In this review, we will look at five best cordless reciprocating saws of 2019 complete reviews with comparison to help you pick the right tool for easy remodeling and demolition.
A handheld saw is an essential addition into your toolbox as it allows you to cut a wide range of applications when working on your DIY projects. Right? A cordless reciprocating saw is lightweight, compact and packs plenty of power giving you the right balance to cut with one hand for complete freedom of movement without having to worry about getting tangled up in the cord or sawing through it.
Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws Comparison
| Product | Performance | Special Feature | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DeWalt 20V Max DCS387B Compact Reciprocating Saw
 |
2900 SPM with a 1-1/8 inch length stroke Lightweight at 5lbs 4-position blade clamp | 4-position blade clamp | Check Price | 4.8/5 |
Porter-Cable PCC670B 20V Reciprocating TrigerSaw
 |
No load speed of 0 to 3000 spm 1-inch long stroke length Cordless design Tool-free blade release | Lightweight design | Check Price | 4.7/5 |
Worx WX550L 20V Reciprocating Saw
 |
No load speed of 3000 SPD and ¾ inch stroke length Cordless design powerful 20V max battery Built-in dust blower and LED guiding light | Shareable battery Safety feature | Check Price | 4.6/5 |
Ryobi P515 Reciprocating Saw
 |
No load speed of 3100 RPM Battery operated design Tool-less blade clamp Rubberized grip handle | Compatible with any T-shaped blade | Check Price | 4.6/5 |
Milwaukee 6519-31 Reciprocating Sawzall
 |
Corded design Lightweight No load speed of 3000 SPM 12 amp motor Metal body construction | Vibration reduction technology | Check Price | 4.5/5 |
1. DeWalt 20V Max DCS387B Compact Reciprocating Saw
The DCS387B cordless saw from the DeWalt brand is one of the lightest and most compact models you’ll find in the market right now weighing at an impressive weight of 5lbs making it an excellent option for hobbyists and professionals alike.
DeWalt DCS387B features a variable speed trigger that delivers 2900 SPM with a 1-1/8 inch length stroke for excellent cuts. The compact design allows you to cut in tight spaces while the 4-position blade clamp optimizes your cutting positions to perform the flush cutting.
DeWalt included an ergonomic soft grip handle which makes your holding experience easier when working in overhead walls. Additionally, the pivoting shoe offers improved versatility when you’re working on different cutting applications so that you can handle work more efficiently.
The DCS387B model is easy and convenient to use. It packs several useful features with a variable speed that delivers a flexible performance which allows you to cut a wide range of applications making it an excellent option for construction, cutting trimmings, removing drywall, and cutting through hard materials.
The vibration is a little higher than most Recip saws in its category. But this is a small thing to worry about especially given its size, performance, and efficiency.
Pros
- Compact, lightweight design
- Comfortable to use
- Easy to control
- Fits in tight spaces
Cons
- Battery & charger are sold separately
- Noise and vibrations
2. Porter-Cable PCC670B 20V Reciprocating TrigerSaw
The PCC670B reciprocating trigger saw is a handy, powerful tool from the Porter Cable brand that operates within a range of 0 to 3000spm for aggressive cutting speed suitable for cutting a variety of materials like wood, metal, plastic, rubber, foam, carpeting and more.
The Porter Cable PCC670B features a high-performance drive train and a variable speed trigger that allows you to control strokes per minute and a tool-free blade release for quick and easy blade change. Besides, PCC670B is a pound lighter than the DCS387B series making it an ideal option if you’re working on a project for long hours.
The PCC670B model comes in a housing metal construction making it a high-quality and durable option that will serve you a long time to come. Additionally, you get accurate cuts from this compact cordless saw thanks to the 1-inch long stroke length.
Unlike the DeWalt DCS387B, Porter Cable PCC670B offers a better lower price alternative and is vigorous enough to cut just about anything without much hesitation.
The Porter Cable PCC670B series comes with lots of no mark rubber in the right places providing durability. It also packs plenty of power, efficiency, and versatility when cutting in different locations making it an ideal alternative over the corded models.
The shorter cutting length won’t give you fast cuts as compared to the DeWalt DCS387B. Besides, it features somewhat a little adolescent design looks, but it’s something that the manufacturer gave thought into primarily for the hardcore build quality.
Pros
- Lightweight, portable and compact design
- Durable
- Affordable
- Simple blade changes
Cons
- The blade itself can be improved
3. Worx WX550L 20V Reciprocating Saw
The WX550L model from the Worx brand is a convenient cordless saw that integrates a Recip and jigsaw features compatible with any reciprocating saw and a T-shank jigsaw blade and comes with a no-load speed of 3000 SPD and ¾ inch stroke length to tackle DIY projects.
The Worx WX550L series features a lightweight, compact design at just over 4lbs making it a lighter option than the DeWalt DCS387B and the Porter Cable PCC670B series. The WX550L series combines a cordless Recip saw and a jigsaw in one useful tool to increased flexibility and control so that you can make fast and accurate cuts in various applications.
Worx included a tool-free blade design that allows you to change a range of standard blades to cut plastic, PVC materials, fiber glass, copper, wood, and thin steel. Besides, the manufacturer included a side motor location that allows the gear and motor to rotate simultaneously for constant power throughout your project.
The Worx WX550L series is an excellent conversion tool for people looking on a cordless reciprocating saw that can allow them to work on different cutting applications without the need for separate devices. Besides, the powerful 20V max battery is sharable with other Worx tools saving you money.
It’s strange that the manufacturer did not include a variable speed power adjustment button like in the DeWalt DCS387B model to control speed. However, the tool is OK at best and works like a reciprocating saw is supposed to but it doesn’t seem to have much power.
Pros
- Safety switch
- Combines two saws in one
- Shares the 20V battery with other Worx products
- Built-in dust blower and LED guiding light
Cons
- The user manual needs improvement
4. Ryobi P515 Reciprocating Saw
The P515 series from the Ryobi brand is a compact, portable, and cordless reciprocating saw that gives you maneuverability and the flexibility to saw in any position and angle to get into those hard to reach places.
Ryobi P515 series features a dominant peak of 3100 RPM which is more than you need for your household cutting applications from a compact cordless Sawzall. It also comes with an anti-vibration handle that minimizes vibration and a rubberized grip that increases comfort when working for long periods.
In addition to these features is the variable speed trigger which allows you to start working slow before increasing the speed to 3100 RPM for faster and more accurate cuts. Meanwhile, changing the blade is easy thanks to the tool-less blade clamp. Besides, it’s compatible with any T-shaped blade which you can slide and lock right in the system.
The Ryobi P515 series is an excellent budget buy a cordless reciprocating saw for working on overhead tasks thanks to the lightweight and battery operated design that ensures that you don’t get fatigued fast.
This tool is a little underpowered compared to models from competitors. Besides, it doesn’t come with batteries plus you may need to have extra batteries to power the tool if it runs out. However, the lack of a power cord makes P515 highly mobile.
Pros
- Lightweight, compact and portable
- Cheap and Affordable
- Easy blade change
- Reduces vibrations for more precise cuts
Cons
- A little underpowered compared to models in the same category
5. Milwaukee 6519-31 Reciprocating Sawzall
The 6519-31 series is another budget buy a reciprocating saw from the Milwaukee brand that includes a set of useful features and a respectable high powered motor that allows you to rip through different cutting applications at a no-load speed of 3000 SPM.
The Milwaukee 6519-31 model is a modest corded tool that does what it does- rip through a wide range of cutting applications efficiently. Like all Milwaukee saws, the 6519-31 series features a metal body construction that adds to its aura of quality and the ability to dissipate heat better than models with plastic construction.
The manufacturer included a vibration reduction technology that counters the weight mechanism making the tool more comfortable and giving you greater accuracy. Like Worx WX550L series, it lacks a speed limit control and doesn’t include a four-position blade clamp like the DeWalt model. However, if you’re performing job cuts that will last you more than 30 minutes, the anti-vibration technology is a plus feature.
The Milwaukee 6519-31 offers fierce competition to entry-level reciprocating saws like the Worx WX550L series aimed for use by the mid-range market with a set of serious features for a DIYer seeking quality but not yet ready to pay for a commercial saw.
Though it has a good set of features, the Milwaukee 6519-31 model cannot stand up in heavy deconstruction work. Besides, it lacks some features in mid-range saws like the speed limit control and the adjustable shoe feature.
Pros
- Anti-slip comfort grip
- Durable metal housing
- Powerful 12amp motor
- Anti-vibration system for greater control
Cons
- The pivoting shoe is not adjustable
When should you use a Reciprocating saw?
Reciprocating saws are the ideal tools to work in the most complicated and difficult-to-access places. It is also very efficient for all the cuts that require precision. The tool is able to work with multiple materials such as wood (hard or soft and even those including metal), building materials (PVC, plaster, fiber cement, red brick and cellular concrete) or metal (steel, zinc, bronze). But you should pick the right blade for each use.
Different types of Reciprocating saws
Corded Reciprocating Saws
As the name suggests, the corded saw model needs to be connected to a power outlet. Its radius of action will therefore be limited to a space of a few meters. However, it has the advantage of being much more powerful than cordless models. It is intended primarily for work requiring long-time use of the tool. It is thus frequently used by professionals, particularly in the construction and building sector.
Cordless Reciprocating Saws
This is the portable version of the previous model. Obviously, it will work with a battery and will be used wherever it will be impossible to work with the corded model such as carpentry. It will also be suitable for more casual work or people traveling frequently. I like those models when it comes to pruning trees, and any outdoor activity
How to choose a Reciprocating saw?
The Type
Obviously, this is the first question to ask. To answer it, you will have to decide according to your mobility needs. If you work frequently on the road or in places not connected to the power grid, then you will have to go for the cordless models. Taking into account that cordless models are less power than the corded models.
Therefore, if you do not want to be caught off guard at work, be sure to charge the battery before doing a job. If your equipment is not loaded properly, you may be interrupted while cutting.
The Power
It determines the ability of the saw to cut quickly. Expressed in watt, the more it is will, the more the saw will execute large-scale works. Make your choice according to the materials you will have to cut. If you cut metal, we advise you to avoid models with a power of less than 500 watts. Be careful, however, not to choose an overpowered device in relation to your actual use. You will underuse it and will have spent your money unnecessarily.
The Stroke Speed
This is the parameter that goes with power. It also affects the performance of the saw when cutting materials. The higher the speed, the more the saw will cut hard materials. It is expressed in number of strokes per minute. Some models allow to regulate this speed. You will adapt it according to the materials to be worked.
The Blade Type
For me, that is one of the most important factors that you must care about.
Being in direct contact with the material to be cut, the choice of the blade is also essential. It would be totally counterproductive to have a powerful saw with excellent stroke speed, equipped with a blade of poor quality. It will therefore be necessary to go hunting for blades offering the best value for money! Some blades are more efficient on wood, others on steel etc. If you work several types of materials, opt for the purchase of a saw with several blades already included. You will save several tens of dollars.
The Different Settings
Also be sure to check the setting options that your future purchase will allow you. We have already mentioned the speed variator but there are other possibilities. Thus, some models have depth adjustment systems of the blade or an adjustable shoe. These are just a few examples.
The Price
And yes it is also an important criterion! It is determined primarily by the type of saw (Corded or cordless) that you will use. For a corded saw, it costs from 100 to 200 $ for a power ranging from 500 to 1200 watts.
Check our Guide for the best reciprocating saws under 100$
The prices of the portable version start at 50$ (model with a 20 V battery). At the original purchase price, you will also need to add the cost of the blades. On average, it is around 5 to 10 $ for 5 blades.
How to Choose a Reciprocating Saw Blade?
Before you start any cut, you will need to use the right type of blade.
Blades are measured in TPI, which is teeth per inch. Fewer teeth mean aggressive cut.
when cutting wood your TPI can be lower like 6, and when cutting metal you need a blade with a high TPI like 18.
The packaging for the blades will include information regarding what materials the blades are meant to cut with, as well as the TPI.
There are also a wide variety of blades that will help you with any sort of specialty cut, an example of a specialty cut is when using a diamond grit blade for cutting cast iron
We have already mentioned it for the power or the speed of rotation required for the saber saw. So remember to include in your toolbox, several sets of blades covering a maximum of materials and lengths of cut. You will never be caught off guard in any situation! For example, the DEWALT DW4856 is a specific set of blades designed to cut both metals and wood.
How to use a reciprocating saw
Final Thought
The size and weight of a handheld tool are essential especially if you’re looking for a saw that will not make you feel like you’ve had an intense weight training session. While you cannot go wrong with any of these five top models, you should buy DeWalt 20V Max DCS387B which is the perfect bet for both professional and hobbyists’ projects. It comes with a lot of useful features, packs a lot of power and is built to last. However, it’s a little pricier but worth the extra expense.
If your budget is tight, then you can go for Porter Cable PCC670B 20V cordless reciprocating saw offers a perfect blend of utility and value for money though not as powerful as our top choice in this review. Besides, it’s a helpful tool in any workshop for the DIYer and professional working on a variety of materials with multiple cuts.
We hope that this review has given you the information that you need so that you can make your choice more confidently depending on your specific needs and budget.
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