The Best Reciprocating Saw for When You Need Something Cut Quickly

With a 15 amp motor, it’s no wonder this saw is considered by many to be best-in-class as it’s the most powerful reciprocating saw on the market. Couples with the patented counter-balance system to reduce vibration and the clutch to protect the motor, you’ve got a real winner. The constant power technology ensures the saw will maintain consistent speed, even under load, for unmatched cutting performance. There’s also a speed dial, allowing you to return to the same speed quickly and easily for repeat cuts. The 15 amp motor is variable speed up to 2,800 strokes per minute with a 1-1/4” blade stroke. It’s also an orbital saw, helping keep the blade running cooler and cutting longer. Finally, it comes with a keyless quick change blade clamp.

This is the second 15 amp saw on this list. I’d be hard pressed to say whether Makita or Milwaukee makes better tools. I like both companies products but it seems to me Milwaukee always manages to get a little more power out of their motors. The variable speed on this saw runs up to 2,800 strokes per minute, providing a 1-1/4” stroke length and like the Milwaukee saws, there’s a tool-less blade changing system. Makita claims this saw has only half the vibration of other competing sawzalls with their special anti-vibration technology. Like Milwaukee, Makita has provided an electronic speed control for maintaining constant speed, even under load. This saw is also an orbital saw with a four position setting for straight or orbital action. A built-in clutch reduces gear and motor damage, by disengaging the gears if the blade binds. The rubberized handle and foregrip make it easier to hold, especially for those long cuts. The blade clamp is tool-less, allowing for quick changes in the field.

With this model, Bosch gives you the best power to weight ratio with a 14 Amp motor and an overall tool weight of only 8 pounds; lighter than either the Hitachi or Porter Cable units while still providing more power. The RS428s’ combination of an innovative counterbalance technology, along with an anti-vibration handle reduces the vibration to about 1/3 of older models. If you’ve got to do a lot of cutting with your reciprocating saw, this model is going to be a lot more comfortable to work with. Electronic control circuitry maintains speed, even when under load and this tool provides an orbital action, as well as reciprocating, allowing for improved wood-cutting efficiency.

This saw from Porter stands out thanks to its adjustable shoe design which has two positions allowing you to extend the shoe and utilize another part of the blade, saving you money on blade replacements. It also pivots for those times when the shoe just doesn’t fit in the normal position. The blade can also be installed upside down for cutting up (Rather than cutting down) without having to hold the saw upside-down. The 8.5 amp motor is a little light for a true professional reciprocating saw, but it’s electronically controlled for variable speeds form 0 to 3,200 SPM, while maintaining speed under load. It also allows both reciprocating, as well as orbital cutting for efficient wood cutting. The saws Blade stroke length is 1-1/8 inches.

Of all the reciprocating saws we’ve looked at, DeWalt’s entry is the lightest coming in at only 7.35 pounds. They have a unique 4 position blade clamp for flush cutting in any direction which allows you to have the blade perpendicular to the handle to make cutting easier in tricky positions. A 1-1/8” stroke length and a maximum speed of 3,000 strokes per minute (SPM) ensures fast cutting through whatever material you need to cut apart. The adjustable shoe allows depth of cut control, an uncommon feature on most reciprocating saws. The motor shaft has double oil seals for added protection against contaminants and increases the tool’s durability and lifespan.

Overall, Hitachi has accomplished a lot with their cordless power tool line, and the CR18DL reciprocating saw is no exception. The tool is an incredibly lightweight 7.5 pounds, making it among the lightest on our list. Like all Hitachi’s power tools, the CR18DL is shaped and balanced for an easy gripping which ensures operator comfort. It features a non-slip coating triple sealed against dust and water, a fan motor to extend the motors life and the foot is adjustable to a 1-1/8” stroke length. As with most other Hitachi’s tools, the brushes on this unit are externally accessible for easy changing.

Although this tool comes with lithium-ion batteries, it also accepts either nickel-cadmium or nickel-metal hydride batteries with the included battery charger designed to handle both varieties. Backed by Hitachi’s 10 year power tool warranty, this is a really good tool to have in your kit. The one drawback with this saw is its maximum speed is 2,100 strokes per minute. The CR18DL comes with two lithium-ion batteries, the universal charger, an Allen wrench for the foot and a carrying case.

What makes Makita’s reciprocating saw so great is its long life and durability. Many professionals like this tool for its balance and reliability and every detail of this saw shows off Makita quality. This tool is a little bit heavier than its counterparts on this list, weighing in at 8.1 pounds but will run up to 2900 strokes per minute. The tool free blade changer is one of the easiest to work with on the market.

Makita provides a fan cooled fast charger, allowing the batteries to be recharged in about 30 minutes. With the two batteries which come with the kit, you’ll never have to take a break from cutting. The trigger is extra-large ensuring a good grip in any position.

This DeWalt model is really a professional grade reciprocating saw, not one for homeowners. This saw has a powerful 10 amp motor, providing from zero to 2,800 strokes per minute (SPM) and up to 1-1/8” stroke. The blade clamp is lever action, instead of a collar, which makes for fast, easy blade changes. Instead of having the front-end of the saw swivel, they’ve made the blade clamp in such a way that you can install the blades in any of four directions. That’s actually easier to use, as you don’t have to change your grip at all.

Coming in at only at 9 amps, this is still a respectable saw. Skil has put a speed control knob on this model making it much easier to maintain cut speed than simply using the trigger. The gearing, counterbalance and comfort-grip have been designed to reduce vibration and cut down operator fatigue. A power-on indicator conveniently lets you know when the tool is plugged in and also includes on-board blade storage, a nice feature to have especially when a blade breaks in the middle of a project.

At 8.5 amps, this Black & Decker model still has plenty of power. One nice thing about this saw is the rubber coated front end and ergonomic handle, making it easier on the hands and arms. If you’ve ever used a sawzall, you know they can make you feel like they’re trying to shake you apart after a while. The rubber coating helps to reduce this sensation and reduce operator fatigue. It’s not quite as fast as the DeWalt, but still a respectable 2,400 SPM. The stroke is 1-1/8” and the adjustable shoe is providing three positions.

Porter-Cable has several recip saws in their lineup, this being the lowest priced model available. At 7.5 amps, it’s not as powerful as the sawzalls I’ve listed above, but definitely the fastest saw on our list, variable up to 3,100 SPM, while still giving a full 1-1/8” cut stroke. The Porter-Cable Tradesman is also the only reciprocating saw on this list with an adjustable shoe option providing a way of limiting depth of cut.

While not as powerful as a professional saw, the Chicago Electric sawzall has been able to do everything I’ve ever asked of it. Even at this low price, this model has a quick-release chuck for tool free blade changes. The nose turns, allowing you to cut at any angle with variable speed adjustment, going up to 2500 SPM. Stroke length is 1”, so it might take another 30 seconds to cut through something but at this price, I’m certainly not complaining. There’s also a great safety feature in the form of a power indicator light which lets you know when it is plugged in. Overall a great saw for the price you’re paying.