Best reciprocating saw | DeWalt or Makita sawzall?

Best electric reciprocating saw

Features to consider when buying a reciprocating saw

• Power. Most cordless models run on a single 18V lithium-ion battery. Corded ones can either be plugged into 110/120V AC outlets for more grunt.
• Stroke length. This determines how far the blade travels with each cycle. Stroke length affects control, reach, and cutting speed.
• Shoe. The shoe helps hold the blade in place and, whether or not it’s adjustable, makes the saw more versatile and augments cutting depth.
• Size. This one is on a lighter note. Reciprocating saws come in two-handed and one-handed variants; pick whichever you feel more comfortable using, and if you plan to do large or small demolition jobs. 

Versatility.

Reciprocating saws can be used on a number of tasks. It’s a tool that is primarily used in construction, but also has applications in gardening, such as pruning, and even in the food industry – used as a tool in processing meat and bone.

Efficiency.

Reciprocating saws are both mechanically powered and precise. Not only do they offer faster completion rates, but also allow you to perform more calculated work.

1. Know your brands.

The prestige and track record of a particular brand will already tell loads about the potential performance of a tool.

Milwaukee, the pioneer, and other big names like DeWalt and Makita, all have the experience and expertise to ensure the delivery of proven quality products time and time again.

2. Blades types.

Perhaps one of the most, if not the most, important components of the saw is its blades.

Keep in mind blade factors such as Teeth-per-inch (TPI), length, width, and thickness as they basically determine a blade’s level of stress tolerance, flexibility, material compatibility, and lifespan. Literally different strokes for different folks.

3. Check the durability.

When checking for durability, consider that of the tool and the blade. You’d want the tool and its teeth to last you a long time, as both are expensive.

Look at customer and professional reviews before purchasing to lessen the risk of getting a model whose motor easily clunks out and/or which blades can break early.

4. Think about the price.

Just because some reciprocating saws are more expensive than others, doesn’t mean that they’re automatically better.

When factoring in price, consider what you’ll use it for and how often.

It’s better to invest in a tool that you’ll use for the long-term, otherwise, get the lower-priced models for one-off uses. 

Corded reciprocating saws are absolute powerhouses, capable of removing entire walls.

They are generally larger and stronger but do tend to cut more roughly.

Given the heavy-duty nature of their applications, corded saws are more suited for demolition work and are less safe and practical for beginners. 

Cordless reciprocating saws have decent power, are more accurate and portable, and are generally safer.

They are light and can be handled with fair ease even by untrained hands.

They’re ideal for small jobs, given their compactness and limited power.

An exception to this is Makita’s line of 2-battery models who experience the best of both worlds – longer run time with 2 battery packs and almost the same amount of power as corded models thanks to Makita-brand engineering and design.

Brushed motors were a big thing at least back in the 1800s. Brushless motors have since then gained increasing popularity, especially as alternative engines for power tools.

Both basically make use of components called rotators and magnets that harness electricity and convert it into mechanical energy. 

Brushless motors have a more sophisticated design, reducing maintenance requirements and allowing for more efficient power management.

If you’re wondering about the motor type, go with a more efficient brushless motor over an older outdated brushed one.

Thickness

Thicker blades are sturdier but less flexible. In some cases, flexibility offers a smoother cut but tends to falter with thicker and denser material.

Familiarize yourself with these standard blade thicknesses.

0.035” – Standard-duty

0.042” – Light heavy-duty

0.050” – Heavy-duty

0.062” – Ultra heavy-duty 

What determines the grade of application is usually material thickness and density, so refer to the thicknesses depending on the composition of materials you are to work with.

It’s a good idea to have at least 2 to 3 types of blades with you in order to really work with a wide array of materials.

Longevity

A saw blade’s lifespan is greatly affected by stress and frequency of use. Ideally, a quality blade, given the premise of heavy and daily use, should last you about 3 months before it begins to dull or break.

Depending on how well you use the tool and how well you take care of the blades, some can last you for years!

The Makita XRJ06PT is hands down the best cordless reciprocating saw. With two 18V lithium-ion batteries, you get twice the amount of power and performance.

Its brushless motor further lengthens runtime by up to 50% and its crank mechanism reduces vibration and blade deflection, allowing for deep, smooth cuts even with heavier applications. 

The 1 ¼” stroke length gives you fast and efficient cutting and, coupled with its tool-less blade change, really makes it a versatile tool.

With a patented computer control system, not only does it have efficient power management, but also offers up to 3x faster charging with auto-overcharge prevention.

The best value cordless reciprocating saw goes to the Makita XRJ05Z.

Its variable 2-speed brushless motor gives it considerable and lasting performance, able to reach an astonishing rate of up to 3,000 strokes per minute (SPM)! 

It’s a lighter and more compact alternative to the Makita XRJ06PT, weighing in at only 8.2lbs with a fully charged battery.

While this Makita Sawzall may lose out to its more expensive brother in terms of up-time, but performance-wise it holds its own for small jobs.

When it comes to being the best corded reciprocating saw, the DeWalt DWE305 stands on top.

It’s perfect for heavy-duty applications given its ample motor chugging out 12 amps of power. Its 4-position blade clamp lets you flush cut with ease and allows for some nice versatility.

The 1 ⅛” stroke length allows for some clean and precise cuts, despite what may be a little heftiness of the tool.

The variable speed control trigger also allows you to work at your own pace and helps maintain the consistency of results. Robust DeWalt manufacturing lets you take on tougher materials with this saw.

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The Bosch RS428 is the best value-corded reciprocating saw. The thing that really stands out with this tool is the fact that it only weighs 8lbs despite having an insanely powerful 14-amp motor.

It’s outfitted with a vibration control system to allow for efficient and controlled work.

With its raw power, you can literally go down on any material you see fit, just be sure to equip the right blade type to avoid overbearing on it with the motor’s output.

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If it’s affordability that you want, then look no further than the Black + Decker RS500. It has pretty much everything that you would need for a fully functional and work-ready reciprocating saw.

Variable speed, tool-free blade change, adequate power, and of course a nice price tag all make the RS500 a decent choice. It’ll get the job done for what it’s worth, just don’t go industrial-level with it.

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Should you consider using other tools? That really depends on what job you’re taking on.

For demolition, no not really, a reciprocating saw will do you just fine. If you mainly want to engage in cutting, then perhaps try a skilsaw for straight and accurate cuts. 

You can pair using reciprocating saws with other tools for especially large-scale demolitions, such as with a wrecking bar or Estwing hammer , for when you need a claw hammer to rip apart what you are cutting.

While these saws make quick work of wood and nails, packed and dense materials such as bolts are not so easy.

Combo this with an alternative metal cutting tool that can cut bolts for demolition work faster, like a Makita 18V angle grinder .

Finally, if you’re looking into cutting a variety of tree and branch cutting and trimming jobs, you may opt for a Makita cordless chainsaw.

Dos

• Always use sharp blades. Sharp blades tear through material easier.
•  Hold your tool with both hands [2] (unless your model is one-handed). Holding with both hands allows for better control and stability.
• Unplug the saw when changing blades, regardless of how easy it may be.

Don’ts

• Don’t use near flammable material as these can potentially cause sparks when cutting.
•  Do not immediately touch the blades [3], especially after long use, as they can get very hot and cause some serious burning.

If you want the best cordless saw, get the Makita XRJ06PT. It has the power and lifespan to get you through most jobs.

A bit pricey, but it nets you a well-engineered and efficient tool.

A good alternative to it is the Makita XRJ05Z, which is basically a lighter, single-battery version that shares the same tool-free blade change and stroke-length. 

For best-corded saw, the DeWalt DWE305 is undisputed, one with its powerful motor and durable manufacturing.

Tackle heavy-duty applications easily with its 4-position blade clamp and precise stroke-length.

The Bosch RS428 nets the best value, mainly for its lightness and versatility thanks to an extremely powerful motor.

If you’re looking for a decent enough tool that gets the job done without having to throw a great deal of money, then the Black + Decker RS500 is your best bet. It’s not great, but it works. And those are the best reciprocating saws.