If you do any type of construction or woodworking projects, you just might need a reciprocating saw. DIY lovers have also learned the value of this tool and it has become a popular choice in many different workshops. If you’re going to add the best corded reciprocating saw to your toolbox, then you need to know just where to look and what your options are.
That’s where we come in! We’ve done the research and filtered through all of the options on the market to bring you some of the top rated reciprocating saws out there. These saws have a lot to offer and can typically cut through plastic, wood, or metal.
You don’t want to just buy up the first one you come across so we’ve created a review and buyer’s guide using our top picks of the best corded reciprocating saws, just for you!
Let’s get started, shall we?
Table of Contents
What is a Reciprocal Saw?
Most of these are corded reciprocating saw options still. There are very few cordless options and we think that’s directly related to the style and the power behind them. When you use a reciprocating saw, it operates almost like a hand saw, but it does the work for you.
When powered on, it saws using a push and pull cutting motion with the blade. You may have heard of Sawzall, which is a specific brand name but also a name that has become a nickname for the reciprocating saw. These are used a lot in demolition but also in projects and construction.
Reciprocating saws can cut through just about any material, that includes wood or other materials that are full of nails and screws. They don’t stop this saw reciprocating from getting its job done.
Now, the part you’ve been waiting for – let’s talk about our top picks!
The Best Corded Reciprocating Saw Reviews
In terms of the best reciprocating saws, we found plenty. You may notice some of these brands or you may discover a saw that is completely new to you. Whatever the case, we think you will be pleased with your options.
1. DeWalt Corded Reciprocating Saw
DeWalt is our best overall option. It’s a great price and it’s a top rated corded reciprocating saw that delivers with features, power, and more. This is a 12-amp saw, which is in the lower power category but still a sufficient amp motor for just about any reciprocating saw use. You can purchase this Dewalt Sawzall on its own or in a set with blade parts as well.
The stroke length is 1 1/8 with 0 – 2,900 strokes per minute The 4 position blade clamp allows you to cut flush. It is also operated with a keyless lever blade clamp. The total length of this saw is 17.5 inches. The features are perfect for versatility. There is a speed trigger rather than a speed dial and you will find that the 12-amp power is an improvement from 10 amp and 11 amp options without being overwhelming.
The trigger allows for variable speed with just the touch of your finger. It’s pretty easy to use and operate overall. It’s a heavy duty option without being super heavy. It weight only about 8 pounds which isn’t bad as far as reciprocal saws go.
- Best corded reciprocating saw overall
- Variable speed trigger
- Heavy-duty tool without being hard to handle
- Sufficient power for most jobs
- Easy blade change design
- Saw has some extra vibration that you may have to get used to
- Some purchasers would prefer this come with a tool carrying case
Why We Like It
We like this saw because it gives you a little bit of everything without charging you an arm and a leg. We rated this as the best corded reciprocating saw overall because it has great features.
2. Milwaukee 15 Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw (Sawzall)
This is the saw for which the sawzall was named. The Milwaukee 6538 21 is a heavy duty saw that packs a punch of power. This certainly packs a punch as one of the best corded reciprocating saws out there. It’s easy to use, has a lot of power and is a popular option for multiple reasons. It can sometimes be harder to find in stock.
Milwaukee 6538 21 reciprocating saw is a tool made in the USA. It has a 15 amp motor which makes this a tool with plenty of power. This amp motor is significantly more powerful than 10 amp or 11 amp motor so you may need to adjust if those are what you are used to.
You can maintain constant speed under load or you can use the variable speed trigger with no speed dial necessary. When it comes to saws, the features stand out but it is still a simple tool that is easy to use. It runs on high power and low vibration. You get more than 3,000 strokes per minute with an extended stroke length you can’t beat when it comes to saws.
- High power tool that is easy to use
- Broad stroke length
- High strokes per minute design
- 15 amp motor
- Easy blade change and position blade setup
- Quite a bit more expensive with not a lot of extra features
- Limited information about position blade clamp features
Why We Like It
The Milwaukee 6538 21 offers a high 15 amp motor that many of these saws down’t reach. While it is more expensive, it gave the Sawzall its name and you really can’t beat it. This reciprocating saw is definitely one for the books.
3. Skil Corded Reciprocating Saw
When it comes to choosing the best corded reciprocating saws that you can rely on and afford, we deem this option as the best value in the reciprocating saw market. Skil is incredibly budget-friendly and while the amp motor measurement is only 9 compared to a 10 amp, 11, amp, 12 amp, or even 15 amp, it has a lot of power and makes a great tool with reliable features.
These saws offer a tool free blade change with no blade clamp required on this reciprocating saw. You get a variable speed trigger and a 9 am motor that is sufficient for an everyday reciprocating saw and this budget. It is a corded model that operates on 120 volts. It is a reciprocating saw that you really can’t beat as a tool.
This reciprocating saw measures about 18.5 inches in length and only weighs 8 pounds. The blade change is easy. There is no position blade clamp for this saw. It is unclear what the strokes per minute measurement is on this saw as well but we know it is the perfect reciprocating saw for DIY, home use, and basic needs, particularly when you consider the price.
- Simple but durable reciprocating saw tool
- Easy blade changes
- Decent length with reduced vibration
- Variable speed trigger
- Budget-friendly option
- Reciprocating saw is not designed for heavy duty construction site use
- The stroke length and speed is undefined
Why We Like It
We love this reciprocating saw because it has everything that most people need and it has it for the best price point on the market. In terms of reciprocating saw tool options, this one stands out in versatility, durability, and price.
4. Porter Cable Reciprocating Saw with Orbital Action
Here is another option that stands out in the world of reciprocating saws. This one has an 8.5 amp motor and is another powerful option. Porter Cable is a larger tool that measures nearly 25 inches in length and weighs slightly over 12 pounds. It is one of the best corded reciprocating saws we found in terms of price, features, and power.
These saws features a compact and balanced design that makes the saw comfortable and controllable in a way that many high amp motor (like 15 amp) saw options simply can’t relate to. The orbital action blade sets it apart as well and gives it a unique advantage of more aggression with less power.
You get 3,200 strokes per minute and a 1 1/8 stroke length for the blade. The blade is easy to change with no tools required. The variable speed trigger is helpful for control and there is a twist lock blade clamp in the features of this tool. You also get a tool less adjustable shoe that works to your advantage when you change blades.
- Tool less blade changes
- Variable speed recip saw features
- High power with anti vibration technology
- More length and lightweight
- Orbital action blade for more cutting power
- Lower amp reciprocating power may make this not built for pro power tools functionality
Why We Like It
This is another reduced amperage design that runs on a less than 10 amp motor. It’s a low am reciprocating saw for professional needs but the orbital action blade actually makes it more powerful. It’s a really great options designed to provide reliable results and durability.
5. Bosch RS428 Reciprocating Saw
While this is not a 15 amp saw, it comes close as a 14 amp saw. Bosch RS428 is a powerful saw with powerful features that can hold up for higher usage and even professional capabilities. In terms of reciprocating saws, Bosch delivers in one of the best corded reciprocating saw options.
With this almost 15 amp motor, you can cut through different materials, including the densest and most challenging objects, at an efficient speed. The power is perhaps one of the best features. The power is backed by a vibration control system so that it can still be comfortable to use. This saw has one of the best power to weight rations on the market.
This saw weighs only about 8 pounds but the overall build, including stroke length and blade design are not really defined in the details. Bosch contract with Amazon Services amidst other retailers in their associates program as well. This is a super sawzall option with a variable speed trigger but we do with some features were more defined for reference.
- Comparable to a 15 amp professional design
- One of the most durable reciprocating saws on the market
- Vibration control features for comfort
- Lightweight and easy to manage
- Enhanced with constant speed under load
- Limited information on some features
- Saw tends to get hot when used for longer timeframes
Why We Like It
We chose this reciprocating saw as one of the best because it has a lot of power but is also easy and comfortable to control. It can handle various materials easily enough and for a professional design, it’s pretty affordable.
6. Makita JR3050T Reciprocating Saw
To wrap up our choices, we’re leaving you with another powerful saw. This 15 amp reciprocating saw is heavy duty at its finest. Makita JR3050T has some great feature design elements, a tough carrying case and you can even purchase an option that comes with a blade set if you prefer.
This reciprocating saw has anti-vibration technology that promises to reduce the vibration by 2 times. It operates on up to 2,800 SPM and has electronic speed control that lets you maintain constant speed under load for longer times. The variable speed dial lets you control the speed and there is a trigger as well.
This has a long stroke of 1 1/4 so you can cut faster and smoother. You also have a 4-position orbital and straight cutting design that delivers results and control. This particular saw can work on professional sites but it can also work on home projects. It only weight 10 pounds so it’s not uncomfortable to work with.
- High-power professional motor
- 4-position orbital and straight cutting action
- Ergonomically designed and easy to work with
- Blades are easy to change
- Maintains speed under load without getting hot
- More expensive but with a lot to offer
- The tool tends to lose the blade too easily when cutting thick materials
Why We Like It
We selected this is one of the best because it’s powerful and can handle just about any job. While the low amp ones are great for home use and DIY, sometimes you need something stronger. It’s well-designed and from a reputable brand as well.
5 Ways To Use A Reciprocating Saw
A Reciprocating Saw has several other uses as it comes with a variety of blades to cut through everything. Let’s find out exciting new ways to use your reciprocating saw.
Best Corded Reciprocating Saw Buyer’s Guide
Now that we’ve shared our top choices for reciprocating saws with you, it’s time to discuss just what makes these options the best. What sets them apart? These tools are not for the faint of heart but they can be incredibly useful for cutting. It’s like a hand saw but with power! You can cut quickly and efficiently with these powerful corded saws.
At the same time, it’s important for you to understand some of the various features that you should be familiar with before you make a decision. You might find that something in this guide affects your overall decision. We’re sharing some of the features that are most important to be aware of overall.
When it comes to a reciprocating saw, these are important to differentiate and know what you need.
Use
One of the first things to consider is what you might be using your new tool for. There are a wide array of uses and some of them require more amp versatility and speed than others. The first thing you should determine is what your intended use is and then you can work from there.
If you’re planning to do a lot of construction or heavy cutting, you probably need a powerful option as opposed to some of the lighter models that are perfect for DIY and home repairs and renovations. It all depends on your plans.
Here are a few other uses that you might also want to keep in mind.
- Overhead cutting
- Plunge cuts
- Precise cutting in small or tight places
- Types of material (plastic, wood, metal, etc.)
Amperage
This goes back to how powerful you might need your saw to be. The higher the amp count, the more powerful it is. Professionals and construction sites often have 15 amp models while DIY and home use can get away with 7-10 amps. If you want somewhere in the middle just to be on the safe side, you can look for a 12 amp model or something similar.
12 amp saws will give you the best of both worlds. Their abilities are not overpowering but they also can handle a bit more with a 12 amp design than they might be able to with say a 9 amp feature. We’re not saying 12 amp is the answer, we just want to give you a comparison.
Comfort
Some of these saws tend to be prone to vibration so that is something you may want to watch for. Look for descriptions that are ergonomically-designed and comfortable to handle. You will want lighter weight and easy to hold and control overall.
If you’re able to pick one up and try it in your hands, you should totally do so. You want it to feel right and know that it will be comfortable for you to hold and manage when using. Consider the variable speed and whether it requires trigger use that will be comfortable as well.
Sizing
This detail may relate back to use. You will want to consider the stroke length, particularly if you may need to use your saw in tight spaces. Tight spaces is what these handy tools were ultimately designed to handle and almost all of them will handle them well.
However, if you know you will be working in super tight spaces, you may find that a compact option would work best for you. We didn’t list any options here that were specifically designed to be compact but some of these would work. There are some out there that were built as compact to begin with and that is their selling point.
Size does matter in terms of comfort, versatility, and control but it also matters to be able to truly fit and reach into the spaces you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Amps Do I Need in a Reciprocating Saw?
Keep in mind that the higher the amps, the more powerful the saw. If you work with heavy usage or on professional job sites, you will most likely want something with more amps, probably 12-15. Otherwise, you can most likely make due with a lower amperage of 7-12.
Should I Buy a Corded or Cordless Reciprocating Saw?
We’ve found that corded tends to be the preferred option. They are typically more powerful overall and more reliable since you don’t have to worry about a charge.
Interested to see the best cordless reciprocating saws? Click here to learn more.
What is the Best Brand of Sawzall?
Milwaukee was the original Sawzall brand. However, in our list, we preferred the DeWalt as our top pick overall.
Are Reciprocating Saws any Good?
Reciprocating saws are incredibly useful and versatile! They can do a lot and are well worth the investment.
Conclusion
No matter what you’re looking for, we think you will find a little bit of something for everyone in these reviews. We hope that you find our reviews and buying guide to be a valuable resource for the best information to make a decision for your new reciprocating saw choice!
Expert Tip
Find a saw with a mid-range of power to give you the best versatility. It should do a little bit of anything.
Did You Know?
While we call these sawzalls as a nickname, that was actually the name of Milwaukee’s brand’s saw option.
Amazon Recommends:
- Cordless reciprocating saw features tool-free blade change
- Pivoting shoe for increased control
- Variable speed trigger for increased control
- International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions
- Powerful 12 amp motor of the reciprocating saw is designed for heavy-duty applications
- 4-position blade clamp allows for flush cutting and increased versatility
- Keyless, lever-action blade clamp for quick and easy blade changes
- 0-2,900 SPM and 1-1/8-inch stroke length for fast and efficient cutting
- Variable speed trigger allows user to instantly control speed
- Powerful 9 amp motor for tough applications
- Power-on indicator lets you know when the tool is plugged in
- Tool-less blade change for easy blade changes
- Heavy duty metal gear housing for added durability
- Variable speed dial adjusts speed to cut