5 Best Corded Reciprocating Saws: Find The Best Sawzall Today!

2. Makita JR3070CT – Best Electric Reciprocating Saw

• Anti-Vibration System
• Built-in Clutch
• Adjustable Speed

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A lot of people think that they have to pay a lot of money to get a good tool — but that’s not the case with this one. You don’t have to break the bank to buy it and it still gives you good results.

The Makita JR3070CT comes with a great 15-amp motor that comes with a cutting speed of 2,800 SPM and it has a stroke length of 1-1/4″.  There is an anti-vibration system that reduces vibrations while working. Lower vibrations mean more accurate cuts.

What I like most about this saw is that it comes with safety features that protect the tool — it comes with a built-in clutch that will automatically detach the gears if the blade binds.

Moreover, this saw comes a speed control (variable control) and a rubberized grip for a more comfortable experience.

On the downside, the blade lock isn’t very good.

Pros:

• Powerful – Features a 15-amp Motor.
• Fast – Delivers up to 2800 SPM and comes with a 1-1/4″ stroke length.
• Fewer Vibrations – Comes with a system that reduces the vibrations.
• Comfortable – It has an ergonomically rubberized grip.
• Variable Speed Trigger. – Allows you to adjust the speed.

Cons: 

• Low-quality blade lock.

3. Milwaukee 6538-21 – Best Heavy-Duty Corded Sawzall

• Overload Protection
• Reduced Vibrations
• Powerful Motor

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If you are looking for a durable corded reciprocating saw then Milwaukee 6538-21 is your best friend.

It comes with some great safety features that give the tool a longer life. First, this is one of the few models that have the highest overload protection system. This system prevents motor burn up or failure.

Also, it has a counterbalance system that is very effective — this system reduces vibrations while working. This helps you to make more accurate cuts and also gives the tool a longer life.

Performance-wise this saw is great. It comes with a powerful 15-amp motor. Thanks to its motor, this saw can be used for heavy-duty projects.  And it’s very easy to use.

Pros:

• Powerful – Comes with a 15-amp Motor.
• Reduced Vibrations – It has an effective counterbalance system that reduces the vibrations.
• Overload Protection – Prevents motor burn up or failure.
• Easy To Use

Cons: 

• The spindle isn’t as good as the other parts.

4. Skil 9206-02 – Best Budget Reciprocating Saw

• Budget Pick
• Lightweight
• Easy To Use

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If you are on a budget and need a small, but fast reciprocating saw then you should check the Skil 9206-02.

You don’t need a 12-amp/15-amp motor if you only have to deal with home projects. With just a 7.5 amp motor, this one could be the best corded reciprocating saw for home improvements.

Since this one has less power that means that it will also cost less. That’s why this is our budget pick.  The Skil 9206-02 comes with a variable speed trigger and counterbalance that reduces the vibrations while working.

What I like most about this saw is its durability — it comes with a heavy-duty metal gear. On top of that, the saw is very easy to use and easy to hold. It weighs no more than 3 pounds.

On the downside, it’s not recommended to use this saw for heavy-duty projects.

Pros:

• Budget Pick – Costs less than some of the heavy-duty saws.
• Variable Speed – You can adjust the speed.
• Lightweight – Approximately weighs 2 pounds.
• Durable – Comes with heavy-duty gear.

Cons: 

• Not recommended for heavy-duty projects.

5. Bosch RS7 + RAP10PK – Best Corded Sawzall

• LED Light
• Versatile
• Blade Change System

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Not everyone wants a 15-amp motor. If you are looking for a reciprocating saw to complete small-medium projects then you should check the Bosch RS7 + RAP10PK. This saw comes with an 11-amp motor

This is a very versatile saw, it can be used for different materials and projects. With just 11-amp of power, you can easily cut wood and metal.  It is also lightweight — approximately weighs 10 pounds.  It is a perfect combination that gives you a good power-weight ratio.

What I like most about this saw are the LED lights. The LED lights illuminate the cutting zone, this helps a lot if you are working in tight or dark spaces.

On top of that, thanks to the tool-less blade change system, you can easily change the blade. This gives you more time to focus on cutting the material rather than spending time on changing the blade.

On the downside, the blade release isn’t very good.

Pros:

• Motor – Features an 11-amp Motor.
• Versatile – The speed adjustment allows you to complete different projects.
• Lightweight – Approximately weighs 10 pounds.
• LED Lights – Help you to see when working in dark spaces.

Cons: 

• The blade release isn’t very good.

Best Corded Sawmill — Buyers Guide

The list can make things easier for you. However, choosing one of them can be hard. The corded Sawmills we have listed here are good — most of them come with different features and can be used for different projects.

The best corded sawmill is the one that will fit your needs. You need to know what material you will be cutting so you can know which one is better for you.

Related Read — Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws

However, to make things easier for you — we have put together several factors we check before buying a corded reciprocating saw.

Power

The motor is the most important thing about a saw. If the motor is powerful then that means that you can cut different materials. Usually, reciprocating saws come with a 10-15 amp motor.

If you are planning on cutting thin wood then a 10-amp motor will do just fine. If you are planning on using the reciprocating saw to cut metal then a 15-amp motor is needed.

Keep in mind — the more power the motor has the more expensive it will be. So, you will have to choose the motor based on your projects and your budget.

Related Read — Different Types of Reciprocating Saws

Adjustable Speed

Reciprocating saws that have adjustable speed are the best. The main reason why I like Sawzalls is that they are versatile. You can use them for different projects.

If you are dealing with easy to cut wood then you can use a slow speed and if you are dealing with hard to cut material then you can choose a higher speed.

This feature also helps to prevent saw kickbacks. You can start your cuts slow and then move to a higher speed.

Vibrations

We use reciprocating saws to make accurate cuts. The most challenging part about these machines is the vibration. The more the saw vibrates the harder it will be for you to make accurate cuts.

To prevent this — you need to go for a model that doesn’t vibrate as much as the others.  Some models come with features that are specially made to reduce vibrations.

You have also to choose a reciprocating saw that comes with comfortable padding that prevents the effect of vibrations on your hands. Plus, comfortable padding means you will be able to hold the machine longer.

Related Read — Sawzall vs Hackzall

Blade Change

These tools are known to be versatile. Except for the adjustable speed, another thing that makes them versatile is the ability to change the blade. You need to keep changing the blade when you are dealing with different materials.

Since you will be changing the blade a lot of times — you need a model that makes the changing blade process easier.

Changing blades faster also means that you will be able to complete the project faster.

Weight

The weight is an important factor for reciprocating saws, after all — you will be holding them with your hands.

These saws are designed to be lightweight and easy to carry. But, there are models that are heavy. I personally avoid heavy reciprocating saws.

Generally, these are 8-10 pounds heavy.

Stroke Speed & Length

The stroke speed and length are two factors that determine how fast a reciprocating saw is. The stroke speed is measured in strokes per minute.

The stroke length is measured by how far the saw pushes the blade forward or backward.  If all the factors are equal then a saw with a greater stroke length is faster.

The normal range of stroke length is 1 to 1-1/4. But, you will see a lot of reciprocating saws that come with a 1-1/8 stroke length.

Corded vs Cordless Reciprocating Saws

When you first start to research reciprocating saws you will see that there are two types — the corded and the cordless ones.

Choosing one or the other is completely your decision — both are great and come with some different features that may or may not help you.

Why you should buy a corded reciprocating saw?

Let’s start talking about corded reciprocating saws — these types of saws are usually more powerful. They cost less because they don’t need a battery and they are usually lighter.

The only bad thing about these type of saws is that you need a power outlet to be near you always. If you are working outside this can be a problem. Plus, moving around with a corded saw is harder.

All of the models we have listed here are corded reciprocating saws.

Cordless Saws

These saws are great too, they come with a lot of great features that can help you daily. The most obvious reason is portability.

Since this machine doesn’t need to be connected to a power outlet and uses a battery as its main power then you can easily move around. If you are working outside then these types of saws are very useful.

But — because these saws use a battery as a power source then that means you will be paying more. The battery is an expensive addition to the saw. Moreover, you need a saw that comes with a high-quality battery.

So, again the choice is yours — it all depends on where you are going to work and the type of work you need to do.

Learn More: — Different Types Of Eletric Saws

How to Use Reciprocating Saws Safely?

If you came this far then that means that you already have chosen the best reciprocating saw. After you buy the saw, you need to know how to safely use it.

Since you will be holding the saw with your hands that means that you can easily aim it at your body if you lose focus. So, here are some different tips that will help you protect yourself

• First things first, you need a high-quality reciprocating saw. If the saw doesn’t work how you want it to, then you can easily lose your focus.
• Keep the space near you clean — you will be moving a lot with the saw in your hands, you don’t want something to be in your way.
• Wear Safety Gears —  You need goggles, gloves, and non-slip clothing.
• Electrical Safety — Since you will be using a corded reciprocating saw that means you need it to be connected to a power outlet.  Avoid working on wet weather.
• Adjustments  — When you are making adjustments it is recommended to stop the saw before doing it.
• Focus — You need to always have your focus on, hold the tool with both of your hands, don’t use too much force, avoid overreaching, and always maintain a body balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q – What does orbital motion mean for a reciprocating saw?
A –  If you are dealing with coarse materials then the orbital motion is very helpful. Before the blade returns to its place, the blade raises a little.

Q – Do I need to use the highest speed?
A –  Not really. I don’t recommend starting this the highest speed the saw has. The best way to do is to start slowly and then start to raise the speed. If you start with the highest speed then the saw can easily kickback.

Q – What blade do I need to use for reciprocating saws?
A – There are a lot of available blades for reciprocating saws. The blade that you need depends on what type of work you are doing. If you are the reciprocating saw for metal then you need a different blade. Before buying a blade, make sure that it’s compatible with the saw.

Final Words

Hopefully, after reading this post how have gained enough information to make the right choice. Keep in mind — the best reciprocating saw is the one that fits your needs the best.

These models come with different features so you have to know what type of work you are doing before buying one. If you don’t then just buy the most versatile one.

If you still don’t know which one to pick then read our buying guide again.

The Tool Geeks Team

We’re a team of engineers, contractors, technicians, and woodworking experts who use power tools daily and share fact-based information, tips, and recommendations. At thetoolgeeks.com, we debunk myths about power tools and share methods to use them effectively.