Although marketers portray a reciprocating saw as a demolition tool, this useful Sawzall is a must have for any serious contractor. The saw can perform an impressive number of things from basic jobs such as cutting metal to unusual ones like emergency rescue operations. A reciprocating saw is a versatile product that comes with standard features including variable speeds that offer flexibility when making delicate cuts.
Besides, this tool is lightweight, compact and portable meaning that you can carry it to any job site. There are many reciprocating saws in the market ranging from top-tier to basic ones but choosing the right one that will meet your needs can be an overwhelming task. In this review, we will look at the best reciprocating saw under 100 that are relatively cheap but feature-packed for the average DIYer and handyman who doesn’t have a lot of demanding cutting operations. Let’s dive right in.
Best Reciprocating Saws Under 100 Comparison
| Product | Performance | Special Feature | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Black + Decker BDCR20B
 |
3000 SMP motor for faster-cutting speed Lightweight design 7/8 inch stroke for precise control on delicate works | Impressive increased run time, power to cut thin materials and tight space | Check Price | 4.8/5 |
Milwaukee 2625-20 M18
 |
0 to 3000 SPM motor to work on a broad range of applications Built-in LED lamp for increased visibility | Anti-vibration technology for great control | Check Price | 4.7/5 |
Ryobi P514
 |
No load speed of 3100smp Adjustable speed setting Tool-less blade removal clamp for quickly swapping the blade | Non-slip rubber grip handle | Check Price | 4.5/5 |
DeWalt DWE304
 |
Compact design 10amp motor with a no-load speed of 2800spm Corded model 1 1/8 inch stroke length for precise cuts | Four-way blade chuck for cutting in different angles | Check Price | 4.5/5 |
Makita JR3050T
 |
11 amp motor with a variable speed of 0-2800 SMP 1-1/8 inch cutting long stroke Trigger-speed control capability | An internal dust blower system for keeping the cutting line clear | Check Price | 4.4/5 |
1. Black + Decker BDCR20B Reciprocating Saw (Best option for tree trimming)
This cordless saw from the Black and Decker brand features an impressive increased run time and power from the 20V battery and as much as 30% more work output for a broad range of cutting application like plunging, cutting concrete, landscaping, removing drywall and more.
Black + Decker BDCR20B Highlights
The BDCR20B features a lightweight and compact design weighing at merely 3.8lbs. It also comes with a variable speed motor that offers 3000 SMP for a faster-cutting speed making it an excellent option for people looking for a robust cutting solution for small works and cutting thin materials in tight spots.
In addition to this feature is the 7/8 inch stroke that gives you more precise control on delicate works. Additionally, the variable speed capability comes in handy to provide exact cuts so that you don’t overshoot the mark when cutting thin woods. Besides, the lightweight construction makes it much easier to handle if you work with it every day.
The Good
Most lightweight reciprocating saws are known to generate a lot of vibrations when cutting through the material. Black & Decker took this consideration by integrating a dampening technology that minimizes the vibrations for reduced fatigue and maximum comfort.
The Bad
It’s disappointing that the manufacturer did not consider to include a battery and a charger although this can be bought separately – which is annoying.
What we liked the most
- Compact, lightweight design
- Variable speed control
- Tool-less blade change
- Fits in tight spaces
What we liked the most
- Doesn’t come with a battery
2. Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 Reciprocating Saw (Best option for small jobs)
The Milwaukee 2625-20 reciprocating saw is a handy, powerful tool that operates within a range of 0 to 3000spm and allows you to work on a variety of materials like rubber, foam, carpeting, and hard objects such as metal, wood, plastic and more.
Milwaukee 2625-20 M18 Highlights
The Milwaukee 2625-20 reciprocating saw includes an anti-vibration technology that minimizes unnecessary shaking and vibrations, especially when sawing through tough objects – which is a nice feature to have. In addition to great control, you get accurate cuts thanks to the 3/4-inch long stroke which cuts through materials quickly and effortlessly.
The saw includes a robust 3000spm and a quick lock blade clamp that you can use to tighten or loosen the onboard latch near the front of the tool which also allows you to replace the blades with ease. Additionally, the one-handed compact design that measures 17.72 inches by 10.72 inches makes it easy to operate using one hand.
Unlike the Black & Decker BDCR20B series, Milwaukee included a battery in the 2625-20 reciprocating saw to make your cutting efficient and much more manageable. Besides, there’s a built-in LED lamp that helps you to see where you’re cutting especially in poorly lit areas.
The Good
If you’re looking for a smooth reciprocating saw that provides precise cuts, the 2625-20 features a powerful motor which is easy to operate thanks to a one-handed design. It’s also lightweight and handy making it ideal for use by plumbers, carpenters, interior designers, and renovation experts.
The Bad
Unless you’re cutting PVC or some quick cuts on wood, this Hackzall won’t give you the power to cut through tough materials as the battery gets warms very quickly.
What we liked the most
- Lightweight, portable and compact design
- Easy to operate
- Great control and accuracy
- Anti-vibration design that reduces fatigue
What we liked the most
- Uses batteries very quickly
3. Ryobi P514 Reciprocating Saw (Budget friendly)
The P514 reciprocating saw from the Ryobi brand is a rugged compact saw with an ergonomically designed handle that improves handling and control to ensure that you cut wood, floors, plastic, ceramic tile, and metal more precisely and efficiently.
Ryobi P514 Highlights
The Ryobi P514 series is a versatile, handy tool with a no-load speed of 3100smp that allows you to rip through a variety of materials fitting into spaces where no other regular circular saw can. The P514 is a little larger than some similar models in the same price range as the Milwaukee 2625-20 and Black & Decker BDCR20B.
The fact that this reciprocating saw features an adjustable speed setting that allows you to change the speed to cut through the material you’re working on is a big plus. Besides, you also get the usual tool-less blade removal clamp for quickly swapping the blade depending on the work you’re doing. We can’t also forget to mention the non-slip rubber grip included in this model that improves handling.
The Good
Although the Ryobi P514 doesn’t feature fine angle adjustments, it comes with some decent power at 3100spm that rips through a variety of materials with ease and excellent control.
The Bad
It’s strange that the manufacturer missed to include some information on the listing of this product. For instance, he didn’t mention the cutting length of this model which is crucial in knowing how the tool is capable of handling different types of materials.
What we liked the most
- Adjustable speed setting
- Compatible with several chargers
- Convenient blade changing system
- The slide battery configuration allows faster charging
What we liked the most
- Needs little improvement with respect to the power capacity.
4. DeWalt DWE304 Reciprocating Saw (Best corded option)
The DWE304 is a compact, portable, corded reciprocating saw from the DeWalt brand that comes with a 10.0 amp powerful motor that allows you to cut through hardwood, softwood, and other heavy-duty applications making it an ideal option for both home and professional projects.
DeWalt DWE304 Highlights
The DWE304 features a powerful 10amp motor reaching 2800spm with a variable speed trigger which allows you to set speed depending on what you’re cutting and the accuracy that you need. The compact design allows you to handle projects easily with reduced fatigue.
There’s an impressive anti-slip grip design that contains grooves to give you the ability to handle the tool in slippery conditions. It also increases comfort giving you more time to cut through any material. DeWalt has a knack for including impressive stroke lengths on their saws. When compared to other reciprocating saws in its category and price range, like the BDCR20B which comes with a 7/8 inch stroke, the DWE304 features 1 1/8 inch stroke length for precise cuts.
The Good
The best feature you’re going to enjoy in this product is the four-way blade chuck which makes cutting smooth and handier for any cutting in different directions without experiencing any difficulties.
The Bad
Although this budget reciprocating saw is not going to set your world alight, it does everything that a reciprocating saw should do and would be an excellent choice for a range of household tasks and for DIYers who enjoy a little home improvement projects.
What we liked the most
- • Four versatile cutting blade angles
- • Powerful amp motor
- • Keyless blade clamp
- • Adaptable speed trigger
What we liked the most
- • The locking system is not convenient for some users
5. Makita JR3050T Reciprocating Saw (Best options for plumbers and cutting drywall)
The JR3050T is another low-priced reciprocating saw from the Makita brand that includes a set of useful features like the comfortable over-molded grip, an 11 amp motor and a 1-1/8 inch cutting long stroke with an adaptable speed control capability to handle a wide range of cutting assignments.
Makita JR3050T Highlights
Makita JR3050T series features an 11 amp motor and a compact design for improved performance and a variable speed of 0-2800 SPM that allows you to rip through metal, wood, drywall, plaster and a host of other application like renovations and demolition.
It also comes with a variable speed trigger to match the speed of the cutting application you need. Makita included an internal dust blower system on the JR3050T model that clears dust from cutting lines for increased visibility when working on materials which is a feature you won’t get with the other brands we’ve discussed in this review.
The Good
The JR3050T model is a great value option for people looking for a durable tool for everyday use. Makita included some latest features that you’d find in high-end reciprocating saws. Besides, it packs plenty of power for a wide range of cutting applications.
The Bad
If you’re looking for something more potent than your usual ‘cheapy’ reciprocating saw, the JR3050T model wouldn’t be an ideal option as it doesn’t come with any exciting extra features. But it’s a tool you can reach out for in small home projects, and it won’t let you down.
What we liked the most
- Compact and lightweight design
- Powerful 4-1/2 inch saw
- Slim inline grip design
- Cut-line visibility
What we liked the most
- A little under-powered for big projects
Reciprocating Saw Buyer’s Guide
How to choose your saber saw?
Before you make the decision to buy a specific reciprocating saw, you need to know the criteria on which you should follow in order to pick the right reciprocating saw, and they’re are simple:
- Motor and Speed: This is the first thing you need to check. It is mandatory to take into account the capacity of the engine. Among other things, you should know that when a device has a motor strong enough, the cut will be perfect. If not, it will be a real waste of money.
- Materials: If you have come across a good motor, then you have to move on to the next step, which is the material that the saw is able to cut. In fact, you must make sure that it can cut: wood, aluminum, steel, plastic, plaster, red brick, concrete and PVC. You don’t need to buy a saw that can cut all of these materials but at least most of them.
- Types of cuts: each saw offers a particular type of cut. That said, you must consider the choice you make because when you pay big, you must have things in return. The reciprocating saws offer you simple, complex cuts, straight and curved cuts.
- Price: Regarding the price, you should know that the reciprocating saw has variable prices. It depends on the model for which you have to opt. That said, you can find it between 50 and 150 dollars.
Corded vs Cordless Reciprocating Saw
There are mainly two types of reciprocating saws, corded and cordless. To choose your type, it is essential to know the working environment in which you want to use the tool.
The corded models are lighter as they do not have batteries, however, their maneuverability is reduced. On the other hand, the cordless models have powerful batteries to provide sufficient cutting power. Many cordless reciprocating saws do not hold the load too much when used regularly. In addition, the cost of a secondary battery is not neglected when one wants to work intensively. The wired models make it possible to overcome this type of problem and are therefore less expensive.
In terms of power, corded versions have a distinct advantage. If you are looking for a powerful saw for your renovation work requiring intensive cuts, the cordless model is undoubtedly the one that suits you. Regarding cordless saws, they may be less powerful, but they will allow you to work with better maneuverability. On the other hand, you can count on a wireless reciprocating saw for heavy cuts on sturdy materials provided you choose a battery with high voltage.
How to use a reciprocating saw properly
Other Related Buyer’s Guide:
Final Thought
The reciprocating saw is a powerful cutting tool that comes with excellent handling for a variety of materials. In our opinion, DeWalt DWE304 is one of the best corded reciprocating saws under 100 you can buy that delivers enough power to allow this unit to cut through even the most hardened material. It’s also quite comfortable to hold when working in long projects.
However, if you want to go for a cordless model, then we’d recommend the Black & Decker BDCR20B Reciprocating Saw that offers intricate performance for cutting applications with low to moderate difficulty. It may not be fancy, but it will get the job done.
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