Reciprocating saws are not hard to find nowadays, and the market's full of various designs and builds that work for almost everyone.
Also, cordless reciprocating saws are the most sold versions of this device, which probably means you're drowning in information if you've done research on your own.
Well, my team and I have spent hours trying to cook up a list of products for you in order to find the best cordless reciprocating saw. Don't worry; we've been careful to explain everything thoroughly in layman's terms.
So, stick around, read the reviews, and find the best cordless reciprocating saw for you!
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Top 7 Cordless Reciprocating Saws - General Overviews and Reviews
Before we get to the review parts, we thought it would be a good idea to give you the main scoop regarding these units and list out some of their main traits.
$$$ - Dewalt DCS380B Cordless Reciprocating Saw - 6 lbs - DeWalt's prowess can be described in many words and phrases, but let's try and give you a glimpse of it through this fantastic cordless reciprocating saw. It's got power, strength, and cuts incredibly fast.
$$ - WORX WX550L Cordless Reciprocating & Jig Saw - 4.6 lbs - Woodworking is considered an expensive hobby due to the prices of all the tools and equipment you need just to get started. So, why wouldn't you try and cut those expenses by purchasing this 2-in-1 reciprocating/jigsaw? It's got orbital cutting motion, a fantastic battery, and many more accessories.
$ - BLACK+DECKER (BDCR20B) Reciprocating Saw - 3.9 lbs - If you're still not up to spending a lot of cash, here's our budget pick of the list. It comes from the trustworthy Black+Decker, and its properties surely won't disappoint you!
$$ - PORTER-CABLE PCC670B Reciprocating Saw - 4 lbs - High performance and aggressive cutting are the two main traits you'll hear about this cordless saw. Also, even though it operates at high speed, its battery won't give out on you.
$$ - SKIL 20V Compact Reciprocating Saw - 5.9 lbs - Full adjustability is just the thing you need if you're always switching up your projects. Well, the best one to give it to you is this amazing Skil saw that comes at a really fair price.
$$$ - Makita XRJ05Z 18V LXT Cordless Recipro Saw - 7.8 lbs - Makita has always been known for durable batteries and state-of-the-art tool builds, so it doesn't surprise us to run into a high-quality product like this one. It is a premium pick, but it's so worth it!
$$$ - Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Fuel Reciprocating Saw Kit - 11.4 lbs - If you're planning to do more than just pruning branches, you'll need a heavy-duty product, and this is the one to get today. Milwaukee has outdone itself again with this phenomenal saw with a brushless motor.
The real pros know what DeWalt's all about and what type of quality DeWalt's products offer compared to the rest of the competition. For those of you that don't know, here's an example in the Dewalt DCS380B Cordless Reciprocating Saw review.
Generally, the three main criteria we look at when comparing cordless reciprocating saws are motor, speed, and the build of the product. Well, this one dominates in all three categories with ease.
Firstly, let's dedicate some words to the design of this thing. DeWalt's characteristic yellow and black colors cover the entire housing and the grip of the saw, which is ergonomically designed to reduce hand fatigue.
The DeWalt cordless reciprocating saw has an adjustable pivoting shoe that helps you set the depth of cut while also ensuring that your blades get the maximum life expectancy. The tool is designed in a way where the entire weight is shifted towards the back, near the grip. This way, you'll be able to balance more efficiently while working with one hand.
In terms of features, this reciprocating saw can reach 3000 SPM at the maximum variable-speed setting without getting hot too fast. Most reciprocating saws can run at their max speed levels for a couple of minutes before having to take a break, but that's not the case with DeWalt's saw with its ventilation design.
It's great for jobsite projects, like cutting pipes, soft metals, fixing wooden plates on the ceiling, and so on... You can even work in low-lit conditions thanks to the LED light that comes with the saw. Then, add the 3-year warranty with the excellent customer service that DeWalt provides, and you get a perfect cordless reciprocating saw.
Truly, there is no bad thing we can say about this saw. It has just as much power as any corded reciprocating saw while giving you all cordless benefits. It really is the crown jewel of cordless reciprocating saws.
- DeWalt tool design
- Durable
- Immense power
- Perfect for all projects
- Four-position blade clamp
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Even though a jigsaw uses a reciprocating blade to cut through wood, it's not exactly the same as your traditional reciprocating saw. But what if you could blend the two together? Here's the result, the incredible WORX WX550L Cordless Reciprocating & Jig Saw.
Worx needs no introduction since it's already a well-established name in the power tool industry, but this item is a rare one, so we ought to dedicate some lines to it. As we said, this is a 2-in-1 tool, meaning that you can use the pivoting button to transform this reciprocating saw into a jigsaw and vice versa.
A jigsaw is more delicate than a classic reciprocating saw, and it allows you to cut irregular shapes that you just cannot do using brute force from a traditional reciprocating saw. So, having the ability to do both with one product that has excellent accuracy and 3000 RPM maximum speed is truly a blessing.
Furthermore, Worx has a fantastic line of 20 V and 40 V products that utilize the same batteries, so if you're a Worx fan, you can even use existing batteries with more tools you have lying around. After a full charge, this 20 V battery can give you approximately 2 hours of continuous running time.
The crazy thing is that this thing weighs 4.2 lbs, despite alternating between two tools. It helps you work more, get less tired, and you'll have a better balance over the tool and the workpiece.
Along with all of this, Worx reciprocating saw also has a dust blower to keep everything hygienic, and the tool accepts all types of wood and metal blades, making it one of the most versatile reciprocating saws on the market.
The only problem we can tell is that it's not really a true reciprocating saw or a jigsaw, but a mixture of both. Therefore, there are some minor flaws that you can spot, such as lack of vibration control or blade back-stabilization. Still, it's not that catastrophic, and it's still worthy of being called one of the best reciprocating saws on the market.
- 2-in-1 tool – recip saw and jigsaw
- Excellent running time
- Dust blower
- Lightweight
- Lack of vibration control
- Blade back-stabilization
Great features, maximum control, compact design - these are all excellent features to have in your new reciprocating saw. But what can you do when you just can't afford it? There's a product in between all of this that gives you great value for a really low price. It's the BLACK+DECKER (BDCR20B) Reciprocating Saw.
Black+Decker is a huge company that owns many subsidiaries, such as DeWalt, which you must have heard of. Their products are one of the most respectable on the market, so you know right away what to expect from this cordless reciprocating saw.
So, first off, it has the standard shebang: a tool-less blade change, a pivoting shoe, an excellent ergonomic design to relieve stress to the user, and most importantly, more power than you can dream of.
But, power is not the only reason to purchase this unit. Black+Decker is a proud owner of the 20V MAX battery platform, whose products work together and share some of the internal parts, including batteries. Now, Stanley's batteries are probably the best on the market, so buying this reciprocating saw proves useful in many ways.
Unfortunately, the charger and the battery don't come with the bare tool, and you'll have to order them online, which is really a letdown considering the prowess of these batteries. Then again, it makes sense given their demand and quality.
After testing it out, we can say that this is one precise and balanced unit that makes raw cuts at a stable 3000 RPM blade speed. Bottom line - if the battery was included, we'd give it 10/10.
- Great cutting speed and power
- Variable speed settings
- Battery life and quality
- Stable and balanced
- The charger with the battery is not included
If you need a cordless reciprocating saw that's capable of cutting metal at an efficient rate, this compact saw is the one for you. Here's the PORTER-CABLE PCC670B Reciprocating Saw.
A common misconception among woodworkers is that compact and cordless models won't give you the same efficiency and result as corded power tools. It is true to some degree, but technology has evolved enough to give you strikingly similar effects when it comes to corded and cordless reciprocating saws.
Let's take the PCC670B as an example. It features a variable speed trigger that can let you set the tempo anywhere between 0 and 3000 SPM. It also has a 1-inch stroke length for increased efficiency to go with the 14.5-inch saw blade.
Porter-Cable is a subsidiary of Black+Decker, so most of their products, including this one, are part of the 20 V MAX platform. This means two things: the battery power is enormous, and you can take it out and use it with another product from the same platform since they're interchangeable.
We tested this one, and we were really astounded by the way it holds up. We're not only talking about accuracy and balance but also the way it rests in your hands. It has a contoured handle that really makes the entire process much more acceptable.
In comparison with some of the previous cordless reciprocating saws, we do have to note that there's slightly less stroke speed in this one, but the good thing is it really runs well in tight spaces due to its small design. Overall, it's a great item that you shouldn't miss out on.
- Compact design
- 1-inch stroke length
- Great lithium-ion battery
- Blade life
- Quality compared to other cordless tools
Reciprocating saws, especially cordless units, are generally used when you need to make cuts in tight spaces or dark work spaces, and you need that compactness. So, adjustability is a huge factor when it comes to choosing the best cordless reciprocating saws. Here we have a truly adjustable one, the SKIL 20V Compact Reciprocating Saw.
Since this is a Skil product, you already know what to expect from its features. You get the standard, high-quality internal composition of a tough motor, 3000 SPM, variable speed trigger, and a robust saw blade that can cut through metal, PVC, and fiberglass with ease.
What's not that common is the adjustable build of this reciprocating saw. It has a specially-designed adjustable pivoting shoe for greater cutting depth, tool-less blade changes, an LED light that can spark any room you're working in, and an exposed rotation blade clamp.
Furthermore, this unit comes with a state-of-the-art 2.0 Ah lithium-ion battery and a 20 V charger. If you crank it up to 3000 SPM, the battery can last you solid 2 hours, which is not that common with cordless devices. Even older corded reciprocating saws would have to take breaks after working two hours at a time.
Some buyers have talked about the quality of the blade that comes with the saw. It's robust and can cut through a lot, but it gets dull quite fast, which was the main part of the complaint. So, we'd recommend getting the correct blades for this recip saw that'll last a bit longer.
- Full adjustability
- Excellent lithium-ion battery
- Cutting speed
- Adjustable shoe
- Versatile cutting operations
- Saw blades get dull fast
Now, those that are interested in spending a bit more to get a bit more value will surely appreciate this review. Here's the fantastic Makita XRJ05Z 18V LXT Cordless Recipro Saw.
Makita has found a way to spread its terrific products all across the industry of electric appliances. Gardening, construction, and woodworking are the three top fields where you might find Makita's products, and that's only the beginning.
Makita's products have always been valued quite highly, but they do have an enormous price tag, which is why they're considered premium. Still, there are reasons for it, so let's see some of them.
This cordless reciprocating saw has a 2-mode brushless motor that can operate at high and low settings. The low settings will give you variable speeds up to 2,300 SPM, while the higher settings can get you up to the efficient 3,000 SPM.
In contrast to a brushed motor, the user of this reciprocating saw doesn't have to worry about things such as maintenance or overheating: you just keep on cutting material without any setbacks.
It's generally considered a compact saw, despite its 7.8 lbs weight. It's 17-1/4-inch long with an 18-tooth blade that cuts through anything. Honestly, comparing this one with the other saws got us to the conclusion that the Makita blade is truly indispensable.
Using this saw will get you to experience the anti-vibration handle that emits incredibly low vibration levels, and it even comes with a rafter hook for easy storage.
All of this aside, we do have to mention that the price is quite large and that you can find other quality units for a lot less. Still, the value of this item is truly reflected in the price, which is why this is truly a pick for professionals.
- 2- mode brushless motor
- Fantastic build
- Adjustable shoe
- Blade quality
- Price
It was such a fast journey from the first reciprocating saw to the last one, and we've saved a banger to finish this up. Here's the best heavy saw, the Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Fuel Reciprocating Saw Kit.
If you've opened the link before reading the review, that means you've looked at the price, and let us tell you that the value for the money is really not there. This is a specialized saw that you probably won't need since it's mostly used for industrial work where some machines can't really finish the job.
Nevertheless, it's still worth mentioning due to its incredible build and capabilities. It's got a brushless motor with a battery that runs on 18 V and an 18.5-inch blade. The motor power is truly incredible, on par with most corded saws you'll see on the market.
The system's design features TSC (Total System Communication) that protects the bare tool from overload and provides optimized performance. Therefore, it's perfectly normal to see the 5-year warranty papers in the package.
Honestly, the only reason this is the last pick is due to its lack of demand since you probably won't need to use a device like this. You can easily finish your projects with a DeWalt or a Black+Decker BDCR20C 20V model.
Still, keep this one in mind if you ever plan on doing some heavier projects.
- Incredible motor capabilities
- TSC system
- Optimized performance
- 5-year warranty
- Exclusive for heavier projects
What characterizes the best cordless reciprocating saws? The buyer's guide
In our opinion, these are the best cordless reciprocating saws that you can find today on Amazon. However, you still need to know some information to make the call yourself. We can't make you trust us, so learn more and make the call yourself.
Here are some tips on recognizing the best cordless reciprocating saws.
1. Adjustability
We've already mentioned this throughout the reviews, but we want to give you a clearer picture of what it really means. So, full adjustability is reflected in three major things: the shoe of the saw variable speed settings, and orbital action.
If your reciprocating saw has a pivoting adjustable shoe, you'll be able to set the precise depth of each cut, which is crucial when working with delicate materials. Then, you can set the correct speed to match the depth of the cut, and if you have orbital action, you can crank up the power and finish in no time.
Of course, there are other things you can pay attention to, such as design (vibration control, ergonomics, dimensions, and weight), but these are some crucial features that only the best cordless reciprocating saw will have.
2. Warranty
We don't have to express how important a warranty is. These devices operate at high speeds and work with rough materials. Imagine if you're cutting through a board that happens to have a nail stuck inside - your blade will get toasted in most cases.
Therefore, a good warranty deal is a reflection of the best cordless reciprocating saws. Companies like Black+Decker, Porter-Cable, and DeWalt often offer deals up to 5 years, which is the upper limit for cordless reciprocating saws. Still, finding a deal that covers you for two or three years is sufficient enough.
3. Size
So, a cordless reciprocating saw is much more compact than a regular corded model, which is why most people purchase it for home renovations and DIY projects. However, it's good to know what is considered as proper dimensions for cordless reciprocating saws.
In general, the best cordless reciprocating saws have blades that are between 13 and 16 inches long, their overall weight rarely goes over 7 or 8 lbs, and the housing is usually shorter than 10 inches. It's just something to remember.
4. Corded vs. cordless
Corded reciprocating saws are more powerful than cordless units. A corded saw has a powerful motor, often brushless, that can give you more than 3,000 SPM or RPM.
Moreover, the unlimited power supply means you won't make as many breaks, and you'll be more efficient in the overall completion of the task at hand.
5. Application
Cordless units can be used for a variety of things. Yes, you can cut tree branches, but they're also used to make crosscuts and even rip cuts if the blade is long enough. It might not be the prettiest cut you'll ever see, but it'll get the job done.
These devices are also capable of cutting through metal, PVC, alloys, and even fiberglass.
What is the best cordless reciprocating saw?
We have seen many while researching the web for this article, and we've tried many. Not one has left the same impression as the Dewalt DCS380B Cordless Reciprocating Saw. DeWalt is already famous in its own regard, but this unit only improves its popularity.
The cuts are deep and fine, the power is extraordinary, and the best Dewalt reciprocating saw patented batteries would make you feel like you can keep on cutting for hours without stopping.
Throw in the 1-1/8-inch stroke length and the 4-position blade clamp, and you get the perfect cordless reciprocating saw for a jobsite and home project.
- 4-position blade clamp of DEWALT 20V reciprocating saw allows for flush cutting and increased positional versatility with tool-free blade changes
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length delivers a fast cutting speed
- Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm provides increased blade control and fast cutting speed
- Pivoting adjustable shoe extends blade life and allows depth-of-cut control
- Rubber comfort grip delivers optimal comfort and control
Final Thoughts
The best cordless reciprocating saw is truly a beautiful power tool that has no match. It can do almost anything that its corded counterpart can do, but with the benefit of transportation and compactness.
These were some of the best units right now, but we're sure that 2024 will bring more products that'll keep us interested, and we'll be right there to review them. Thank you for reading and, hopefully, choosing some of these incredible units.