Best Cordless Sawzall

Whether you want to reshape your garden or tackle home improvement jobs, a reciprocating saw will save you a plethora of time and money. After countless hours of research and interviewing industrial experts, we concluded that the DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw is the best cordless Sawzall. With its smooth cut strokes and long battery life, it certainly deserves a place in your inventory.

Best Cordless Sawzall

1. DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw – Best Battery Sawzall

As we expected, the DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw delivers an amazing performance as a professional-grade cordless Sawzall. With a stroke length of 1-1/8 inches and a speed of 3000 strokes per minute, we found it ideal for metal and rebar cutting.

Since, it was among the first generations of cordless saws, the vibration control feature was not a primary objective of this tool. Therefore, it was not hard for us to predict that it’d create a lot of vibrations than the other tools we tested.

We loved its multi-positional four-way blade clamp. It allows you to reach tight spaces, cut flushes, and add more versatility to the saw. Moreover, we haven’t seen other reciprocating saws providing such a great feature and makes it stand out from the crowd.

Considering its age, we were unsure about its ability to keep up with newer saws. However, if you cut a lot of copper pipes, PVC, or EMT, you don’t even have to look at other tools. In comparison to other saws, the DEWALT reciprocating saw is very capable for such jobs.

Furthermore, we also found the front handle lever to be really effective in inserting and removing a blade without using any tools. Talking about the ergonomics, it has an extra black rubber grip that makes it very comfortable to hold.

However, certain handy features such as LED light, brushless motor, and rafter hook were missing. Apart from features, we also observed that the DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw is the most lightweight and compact cordless Sawzall among all the saws we tested.

There’s also a thick rubber shield in the front portion of the saw. It not only helps in protecting the internal metal gear case but also provides you a firm grip on the barrel. This also adds a little bit of vibration control in the saw.

Bottom Line

In a nutshell, the DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw is a highly compact and lightweight reciprocating saw for the handyman. If vibration control is not your top priority, you can pretty much get everything done with this saw.

2. Makita JR3050T Reciprocating Saw – Best for Pruning

Makita JR3050T, being an 11 amp reciprocating saw, we were expecting a stroke rate of 3000 SPM. However, it provided a stroke rate of 2800 SPM with a stroke length of 1-1/8 inches. Even though it is quite lower than other variants, not even a single saw could match its compactness.

When we started testing it for cutting speed against the wood, we noticed it doesn’t have an orbital section. However, it still proved to be the fastest cordless Sawzall with a cutting speed of 20. seconds. Talking about metal cutting, it’s faster than Milwaukee and Ridged reciprocating saws.

We also loved how efficient it was in PVC cutting. For this sole reason, it is a great fit for plumbers and electricians. It provides you great performance in comparison to other saws at 10-13-amp power range. 

We were also impressed by its vibration control. For most of the materials, you won’t even feel any vibration. We believe that the vibration control is effective because of its front switch design. Due to this, it’s a great tool for pruning.

In this model, there’s also a lock-on button that is unavailable in other models of Makita reciprocating saw. Apart from this, we couldn’t find any additional features in this saw. It’s a very lightweight saw with minimal features.

The best part about this saw is its two-finger trigger. When coupled with the lock-on switch, it becomes really easy to operate this saw. Moreover, the front handle is very comfortable to hold with molded rubber on both the handles.

On top of that, this is the only saw we tested with a quick installation collar. We were disappointed with the instructions provided to install the retainer and blade. They seem to be incomplete and unclear. However, the collar lock just works fine and rotates in its position automatically.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a compact and lightweight cordless Sawzall, we’d highly recommend you the Makita JR3050T Reciprocating Saw. With a great cutting speed in a variety of materials, it is one of the finest saws in the 10-12-amp range.

3. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw – Best for Precise Cuts

The reciprocating saw that came close to compete Makita reciprocating saw is Black & Decker. It provides great power and runtime with a 20V lithium-ion battery. The biggest advantage of Black and Decker over Makita is its greater work output.

We tested it against different environments and found it to be very efficient for both hot and cold temperatures. However, there are two different models available with and without a battery and charger. Even though the tool-only unit costs less, you may find it hard to buy a battery separately.

We also noticed that it provides you netter precision than the Makita cordless Sawzall. Moreover, you can use it for hard-to-reach places and delicate works. However, precision comes at the cost of a short stroke length. We were unhappy with its stroke length of 7/8 inches.

It provides a lightweight construction that makes it easier to control and handle. Moreover, we also noticed that dampening technology does a great job of reducing vibrations. Unlike other lightweight reciprocating saws, it provides great comfort with lesser user fatigue.

If you’re not a fan of extraordinary features, you may want a reciprocating saw that doesn’t costs much but provide precise cuts. For such a purpose, the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw is a good option.

It does not disappoint in providing lesser aggressive and accurate cuts. Moreover, with slower workability and variable speed control, you get better controls and adjustments that prevent your work-piece from getting damaged.

We also loved its tool-less blade changing mechanism. Changing blades can be very hectic and daunting when you don’t have the right tools. However, with black and decker, you don’t have to invest in these tools.

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a reciprocating saw for the sole purpose of making precise cuts, the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw won’t disappoint you. Even being low on features, it certainly lives upon its words.

4. Milwaukee Cordless Reciprocating Saw

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One thing that we like the most about Milwaukee is the way they upgrade their tools. Unlike other manufacturers, they don’t just make one or two changes in their products and release them as a new tool. Instead, their final work is an actual redesign with everything better than older versions.

Talking about their cordless Sawzall, the latest model consists of a brushless motor and a 4.0 A/H battery. We noticed how well it contributed to the overall longevity and runtime of the tool as compared to the earlier version.

The moment we picked up the tool, we noticed how perfectly is was balanced and how nice it felt in our hands. Since we tested both the models, we found the latest version to be slightly heavier than the older version of the tool.

We believe that another great addition to this tool is its adjustable shoe. Although there existed a shoe in the older versions, you didn’t have the option to adjust its length. Even though the newer version allows you to do so, it doesn’t involve an orbital action.

That’s possibly the only thing that made us disappointed in this tool. With an SPM of 3000, it’s quite short of speed as compared to older versions. However, it is more powerful than the previous version and that’s a great advantage for this tool.

At first, we didn’t notice the retractable hook at the top known as a rafter hook. Initially, we assumed it to be a design feature. However, we found that it exists to bear the constant banging of the tool against various surfaces.

Another added advantage of this tool is the LED light at the front. Even though it’s not the best, it certainly improves the visibility of your work and is always helpful. We also found the rubber grip to be more comfortable in this version of the tool.

Bottom Line

Overall, the Milwaukee cordless Sawzall provides a huge improvement as compared to previous Milwaukee saws. Along with a great balance and feel, the tool also excels in power. If you want to experience a near-to-perfect Sawzall, you must go for it.

5. CRAFTSMAN V20 Reciprocating Saw – Best Under Budget

Craftsman usually makes corded reciprocating saws. However, this one is the cordless variant of the V20 series of reciprocating saws by Craftsman. The unit is not assembled and you need to install the blade manually.

We found it easy to install and remove the blade in this tool. All you need to do is twist the blade clamp collar, slide the blade inside the slot, and let it go all the way inside the clamp. There’s also a lock-off button on the handlebar that works really smoothly.

As soon as we started testing this saw, we noticed a lot of kickback hindering our work. However, there are two grips on the tool, one on the neck and the other on the handle. When holding both the grips, it gradually decreases the kickback of the tool.

We also loved its pivoting shoe that provides you better control and works great in reducing the vibrations. It also supports a back and forth tilts to a noticeable extent. However, you’ll still have to deal with a lot of vibrations while working.

Craftsman also manufactures blades individually and in-sets. We tested the saw against various materials such as metal and wood with various blades. When used with the right blade of the right length, it can pretty much cut through anything. 

However, we won’t suggest you use this saw for hardcore jobs. We’ve noticed that the longer you use it, the faster the battery runs out. Moreover, if you use it in multiple events, you can expect a better battery life.

However, one thing that disappointed us was the clip to hang this tool on a rail. On one end of the tool, the clip is attached horizontally to the saw. This makes it useless for hanging it on the rail. We didn’t expect Craftsman to forget about basic physics.

Bottom Line

All in all, if you are tight on budget, you can go for craftsman V20 reciprocating saw. With its subtle cutting power and comfortable grip, it can pretty much get any light job done. However, we don’t suggest you use it for hardcore works.

Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Cordless Sawzall

When you shop for a good cordless Sawzall, you may find numerous models to choose from. Moreover, all the manufacturers have a lot of great features to offer. However, with such a great variation, you may find it overwhelming to select the best cordless Sawzall.

Therefore, to ensure that you get a satisfactory experience with your purchase, we’ve compiled a list of factors that you must consider while shopping for reciprocating saws. You can always check back later to get help with your purchase.

1. Power

The kind of cuts you want to achieve depends majorly on the power of your saw. Moreover, to determine the power of a saw, you need to take a look at its motor’s capacity. In general, you can easily get 5 to 15 amp of power in most of the cordless Sawzall.

Furthermore, a motor of 10 amp is ideal for light and a medium level of tasks. However, if you want to cut tougher materials like metal, you may want to look at a high-powered motor. Based on our research, the DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw provides you a very powerful motor.

2. Battery type

There are two types of batteries available in cordless saws – Li-ion and Ni-cad. Keeping it short, lithium-ion batteries are ideal for a cordless reciprocating saw because they provide you longer battery life.

Moreover, lithium-ion batteries are also smaller and compact in size. They contribute directly to the overall weight of your saw. Talking about our verdict, we believe that the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw has the best battery life among all the tools.

3. Stroke length

As you may already know, longer strokes result in a faster cutting speed of the saw, and shorter strokes mean slower cutting speed. Even though shorter stroke length makes your work time-consuming, it’s ideal for plunge cuts without a start hole.

Normally, a budget-friendly cordless Sawzall will provide you a stroke length between ¾ inches and 1-1/4 inches. The one that fits the bill for you depends on your purpose of buying a reciprocating saw. If you don’t have an issue with the budget, we’d suggest you go for a saw with an adjustable stroke length.

Reciprocating saws with an adjustable stroke length can be very handy for remodeling jobs. For instance, you can set the stroke length to short while making plunge cuts and switch to a longer length for faster cuts.

4. Quick change adapter

It is a no-brainer that the blades of your reciprocating saw will wear out by time. It doesn’t matter if you even take extreme care of your blades, you’d still need to replace them when they become dull and worn out.

Moreover, trust us when we say you need to replace your blades very often. Therefore, if you want to get an ease of usage, go for a saw with a quick blade change adapter. These types of saws don’t require tools for blade installation. Among all the tools we tested, the CRAFTSMAN V20 Reciprocating Saw has the finest blade changing mechanism.

5. Variable Speeds

You’re not purchasing a cordless Sawzall for cutting a single type of material. Since you’ll need to cut through different types of materials, you need to have the ability to switch between different speeds on your reciprocating saw.

That’s because different materials require different cutting speeds. For instance, if you want to cut materials like wood, you’ll need a faster cutting speed. On the other hand, when you are cutting through metal, a slower cutting speed will get the job done. Once again, the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw excels in a variable speed control feature. 

6. Vibration control

There are certain high-quality models of reciprocating saws that will provide you better control with lesser fatigue. If you are planning to use your cordless Sawzall for long hours, you must have this feature in your saw.

With a proper vibration control mechanism, you can get smoother and accurate cuts in your work. According to our research, the Makita JR3050T Reciprocating Saw has the best vibration control mechanism as compared to other saws.

FAQs

1. Is a Sawzall the same as a reciprocating saw?

Yes, a cordless Sawzall and a reciprocating saw are both the same thing. However, Sawzall was a brand name that Milwaukee gave to their reciprocating saws.

Since Milwaukee was the first company to come up with a reciprocating saw, people started using the term “Sawzall” to refer to the tool. They are also known with other names like bayonet saws and saw-saw.

2. What can a Sawzall cut through?

Since reciprocating saws are a go-to tool for remodeling and demolition, they can cut through a variety of materials such as metal, wood, masonry, plaster, stucco, fiberglass, drywall, composites, and a lot more.

However, the perfection and cleanliness of a cut depending on the type of blade you are using. For different materials, you will require different blades with varying teeth and dimensions.

3. Can a Sawzall cut concrete?

Before we answer this question, we want you to know about the different types of blades a cordless Sawzall uses. There are two types of blades used namely toothed blades and abrasive blades.

While toothed blades are used for cutting soft materials like plastic and wood, the abrasive blades are used to grind materials like concrete and stone. Therefore, technically a Sawzall cannot cut concrete but grind it.

4. What is the difference between a Hackzall and Sawzall?

While both the hackzall and Sawzall serve the same purpose, they differ in a variety of terms. For example, a Sawzall is ideal for bigger and difficult things whereas a hackzall is a great asset for smaller jobs.

For example, if you want to trim a PVC pipe, you don’t even have to look at any other tool except a hackzall. However, if you want to cut lumber or cast iron, you must have a Sawzall. Hackzall can also be used with a single hand because they are lighter and smaller. On the other hand, a Sawzall can be used single-handed but you’ll possibly end up messing your work.

Final Talk

As the trend of home improvement increases throughout the world, there’s a need of the hour for the best cordless Sawzall. Moreover, to help you with your purchase, our reviews and buying guides are always available to help you make the right decision. After all, buying involves the understanding of your needs, knowing about the product, and how much you can spend. And that’s what we talk about, don’t we?