When it comes to demolition work or home projects, a reciprocating saw, also known as a Sawzall, is an incredibly versatile tool that can cut through wood, metal, drywall, piping, and even nails.
With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs. That’s why we’ve done the research and testing for you to find the top Sawzalls available.
From cordless models to heavy-duty corded options, we’ve evaluated power, features, and reliability to determine which Sawzall reigns supreme.
Keep reading to find out which Sawzall is the best on the market.
What Is The Best Sawzall On The Market
After weeks of testing, we have determined that the best Sawzall on the market is the Milwaukee Fuel Sawzall. This cordless reciprocating saw impressed us with its superior cutting power and speed, comfortable grip, and included charger.
Not only does the Milwaukee Fuel Sawzall come with a battery, charger, reciprocating saw blades, and instruction manual, but it also has a stud hanger for added convenience. During our endurance test, this saw outperformed every other saw in terms of the sheer number of cuts made and came in second in terms of cuts per amp-hour (AH) of battery capacity.
While it is the most expensive saw on our list, we believe the price is offset by the included charger, battery, and hard-shell case. Additionally, this saw features a brushless motor that is more efficient, powerful, and longer-lasting than typical brushed motors.
What To Consider When Choosing A Sawzall
When choosing a Sawzall, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the right tool for your needs. The first thing to consider is the type of project you plan on using it for. If you’re tackling large-scale demolition projects, you probably want to prioritize power and size over mobility. On the other hand, if you have small-scale tasks like plumbing or working with conduit pipe, you’d probably benefit from a more compact, maneuverable saw that can fit into tight areas.
Another factor to consider is the power source of your saw. While corded options tend to be more powerful and have unlimited running time, they limit your mobility to the length of the extension cord, which also introduces an inconvenient tripping hazard to your workspace. Battery-powered saws are perfect for those tasks that require maximum portability, but make sure to keep an eye on your battery levels while you work. If you decide to go with a battery-powered option, consider purchasing one that’s the same brand as your existing power tools—that way you have a supply of extra batteries ready.
Weight is also an important consideration when choosing a Sawzall. A larger, heavier saw might be able to work faster, but if it’s too heavy for you to carry comfortably, it can be more trouble than it’s worth. If you’re not sure, go with a lighter saw that allows you to work effectively and safely.
Another important feature to look for is an adjustable length shoe. If you’re cutting a lot of thinner materials like 3/4′′ EMT, rebar, or even 2x wood, you can extend the shoe out to use more of the blade once the initial length starts to dull. The best models have a tool-free option that often uses a button or lever to unlock and is very easy to adjust quickly.
Lastly, it’s important to choose the right blade for your Sawzall. With the right blade, your saw can cut through wood, nails, fiberglass, branches, plaster, masonry, and metals including aluminum, cast iron, steel, and even high-strength alloys. The blade material, length, width, thickness, and teeth-per-inch (TPI) are all factors to consider when selecting the proper blade for the material you need to cut. Blade shape, tooth shape, kerf-width, gullet, and tooth pattern can also be selected for specific cut types. Choosing the right reciprocating saw blade is easy once you know the basics.
Top Corded Sawzalls
For those who prefer a corded option, there are several great Sawzalls on the market. After thorough testing, we have narrowed down the top three corded Sawzalls.
First on our list is the Skilsaw Buzzkill. This 15-amp reciprocating saw impressed us with its superior cutting speed and high value score. It edged out the Makita and Milwaukee models in a tight 3-way battle for the best corded reciprocating saw crown. The trade-off for Skilsaw is that it’s a heavier tool, but regardless of which one you choose, all three of these tools are demolition beasts!
Next up is the Bosch RS428 14 Amp Corded Sawzall. This beast of a saw will happily destroy anything you put in front of it. The turning radius is especially impressive, and it turns on a dime, which is great for precision cutting. The Bosch RS428 itself is comfortable to hold, even for long periods of time, though we would like to see more of a bump to rest on our hand between our thumb and pointer finger. Speaking of which, this saw did a great job with vibration control and has a lock on the variable speed trigger that keeps the saw on. There are a few drawbacks worth mentioning, including its finicky depth guard and difficult-to-use blade receptacle.
Finally, the Dewalt DWE305 is one of the most budget-friendly and trusted options on the market. It comes equipped with a powerful 12-amp motor for heavy-duty tasks and features a keyless lever-action blade clamp for easy blade changes. The variable speed puts you in control, allowing you to vary your speed to match the job as you cut through different materials with it.
Top Cordless Sawzalls
When it comes to cordless Sawzalls, there are several options on the market. We’ve tested and researched the top models to help you make an informed decision.
First on our list is the DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw, which we consider the best overall option. This powerful saw is a top choice for both contractors and DIYers who want to make quick, powerful cuts. It has a long battery life and can easily handle rough cutting tasks like tearing out walls, cutting away pipes, and severing nails and bolts from between floor plates.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Ryobi One+ HP Brushless reciprocating saw is our top choice in the prosumer category. It boasts an impressive 3200 SPM and 1 1/4-inch stroke length and is part of Ryobi’s high-performance cordless line. The bare tool is $99 and the 4.0Ah High Performance battery kit is just $159.
For those in need of a heavy-duty option, the Kobalt KRS 1824B-03 is worth considering. At 24 volts, it’s the most powerful battery-operated saw we tested and held its own against the Milwaukee Fuel. It has a built-in work light, an extendable shoe, a battery charge indicator, and even two different cutting modes (straight and orbital). However, it did have a larger turning radius than some other saws and vibrated more than expected.
Heavy-Duty Options For Demolition Work
For those in need of a heavy-duty sawzall for demolition work, there are several options on the market. One popular choice is the DEWALT DW310K 12 Amp Heavy-Duty Reciprocating Saw Kit. This corded sawzall features a powerful 12 amp motor and a four-position blade clamp for versatile cutting angles.
Another option is the Milwaukee Super Sawzall, which boasts a 15 amp motor and constant power technology to maintain performance during cuts. This saw also features Milwaukee’s patented counter-balanced mechanism to reduce vibration and ensure smooth operation.
If you prefer a cordless option, the Dewalt FlexVolt and Milwaukee M18 Fuel are both worth considering. The Dewalt FlexVolt offers up to 19% more power than its predecessor and features a brushless motor for increased efficiency. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel also has a brushless motor and delivers up to 5x longer tool life than competing saws.
Ultimately, the best heavy-duty sawzall for demolition work will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider factors such as power, comfort, and battery life when making your decision.
Budget-Friendly Sawzalls
If you’re looking for a Sawzall that won’t break the bank, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available. Here are some of the best budget reciprocating saws for your DIY woodworking needs, all priced below $200.
1. Kobalt XTR Variable Speed Brushless Cordless – This budget-friendly Sawzall is perfect for professional use. With its variable speed trigger and brushless motor, it provides high performance and power. It operates on a powerful battery and can tear through construction materials at top speeds.
2. PORTER-CABLE PC75TRS 7.5 Amp Reciprocating Saw – This durable Sawzall is extremely affordable and perfect for those on a tight budget. It is lightweight and easy to use, making it ideal for home projects or demolition work.
3. DEWALT DWE305 12 Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw – This corded Sawzall is a great option for those who need more power and performance. It has a powerful 12-amp motor and can cut through a variety of materials with ease.
4. BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw – This cordless Sawzall is perfect for those who need a portable option. It operates on a 20V MAX battery and has a compact design that makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
5. Ryobi P516 18V Cordless One+ Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw – This cordless Sawzall is another great option for those who need portability. It operates on an 18V battery and has a variable speed trigger that provides high-performance cutting power.
Our Top Pick For Overall Best Sawzall
Our top pick for the overall best Sawzall is the Milwaukee Fuel Sawzall. This powerful cordless reciprocating saw is perfect for demolition work and can slice through wood, metal, drywall, piping, or nails with ease. It comes equipped with a REDLITHIUM XC 4.0 Ah Battery (battery pack and charger sold separately) and provides up to 3,000 SPM for tearing through construction materials at top speeds.
One of the standout features of the Milwaukee Fuel Sawzall is its comfortable grip, which includes a rubberized pistol grip in the back and a second-hand grip on the front. This design makes it easy to hold, even during strenuous tasks. Additionally, it has an on-board LED light that illuminates the cutting surface so you can see exactly where you’re cutting, even in low-light situations.
During our testing, we were impressed with the Milwaukee Fuel Sawzall’s cutting power and speed. It outperformed every other saw in terms of the sheer number of cuts made during our endurance test and came in second in terms of cuts per amp-hour (AH) of battery capacity. This saw is also designed to last, featuring a brushless motor that is more efficient and longer-lasting than typical brushed motors.
While the Milwaukee Fuel Sawzall is the most expensive saw on our list, we believe that its price is offset by the included charger, battery, and hard-shell case. If you are looking for a high-quality reciprocating saw that can handle even the most strenuous tasks, we highly recommend the Milwaukee Fuel Sawzall as our top pick for overall best Sawzall on the market.