Have you ever used a corded reciprocating saw for cutting various objects? Although it may have saved your time, did you ever think that corded saws have a restricted usage?
You can only use these saws in places with easy access to electricity. They make it almost impossible to prune a tree located at a distance from your house. On top of that, the cord only causes more trouble in their usage. There have been several cases where a sawyer fell after getting tangled in the wire and faced injuries.
Fortunately, these problems have been solved with the introduction of cordless reciprocating saws.
With the advent of technology, these saws have made it easier to cut through stubborn objects with less force and higher precision. They’ve also revolutionized wood sculpting since they are light in weight and user-friendly. Owing to their high utility, several people have shifted towards buying these saws than their conventional counterparts.
When you decide to buy a cordless reciprocating saw, you’ll come across a wide variety available in the market. As a result, it is a cumbersome job to find the best product even after thorough research.
So, we’ve simplified the process for you with this round-up of the eight best cordless reciprocating saws you can get in 2021.
8 Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws – Our Top Picks
To help you get the best cordless reciprocating saw, we have prepared a list according to their size, functionality, durability, and other features. In addition, we’ve done thorough research on your behalf and curated this list to give you insight into some of the best cordless reciprocating saws:
1. Dewalt DCS380B
Our top pick for the best cordless reciprocating saw is the most innovative model introduced by Dewalt.
This saw successfully cuts various materials with minimum effort. Carpenters, framers, electricians, plumbers, and many other workers can use this saw to enhance their job efficiency.
Moreover, the design of the saw caters to all types of tasks, including professional and personal. It is a versatile saw that’s curated to tackle both heavy and low-duty tasks.
The keyless four positional blade lever allows you to change its position quickly.
Being a cordless saw, it can perform rigorous tasks in all sorts of tight and tricky areas. This saw also provides precise results by giving you complete control over the blade. Its fast cutting speed and 1-⅛’’ stroke length chews through wood, steel, or other stubborn material. The speed of the saw is variable, which makes it easier for you to handle the tool while cutting.
Even though it is a cordless reciprocating saw, it is still a powerful machine that works on lithium-ion batteries. Overall, it is a portable and easy-to-carry saw that can effectively cut through objects to a great depth.
Pros
- Portable and light-weight
- Variable cutting speeds
- Heavy-duty saw
- 3000 strokes per minute
- Four-position blade clamp
Cons
- Heavy vibrations cause pain in the forearms
- It comes without batteries
2.Dewalt DCS367B
Handling a traditional and heavier saw can be tiring for a person. To solve this problem, Dewalt came up with a compact and lightweight design that is highly competent.
Although most big-sized saws do not fit into small spaces, this tremendous small-sized saw can perform an excellent job in tight spots. It is only 14 inches in length, which makes it easier to fit between studs.
There is also a four-position blade clamp and a lever on the side to change the blade positions quickly. As a result, you are in charge of selecting the speed of the saw. This tool can deliver up to 2900 strokes per minute, which means you can either slow down or accelerate your work.
The saw is pretty easy to carry since it weighs only 5 pounds. When you need to work in dark areas, the LED light installed in the tool can help brighten up that space for you.
Overall, it is a sturdy and versatile tool for people looking for a relatively smaller saw that can fit into tiny spots.
Pros
- Lightweight and powerful
- Has a variable speed
- Four-position blade clamp
- Battery operated
- Anti-slip comfortable grip
Cons
- It vibrates too much, making precise cuts difficult
- The blades require frequent changing as they tend to bend
3. Milwaukee 2719-20 M18
Milwaukee has significantly upped its game by introducing this revolutionary saw with less vibration and high speed. It is a compact-size tool with the power to complete all kinds of tasks.
Since it weighs only 4 pounds, this machine is less likely to fatigue your arms. Moreover, the feature of pivoting shoes provides smoother cuts and increased control over the tool.
Due to its design, one hand is sufficient to control it efficiently, making it relatively easy to use. As a result, it performs wonderfully well at the job site or for your regular do-it-yourself projects. It can also cut through metal or wood smoothly, which is why it can be used by anyone, including carpenters, plumbers, or electricians.
The ⅞ inches stroke length increases the speed of the cutting process because it removes more material with each stroke. Furthermore, the brushless motor in this gear gives you the power needed to chew through any material successfully.
All in all, this tool is an excellent option for people looking for quality, precision, and an affordable price tag.
Pros
- You can use it with one hand
- Faster than other tools
- Works for a full day with a single charge
- 4x less vibration
Cons
- The blades cannot turn sideways, and you can only put them facing up or down
- The blade gets warm and cannot be changed immediately after use
4. Porter-Cable PCC670B
This efficient and high-performance tool introduced by Porter-Cable is one of the best cordless reciprocating saws. It has an aggressive cutting speed and can make up to 3000 strokes per minute.
If you are not ready to cut, you can lock the trigger to avoid any mishaps and save yourself from injury.
Moreover, the compact size of the saw allows you to reach congested areas.
Being lightweight, it is pretty easy to use the tool with a single hand. Moreover, due to its durable machinery, the chances of overheating are minimum, owing to which it can continuously work for long hours. Also, to increase the comfort level of the worker, it has a contoured and over-molded handle.
For a DIY enthusiast, this tool is a dream come true due to its affordability. For example, a sculptor would love to convert a wood block into a beautiful statue while using this lightweight reciprocating saw.
On top of that, it performs reasonably well at general tree pruning or efficient trimming.
Overall, this is the perfect cordless reciprocating saw for people who need to perform simple daily tasks related to cutting and trimming.
Pros
- Comfortable and easy to use design
- It can work with all types of blades (Even with cheaper ones).
- Variable speed trigger
- Affordable price
Cons
- Batteries die quickly, so you should have spare batteries.
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use
5.Milwaukee 2625-20
2625-20 is classified as the most powerful tool introduced by Milwaukee in their M18 version. Its most prominent feature is the addition of an anti-vibration handle, which is specifically designed to enhance user experience.
Changing or replacing the blade of this saw is relatively easy. To improve the working experience, there is an LED light installed to avoid shadows. You can use this tool with one hand since it provides ease of movement at the worksite.
Keep in mind that since it is a brushed model, it can wear out after some use. You can also expect it to become overheated after some time.
The saw isn’t too lightweight or heavy. Although it doesn’t let you feel the vibration, it can still be a noisy device to use.
So if you are someone who is looking for an anti-vibration device, then this saw is ideal for you.
Pros
- Anti-vibration handle
- 3000 strokes per minute
- ¾ inch stroke length allows fast cutting
- Fast and easy blade change
- Five years warranty
Cons
- It tends to heat up
- It does not last too long due to weak machinery
6. Black+Decker BDCR-20C
Equipped with a variable speed change trigger and a cutting power of 3000 strokes per minute, this saw can cut through any rigid object. There is also a built-in electrical brake to provide extra safety.
On top of that, the pivoting blade shoe allows more control over the turns and angles. You can also change the blades without any hassle of using other tools. Even though it is a light-duty saw, it is still quite powerful. The stroke length is ⅞ inch which is short compared to others.
If you are in the learning phase and not sure of your capabilities, this is the ideal choice for you. Its best feature is the electrical brake that can help you avoid any accident if something unexpected happens.
Pros
- Variable speed trigger
- Built-in electrical brake for enhanced safety
- Easy-to-change blades
- Powerful and affordable
Cons
- Shorter stroke length
7. Worx WX-550L
This innovative invention that joins a saw and jigsaw together in a single tool is a product of Worx. With the help of a push-button, the jigsaw converts into a reciprocating saw within seconds.
The all-around saw cuts several different kinds of materials, including metal, wood, plastic, tile, and many others. The original blades of the Worx are great, but you can use any blade you have as an alternative.
A dust blower is also installed to blow away the dust created by cutting through the objects. After you clean the dust and debris, visibility is enhanced. Moreover, the compact and lightweight design allows precise cuts and fast outcomes.
Pros
- Built-in dust blower
- Two saws in 1 tool
- Lightweight and compact
- Converts from a jigsaw to saw in seconds
Cons
- Works for simple and basic projects
- The blades are loose in the holder
Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw?
After going through 10 different saws, it is natural to wonder how you can choose the best cordless reciprocating saw for your use. Of course, the selection varies from task to task, e.g., if you need a saw merely for cutting pipes and light items, then a lightweight saw with less power will suffice.
On the other hand, if you need to cut heavy woods, you must buy a powerful, two-handed saw. After thorough research, we have shortlisted a few essential factors of the saws, which serve as a buying guide for you to consider before finalizing your purchase.
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Size and Portability
User-friendly machines mostly take the lead over their competitors. But how do we define something as ‘user-friendly’? For the most well, these are the tools that understand and fulfill the user requirements.
So when it comes to hardware machinery, the topmost requirement is its portability.
A reciprocating saw works in the kitchen for fabricating new cabinets, in the washroom to cut PVC pipes, at the roof for any repair work, in nearby jungles to trim bushes; everywhere around your vicinity for all sorts of tasks. But can you take a massive saw with you to work in all these places? Of course not.
The size and weight of a saw are what determine its portability. A compact-sized saw can work in narrow areas, and a lightweight saw is easier to carry for longer durations. Therefore, you should buy a lightweight and compact saw to work in more places with ease.
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Speed of the Blade
The ‘Strokes per minute’ determine the speed of the blade. As the oscillations in the blade are in a to and fro motion, one complete oscillation of a blade is referred to as ‘one stroke.’ Therefore, a higher number of strokes per minute subsequently achieve a higher speed of the blade.
While some tasks require higher speed, others need a slower pace to continue. As a result, you’ll find saws that have a variable rate of the blade.
Cutting a rigid material (for example, wood) requires a faster-speed blade to consume less time and force. On the other hand, cutting a softer material requires slow speed to achieve the required results with accuracy. Therefore, you must consider the SPM or Speed of the blade when choosing the best cordless reciprocating saw.
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Battery
The main feature that differentiates a cordless reciprocating saw from a corded one is its battery. With a cordless saw, you don’t need a long chain of extensions to use it in distant areas. But, on the other hand, you will be short of options if your battery runs out.
The battery health of a saw is mainly affected by its motor. This is because an efficient motor uses minimum power to give maximum output and vice versa.
Moreover, some saws overheat after a routine task, which badly affects their battery life. To avoid this problem, you should opt for a durable reciprocating saw and keep an extra battery with you when performing a lengthy task.
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Handling and Grip
A comfortable and smooth grip is highly essential when working with a reciprocating saw for longer intervals. It is wrongly quoted that the accuracy is solely in the hands of the sawyer. In fact, a good handling facility is more important than the sawyer.
If the body is made of plastic, the saw will slip from the worker’s hands, causing the task to be poorly affected. On the other hand, the presence of rubber on the grips is significant for anti-slip properties. In addition, a foregrip can further enhance the handling on the side for better application of force.
FAQs
1. What Are Strokes per Minute, and Why Is It Important?
Stroke per minute (SPM) is a unit used to determine the speed. For example, suppose there are two points, ‘A’ and ‘B,’ at a distance of 5 inches. If a body travels from point ‘A’ to ‘B’ and then back from point ‘B’ to ‘A,’ it will complete one stroke.
Similarly, in a reciprocating saw, the blade moves from one point to another in a to and fro motion. So, one complete oscillation is known as one stroke. The total number of strokes in one minute is known as the SPM. The speed of the blade is higher if the SPM is high and vice versa.
2. What Is the Difference Between Hackzall and Sawzall?
The Hackzall saw machine is smaller in size, lightweight, and mostly used for one-handed tasks such as cutting PVC pipes, pruning the trees, etc. On the other hand, Sawzall is a heavy-duty two-handed saw machine that you can use for all sorts of cutting tasks, whether light or heavy.
3. How Does the Role of Stroke Length Affect the Functioning of the Saw?
Stroke length shows the distance the blade travels in one direction. Therefore, a higher length of strokes improves the performance and speed of the saw. Conversely, a shorter stroke length heats the machine as it requires more motor work for cutting through the hard surface.
4. Is It Necessary to Use the Blades of the Same Brand With a Cordless Reciprocating Saw
No, it is not necessary. You can use the blades of any brand in your reciprocating saw unless specified otherwise by the OEM. However, do not compromise price over quality since a bad quality blade can harm both the user and the machine.
Conclusion
Once you come across the wide variety of cordless reciprocating saws in the market, selecting one of them proves to be a confusing task. However, you should only be thinking about the job you are planning to do with your saw and select the tool keeping in view the requirements.
Do not go for a heavy saw if you are a sculptor, as its vibrations can affect the accuracy of your designs.
Similarly, don’t try to save your money by buying a light-duty saw if you are a carpenter. It may save a few dollars but will severely hamper your wood cutting work, and you’ll end up paying more in the long run.
After going through this article, you must picture the most important features in the best cordless reciprocating saw. Also, we hope that selecting the most suitable product now seems like a more approachable task.
So, in the end, we conclude that our top pick for the ideal saw is Dewalt DCS-380B. Keeping the required characteristics in mind, this is indeed the best cordless reciprocating saw and will prove to be the perfect match for all sorts of tasks.
