TOP 14 best reciprocating saws: household and professional models for everyday use

Reciprocating saws have appeared in the home arsenals of DIYers relatively recently.And they have already gained a reputation as an indispensable tool. In terms of its capabilities and technical characteristics, the “saber” is inferior to circular and chain saws. But often there is a situation when the material can only be cut with a reciprocating saw. All other options, except for a hand hacksaw, are powerless.

What to look for when choosing

A reciprocating saw is a slightly modified electric jigsaw. It works on the same principle - a long blade-blade, attached to the electric motor, makes reciprocating movements, and thanks to this, the cut is made.

A reciprocating saw differs from a jigsaw and a regular hacksaw only by the length of the blade, its shape and range of motion, usually no more than 20 mm. But precisely because of this, it can cut a pipe or any other part that is closed from two or even three directions. The best reciprocating saws can replace half the tools in the house.

When choosing a specific reciprocating saw pattern, you need to consider the following:

1. Each model of “saber” (cutting blade) can have its own shape and length.For example, DWT often makes straight blades with a beveled wedge end, while the Hitachi tool's cutting blade is designed with a slight curve.
2. During the cutting process, the saw can make simple linear movements or perform a pendulum stroke. In the latter case, the trajectories of the forward and return movements of the reciprocating tool are different. This is important if you need to cut tough material, such as raw wood.
3. The shape of the body can be longitudinal, that is, elongated along the axis of movement of the blade, or pistol-shaped, like that of a jigsaw. In the first case, it is convenient to use a saw to cut material in dead ends and corner areas; in the second case, it is convenient to cut sheets.

The cutting tool of a reciprocating saw differs in blade material, size and sharpening angle of the teeth. For wood and soft plastics, the blade is made of alloy steel with a large tooth inclined forward along the cutting path. When it comes to cutting metal, the best cordless reciprocating saw blades are made from titanium or heat-treated steels.

Reciprocating saws with electric drives up to 750 W are conventionally classified as household models. They are not designed for long-term work; they usually cut for no more than 20 minutes, after which the slide mechanism and the blade are allowed to rest and cool. “Sabres” with a motor of 1000 W or more are classified as professional tools.

Electric saws differ in drive. It can be battery-powered or mains-powered. The first option is suitable for construction work and pruning in the garden at the dacha, the second is usually chosen for the home workshop.

In addition, most manufacturing companies equip saws with useful additional functions:

1. Electronic board for stabilizing the speed of the web under load.
2. Possibility of quickly replacing the “saber” without a key.
3. Regulator-limiter of cutting depth.

As practice shows, some of the additions turned out to be useful and convenient to use, but there are devices that you can do without. The specific equipment is selected depending on the purpose of purchasing the reciprocating saw. If the main material is wood, then it will be useful to have both a quick-release clamp and a depth stop. For cutting metal, you may need an engine speed stabilizer.

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Best Inexpensive Reciprocating Saws

In the lower price segment you can find fairly reliable and easy-to-use models. Typically, developers make inexpensive models from a standard set of components and parts, removing from the design the most complex additional functions such as electronic adjustment or pendulum action.

PATRIOT RS 202 21V

The brand is American, but the production of reciprocating saws is located in China. Cordless electric saw powered by 21 V from Li-Ion or Ni-Cd batteries of UES systems. The main purpose of a reciprocating saw is cutting plastic blanks, lumber, and pruning trees.

Design Features PATRIOT RS 202 21V:

1. The body layout is designed for one-handed grip.
2. Weight – 1.5 kg.
3. The blade is 110mm long, but the stroke is limited to 22mm.
4. The cutting depth for wood is 80 mm, for metal 10 mm.

In fact, this is a battery-powered analogue of a regular budget jigsaw with a more powerful drive and a convenient saber reach. PATRIOT RS 202 21B can be used as a replacement for hacksaws and metal saws.

DEKO DK RS1000

This is a version of a simple home electric hacksaw used for minor repair work.Despite the low price of 2950 rubles, the reciprocating saw has almost full functionality typical of expensive models.

The brand is Malaysia, the saw is manufactured in China. Mains power supply, motor power 1000 W. For cutting reinforcing metal for welding, the capabilities of a reciprocating saw may not be enough, but for cutting a pipe, bracket or cutting board blanks, 1000 W is enough.

The best reciprocating saws, combination of price and quality

The review included both little-known tool brands and already well-known brands. In almost every line of models you can find successful designs of electric hacksaws and downright failed schemes. In fact, this is the answer to the question - which reciprocating saw is better to buy.

DEKO DORS 1200

Malaysian brand, but production is located in China. Electric network “Sabre” with a 1200 W motor. Price – 3300 rub. There is no pendulum movement, so it is not suitable for the garden; you can forget about pruning trees.

The reciprocating saw is not of a professional class, but it is made with a good reserve of power and reliability. Due to the enhanced engine, the saw turned out to be quite heavy, 2.63 kg.

Main characteristics:

1. The longitudinal stroke of the blade is 28 mm.
2. The maximum cutting depth in solid wood is 100 mm.
3. There is an engine speed stabilizer.
4. There is a smooth (tormentless) launch.

The blade stroke frequency can be adjusted to suit the specific properties of the material. There is a keyless blade clamp. A reciprocating saw is not intended for precise cutting of building materials.

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PARMA PS-01-210/1300

Electric saw of Russian design, produced in China. Positioned as a universal cutting tool for household use. Reciprocating saw power 1300 W.Price 4945 rub.

Features of the PARMA PS reciprocating saw:

1. The motor is a commutator motor, made in China, so the brushes and bearings will fit from any analogue of the same power.
2. The body is elongated, there are no additional handles to make it easier to hold the reciprocating saw with your hands.
3. Weight 3.9 kg.
4. There is a pendulum motion, so you can trim the bushes near the house with a network “saber”.
5. The blade stroke is 28 mm.
6. The maximum cutting depth in solid wood is 210 mm, for metal – 10 mm.
7. There is a backlight.

In addition, the design has keyless blade locking, but there is no soft start and a system for stabilizing shaft rotation speed under load. For a household-grade reciprocating saw, this is more than enough.

Ryobi ONE+ RRS1801M

The brand is Japanese, the reciprocating saw is made in China. The battery model has good build quality. Price 4100 rub. For a “saber” powered by 18 V batteries, it will be well deserved.

Tool Features:

1. The body type is longitudinal, with a pistol-type handle for one hand, and a palm grip on the body for the other.
2. Weight – 1.9 kg. The reciprocating saw turned out to be light enough to work with the tool in weight, even with outstretched arms.
3. There is electronic engine speed control and a brake for quick stopping.
4. The maximum cutting depth in wood is 180 mm, in metal 6 mm.

The design of the reciprocating saw is such that it is equally convenient to trim the edges of lumber, cut sheets of plywood and cut branches on trees. You can use batteries from any ROOBI tool with a capacity from 1.5 A*h to 5 A*h. The total battery operating time at 30% load is from 15 minutes to 40 minutes.

The manufacturer's warranty for the reciprocating saw is 60 months from the date of registration of purchase.

The best professional reciprocating saws

A tool for professionals does not have to be extremely powerful, equipped with all possible auxiliary functions. Most often, reciprocating saws of this class are subject to more stringent requirements for reliability and ability to work with overload.

Makita JR3051TK

One of the best models of high-quality corded reciprocating saws. Externally, Makita is not much different from the same AEG or Pioneers, but the quality of the mechanical drive of the rocker, good balancing and, most importantly, the torque characteristics of the electric motor make the Japanese “saber” the leader of the rating.

The Makita JR3051TK does not have a soft start and an electronic speed stabilizer. Its power of 1200 W is only slightly more than that of inexpensive Russian and Chinese models. But the possibilities are much higher. For example, the cutting depth in a metal pipe is 130 mm, and in wood – 250 mm. It is possible to adjust the depth of cut and change the blade on a reciprocating saw without using a key.

Another plus - The Makita JR3051TK can easily withstand the most extreme loads. The price of a reciprocating saw is 17,100 rubles, and the warranty is only 1 year.

Bosch GSA 120

The reciprocating saw is in the same class as the previous Makita. The power of the reciprocating saw is 1200 W, there is no speed control board, soft start or pendulum stroke. The Bosch GSA 120 is not designed for cutting branches or cutting blanks for home furniture repair. This is primarily a reciprocating saw that can cut heavy materials throughout the workday.

A special feature of the Bosch GSA 120 is the special gearbox design, thanks to which the gearing operates with less losses and does not heat up as much. A reciprocating saw can cut a steel pipe with a diameter of up to 120 mm, and make cuts in a package of boards up to 220 mm deep.

Price for Bosch GSA 120 RUB 11,400, 1 year warranty.

AEG US 900 XE

The tool was developed by German engineersAllgemeine Elektricitäts Gesellschaft" as a lightweight, all-purpose power saw for professional use. The power of the reciprocating saw is 900 W. A special stop attachment makes it possible to cut sheet material up to 16 mm thick equally well.

Weight 2.9 kg. The grip design allows you to work with one hand. Reciprocating saw AEG US 900 XE is often used for work on the roof of houses when replacing frames in window openings and cladding the walls of buildings. There is a pendulum stroke, so you can work with any materials. At the same time, the function can be switched off; cutting metal is much more convenient without a pendulum.

The design provides the ability to quickly replace the blade. The cutting depth for steel pipes is 160 mm, for wood 220 mm.

Price 14,900 rubles, 5-year warranty from the date of registration of purchase.

Best Battery Operated Reciprocating Saws

Most sabers for professionals have mains power. This is a justified decision, especially if you need to cut a lot and for a long time with a reciprocating saw. For home work, the option with batteries looks more attractive, since the reciprocating saw can always be used outside the apartment - for a summer house or country house.

Model Ryobi ONE+ R18RS7-0

In terms of design and body design, Ruobi R18RS7 is similar to cheaper models from the Japanese brand. Ryobi ONE+ R18RS7-0 uses 18 V batteries with capacities from 1.5 Ah to 5 Ah. Operating time depends on charge. According to the manufacturing company, the smallest battery can make 70 through cuts on a two-inch board up to 100 mm wide. On a five-amp battery, there are respectively 280 cuts.

Characteristics:

1. Weight 2.6 kg.
2. The stroke is 30 mm.
3. The cutting depth limit is 210 mm for wood and 20 mm for metal.
4. The maximum cut on the pipe is 100 mm.

The reciprocating saw has a pendulum stroke, soft start, and backlight. The support platform can be adjusted to change the working area on the blade. Since the blade stroke is only 30 mm, without readjusting the support, only a small area of ​​the blade (3 cm) wears out.

Price 11,100 rubles, 5-year warranty.

Saw WORX WG894E.5

The reciprocating saw model was developed in Germany. One of the best in terms of the layout of the body and the backstage drive. The WORX WG894E.5 electric saw is distinguished by its low weight - only 960 g, as well as high-quality mechanical assembly. In addition, the design of the “saber” has been radically redesigned and a pistol grip has been added. This means that any adult can operate a reciprocating saw with one hand.

The WORX WG894E.5 drive power is approximately half that of conventional models. But its capabilities will still be enough to cut a branch with a diameter of 60 mm or reinforcement 10 mm thick. The maximum diameter of a steel pipe that can be cut with a saber is 120 mm. For home or for pruning in the garden, this model will be the optimal solution.

The only drawback is the lack of a pendulum stroke. But, given the light weight of the reciprocating saw, it is possible to cut raw wood without a pendulum.

The price of the saw is 11,457 rubles, the warranty is 24 months from the date of purchase.

DEWALT 18V XR DCS367N

Powerful universal reciprocating saw. Usually the model DEWALT 18 V XR DCS367N is purchased on the eve of major renovations in a house or apartment. At the same time, the capabilities of the “saber” allow it to be used as a full-fledged working tool when laying roof sheathing, trimming foam blocks, but most often for cutting pipe blanks.

Characteristics:

1. Weight 2.3 kg.
2. Powered by 18 V batteries with a capacity of 2 Ah.
3. The cutting depth of metal is 10 mm, wood – 300 mm, pipe – 150 mm.
4. It is possible to fine-tune the speed of the web movement using the built-in electronic control board. Plus a brushless motor that is not afraid of overheating.

The layout of the body of the electric saw is such that the tool is not afraid of falls. The chances of breaking the canvas are low. But if you work on the roof, it is better to use an additional safety cord. The service life of a reciprocating saw is quite long; with proper maintenance, cleaning and lubrication of the drive, the rocker mechanism can last 12-15 years.

The manufacturing company provides a 2-year warranty. Price – 21 thousand rubles.

The best corded reciprocating saws

Corded saws make up about half the range of reciprocating saws sold. It is often easier to buy an additional 25-50 m power extension cord, and this will cost three times less than purchasing a pair of new batteries.

Makita JR 3070 CT

One of the most powerful models in the Makita brand line of electric saws. Electric motor power is 1500 W with a total tool weight of 4.6 kg. The “saber” turned out to be heavy, but it easily cuts almost everything that can be found at the dacha, in the workshop or in the garage.

There is a pendulum stroke, and the design of the mechanism allows you to adjust the deflection of the blade in four positions. You can cut almost any material - from raw acacia trunks to rebar and stainless steel.

The second point of adjustment for a reciprocating saw is the speed of the blade. In this model, adjustment is performed smoothly using an electronic unit. The stroke is 32 mm. That is, a reciprocating saw can easily cut a pipe up to 130 mm, a block of wood 255 mm or metal to a depth of 13 mm.

It may seem that Makita JR 3070 CT is too powerful for a home workshop. In fact, no, its resource is enough for 30 years of trouble-free operation, and this is beneficial in any case.

HITACHI CR13V2

One of the best models of reciprocating saws, designed for cutting metal, most often round workpieces, fittings or pipes. Instead of the traditional pendulum stroke, Hitachi engineers made the blade move in an arc. This is roughly how the blade moves when using a hand hacksaw for metal. To increase the durability of the canvas, it also had to be made slightly curved. As a result, the Hitachi CR13V2 saw cuts pipes and fittings much faster and with less strain on your hands than traditional electric hacksaws.

Characteristics:

1. Weight 3.2 kg.
2. The power of the commutator motor is 1010 W.
3. There is electronic speed control.
4. The blade stroke is 3.2 cm.
5. The cutting depth in wood is 30 cm, in metal – 1.9 cm, for pipe – 13 cm.

This is a simple and reliable workhorse without unnecessary features. The only downside to the reciprocating saw is the blades. No other models, except branded Hitachi ones, will fit the “saber”. The price of an electric hacksaw is 12 thousand rubles, 1 year warranty.

Skil 4900AA

The developer of the tool, the Dutch company SKIL, positions the saw as a universal electric hacksaw. In practice, it turned out that Skill perfectly cuts any wood and plastic. It can also cut metal up to 30 mm thick, but it has no equal in cutting and cutting any lumber, trimming branches and dead wood.

The motor power is only 1050 W, the blade stroke size is 28 mm. The maximum cut for wood is 180 mm, for steel 20 mm, aluminum alloys up to 30 mm, for pipes 150 mm. It is possible to adjust the cutting depth, but this will have to be done using a special wrench. This design ensures greater reliability of the slide and lock.

Price 13 thousand rubles, 2 year warranty.

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Understanding what the best reciprocating saw should be comes after a little experience with the tool. First of all, you need to choose the shape of the body and handle. A comfortable hand grip is one of the main conditions, since the “saber” often has to be worked with outstretched arms, or while holding the tool suspended.

Tell us about your experience working with reciprocating saws - what features of the tool should you pay attention to? Save the article in your bookmarks so as not to lose our rating.