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Whether you are a seasoned DIY professional or just starting out with your garage workshop, it one of the first things on your shopping list is a Sawzall.
There are a number of options in the market and knowing what to look for in your Sawzall is the all-important first step. This guide profiles different Sawzall brands and categorizes them according to various characteristics.
Quick Comparison of the Best Cordless Sawzalls
Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
WORX WX550L 20V AXIS  | ||
Makita XRJ05T 18V LXT Cordless  | ||
BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw  | ||
Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Sawzall Kit  | ||
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit  | ||
Makita XRJ01Z 18-Volt LXT Cordless Reciprocating Saw  |
What Is A Sawzall?
The word Sawzall sounds like a made up name, and that because it technically is. It was the registered trademark by the Milwaukee Tool Company for their reciprocating saw. It is an apt name for the tool and it stuck since it really can cut through anything. Depending on the blade attached, a Sawzall can cut through wood, metal, plywood, plastic, and even cast-iron pipes.
Blades range in size from 3 to 12 inches, depending on the material you are working with. Teeth concentration also ranges and comes as few as 6 teeth per inch for cutting through hardwood or as many as 18 teeth or more per inch for cutting through metal.
What Makes These The Best Of The Year?
When looking to buy a Sawzall, there are certain “bare minimum” features needed for one to be considered good. These feat attributes make working with the saw easier, and also help in preventing injuries. They should be the first thing to look for in the list of reciprocating saw features, and they include:
Blade qualities
The blade is an important piece in your reciprocating saw; it does all the cutting after all. This is why it should be adjustable and rotate. This allows you to approach your work from whatever angle is best while handling the saw in a natural position. This feature also helps make the saw easy to maneuver.
Comfort and balance
The first thing to look for is the weight balance on the tool. It should not be too heavy in the rear and should feel natural as you use it. Having a cushioned grip is an added advantage since it makes the reciprocating saw more ergonomic to use. It also protects your wrists from some vibrations when the saw is in use. The shoe is the part of your Sawzall that keeps it stable while you work. You should be able to adjust it manually without needing any tools.
Speed and Maneuverability
This is important since all materials do not respond to the same cutting speed. Typically, metal requires slower speeds to cut, while wood requires more aggressive speeds to cut smoothly. Your saw should have different cutting speeds available. It should also be light and small enough to maneuver around in tight spaces, and it is an added advantage if it has orbital action. This allows you to make cuts both vertically and horizontally.
Quick Take: Best Cordless Sawzalls
Hoping to cut right to the chase? Below are the best cordless sawzalls:
Reviews of the Best Cordless Sawzalls
It pays to have information on what is best in the market when it comes to Sawzalls. This review looks at the brands available and curates them according to various criteria, including which one is the best value for money, and which one to get when on a budget.
1. Worx Wx550I 20v Axis 2-in-1 Reciprocating Saw
PROS
CONS
What are people saying?
People are impressed by the overall weight distribution on the saw. The point pivot does not wiggle and remains steady in both jigsaw and reciprocating saw mode. The saw also smoothly changes speed, based on the percentage of the trigger pull while you work. The built-in dust blower is also a favorite since it removes dust as you work, improving your visibility and minimizing errors.
What we love about it
Apart from the lightweight design (it weighs only 4lbs), this Sawzall has the motor on the side of the body. This design allows the gearing to rotate at the same time as the motor, which is meant to remove the possibility of slippage. The result is a smoother transfer of power which makes the saw very efficient at cutting stubborn material. The battery that this unit uses is also compatible with other WORX products which means you always have a backup power source if you have any other WORX tools in your workshop.
Who is this perfect for?
This saw is perfect for contractors and DIY enthusiasts who are likely to work in smaller spaces. You can comfortably switch between a reciprocating saw and a jigsaw easily which makes it very convenient in a bind. This tool also works with any standard reciprocating saw blade and you do not have to spend extra on special fitting blades. The tool-less blade change also means you save time when you are on the job. The soft-grip handle lets you use it for longer without causing strain to your wrists.
Final Thoughts
This Sawzall hits the perfect balance between user-friendly features and price. It is light enough that you can use it in virtually any environment and is conveniently designed to accept any standard Sawzall blade and T-shank jigsaw blades as well. It also comes with an orbital mode which gives you 2D movement on the blade.
2. Makita Xrj05t 18v Lxt Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit
PROS
CONS
What are people saying?
This saw has several impressive qualities, but the crank mechanism stands out for many. It is designed to minimize blade deflection, which in turn reduces the vibrations on the saw while you are working. It improves accuracy as well. The stroke length for his reciprocating saw is 1¼ inches which increases the efficiency of the saw overall.
What we love about it
It was made with comfort in mind. It weighs 8.2lbs with the battery attached and the weight is evenly distributed which makes it easy to handle when working. The grip is made from soft rubber to reduce the effects of the vibrations on your hands and wrist. The shoe is reinforced for added stability while cutting and improved overall durability.
Who is this perfect for?
This is a saw that is made for DIY enthusiasts and workshops that are not as busy. The weight distribution and comfortable handling make it easy to use, which is handy to have. The speed trigger is large and designed to use two fingers for added convenience. It comes with an LED light to illuminate the work area which is handy if you are working in poorly lit areas. The light does, however, tend to break easily.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to delve into the exciting world of reciprocating saws, this is one of the best to start with. Everything is large and designed with the user in mind, without making the tool too heavy. It also comes with a retractable hook that secures the saw in storage when not in use. The quick-change blade design also makes it a good first saw to own.
3. Black & Decker Bdcr 20c 20v Max Reciprocating Saw
PROS
CONS
What are people saying?
Although this Sawzall is designed to cut through anything, it is in gardening and woodworking where it excels. This saw is great at trimming and pruning jobs around the home. The pocket-friendly price makes it an affordable tool that improves your gardening life drastically. The pivoting shoe on the saw, coupled with the small compact design, allows you to get to the hard to reach branches.
What we love about it
It comes in a bi-metal construction to allow you to cut faster and adds to the durability of the saw. The motor is a powerful 3000spm which gives the saw enough power to cut through even hardwoods. The speed trigger gives you control of the cutting speed, allowing you to adjust it where necessary. This reciprocating saw does not require any tools when changing blades which is a convenient attribute.
Who is this perfect for?
This saw is perfect for gardening enthusiasts, budding woodworkers, and as a backup saw if you are a busy contractor. It is excellent at cutting through different types of wood including hardwoods.
Final Thoughts
As with all Black+Decker tools and appliances, this sawzall is built with quality in mind. The saw excels at cutting wood which makes it a staple in most gardening sheds. There are certain battery issues that have been reported, but that should not keep you from enjoying a great reciprocating saw.
4. Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Sawzall Kit
PROS
CONS
What are people saying?
The notable thing about this reciprocating saw is the speed at which it cuts. The manual states that you get up to 30% more cutting speed in comparison to other Sawzalls in the market. It is also designed to last five times as long as other Sawzalls, and run for twice as long. This is however dependent on the material you are working on and how well you take care of your saw.
What we love about it
We love that this saw comes with a brushless motor. The Powerstate motor is capable of delivering more torque and application speed. It is also smaller in size, and capable of lasting longer which is good for the saw. This motor also runs at a reduced noise and is capable of cooling faster than motors available on other sawzall brands. It also means that you carry out minimal repairs for all the time you use this saw.
Who is this perfect for?
This reciprocating saw is ideal for professional handymen and contractors and experienced DIY enthusiasts. This is because of the combination of attributes the sawzall that conspire to make it ideal for working long hours in a busy environment. The intelligent power management system reduces the chances of overloading and overheating while working.
Final Thoughts
This is arguably the best sawzall to come out of the Milwaukee Tool stable, the creators of the word sawzall. It comes with an efficient battery, the Redlithium XC 4.0, which provides almost twice as long a runtime as the competition. It also comes with an LED light lets you see in low light situations, which is an added advantage.
5. Dewalt 20v Max Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit
PROS
CONS
What are people saying?
People love the lightweight and compact design of the saw. The entire saw is only 14 and a half inches. It also fits in between studs and this makes it the best saw to use in confined spaces. You also get more accurate speed control, thanks to the responsive and well-sized variable speed trigger. This saw is capable of going only up to 2900 spm, which might make it hard to work on stubborn hardwood for instance.
What we love about it
The overall functionality of this reciprocating saw is something we are pleased about. It is potent enough to be used outdoors especially to clear campsites and branches in your yard. The battery stays for a decent amount of time as well and can be swapped with a unit from any Dewalt tool that uses a 20V battery.
Who is this perfect for?
This saw is perfect for professional thanks to one of its biggest selling points, maneuverability. This saw is designed to be used in small tight spaces, which is a challenge most contractors and woodworkers during the course of their work. It also comes with a light to illuminate these confined spaces as you work, since most will be poorly lit.
Final Thoughts
Dewalt is known for making high-quality tools that excel at solving worksite problems, and this one is no exception. This Sawzall’s blade change is also designed to be quick and efficient. It does not require any tools. The faster speed is also an added advantage when cutting through wood especially. This saw comes with a pivoting shoe, making it an incredibly versatile tool.
6. Makita Xrj01z 18-volt Lxt Cordless Reciprocating Saw
PROS
CONS
People love the lightweight and compact design of the saw. The entire saw is only 14 and a half inches. It also fits in between studs and this makes it the best saw to use in confined spaces. You also get more accurate speed control, thanks to the responsive and well-sized variable speed trigger. This saw is capable of going only up to 2900 spm, which might make it hard to work on stubborn hardwood for instance.
What we love about it
The overall functionality of this reciprocating saw is something we are pleased about. It is potent enough to be used outdoors especially to clear campsites and branches in your yard. The battery stays for a decent amount of time as well and can be swapped with a unit from any Dewalt tool that uses a 20V battery.
Who is this perfect for?
This saw is perfect for professional thanks to one of its biggest selling points, maneuverability. This saw is designed to be used in small tight spaces, which is a challenge most contractors and woodworkers during the course of their work. It also comes with a light to illuminate these confined spaces as you work, since most will be poorly lit.
Final Thoughts
Dewalt is known for making high-quality tools that excel at solving worksite problems, and this one is no exception. This Sawzall’s blade change is also designed to be quick and efficient. It does not require any tools. The faster speed is also an added advantage when cutting through wood especially. This saw comes with a pivoting shoe, making it an incredibly versatile tool.
Pros and Cons of Going Cordless
Like every anything else in the world, there are merits and demerits of using cordless electric tools. The benefits include:
Pros
- The biggest advantage of going cordless is convenience. The absence of a physical wire and the weight distribution of a good drill makes it easier to craft difficult designs.
- They are also easier to store since they are not attached to a long and cumbersome cord. The battery can be removed and is stored separately.
- Chances of tripping on a chord and injuring yourself are also removed by using a cordless tool
- Battery design has grown tremendously and now cordless tools come with lithium batteries, which are not only easier to charge, but also lightweight. This reduces fatigue as you work.
Cons
Although vastly outweighed by the benefits, there are some drawbacks to using cordless tools. These include:
- The tools lose power after a period of use. This could mean wasting valuable work time as you wait for the battery to recharge. It also means you have to spend money on seperate battery packs unless you have tools that use the same power units.
- Cordless tools are heavier than their corded counterparts. This is because of the battery, and although strides have been made towards making batteries lighter, they are still quite bulky.
People Also Ask
As with any multiple use product, there are a lot of questions surrounding the sawzall. Many people confuse the sawzall with other similar cutting tools, such as the hacksaw. This section addresses some of the most common questions and gives you clear and concise answers.
Is A Sawzall The Same As A Reciprocating Saw?
The word sawzall has been used to represent a reciprocating saw after the Milwaukee Tool company coined it for their product. The main difference between an “ordinary” reciprocating saw and the original Sawzall is the proprietary QUIK-LOK technology. This element makes the attachment and removal of blades easier.
What Is The Difference Between A Hacksaw And A Sawzall?
The main difference between a sawzall and a hacksaw is the use. As mentioned above, a sawzall can cut virtually through anything. It is only limited by the blade speed and the type of blade. A hacksaw, on the other hand, was primarily designed to cut metal. The equivalent of a hacksaw for wood is called a bow saw.
Why Is It Called A Sawzall?
As we have seen above, the term Sawzall refers to any reciprocating saw, regardless of the brand. It is, however, important to note that the company that came up with the name, actually have their own brand of reciprocating saw, and the design has certain deviations from other brands, such as their patented QUIK-LOK technology and their REDLINK battery protection systems.
Conclusion
By now, you should know everything you need to make an informed decision when buying your cordless sawzall. You have decided on the features that best suit your needs, and know which parts of the saw are important and worth a second look during purchase. The sawzall options on this list should have something for everyone.