The Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws in 2020
- Double finger trigger
- 18 volt lithium ion battery
- Easy to manoeuvre
- 1.1/4 inch stroke
- Fairly quiet
- 2,900 stokes per minute
- Built in LED light
- Long life battery
- 1.1/8 inch stroke
- 20 volt battery
- 14.5 inches long
- Variable speed trigger
- 3 year warranty
- 3,000 strokes per minute
- 1 inch strokes
Knowing which model is the best cordless reciprocating saw is a difficult task given how much choice there is currently available on the market. It is for that very reason that we have taken it upon ourselves to do some research and present you with the below findings. These are four of the very best best cordless reciprocating saw that have all of the functions and features that you need to be able to perform a variety of cuts to the highest level of quality. This list has been compiled by industry experts who have years of experience of using these power tools so you can believe that they really are the best of the best.
For each of the cordless reciprocating saw models that made it into the list of Our Top Picks, we have taken an in depth look at their various functions and features, how they perform, and so on. We also look into any cons and downsides that these power tools may also have. We use this information to form the basis of our final recommendation as to which of them is the best best cordless reciprocating saw of them all. In addition to this, we also provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about different types of reciprocating saws. Armed with all of this information, you should have everything that you need to be able to purchase the right reciprocating saw for you.
Cordless Reciprocating Saws: Our Top Picks
Table of Contents
#1 Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw
NOTABLE FEATURES
- Double finger trigger
- 18 volt lithium ion battery
- Easy to manoeuvre
Highly efficient, the Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw has a number of useful features that help you to get the work done much quicker. One of these is the 1.1/4 inch stroke that the power tool has. Not only does this improve the performance of the saw but it also improves the quality of the cuts that it makes. Other features include an electric brake and a double finger trigger. The tool less cutting blade removal system also lets you work much quicker, as when you need to switch up the blade or replace it with a new one, then this can be done both quickly and easily.
The battery that powers this model is one of the fastest charging ones out there. Also, the 18 volt lithium ion battery is compatible with any other power tool from this range that you may already own or purchase in future. With how versatile the saw is it can be used for a whole host of cutting applications, from pruning shrubbery in your yard to cutting through metal pipe on a construction site. Because it is, of course, cordless and being relatively lightweight, the power tool is really easy to manoeuvre into the spot where you need it and it will not leave you feeling saw after a day of using it.
Also because the Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw is fairly quiet it is comfortable to use for long periods of time without becoming annoying and does not require the use of ear defenders. However, there are some things with this model that are not so good and counteract some of the benefits previously mentioned. The first of which is the user manual that comes with it is not very good at explaining exactly how all of the different functions and features work. Also, the life span of the battery is prone to depleting rather fast, meaning that the saw needs charging up often.
PROS
- Double finger trigger
- 18 volt lithium ion battery
- Easy to manoeuvre
CONS
- Poor quality user manual
- Life span of battery
#2 BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw
NOTABLE FEATURES
- 3,000 strokes per minute
- Adjusting pivot shoe
- 20 volt battery
Boasting a number of unique features, the highly versatile BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw is a great choice for both home DIYers and professional tradesmen. Despite it not weighing much, it still has plenty of power that can be easily controlled thanks to the variable speed trigger that it has. At its maximum, the saw operates at 3,000 strokes per minute (spm). If you need to change the cutting free blade out for a specialist one or when it eventually dies, then this is a really easy thing to do and does not require the use of any tools.
For even great control over the power tool there is an adjusting shoe that pivots. With the saw not weighing much, it is very easy to control and manoeuvre round into the spot that you need it. It also reduces the amount of stress that the joints in your hands and wrists are exposed to when using it for an extended period of time. Similarly, it produces practically no vibrations thanks to the dampening technology that is incorporated inside of it, which also helps to reduce stress on joints and make using it generally a more pleasant and comfortable experience all round.
With the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw being powered by a 20 vollt battery, it delivers a much great amount of output. Even when being used in extreme weather conditions (both hot and cold) it still operates efficiently. Given its cheaper price tag, this model provides very good value for money given all of the great functions and features that it has, along with its good performance. What is not so good is that the battery runs out really fast, which can leave you needing to charge it up half way through a job. The user manual that comes with it is not very good also.
PROS
- 3,000 strokes per minute
- Adjusting pivot shoe
- 20 volt battery
CONS
- Poor battery life
- Not very good user manual
#3 DEWALT DCS387B 20V Max Reciprocating Saw
NOTABLE FEATURES
- 2,900 stokes per minute
- Built in LED light
- Long life battery
Being light weight and having a compact design, the DEWALT DCS387B 20V Max Reciprocating Saw is great for reaching those hard to get to, tight spots. When being used for this type of work, it delivers quickly and efficiently thanks to its 1.1/8 inch stroke extension and its top variable speed of 2,900 stokes per minute (spm). Should you not need that much power, then that can be easily controlled thanks to the variable speed trigger that the saw has on it. For when you are cutting through different materials you can easily change out the cutting free blade and switch it for a more suitable one without the need for any tools.
The four position free blade clamp that the saw has allows you to attack cuts from a variety of different angles. For those times where you are working in dimly lit areas or even at night, the saw comes with a built in LED light that makes cutting in these environments so much easier. With the saw you also get the battery battery and the charger. Although this does not seem like a big thing, for many similar models, these things do not come as standard and must be purchased additionally at extra cost. This reciprocating saw is compatible with any 20 volt battery regardless of model or brand and so gives the potential for cost savings in the long run.
The battery also has a good run time, meaning that you should never run out of charge half way through a job. When it comes to charging it back up this is a fast process. The DEWALT DCS387B 20V Max Reciprocating Saw is not only suitable for light work but also for more heavy duty tasks as well. Despite the power that this model undoubtedly has, it is lacking in torque, which can be a problem for some cutting applications. Also, there is nothing in place to stop the cutting blade change from becoming damaged and so this can easily take knocks and become broken.
PROS
- 2,900 stokes per minute
- Built in LED light
- Long life battery
CONS
- Lacks torque
- No protection for cutting blade
#4 PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw
NOTABLE FEATURES
- 14.5 inches long
- Variable speed trigger
- 3 year warranty
Thanks to the compact and light weight design of the PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw it is great for use in those hard to reach tight spaces. The full length of the power tool is on 14.5 inches meaning that when it comes to storing it away when not in use it does not take up too much space. The saw has a drive train motor that is high performing in delivering 1 inch strokes. At maximum output, it kicks out 3,000 strokes per minute. This is an aggressive cutting variable speed that lets you tackle and job, both big and small. Changing the cutting blade change on this saw is a quick and easy process.
To help you keep in contact with the material that you are cutting through at all times, the saw power tool has a pivoting shoe. The variable speed trigger that the power tool has gives you a great amount of control to get the exact variable speed that you require for the precise material that you are cutting through. Compared with other similar saws, this model comes in much cheaper and so lends itself to occasional users, such as home DIYers, or to those individuals who have never used a power tool like this before. The quality of the product is clear from how sturdy and hard wearing it is.
However, the saw does not come with a battery nor a charge, with both of these having to be purchased additionally at an extra cost. The quality of the cutting blade change is not the best best and so is slightly sloppy. This may also result in breakage should it be used for particularly heavy work. However, the three year warranty that comes with the reciprocating saw should keep you protected should something like this ever happen. With this cover, variable speed you are entitled to a replacement completely free of charge. Coming with this goes to show that it is in fact a good quality product.
PROS
- 14.5 inches long
- Variable speed trigger
- 3 year warranty
CONS
- Does not come with battery or charger
- Poor quality cutting blade
FAQS – A Buyer’s Guide
In this section we provide you with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the various types of reciprocating saws that are currently available on the market for purchase. Being provided with all of this information should put you on a better standing when it comes to making a decision as to which specific model of cordless reciprocating saw to purchase. To help us with this task and to ensure that all of the information that is provided to you here is accurate and up to date, we have enlisted the help of a number of experienced cordless reciprocating saw reciprocating saw users and professional tradesmen. If this does not help you make up your mind then keep reading as we make our own recommendation as to which one you should purchase.
Are cordless reciprocating saws any good?
As you will have seen from our above reviews of some of the best cordless reciprocating saw saw that are currently available on the market, cordless cordless versions of the power tool come with all of the functions, features, and even power of their corded counterparts. With any power tool, some models are better than others, and generally the more you spend on one, the better it will be. However, there are some cheaper models out there that still can do a job and really pack a punch when it comes to power. As a good rule of thumb, stick with ones from any of the big power tool manufacturers when purchasing a cordless reciprocating saw.
What is the best cordless saw?
If you have fully read the above review of each of the models in the list of Our Top Picks, you will have a good idea of which of them is the best best one for your needs. However, if you are unsure, then continue reading to find out which one is our favorite and, thus, the one that we recommend you purchase. There are several other good cordless reciprocating saws currently available that did not quite make it onto the list of Our Top Picks. These include the Makita DJR186Z Cordless Reciprocating Saw and the Sawzall DeWalt 18V XR Lithium-Ion Reciprocal Saw.
Another good one that did not make it into the list of Our Top Picks is the Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Fuel Sawzall Cordless Reciprocating Saw. What we like about this particular model is that it is the most powerful 18 volt reciprocating currently out there. As well as being highly powerful, it is also super durable and able to tackle a wide variety of tasks. The run time of the battery is also superior to most other models. With it weighing just 8.9 pounds, it is really comfortable to use for extended periods of time and will not leave you feeling fatigued afterwards.
What’s the difference between a Sawzall and a reciprocating saw?
There is no real difference either operationally or functionally between a Sawzall and a reciprocating saws. It is simply a matter of marketing, with some companies, such as Milwaukee promoting their reciprocating saws as Sawzalls, whereas other companies, such as Dewalt sawzall simply calling them by their actual name, reciprocating saws.
Should I buy a corded or cordless reciprocating saw?
This is an age old question that has been asked by many a power tool enthusiast. However, with each of them having their own respective pros and cons, it is not so easy to answer. For example, with a corded one you get lots of power, which makes them perfect for heavy duty jobs where you need to cut through steel or pieces of timber with nails in it. For this reason alone, corded reciprocating saws are favored by industry professionals, such as carpenters, plumbers, and general builders. However, with all this power comes the fact that the power tool is also very heavy.
This means that it is not so easy to move around and get it into the spots that you need it to be than a cordless one is. For any individual that is new to using this type of power tool, a corded one could potentially be too powerful for them and they may end up doing some damage to the workspace that they are in or even to themselves. These individuals should stick to using cordless ones, which are much less powerful. Because they lack in power compared to corded ones, they are unable to cut through the same range of materials as them.
However, they do make it up in that they are obviously much more portable, easier to be carried around, and do not require the use of mains electricity. Because of this, they are popular with home DIYers who are doing smaller scale cutting jobs with it. With a battery powered power tool you always have the worry of the battery dying at an inconvenient time and then having to wait to charge it back up again. This is, of course, a problem that you never have with a corded one. When it comes to price models of each type can be as cheap or expensive as you like depending on what functions and features the saws have.
The Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw Of Them All
So there you have it, we have reviewed each of the above models of cordless reciprocating saw in depth and answered some of the most frequently asked questions about them. For those of you who at this stage know which one of the above power tools they want to purchase then great. However, for those who do not know, then we are about to reveal our favorite and, thus, the one that you should purchase. However, before doing that, we must state that all of those that made it into the list of Our Top Picks are really good products that will do a great job in cutting various materials.
That being said, we can state that our favorite, the best reciprocating saw cordless, and the one that those individuals who are yet undecided should purchase is the DEWALT DCS387B 20V Max Reciprocating Saw. The reason for this is that it has a top variable speed of 2,900 stokes per minute, which is more than enough for most jobs that you will be using it for. In addition to that, it has a built in LED light that make using the power tool so much easier in the dark, and the battery that powers it lasts for a long time, meaning no more running out of charge half way through a job.