVAC and fire rescue. You’ll be able to cut through virtually any material with its innovative feature and Dewalt’s patented technology.

One very unique feature on this saw is a built-in LED that ensures maximum visibility for more accurate cuts. Along with the 4 position blade clamp, you'll be able to effortlessly change blades and make flush cuts in even the smallest areas.

This saw offers 2.88x faster applications, 181% more runtime and is 82% more powerful. It’s 20V MAX system is extremely powerful, coming super ergonomic with Lithium-Ion batteries.

>> Related Content: Best Table Saw, Best Miter Saw

More About The Porter-Cable PCC670B

This powerful, compact reciprocating saw was designed for working in smaller spaces. At just 14.5 inches in length, you’ll easily be able to make every cut you need.

It features a convenient tool-free blade release so you can quickly replace blades, plus a very high-performance drivetrain that allows for quick, aggressive cutting. In addition, the variable speed trigger makes controlling the machine easy when cutting through different materials.

Another great thing about this saw is the pivoting shoe, which helps to control bouncing and vibration. This ensures that the blade is in constant contact with the material for faster, more accurate cuts.

>> Related Content:  Best Battery Chainsaw, Best Hybrid Table Saw

More About The Bosch Pocket Reciprocating Saw

Bosch gives you one of the most powerful reciprocating saws out there. You’ll be able to cut through even the toughest materials like conduit and copper with this super fast motor. It also features a brake for extra safety and accuracy.

It includes a complete protection system to prevent overloading and overheating, and also voltage protection. Further, electronic cell protection provides you with longer runtime and longevity of the tool. It's designed to last with a front rubber wrap that protects the internal components from debris, dust, and water.

It’s got a compact design and built-in LED for easy use in tight spaces and dimly lit areas. It also has a battery life indicator, so you’ll always know how much life you have left.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Reciprocating Saw

You’ll come across many options when shopping for your reciprocating saw, and they offer so many different features and benefits. To make sure you’re spending your money wisely and finding the best one, consider the following before buying:

Speed Settings

Since your reciprocating saw should be able to cut through a wide variety of materials, you’ll want to find something with multiple speed settings. Different materials will require different speeds, so you will need to have the flexibility to change it accordingly. You wouldn’t be able to cut through concrete at the same speed you use to cut a PVC pipe.

Furthermore, being able to use the appropriate speed one different material will help protect your saw and increase its longevity. So, consider looking for one with a variable speed trigger.

Length and Size

Reciprocating saws come in a wide range of lengths and sizes. Depending on the types of work you do, you might choose to get a smaller, more compact one. If you work in tight spaces this is going to be especially important to consider.

If you'll be doing a lot of reaching and overhead work, look for one that's going to be lightweight. On the other hand, if you tend to have to cut through a lot of really heavy-duty materials, purchasing one that's heavier will minimize vibration and help you maintain control.

Consider Corded

It’s also really important to consider the benefits and disadvantages of corded and battery powered saws. While cordless seems to be getting more and more popular these days, there are still many benefits to going with a corded saw.

Corded saws tend to be more powerful than cordless. Since cordless saws have limited power output they can only do some much. The corded ones have an unlimited source of power and you won't have to worry about changing it out. If your batteries die unexpectedly while on the job, you might be out of luck.

Also, the cordless ones are lighter in weight because they don’t have to house a heavy battery.

How to Maintain your Reciprocating Saw

A good reciprocating saw blade can be an investment, so you should do your best to take care and maintain it to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Here are a few tips to help keep your saw in top shape:

Use the Right Blade for Certain Materials

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is using the wrong type of blade for cutting something. Not only can it damage your blade, but it can also stress and damage the complex inner components of the motor.

Change Them Regularly

The moment you notice that your saw’s cutting is being inhibited by dullness, it’s time to change the blade. This will help retain its integrity so it can be sharpened again and remain effective.

Bent Blades

Sometimes blades will accidentally be bent. If it isn't too bad, hammer it out flat with a mallet. It should go back to its original state if the bend wasn't severe. If you're able to get it flat and you notice that the front has become dull while the rest is still sharp, simply cut off the dull parts with tin snips. The blade is still usable even if it is slightly shorter.

How to Safely Use Your Reciprocating Saw

Like with most power tools, always use extreme caution and protection when using reciprocating saws. This is done by selecting the right saw blade for the material you’re cutting, as well as working in safe secure areas.

If you saw doesn't come with a light, make sure the area is well lit so you can have good visibility of where and what you're cutting. Be sure to wear protective clothing, as well as dust masks, ear covers, and goggles.

When sawing, never push too hard or use excessive force. Also be sure to have good footing, maintain balance, and never try to overreach.

Conclusion

Reciprocating saws offer versatility, accuracy, and ease when it comes to cutting through some of the tough materials you find on all sorts of jobs. Compared to traditional saws, you're able to complete significantly more tasks with greater precision, in less time.

You could start enjoying the convenience and benefits of adding a reciprocating saw to your toolkit. But before you do, consider what you’ve learned here. With enough information and research, you’ll be confident that you’re choosing the one that best fits your needs.