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Buyer's Guide to Finding the Right Reciprocating Saw
A reciprocating saw is very popular in performing different jobs like remodeling, plumbing, construction, demolition work, and much more. It is ideal for rough cuts or tasks related to different materials which include cast iron, ceramic, plastic, and many more. You can easily use it in tight spaces and small corners without any worry! More importantly, the best reciprocating saw has a compact design and is lightweight, which helps with handling. Once you go out to buy one, you will see different models and designs. To pick the best one for your use, you have to be aware of some important features and your use. To know all, consider reading the following buyer’s guide.
What are Different Types of Reciprocating Saws Available?
Mainly, there are two types that you need to know about:
Corded
A corded reciprocating saw will perform best when you need to make powerful and quick cuts. You can use it for a longer time and this will effectively cut the materials. It is also very easy to handle as there is no weight of batteries. “My go-to recommendation for professionals is to get a corded reciprocating saw. This will allow you to work all day without interruptions,” says Goodell David, founder of WoodWorking Clarity. But remember that it might not be suitable for some jobs due to its limited movement. When buying, go for corded reciprocating saws that come with a rubber cord instead of a plastic cord.
Cordless
If you have to continuously change your position while working, then cordless reciprocating saws are going to be the best option for you! No need to plug the device into any power outlet as it is operated with batteries. Always pick a lithium-ion battery to use for longer battery life. You can easily make tough cuts at any place without the need for a power cord. However, the saw will lose power once the battery runs low.
What Types of Motors are Available in Reciprocating Saws?
Without the presence of a motor, no saw is going to do the work. The motor is powered by a source. In the case of a corded saw, it gets power from a power outlet. However, in the case of cordless, the power arrives from the battery pack inside the device. Below are the two types of motors which you will see:
Brushless
This type of reciprocating saw does not have carbon brushes instead there are small electronic circuit boards that are responsible for the delivery of energy. This is a powerful motor and will reduce unnecessary friction which ensures the constant flow of energy.
Brushed
This is the standard and basic form of reciprocating saws. It has two main parts known as commutators and brushes. Similar to other tools, carbon brushes will get damaged due to frequent usage.
What to Look for in a Reciprocating Saw
When buying one for yourself, look out for the following key features:
Stroke length
It is not the exact blade length but tells how far a blade will move for cutting in a back-and-forth position. Note that the longer stroke length will cut the material easily. Usually, it ranges from 0.75 inches to 1.25 inches. However, in some reciprocating saw models, you can adjust the stroke length for better adaptability. Cutting speeds in a reciprocating saw varies from around 2,600 to 3,300 strokes per minute.
Speed
The number of strokes that a reciprocating saw can make per minute is called the speed. The higher speed of the saw the more quickly the blades move back and forth, cutting through material faster. Note that a casual user doesn’t need much speed for an occasional job but professional or regular users have to pick a high-seed saw for the usage.
Variable speed control
This feature is going to control the speed of your saw for improving consistency and precision. It will allow the user to adjust and select the speed level as per the material being cut.
Some other features which you should look at when buying the reciprocating saw are auto-stop, anti-vibration, carry case, tool-free blade change, orbital action, saw blade designs, blade clamp, and much more. Some of them also come with built-in electric brakes.
How to use a Reciprocating Saw
A reciprocating saw is commonly used by construction workers for demolition and remodeling. To know more about ways to use this powerful tool, check the video from Ace Hardware.

Typical Price Tags of Reciprocating Saws
To buy the best reciprocating saw, you have to pay a price between $49 to $150 (most likely without batteries). The price variation is due to the features you are going to get in your device like auto-stop, tool-free blade change, anti-vibration, and much more. To get better value for your money, check out the great deals when buying a kit that includes a carry case, different blades, chargers, and batteries.
Common Reciprocating Saw Questions
How strong of a saw should I buy?
A person will have to use different power levels which range from 5 to 15 amps. If you are professionals or have any heavy-duty work, you should consider buying a saw with the power of more than 10 amps to do your work.
How does a reciprocating saw work?
The tool has a switch button. You have to press the safety lock button for releasing the saw before you turn it on. Press the on/off switch for keeping the tool in working mode. Once the work is done, turn it off by releasing the trigger.
How to pick the best blade for work?
The selection of blades will be dependent on the material you want to cut. For instance, to cut wood, you will use a blade with 3-11 TPI. In the case of cutting denser metals, you will use blades with 12 to 18 TPI.
What is a reciprocating saw good for?
A Reciprocating Saw is a handheld saw commonly used for any type of demolition or remodeling. You can use it to cut through many types of materials such as wood, metal, PVC, and nails.
Can you cut straight with a reciprocating saw?
A reciprocating saw can make both horizontal and vertical cuts. Careful handling is key to making more precise cuts; you may want to check out other power tools if you're looking for straighter lines.











