10 Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws

The Makita DJR189Z is a lightweight, 18V cordless reciprocating saw designed for general wood cutting tasks. It features a brushless motor and an integrated counterweight system that significantly reduces vibration, helping to reduce user fatigue during longer cuts. With a stroke speed of 3100 strokes per minute, the saw delivers relatively fast performance. The fixed shoe design slightly limits its versatility compared to models with adjustable shoes that provide more control on angled cuts.

Weighing just 816 grams, the saw is easy to handle and carry around, making it suitable for users who need a tool that won’t cause fatigue quickly. It offers constant speed control to maintain performance even under heavy loads, which is advantageous for tougher jobs. While the saw is optimized for wood cutting, it may not be ideal for more demanding materials like metal or masonry.

This Makita saw is a solid choice for DIYers or professionals who require a reliable, low-vibration tool for wood cutting projects, although it may lack some features that would enhance versatility and convenience.

The DEWALT 18V XR Brushless Compact Reciprocating Saw is a lightweight and handy tool, weighing just 1.4 kg and measuring only 317mm from front to back, making it easy to handle in tight spaces. Its 18-volt battery system offers a good balance between power and portability, although the battery and charger are sold separately. The saw features a tool-free blade release, allowing quick and simple blade changes, which is a significant advantage for frequent cutting tasks.

Another helpful feature is the swivel shoe, which adjusts to provide better contact and control during cutting, enhancing accuracy and safety. The saw runs at a stroke speed of 3600 strokes per minute, providing fast cutting suitable for wood and similar materials. Its rubber handle offers a comfortable grip, and the noise level is relatively low at 44 dB, ensuring it won’t be too loud during use.

This model is well suited for those who want a compact, cordless saw for general home improvement or woodworking tasks where maneuverability and quick blade changes are important.

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw is a solid choice if you need a cordless saw that’s compact and easy to handle. Its 20-volt battery offers good power, and the brushless motor helps extend the runtime, giving you up to 2.5 times longer use compared to some other saws. The 1-1/8 inch stroke length combined with a variable speed trigger reaching up to 2,900 strokes per minute means it can cut efficiently through metal and other tough materials. Weighing just 5 pounds, it’s light enough to use comfortably for extended periods, and its 14.5-inch length is great for working in tight spots like between wall studs. One user-friendly feature is the keyless 4-position blade clamp that lets you change blades quickly without extra tools and adjust the blade angle for different cutting tasks. It also has a bright LED light to help when working in dim areas.

This model is sold as a tool-only option, so you’ll need to buy the battery and charger separately if you don’t already have compatible DEWALT 20V batteries. While the shoe is adjustable, some users might find it less robust compared to heavier, professional-grade models if you’re doing very heavy-duty work. This saw is well-suited for DIYers and professionals who want a lightweight, versatile cordless saw for general cutting tasks, especially in tight spaces, but remember to factor in the additional purchase of batteries if you don’t have them.