Photo: DeWalt
Reciprocating saws are very handy cutting machines that cut by using a push-pull action and hence the name reciprocating.
Apart from being very handy, cordless reciprocating saws have the additional advantage of being easily portable because they carry their own battery packs. This means that you can use them anywhere so long as the battery is charged.
That said, if you are looking for such a tool to cut up wood, plastic or metal pieces in your projects, this article lists the best cordless reciprocating saws that you should consider buying.
In this post:
- 10 Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws – Review
- 1. DeWalt DCS387B – 4-Position Blade Clamp Cordless Reciprocating Saw
- 2. DeWalt DCS367B – Cordless Reciprocating Saw with a Brushless Motor
- 3. DeWalt DCS380B – Variable Speed Trigger Cordless Reciprocating Saw
- 4. Porter-Cable PCC670B – Lightweight Cordless Reciprocating Saw
- 5. Worx WX550L – 2-in-1 Cordless Reciprocating Saw
- 6. Black & Decker BDCR20C – Complete Cordless Reciprocating Saw Set
- 7. Makita XRJ05Z – 2-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw
- 8. Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 – Cordless Reciprocating Saw with Redlink Plus Intelligence
- 9. Ryobi P514 – Cordless Reciprocating Saw with an Anti-Vibration Handle
- 10. DeWalt DC385B – Cordless Reciprocating Saw with an Anti-Slip Grip
- Cordless vs. Corded Reciprocating Saws
- How to Buy the Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw
- Conclusion
10 Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. DeWalt DCS387B (4-Position Blade Clamp) |
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 | 2. DeWalt DCS367B (Has Brushless Motor) |
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 | 3. DeWalt DCS380B (Variable Speed Trigger) |
| |
 | 4. Porter-Cable PCC670B (Lightweight) |
| |
 | 5. Worx WX550L (2-in-1) |
| |
 | 6. Black & Decker BDCR20C (Complete Set) |
| |
 | 7. Makita XRJ05Z (2-Speed Drive) |
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 | 8. Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 (With Redlink Plus Intelligence) |
| |
 | 9. Ryobi P514 (Has Anti-Vibration Handle) |
| |
 | 10. DeWalt DC385B (Has Anti-Slip Grip) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. DeWalt DCS387B (4-Position Blade Clamp)
|
2. DeWalt DCS367B (Has Brushless Motor)
|
3. DeWalt DCS380B (Variable Speed Trigger)
|
4. Porter-Cable PCC670B (Lightweight)
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5. Worx WX550L (2-in-1)
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6. Black & Decker BDCR20C (Complete Set)
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7. Makita XRJ05Z (2-Speed Drive)
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8. Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 (With Redlink Plus Intelligence)
|
9. Ryobi P514 (Has Anti-Vibration Handle)
|
10. DeWalt DC385B (Has Anti-Slip Grip)
|
1. DeWalt DCS387B – 4-Position Blade Clamp Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Photo: DeWalt
- Stroke Length: 1-1/8 inches
- Speed: 0-2,900 SPM
- Weight: 5 pounds
Top of the list is DeWalt’s DCS387B and this reciprocating saw features a 4-position blade clamp that gives you the flexibility to cut flush or in other angles using the same blade.
This blade is pushed forward to a stroke length of 1-1/8 inches, which is wide enough for quick cutting, while a variable speed trigger gives you control over the cutting speed from 0-2,900 strokes per minute.
You also get a pivoting shoe, which gives you more control as you cut in different angles, a bright LED light that illuminates your work area and a compact design that measures only 14-inches in length. This makes it easy to fit in tight spaces, which are common in the work area.
However, the required 20V battery and its charger are not included in the kit. Also, no blade is included.
Pros:
- 4-position blade clamp allows you to cut flush and in other angles
- Variable speed trigger with a range of 0-2,900 SPM
- Pivoting shoe gives you better control as you cut in different angles
- Bright LED light for illuminating the work area
- Compact 14-inch size; fits easily in tight spaces
Cons:
- Battery and charger not included
- Blade not included
2. DeWalt DCS367B – Cordless Reciprocating Saw with a Brushless Motor
Photo: DeWalt
- Stroke Length: 1-1/8 inches
- Speed: 0-2,900 SPM
- Weight: 5 pounds
DeWalt’s DCS367B is equipped with a durable and efficient brushless motor to run the operations inside, and this ensures you get up to 2.5 times more run time on a full charge.
Also featured is a variable speed trigger, which delivers up to 2,900 SPM at top speed. With this, you get a stroke length of 1-1/8 inches for cutting a wider surface area at a time and a 4-position blade clamp with toolless removal for quick and easy blade changes.
On the front section is an adjustable pivoting shoe that lets you cut comfortably in different angles while bright LED lights illuminate the work area for better visibility.
Other features include a compact 14.5-inch length, a 20-volt electrical system, and an anti-slip grip for comfortable non-slip use.
However, no battery, charger or blade is included with the tool.
Pros:
- Variable speed trigger with a top speed of 2,900 SPM
- Toolless blade removal for quick and easy changes
- The adjustable pivoting shoe gives better control when cutting from different angles
- Bright LED lights for illuminating the work area
- Durable and efficient brushless motor
Cons:
- Blade not inclusive
- Battery and charger not included
3. DeWalt DCS380B – Variable Speed Trigger Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Photo: DeWalt
- Stroke Length: 1-1/8 inches
- Speed: 0-3,000 SPM
- Weight: 6 pounds
This cordless reciprocating saw is characterized by a fast cutting speed of 3,000 SPM that can be achieved by pressing the variable speed trigger all the way down.
The trigger gives you more blade control during the cutting process while a pivoting shoe at the front gives better control when cutting at different angles and at high depths.
A 4-position blade clamp is also included in the setup, and this increases positional versatility while also allowing for flush cutting.
Other features include a 1-1/8-inch stroke length, which cuts over a wider slot per time and an anti-slip rubber grip for optimal control and comfort when in use.
On the downside, this piece does not have LED lights for illuminating dark spots on the work area and no battery or charger is included.
Pros:
- 3,000 SPM cutting speed with variable speed trigger control
- Pivoting shoe gives better control when cutting at different angles
- 4-position blade clamp increases positional versatility
- Anti-slip rubber grip for comfortable use
Cons:
- No LED lights
- Battery and charger not included
4. Porter-Cable PCC670B – Lightweight Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Photo: Porter-Cable
- Stroke Length: 1 inch
- Speed: 0-3,000 SPM
- Weight: 3.65 pounds
Coming in at only 3.65 pounds in weight, Porter-Cable’s PCC670B is a lightweight cordless reciprocating saw, and this makes it very easy to handle due to reduced hand fatigue.
Despite this, the product is a high-performance tool that delivers a top speed of 3,000 SPM at a stroke length of 1-inch, resulting in very fast cutting.
You also get a tool-free blade release mechanism for quick and easy blade changes while a pivoting shoe at the front ensures you keep constant contact with the material you are cutting for better control.
More features include a variable speed trigger, a compact design that fits easily in tight spaces and a contoured over-molded handle for comfortable use. However, you get the tool only in the pack. No battery or charger is included. Also, the cutting blade is not included.
Pros:
- Easy-to-handle lightweight design
- The toolless blade release mechanism gives quick and easy blade changes
- Pivoting shoe ensures constant contact with the material you are cutting
- Contoured over-molded handle for comfortable use
Cons:
- Battery and charger not inclusive
- Blade not included
5. Worx WX550L – 2-in-1 Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Photo: Worx
- Stroke Length: 3/4 inches
- Speed: 0-3,000 SPM
- Weight: 4.2 pounds
Worx’s WX550L is a very unique tool because it combines the features of a reciprocating saw and jigsaw in one, making it one of the best battery-powered reciprocating saw in this review.
This is made possible by a pivot in its mid-section, which allows you to fold the front arm downwards, thereby forming the jigsaw.
That said, the unit’s motor is placed at a side angle, which means you get no slippage or misalignment when operating in either of the two modes.
Additionally, the saw has a very versatile axis that accepts virtually any blade, making it very easy to find a replacement once your current blade wears out.
You also get a dust blower built-in for clearing away the dust and debris so as to give you better visibility throughout the cutting process.
On the downside, this piece has a relatively short stroke length of 0.75 inches, which means it only cuts a short width on every pass. On the bright side, you get LED lighting for the work area, several blades, a 20-volt battery, and its charger.
Pros:
- Reciprocating saw and jigsaw in one
- Side placed motor ensures no slippage or misalignment when delivering power
- Built-in dust blower for clearing away dust and debris from the work area
- Work area LED lights
- Comes with several blades, a battery, and a charger
Cons:
- Short stroke length results in narrow cutting on every pass
6. Black & Decker BDCR20C – Complete Cordless Reciprocating Saw Set
Photo: Black & Decker
- Stroke Length: 7/8 inches
- Speed: 0-3,000 SPM
- Weight: 4.5 pounds
If you are looking for a complete reciprocating saw set, Black & Decker’s BDCR20C comes as a complete package, featuring the tool itself, a 20-volt lithium battery, a charge, and a reciprocating blade. This means you can begin working on your project straight after unpacking.
Other than that, the tool itself is very handy, featuring a variable speed trigger for better control over the cutting process and a pivoting shoe that maintains contact with the surface so that you can cut comfortably in different angles.
More features include toolless blade change, a top speed of 3,000 SPM and an electric brake for safety purposes.
However, this piece has a relatively short 7/8-inch stroke length that results in narrow cutting and lacks LED lights at the front to power up the work area.
Pros:
- Complete reciprocating saw set with a battery, charger, and blade
- Variable speed trigger with a top speed of 3,000 SPM
- Pivoting shoe gives better control when cutting at different angles
- Toolless blade change for quick and easy replacements
- Electric brake for safety purposes
Cons:
- No LED lights
- Short 7/8-inch stroke length gives narrow cutting on every pass
7. Makita XRJ05Z – 2-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Photo: Makita
- Stroke Length: 1-1/4 inches
- Speed: 0-3,000 SPM
- Weight: 8.2 pounds
Makita’s XRJ05Z is the top-rated cordless reciprocating saw in this review, and this can be attributed to a number of reasons.
For starters, the unit features a variable 2-speed drive system that delivers 0-2,300 SPM at low settings and 0-3,000 SPM at high settings. This gives you more control over the cutting process because you can work at your own pace.
The saw is also powered by a brushless motor that is powerful, durable and highly energy-efficient, which will result in more run time on a full charge.
More features include a long 1.25-inch stroke length for wide cutting on every pass, a tool-free blade changing, a rubberized anti-slip handle, LED lighting, safety electric brake, and Extreme Protection Technology for dust and water resistance.
However, the unit’s shoe is fixed in position, which makes it a bit difficult to cut at an angle, and it is quite heavy, weighing 8.2 pounds with the battery fitted in.
Pros:
- Variable 2-speed drive system gives you more control over the cutting pace
- Powerful, durable and efficient brushless motor
- Long 1.25-inch stroke length gives a wide cut on every pass
- Rubberized anti-slip handle
- Engineered for dust and water resistance in harsh operating conditions
Cons:
- Quite heavy. Might cause hand fatigue
- The fixed shoe makes it a bit difficult to cut at an angle
8. Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 – Cordless Reciprocating Saw with Redlink Plus Intelligence
Photo: Milwaukee
- Stroke Length: 1-1/8 inches
- Speed: 0-3,000 SPM
- Weight: 7.4 pounds
Though very costly, this reciprocating saw is equipped with an intelligent Redlink Plus system, which ensures optimal performance, with protection from overheating, overloading and over-discharging the battery.
The M18 also comes with an extended battery pack that delivers up to double the running time as compared to other 18-volt batteries, a multi-voltage charger, blade and carrying case for easy storage and transportation.
Running the saw is a powerful brushless motor, and this delivers strong cutting power that is comparable to that found in corded saws. Other features include an adjustable shoe, work area LED lighting and a 1-1/8-inch stroke length.
Pros:
- Redlink-Plus system for protection against overheating and overloading
- Includes an extended battery pack, charger, blade and carrying case
- Powerful brushless motor
- Work area LED lights
Cons:
- Expensive
9. Ryobi P514 – Cordless Reciprocating Saw with an Anti-Vibration Handle
Photo: Ryobi
- Stroke Length: 7/8 inches
- Speed: 0-3,100 SPM
- Weight: 4.1 pounds
Ryobi’s P514 is designed with comfort in mind, featuring an anti-vibration handle that absorbs shock as you make your cuts. This handle also features an anti-slip rubber grip, which results in firmer holding so as to easily make precision cuts.
The tool has a very high cutting speed of 3,100 SPM on a variable speed trigger while a tool-free blade changing design ensures quick and easy blade swaps as they wear out.
2 blades are included with the tool and despite this, it is very affordable. However, you don’t get a battery, charger or LED lighting for the work area.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Comfortable anti-vibration and anti-slip handle
- High 3,100 SPM cutting speed
- Easy-to-use tool-free blade changing system
- 2 blades included
Cons:
- Battery and charger not included
- No LED lighting
10. DeWalt DC385B – Cordless Reciprocating Saw with an Anti-Slip Grip
Photo: DeWalt
- Stroke Length: 1-1/8 inches
- Speed: 0-3,000 SPM
- Weight: 5.8 pounds
Rounding up the list is DeWalt’s DC385B, which has an anti-slip grip for comfortable use and increased control as you make your cuts.
That said, the unit is designed for cutting plastic and metal, and has a 1-1/8-inch stroke length, which results in relatively wide cuts, while a variable speed trigger with up to 3,000 SPM gives you better control over the cutting process.
Other features include a tool-free blade clamp for quick and easy blade changes, and the clamp can be adjusted in 4 different ways so as to cut in different positions, including flush cutting.
However, you don’t get a battery or charger with the kit, and no LED lighting is installed for illuminating the work area.
Pros:
- Comfortable anti-slip grip
- Variable speed trigger with a high top-speed of 3,000 SPM
- Tool-free blade clamp for fast and easy blade replacements
- 4-position blade clamp lets you cut in different positions
Cons:
- Battery and charger not included
- No LED lighting
Cordless vs. Corded Reciprocating Saws
A corded reciprocating saw must be connected to a socket in order to work. This gives an unlimited amount of power and therefore, the tool’s motor gets enough power to blast the blade through different kinds of materials.
Corded saws are also lighter because they lack a battery pack, which makes them easier to handle.
Even though this is a plus, the downside to it is limited mobility. You have to be close to an electrical outlet at all times.
On the other hand, cordless reciprocating saws give you the flexibility of working at any location since they carry their own power source.
However, this also presents a limited power problem and it is recommended to have at least two batteries so that you can continue working on your project as the spare one recharges.
Also, battery power cannot be compared to mains power and therefore, cordless units are not usually as powerful as their corded counterparts.
How to Buy the Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Photo: Black & Decker
1. Battery
A cordless reciprocating saw’s battery is very important to consider. The more powerful and the more charge that it can hold, the better because this will give you a longer runtime.
However, you must strike a balance in this because a large capacity battery is usually heavy. As a result, it might cause the saw to be very heavy to handle, especially for long periods of time.
You should consider the weight of the tool with the battery attached, then determine if it’s comfortable enough for you to lift.
Another thing to check is the battery’s voltage and this must be compatible with the saw’s internal electrical system, which is usually 18 or 20 volts.
2. Blade
The way the saw is designed for blade replacement determines if the tool is easy-to-use or not. Ideally, it is recommended to buy one that has a tool-free blade changing mechanism so that you can easily fit in a new blade after the old one is worn out.
3. Variable Speed
If you want full control over the cutting process, variable speed settings are a must-have. In this case, ensure that the saw has a variable speed trigger.
Some even have multiple speeds such as Makita’s XRJ05Z, which features 2 variable speed triggers for its two speeds. This gives you better pace control when cutting.
4. Position Blade Clamp
Apart from having a tool-free blade clamp, this component should also be adjustable to different positions so that you can have the flexibility to cut in left, right, up or down directions. For this, check for a 4-position blade clamp feature.
5. Comfort
Due to the rapid vibrations when in use, a reciprocating saw can really tire your hands and for this reason, you should take comfort very seriously. Features to look for include a rubber non-slip handle and also an anti-vibration handle.
6. Accessories
Lastly, you need to check the included accessories because most of these saws come as tools only. Any additions are advantageous because they give you more value for your money. In this case, look for batteries, chargers, blades and carrying cases. The more they are, the better.
Conclusion
As you can see, all the reciprocating saw models featured above are high-quality products, but each has some differentiating features that suit the needs of different users.
Therefore, whether you own a hobbyist or professional workshop, you will easily find your best rechargeable reciprocating saw that fits your description from the listing above.