The Best Sawzalls; Cut Through Anything. Anywhere

The Sawzall is a popular power tool commonly used in construction and demolition. It cuts through wood, metal, concrete, bricks, and other solid materials like hot knife through butter - a functional "saw-all" trait from which its name was derived. The versatility of this equipment means it is perfect for all kinds of jobs. You can use them to cut through drywall, steel beams, pipes, rebar, and more!

Sawzall is a popular brand of reciprocating saws. It features an electric motor-powered blade that moves back and forth at a 90-degree angle to the handle. These machines have a long list of uses, but they're most commonly used in the construction and demolition industries.

Sawzalls come in different sizes, models, brands, and prices, each with various perks and let downs that influence their functionalities. This buying guide will enlighten you on how to get the best sawzalls for your needs and answer some frequently asked questions about these power cutting tools.

What Are the Factors to Consider When Buying a Sawzall?

You can't afford to rush a buying decision or make a sawzall purchase out of ignorance. Not just because these machines are relatively expensive but also because they could make or mar the quality of your construction, repair, or demolition project. You need to understand the factors and elements that control the performance and use-case of a sawzall before buying one, all of which you will find below.

Orbital blade movement

Average reciprocating saws function only via a back and forth sawing movement. The best sawzalls, on the other hand, can switch to orbital cutting - a more aggressive cutting technique that uses elliptical motion to cut through solid materials.

However, note that with more aggressiveness comes higher vibration, so you might want to stick with the ordinary back and forth sawing mode for cutting PVC and thin metal.

Variable speed options

The best Sawzall models feature a variable speed trigger for adjusting cutting speed (cs). The cs of a sawzall is measured in spm (strokes per minute), and as you probably already know, different projects require varying cutting speeds. So, it’s a no-brainer to go for a sawzall that can adjust its speed to suit different tasks.

Amperage

The amperage of a sawzall is directly proportional to its power. In simpler terms, the higher the amperage of a reciprocating saw, the higher its power and cutting aggressiveness. In light of this, it's best to go for sawzalls with 15 amps (the highest) if you want to enjoy sawzall cutting at its best. However, you can go for low-amperage sawzalls (between 7 and 9 amps) if your project requires little power.

Blade length and width

Your choice of sawzall blade length and width depends on the target material. For example, 6 x 3/4 x .050, 9 x 3/4 x .050, and 12 x 3/4 x .050 blades are suitable for cutting wood and plastic; 5 x 3/4 .050 for plaster; 9 x 3/4 x .060 for pruning trees and high alloy steel and 4 x 3/4 x .032, 6 x 3/4 x .032, and 9 x 3/4 x .039 for fiberglass, ceramic tiles, stone, marble, and cast iron.

However, instead of worrying about blade length and width, you can always buy third-party blades of any size and length and retrofit them to your sawzall.

Note: All the dimensions are written as L X W.

Level of noise and vibration

Noise and vibration are two inevitable phenomena in a working sawzall. However, they come at different levels, and this is what matters. The best sawzalls come with buzzkill technology or another proprietary tech that minimizes noise and vibration without compromising cutting efficiency and aggressiveness, and they should always be your choice. On the other hand, sawzalls with excess vibration and noise will deplete your concentration and cutting accuracy, and affect your arms in the long run, so avoid them at all costs.

Grip ergonomics

The grip ergonomics of a sawzall affects how well you'll be able to control it, which in turn affects accuracy. Plus, it also determines comfort levels when in use. In this case, select only sawzalls with a contoured over-molded or rubber handle. Or better still, hold the sawzall yourself and confirm that it feels comfy before purchasing it.

Ease of blade change

This is a feature that has become quite sought-after in recent times, and with good reason. Gone are the days when you needed tools or had to waste time switching between blades. The best sawzalls today feature innovative lock and release mechanisms that enable one-handed, tool-free blade changes. Those are the models you should go for.

Dust blower

A built-in dust blower is a feature found only in elite sawzalls. It blows away debris and dust from the working area, thereby giving you better visibility. You should definitely consider it.

Weight

Weight is another essential factor to consider when choosing a sawzall, especially if you'll be working in a hanging position or for a relatively long time. A lightweight sawzall (typically weighing between 4 to 5 pounds) will not cause arm fatigue or exhaustion as quickly as a heavy model will. So, if comfort when working with a sawzall is a priority, go for lightweight models.

Battery-Powered or Electric?

Choosing between a battery-powered and electric sawzall boils down to your circumstances. For example, if access to electricity is a significant challenge, battery-powered models seem like the obvious and smart option. Also, battery-powered sawzalls are usually cordless - a design that confers portability and maneuverability. This makes them the most preferred choice if you'll be cutting tight or relatively small spaces.