Last Updated on September 1, 2020
Are you searching for the best scroll saw?
I’ve reviewed the best models available on the market and after reading this article you will know my recommendations.
Check the quick list below for links to customer reviews and prices for the best reciprocating saw picks, or read on for the full review:
It may seem like you won’t ever be able to find the best reciprocating saw for your needs, but I want to make this as easy as possible for you. No matter what you want to use your new saw for, having the right one on hand makes the job significantly easier. When you invest in a great reciprocating saw, then you can easily manage a number of household and DIY tasks without having to hire someone to do the work for you.
Before shopping for a reciprocating saw, you want to make sure that you have a plan in mind to ensure that you get the right saw for your needs. I think that there are a few things that you will want to consider before going to the store or shopping online.
First, make sure that you create a budget for how much you are willing to spend. These saws can vary widely in price, and if you aren’t sure of how much you have in your budget, then it is very easy to accidentally overspend.
Next, make sure that you consider the type of power that you want. Some reciprocating saws are corded, while others run on batteries. This can have a huge impact on how and where you are able to use your new saw.
Finally, I recommend that you look for different features that will be beneficial to you. In doing so, you will be able to really narrow down the choice for the best reciprocating saw for you.
Benefits of Having a Quality Reciprocating Saw
A reciprocating saw has a number of uses, which makes it a great option for any homeowner to have, especially if they like tackling DIY projects. These saws can be used in a wide variety of home improvement or DIY projects.
One of the advantages of a reciprocating saw is that you can easily cut through the wall in your house without making a huge mess. These saws make it possible to place wiring in your walls and to cut holes that may be at odd angles.
Additionally, reciprocating saws can be used to cut through more than just wood. They are powerful enough to easily cut through metal, such as pins, nails, or even steel. Cutting PVC pipe has never been easier than with a reciprocating saw.
What to Look For
There are a few features that you need to consider when shopping, as these are what will really set one reciprocating saw apart from another. One feature to look at is whether or not there is variable speed control. This will allow you to choose how fast you are cutting, which is great for when you are in a hurry or want to go a little slower and be more careful.
Another thing to consider is the number of strokes per minute (spm) that your saw is capable of. Obviously, the larger the motor on the saw, the higher the strokes per minute that the saw will be able to do. This means that you will enjoy a faster cutting time when you choose a saw with a higher spm.
One feature that isn’t very common, but that I really like is when a reciprocating saw converts to another type. You may not think that this is very important, but I find that it saves me money when I’m shopping for a new saw and also decreases the amount of room that I need for storage.
How to Best Use Your Reciprocating Saw
I find that as long as you choose the right reciprocating saw for your job that it is really easy to use. You first need to set the orbital action on the saw and install the blade. Because you can choose from a variety of blades, you will have a lot of control over what you can cut through.
You can either cut through material by pushing the blade down on the material or cut a hole in the wall by first drilling a hole into the material and then inserting the blade into the hole and then cutting the shape that you need.
Considerations
As with any power equipment, you have to make sure that you are able to stay safe when using a reciprocating saw. I find that there are a few things to consider when making sure that you are as safe as possible when cutting.
The first thing that you want to do is make sure that you have the right saw for the job. Shorter stroke lengths are less powerful, but will allow you to have more control over your cutting. This is great for a beginner who doesn’t have experience with using a reciprocating saw and is nervous.
You also want to make sure that you keep your hands away from the blade and keep a firm hold on the rubber boot and the trigger. This allows you to keep the saw well balanced in your hands and reduces the possibility of it popping out of your control.
Finally, keep the shoe very tight. When you hold the reciprocating saw against the item that you are going to cut, you will reduce the likelihood of the blade breaking.
Top Rated Reciprocating Saw
Dewalt DCS380B 20 Volt Max Li-Ion Reciprocating Saw
This powerful reciprocating saw is great for use around the home or job site in any conditions, thanks to the LED light. This light illuminates dark areas and ensures that you won’t accidentally make a cut or injure yourself. Choosing your own battery allows you to pick the one that will give you the most power and runtime for your money and your needs.
Pros
● 0-3000 spm variable speed trigger provides incredible blade control
● Offers four different cutting positions to ensure a job well done in all conditions
● Features 1-1/8” stroke length
● Includes limited three-year warranty
● Provides flush cutting
Cons
● Doesn’t ship with a battery or with a charger, which means that you have to buy them separately
● Has trouble holding a blade vertically
Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Lithium Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw
The rubberized handle provides plenty of comfort and control when using this saw, and the improved performance means that you won’t have to deal with hand fatigue. Thanks to the fast change blade system, it’s easier than ever to make adjustments on the go, ensuring that you have complete control over your saw and its use.
Pros
● Blades can be installed and removed quickly thanks to the “tool-less” changing system
● Variable speed triggers allows control of speeds from 0 to 2,800 spm
● Only weighs 8.3 pounds with battery to reduce fatigue when being used
● Uses the same battery as other Makita products
● Crank design reduces vibration and decreases blade deflection
Cons
● Doesn’t always run reliably, even with Makita battery
● Not compatible with older Makita batteries
Dewalt Bare Tool DC385B 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Enjoy a 1-1/8” cutting stroke length with this reciprocating saw, which means that you can easily cut through most anything without worry. It offers flush cutting and versatility thanks to the four-position blade clamp, and since you can adjust blades on the go, you don’t have to worry about how to angle the blade or making changes to your cutting.
Pros
● Anti-slip grip makes the saw easy and comfortable to hold
● The open top on the adjustable shoe ensures great visibility
● Backed by a three-year limited warranty
● Drives the blade from 0 to 3,000 spm for speedy cutting and results
● Great for cutting through wood, metal, and more
Cons
● Battery contact problems keep the saw from working reliably
● Blade clamp doesn’t grip the blade tightly, allowing it to move during use
Dewalt DWE305 12 Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw
Because this reciprocating saw is corded, you never have to worry about running out of battery. It’s incredibly powerful and offers you complete control over all of your cutting needs thanks to the adjustable blade clamp. The stroke length is 1-1/8” inches and the saw can easily power through wood and other materials without slowing down or breaking a blade.
Pros
● Speed trigger offers variable speed control
● 12-amp motor is incredibly powerful and provides 0 to 2,900 spm
● At just over eight pounds, this saw is light enough for regular use
● Easy blade changes, thanks to keyless blade clamp
● Easily cuts through steel
Cons
● Can get stuck in the on position
● Doesn’t ship with storage case
Worx Axis Reciprocating and Jigsaw
If you are in the market for a highly versatile saw, then you are sure to love that this reciprocating saw converts quickly and easily to a jigsaw. Not only that, but it features an innovative design to reduce the possibility of sloppy or misaligned cuts, saving you time, money, and frustration. The built-in blower removes dust and allows you to easily see where you are cutting.
Pros
● Pivoting head allows the saw to convert to a jig
● Side location of motor ensures that the tool doesn’t slip
● Includes built-in blower for increased visibility
● Accepts any type of standard blade
● Weighs just over four pounds
Cons
● Battery tends to die quickly
● Can freeze with the motor spinning, but no cutting
I think that the WORX WX550L 20V AXIS reciprocating saw is the best choice on this list. Not only is it powerful and durable enough to cut through any material, but it can also easily convert into a jigsaw. Thanks to the light weight of the saw, you won’t suffer from hand or arm fatigue, and since it is so easy to change the blades, you can switch between jobs in seconds. This means that you have complete power and control over the job that you’re working on and will have all of the cutting power that you need right in your hand.
Fred is the Ready Zeal owner and editor. He has been passionately pursuing all things emergency preparation since working alongside his grandfather as a boy growing up in the Midwest. When not working on the family homestead he can be found brewing coffee and reading a good book or backpacking in the wilderness. Contact Fred at fred@readyzeal.com