Most saws are designed to produce exact cuts, but the sawzall was created to make roughs cuts and do demo work. By sending a lot of power to the saw’s blade, it allows you to cut through a wide range of materials, making them popular for construction work. Many of them also come with additional features that are useful for other types of applications, including LED lights, orbital actions, and tool-less blade changes. Here are a few tips on what to look for in the best sawzall and a few reviews to help you start shopping.
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What Is a Sawzall?
Basically, a sawzall is a word that was trademarked by Milwaukee Tool Company that refers to a reciprocating saw. One of the largest power tools you will ever hold, a sawzall uses a push and pull cutting action and is commonly used for demo work and in construction-based applications.
What’s the difference between using a sawzall and a chainsaw? Here is a quick video to show which to use depending on the job at hand:
Advantages of Using a Reciprocating Saw
The design of the reciprocating saw allows you to cut vertically or overhead with ease. This is a great tool to use in small spaces and just a comfortable tool to hold overall. As far as price points, you are going to have a hard time finding the best reciprocating saw under 100 bucks, but we have a few on our list that come in at just a little over 100 bucks, so don’t get discouraged if you are on a budget. Never used a sawzall before? Here is a quick video to show you the different materials and ways to use a sawzall:
A reciprocating saw uses a push and pull action and most sawzalls come with variable speeds, allowing you more versatility as you work. Model sizes will range from lightweight, portable power tools, to larger electrical saws depending on your needs. A reciprocating saw can power through pretty much any material, no matter what the thickness, plus you can purchase blades with varying lengths allowing you to purchase the type you need for a specific job.
Even the best battery-powered reciprocating saws can have a lot of power and rival their corded competitors. When choosing a sawzall, base the size and features on the type of projects you have planned. If you are just doing projects around the house, then you should look for a smaller, lightweight saw, while a professional will need a reciprocating saw for jobs that are larger and more heavy-duty.
Features of a Reciprocating Saw
Adjustable Shoe
Providing more stability and control, an adjustable shoe also gives you several different positions to improve your saw’s use plus adjustability that doesn’t require a special tool. An adjustable shoe also gives you more blade visibility and the opportunity to cut in different positions.
Orbital Action
With orbital action, you can move the saw horizontally and vertically allowing you to make faster cuts. The speed of the saw will also stay consistent no matter what its position, and, if the saw also comes with a variable setting, you can cut materials like metal at a slow speed.
Tool-Less Blade Replacement
You can change your saw’s blade quickly and efficiently when you have the tool-less blade changing feature. This also helps to avoid having to bring extra tools with you on to the job site. What are the best reciprocating saw blades to use? Here is a video to show you how the blade change system works:
Variable Speed
This feature allows you to adjust the speed to the type of material you are using. It also gives you increased accuracy and better consistency when you cut.
Metal Gear Housing
Having your gear housing made of metal will increase the protection of the motor for a more durable tool. It also helps to stop the motor from burning out during heavy use.
Best Reciprocating Saw Reviews 2018
The Milwaukee Reciprocating Saw is a durable and easy-to-use sawzall that has a fast 15-amp motor. Motor and gear life is extended by the gear-protecting clutch that absorbs high-impact jolts that are caused by unexpected blade lock-ups. The 15-amp motor gives you incredible speed and power while the variable-speed triggers let you work at speeds of up to 2,800 spm or cut at slower speeds for more precision and control.
Powerful enough to cut through pretty much any material, the Milwaukee Reciprocating Saw is the first ever sawzall that provides consistent power technology allowing you to keep constant power and speed under load.
With unparalleled performance ability, this sawzall gives you the highest overload protection in the industry with blade changes that are easy thanks to the Quik-Lok™ keyless blade clamp. Plus, the included counter-balance mechanism lessens vibrations to improve the lifespan of your tool while also producing precise cuts making it one of the best corded sawzalls on the market.
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Delivering lasting reliability and a strong performance, the Bosch Reciprocating Saw has the highest weight-to-power ratio with 14 amps of power and weighing only 8.65 pounds. It also features an ergonomic handle that gives you the most comfort and a great grip while you cut. An innovative counterbalance technology along with an anti-vibration handle give you great vibration control while lessening vibrations to 1/3 of what you see with its competitors.
With one of the most powerful motors in its class, the Bosch Reciprocating Saw features a high-powered 14-amp motor that easily cuts through hard materials. It also features a constant orbit that gives you optimal speed and performance while the constant response electronics keep your tools running at a constant speed while under load. This compact and lightweight tool only measures 18.4 inches-long allowing you to easily make cuts while in challenging position, including overhead cuts without worrying about fatigue.
It also comes equipped with variable speed control that increases your cutting control in a variety of materials. The robust adjustable foot has three positions that are easy to adjust and designed to withstand the abuse of a job site. You also get maximum gripping and comfort with the soft grip on the ergonomic handle while blade changes couldn’t be simpler with the reliable and durable robust blade holder system.
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The lightweight and compact DEWALT DCS387B Reciprocating Saw measures only 14.5 inches in length easily fitting in between studs and letting you make easy cuts in tight spaces. The versatile blade clamp features four positions letting you make flush cuts as well as improved positional versatile with the tool-less blade changes.
The variable speed control gives you increased blade control at 2,900 spm and you get a faster cutting speed with a 1 ⅛-inch stroke length. You also get more versatility when cutting with the pivoting shoe and the bright LED light illuminates a dark workspace for increased safety and accurate cuts making it one of the best cordless reciprocating saw on the market.
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Extremely efficient and durable, the DeWalt DW310K features a 12.0-amp motor with 2,700 spm and a 1 ⅛-inch stroke length for faster cutting. This versatile machine gives you tons of power for heavy-duty jobs and the keyless blade clamp provides fast and easy blade changes with improved reliability.
The adjustable shoe allows you easily adjust the depth of cut which will also extend the life of the blade. With variable speed control, you can instantly adjust the speed allowing you to work on a wide range of projects.
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Featuring orbital action, the DeWalt DW311K is a heavy-duty saw with a 13-amp motor that can make quick work of wood cutting projects. With an adjustable shoe that is keyless, you can easily adjust the depth of cut while extending the life of your blade. The powerful motor was created for heavy-duty jobs and the keyless blade clamp allows you to make quick blade changes, making it one of the best corded reciprocating saws of 2017.
With a 1 ⅛-inch stroke length, the DeWalt DW311K is able to provide 0 to 2,700 spm. It also comes equipped with a variable speed dial and an anti-slip handle that increases your comfort while improving your grip and control. Measuring 18 inches and weighing only 9 pounds, this is a lightweight portable reciprocating saw that comes with a heavy-duty case and an instruction manual.
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Conclusion
The winner of the best sawzall roundup is the Milwaukee Reciprocating Saw. This 15.0-amp super sawzall is an easy-to-use and durable tool that features a variable speed control of up to 2,800 spm. The gear-protecting clutch will also add years to the gear life and motor by absorbing all the high impact jolts that are caused by unexpected blade lock-ups.
The Milwaukee Reciprocating Saw is also powerful enough to power through pretty much any material, and features consistent power technology that allows you to keep constant power and speed while under load. It also has the highest overload protection rate on the market and features unparalleled performance ability. The definite winner of this roundup is the Milwaukee Reciprocating Saw, hands down.