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- The DEWALT 20-Volt Reciprocating Saw is our favorite because of its versatility and durability.
- In ranking each saw, we accounted for its speed, voltage, weight, warranty, and overall build quality.
- On average, a reciprocating saw costs between $50-$200, with the most heavy-duty and long-lasting options costing around $170.
Reciprocating saws have the power and design to easily cut through a variety of materials. These specialized saws typically feature a straight, serrated blade for quick cuts and a comfortable, ergonomic handle that makes them excellent metal and woodworking tools.
We did the research to find the best reciprocating saws on the market, including the DEWALT and WORX in our top picks. Based on the build, speed, and customer experience, we narrowed down which five reciprocating saws could be used for different projects and on multiple materials.
On average, you should expect to pay between $50-$200 for a high-quality reciprocating saw. To help you find the perfect fit for your toolkit, we’ve rounded up the best reciprocating saws on today’s market with information on how to use this tool and some tips to help your project run smoothly. Here are our top recommendations.
Top 5 Reciprocating Saws
- Best Overall: DEWALT 20-Volt Reciprocating Saw
- Most Versatile Saw: WORX 20-Volt Reciprocating Saw
- Best Compact Saw: PORTER-CABLE 20-Volt Reciprocating Saw
- Best Budget Saw: BLACK+DECKER 20V Cordless Reciprocating Saw
- Most Ergonomic Saw: Makita18-Volt Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Compare Top Reciprocating Saws
| Product | Speed | Voltage | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT 20-Volt Reciprocating Saw | 2900 SPM | 20 | 5.4 lbs. | 3-year |
| WORX 20-Volt Reciprocating Saw | 3000 SPM | 20 | 4.6 lbs. | 3-year |
| PORTER-CABLE 20-Volt Reciprocating Saw | 3000 SPM | 20 | 3.75 lbs. | 3-year |
| BLACK+DECKER 20V Cordless Reciprocating Saw | 3000 SPM | 20 | 4.5 lbs. | 2-year |
| Makita18-Volt Cordless Reciprocating Saw | 2800 SPM | 18 | 8 lbs. | 3-year |
| Product | Speed | Voltage | Weight | Warranty |
Best Reciprocating Saw Overall
DEWALT 20v MAX Reciprocating Saw
- $173.85
- $219
- 21% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Additionally, it weighs just 5 pounds for added control and has a built-in LED light for added visibility.
Key Features
- Speed: 2900 SPM
- Voltage: 20 volts
- Weight: 5.4 pounds
- Warranty: 3-year limited
What Customers Are Saying
Our research indicated that customers who gave this saw positive reviews were impressed with its versatility and ability to cut through several different materials. Many also pointed out that despite its compact size, it had a high power level and was easy for anyone to use.
On the other hand, some felt this saw vibrated too much, making it uncomfortable to use. Others said it didn’t have a sufficient power level to cut through heavy wood.
Most Versatile Reciprocating Saw
WORX 20-Volt Reciprocating Saw
- $119.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
It also features a built-in blower to keep dust and debris away from your work surface and a powerful 20-volt battery that works with a range of WORX power tools.
Key Features
- Speed: 3000 SPM
- Voltage: 20 volts
- Weight: 4.6 pounds
- Warranty: 3-year
What Customers Are Saying
We encountered several reviews from Amazon customers impressed with this saw’s lightweight and easy-to-use design. Others also pointed out its durable construction and versatility.
However, some felt this saw’s battery had an insufficient run time, causing frustration when working on projects. Others felt as though it didn’t work efficiently on big projects or thick materials.
Best Compact Reciprocating Saw
PORTER-CABLE 20-Volt Reciprocating Saw
- $59.1
- $77.99
- 24% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Speed: 3000 SPM
- Voltage: 20 volts
- Weight: 3.75 pounds
- Warranty: 3-year limited
What Customers Are Saying
Per our consumer research, customers on Amazon praised this cordless tool’s maneuverability, high efficiency, and power level. Some others also liked its variable speed trigger, which allowed for more customization.
However, our research also revealed that some customers said this reciprocating saw had issues malfunctioning or not lasting as long as expected. Others were also disappointed that it did not come with a battery.
Best Budget Reciprocating Saw
BLACK+DECKER 20V Cordless Reciprocating Saw
- $52.99
- $69.99
- 24% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Speed: 3000 SPM
- Voltage: 20 volts
- Weight: 4.5 pounds
- Warranty: 2-year limited
What Customers Are Saying
Our team found that customers who left positive reviews for this product on Amazon were happy with its versatile design, with many also noting it was lightweight and easy to maneuver when working. This product also received praise for its durability.
On the flip side, we learned that a small number of buyers felt this reciprocating saw did not have a long-lasting battery and vibrated too much, making it uncomfortable to use.
Most Ergonomic Reciprocating Saw
Makita 18-Volt Cordless Reciprocating Saw
- $134
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- Speed: 2800 SPM
- Voltage: 18 volts
- Weight: 8 pounds
- Warranty: 3-year limited
What Customers Are Saying
Our research into saw reviews showed us that numerous Amazon customers liked that this saw provided a balanced, easy operation, with several noting how easy it was to move when needed. Some others also liked that it was powerful and worked quickly.
Alternatively, we read reviews from some customers who had difficulty finding a compatible battery charger for this model. A few others were disappointed that the saw lacked adjustable cutting depths.
Reciprocating Saw Buying Guide
Before purchasing a reciprocating saw, it’s important to understand how each model’s design and specifications impact its user experience and performance. Here are four factors to consider before buying a reciprocating saw.
Corded vs. Cordless Reciprocating Saws
Reciprocating saws are offered in both corded and battery-powered models. Corded reciprocating saws deliver the most power, but their mobility is limited because they rely on an electrical outlet. Although they offer less power, cordless reciprocating saws offer more convenience and have longer battery life.
Speed Settings
A reciprocating saw’s speed is measured in strokes per minute (SPM), with most models offering around 3,000 SPM. Most reciprocating saws come with variable-speed triggers to help you adjust your saw’s speed to fit various applications. As more pressure is applied, these sensitive triggers increase the saw’s cutting motion.
Sawing Motion
While cutting, most reciprocating saws move in a push-pull motion that grinds through wood, metal, and other materials. However, some models feature an orbital cutting setting, which adds an elliptical motion to the push-pull cuts. This circular motion helps the tool cut more material with each slice.
Battery Life
The battery life of a reciprocating saw impacts the time you can work on your project. Most cordless reciprocating saws come with 20-volt batteries, though some models have smaller 18-volt batteries.
While a reciprocating saw’s battery life varies depending on its type, model, and usage, most batteries will last up to an hour.
How To Make Cuts with a Reciprocating Saw
A flush cut and a plunge cut require different methods when using a reciprocating saw. Here’s how to perform each properly.
Flush Cut
Trimming nails flush with the surrounding wood requires a thin, flexible 9- or 12-inch-long metal-cutting blade. Set the first one-third of the blade against the nail, and press it flat against the surrounding wood by pushing down on the forward grip and lifting up with the handle. Begin cutting at full speed, keeping consistent pressure on the forward grip as you saw through the nail.
Plunge Cut
To keep from bending your blade, ease into the cut before going full speed, particularly when cutting through drywall. Press the shoe firmly against the material without letting the blade touch. Squeeze the trigger less than halfway and slowly lift up on the handle, pivoting the saw on its shoe until the blade’s tip bites into the material. Gradually increase the speed and the angle until you cut all the way through.
Selecting the Right Blade
Depending on the material you’re cutting, certain saw blades will be more effective than others. One easy way to determine which blade is best is by examining the teeth-per-inch, or TPI. This refers to the number of teeth on the saw blade. Here’s a guide on what teeth to look for when cutting through plain wood, wood with nails, metal, or all-purpose material.
Wood
3 to 10 TPI: Large teeth, and the deep gullets between them, slice through wood efficiently.
Wood with nails
6 to 10 TPI: Small teeth won’t chip when they hit metal, but the alternating deep gullets help them chew wood.
Metal
10 to 24 TPI: Small teeth leave a clean cut. The blades are wide to stop wobble and thin to reduce heat buildup.
All-purpose
6 to 10 TPI: Similar to blades for wood with nails, they’re extra thick for added durability.
Tips For Using a Reciprocating Saw Shoe
The shoe is one of the reciprocating saw’s hardest-working and most important features. Adjustable shoes, also sometimes called blade guards, protect your hand from the blade and allow you to adjust the depth of the cut.
This Old House‘s Mark Clement has the following tips for how to use the shoe on your reciprocating saw.
- Adjustable shoes allow you to expose different teeth to the work surface. By moving the shoe up and down, you can switch up which teeth are cutting and extend the service life of your cutting blade.
- The shoe can be used as a fulcrum when operating your saw. When using your shoe as a fulcrum, you minimize the likelihood of accidentally knocking the tip into something and bending it over. Using the shoe as a fulcrum gives you more control over the saw and keeps it steady as you work.
- Another fundamental way to use the shoe is by pushing it back against the force of the motor. Pressing the shoe down with consistent force allows you to resist the reciprocating action of the motor and pin the material down between the saw and the blade.
Reciprocating Saw FAQs
What is a reciprocating saw used for?
Reciprocating saws are used for quick cutting when metal cutting, wood cutting, or cutting through material like PVC piping and nails. While the tool is mostly used for demolition work and remodeling tasks, it can also be used for small jobs around your yard, like trimming small branches.
Should I buy a corded or cordless reciprocating saw?
A corded reciprocating saw could be a good choice for you if you need to use a high-powered bare tool over a long period. A cordless reciprocating saw may be a better option if you need a mobile saw for quick jobs and multiple job sites.
Can I cut a 2×4 with a reciprocating saw?
While a reciprocating saw has the power to cut through a 2×4, its rough-cutting motion can produce a jagged cut. Consider using a circular or miter saw to cut a 2×4 accurately.
How We Selected the Best Reciprocating Saws
To provide our readers with the best reciprocating saw kit recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of saws with a significant number of verified-buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for a variety of buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published numerous tool reviews, from cordless drills and impact drivers to tape measures and laser levels.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
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