Power Tools

Here Are The Top Reciprocating Saw Uses, And Some Of Them You Would Have Never Thought Of

Sep 13, 2022

Are you looking for an innovative way to use a reciprocating saw?

Here are some common and unusual uses:

  • Access tight awkward spaces
  • Overhead cutting
  • Cut wood, nails
  • Demolition & remodelling
  • Plunge cuts on floorboards
  •  Trees, shrubs pruning
  • Plumbing pipes
  • Scrape glue, adhesives
  • Remove grout
  • Sand, scour rusts
  • Rebars
  • Storm cleanup 


Do you have an idea for a creative way to use a reciprocating saw? Maybe you can use it for something else besides cutting wood. Or maybe you have a project in mind that you want to try with your saw, but don't know where to start.


Reciprocating saws are versatile tools, and they're perfect for use around the house or in the yard. They're also great for cutting firewood, wood blocks, and even steel. If you're thinking about getting one for your home, shop around and you might find one that we reviewed here.


Whether you're a professional tradesman or you've been thinking about getting one for yourself, our article will show you some of the many ways you can use your reciprocating saw.


Read our review on Amazon for this awesome tool now!

 

 

How To Choose Which Model Is Best For You

Match the features, capabilities to your budget. Once you have narrowed down, click on the "Check Price On Amazon" button to get further confidence you have made the right choice by reading some past customers reviews.

 

How We Choose The Best For You

How to choose the best reciprocating saw for home use? It’s important to choose the right one if you want to cut safely, and also to avoid spending too much on your first purchase.


Reciprocating saws are a great addition to anyone's tool set but finding the right size and features can be difficult. If you have been looking for answers to your questions, you have come to the right place!


Our team has put together a list of the best reciprocating saws in the market and we want to share it with you.

 

We are going to review the top best 7 reciprocating saws here.


DEWALT 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw

Amazon #1 in Power Reciprocating Saws


Why We Think This Is Among The Best

  • Able to flush cut with the 4-position blade clamp, versatile in positions, tool-free blade changes
  • Fast cutting speed with the 1 1/8 inch stroke blade length
  • 0-3000 SPM variable speed for increased blade control & fast cutting speed
  • Adjustable shoe pivots to extends blade life & allows control of depth
  • Rubber comfort grip for extended use
  • Double oil sealed shaft extends durability

 

Things To Know About This Model

  • Weight : 1 lb
  • Speed : 0 - 3000 SPM
  • Stroke length : 1 1/8 inch
  • Voltage : 20V
  • Brushless
  • Tool-free blade change
  • Battery sold separately

 


Milwaukee Reciprocating Saw 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall

Amazon #2 in Power Reciprocating Saws


Why We Think This Is Among The Best

  • Brushless motor for increased cutting speed and power
  • Advanced system of cordless power tool electronics to provide overload protection
  • REDLITHIUM battery technology for more charge and longer life
  • 1-Handed operation for superior control and versatitily
  • Pivoting shoe to always keep contact with the work piece with less bucking and 4x lower vibration

 

Things To Know About This Model

  • Weight : 4.3 lbs
  • Speed : 0 - 3000 SPM
  • Stroke length : 7/8 inch
  • Voltage : 20V
  • Brushless
  • Tool-free blade change
  • Battery sold separately

 


Porter Cable Reciprocating Saw PCC670B

Amazon #10 in Power Reciprocating Saws


Why We Think This Is Among The Best

The best reciprocating saws on the market today feature high-performing, durable, and powerful motor units that deliver up to 3,000 strokes per minute.


The 14.5-inch length makes it a great choice for tight spaces.

The pivoting shoe keeps constant contact with the ground, making it ideal for running.

 

Things To Know About This Model

  • Weight : 3.75 lbs
  • Speed : 0 - 3000 SPM
  • Stroke length : 1 inch
  • Voltage : 20V
  • Tool-free blade change
  • Battery sold separately

 


Makita Reciprocating Saw XRJ01Z 18-Volt LXT

Amazon #15 in Power Reciprocating Saws


Why We Think This Is Among The Best

  • Compact design allows for close cutting
  • 0 - 3,000 strokes per minute variable speed allows for faster and more efficient cutting with its 1/2" stroke length
  • Dual-position On/Off switch allows for either paddle or trigger switch operation, exclusive to Makita
  • Only 15 5/8" long & weighs 3.9 pound with battery for stress-free operation
  • The Optimum Charger takes 30 minute for a full charge & has a built-in fan to cool the battery.
  • Built-in L.E.D. light

 

Things To Know About This Model

  • Weight : 3.9 lbs
  • Speed : 0 - 3000 SPM
  • Stroke length : 1/2 inch?
  • Voltage : 18V
  • Tool-free blade change
  • Battery sold separately

 


RYOBI Reciprocating Saw P519

Amazon #9 in Power Reciprocating Saws


Why We Think This Is Among The Best

Better productivity with 3,400 SPM giving 60% faster cutting.

Easy blade change lever and a lock-off button makes this the choice of any handyman and professionals.


This reciprocating saw Ryobi has a 1" stroke length and adjustable, pivoting shoe allows for better precision and depth control. Includes a 6" wood cutting blade.

 

Things To Know About This Model

  • Weight : 3.87 lbs
  • Speed : 0 - 3400 SPM
  • Stroke length : 1 inch
  • Voltage : 18V
  • Tool-free blade change
  • Battery sold separately

 


CRAFTSMAN Reciprocating Saw V20 CMCS300B

Amazon #40 in Power Reciprocating Saws


Why We Think This Is Among The Best

This Craftsman V20 20V Max Reciprocating Saw has a powerful motor and a 1 inch stroke length to speed up your projects.


The variable speed trigger controls several different materials, providing the perfect combination of sensitivity and control for your unique use case.


This tool-free blade release makes it effortless to change blades.


Compact size of 14.5 in. Allows for cutting in tight spaces and for cutting between studs.


The contoured overmolded handle and grips make it easy to hold this product for long periods of time.

 

Things To Know About This Model

  • Weight : 4.5 lbs
  • Speed : 0 - 3000 SPM
  • Stroke length : 1 inch
  • Voltage : 20V
  • Tool-free blade change
  • Battery sold separately

 

BOSCH Reciprocating Saw CRS180B

Amazon #72 in Power Reciprocating Saws


Why We Think This Is Among The Best

  • This Bosch CRS180B reciprocating saw has a 1 1/8 inch stroke.
  • The Lockjaw Blade Holder lets you do more with less time, use it for faster, easier cutting.
  • This cordless reciprocating saw features two speed settings, a low and high speed range, 0-2,400 SPM and 0-2,700 SPM to match the speed of your material. 
  • This Cordless Saw allows you to make cuts with ease. It comes with a variable trigger for easy control.
  • The Bosch CRS180B is convenient for over-the-head cutting, weighing less than 7.6 lbs

 

Things To Know About This Model

  • Weight : 7.6 lbs
  • Speed : 0 - 2700 SPM
  • Stroke length : 1 1/8 inch
  • Voltage : 18V
  • Tool-free blade change
  • Battery sold separately


  

Power Reciprocating Saw FAQs

People are always asking us questions about reciprocating saws, and there are many of them.

 

It can be hard to find good information about getting the right tools, especially if you had not used them before or not sure where to look. Or worse, you might end up with bad information that should have been to make your home projects much easier.

 

We know you are a seasoned handyperson or a trade professional looking for a replacement but for the benefit of new users, a reciprocating saw can make your work projects a whole lot easier.

 

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the reciprocating saws and our top answers:

 

 What is a reciprocating saw used for?

Reciprocating saws are powerful handheld saws used for cutting through hard materials, such as steel, concrete, glass, granite, tile, ceramic, brick, plaster, and stone

Yep, a reciprocating saw is one of the primary tools for ripping, cutting, and demolition, and they’re extremely versatile.

 

What's the difference between a Sawzall and a reciprocating saw?

It’s the same thing. Milwaukee Tool introduced the first reciprocating saw in 1951, calling it the Sawzall.

They have so much in common with saws that they’re now used interchangeably.

 

What can you cut with a reciprocating saw?

A reciprocating saw is a power tool that makes quick work of cutting through metal, masonry, wood, plaster, fiberglass, stucco, drywall, etc. If you want your cuts to be successful, you'll need to use the right type of blade for the material you're cutting.

 

Can I use a reciprocating saw to cut tree branches?

Reciprocating saws are among the most versatile power tools you can own. They're great for cutting wood, metal, plastic, and much more.

This tool is designed for cutting a variety of building materials, but it's also good for trimming tree branches.

Use the right tool for the right job, so the next time you need to cut a branch, use a pruning blade.

 

Can I cut a 4x4 with a reciprocating saw?

Most reciprocating saw blades are 3 to 12 inches, meaning they have enough length to cut a 4×4 post.

A reciprocating saw is the best tool for cutting fence posts that have been placed into the ground. They work better and safer than a circular saw and a jigsaw.

 

Will a reciprocating saw cut plywood?

You can cut wood with a reciprocating saw, as well as many other materials.

You can easily cut through plywood and plyboard with just a general purpose blade, and just as easily cut lumber, studs, nails and screws.

 

Can a reciprocating saw be used like a jigsaw?

A reciprocating saw can be used like a jigsaw. A reciprocating saw operates in a back and forth movement if held much like a saw.

Jigsaws are just a more specialized type of reciprocating saw that moves in the up and down fashion.

 

Is a jigsaw the same as a reciprocating saw?

Jig saws are great for cutting delicate pieces of wood with precision. They’re really sharp and have long, slender blades.

However, the reciprocating saw is perfect for many other uses. It cuts through plastic, metal and wood just fine but more for rough aggressive cutting, demolition and ripping.

 

Can a reciprocating saw cut straight?

A reciprocating saw is a power tool used for cutting straight on a workpiece if the shoe can slide on a guide and for cutting a workpiece that’s either vertical or horizontal.

 

 

We hope this article has helped make your decision easier and that you enjoy using your purchase!