The reciprocating saw is the electric version of the hacksaw. It allows cutting wood, metal, plastic, PVC, or even concrete depending on the power and durability of the blade. In any case, it is always necessary to ensure this detail before starting to avoid unnecessarily wearing out the machine.

What is a reciprocating saw?

This tool is found in construction and renovation alongside the jigsaw and circular saw, especially for demolishing walls and everything inside buildings. Many also use it for gardening, pruning trees, cutting logs, and much more.

This handy and lightweight device by design slips everywhere and simplifies the task for non-handymen. Indeed, unlike the circular saw for example, a simple button allows blade changes and speed adjustment of the tool. It is also equipment that requires very little maintenance.

Reciprocating Saw Comparison Top 10: The Best Saws

The market is flooded with reciprocating saws and it is often difficult to make a choice in this sea of options. In this top 10, you will learn more about some products that have received public acclaim and are likely to possess the qualities you seek in a reputable reciprocating saw.

Bosch Professional GSA 1300 PCE

The Bosch Professional GSA 1300 PCE is a powerful 1,300 W corded reciprocating saw designed for fast cuts in wood, metal, plastic, and construction materials. With a variable speed up to about 3,000 strokes/min, it allows adjusting the cut according to the material, while its 32 mm blade stroke ensures a good balance between speed and control. Its SDS system for tool-free blade changes and SoftGrip ergonomic handle improve maneuverability and quick use on site or during renovation.

Designed for versatility, it features electronic speed control, a dust ejection system, and a robust construction capable of withstanding intensive work. Its corded design offers constant power, ideal for difficult cuts such as cutting surrounded by obstacles, metal sections, or openings in partitions.

Einhell Cordless Reciprocating Saw TE-AP 18 Li Solo

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The Einhell TE-AP 18 Li Solo clearly focuses on ergonomics and ease of use. The balance is well thought out: the lithium-ion battery stabilizes the tool without hindering the grip, and the slim handle suits both small and large hands. Weighing only 2 kg, it remains comfortable even during extended pruning or cutting sessions.

Delivered without battery or charger, it nevertheless fits perfectly into the Power X-Change 18 V ecosystem. A single battery can power multiple Einhell tools (screwdriver, chainsaw, saw…), which makes it easy to extend working time by alternating batteries.

The Softgrip coating improves grip and reduces fatigue, even with repeated use. Its power is sufficient for light demolition work and common cuts. Its very competitive price makes it a particularly attractive model for occasional to regular DIYers.

DEWALT – Reciprocating Saw – DWE305PK-QS

The Dewalt DWE305PK-QS reciprocating saw demonstrates firepower and performance likely to appeal to amateurs and professionals alike, with a stroke length of 2.9 cm. With its cutting capacity of 30 cm in wood and 10 cm in metal, considering density, combined with its 1100 W power, the machine holds its own on a construction site and for renovation or heavy gardening tasks. By adjusting its speed, which can reach 2900 spm, it helps you get rid of light tasks in no time.

The tool is sold with a carrying case ensuring it stays in good condition for several months, even years.

With all this, its price is not within everyone’s budget, but to get quality, you have to pay here. Another downside is its significant weight of 5.12 kg and its large dimensions of 50.5 x 11 x 26 cm. You will therefore need to handle the saw with both hands and show some endurance if you have a big demolition job ahead.

 

WingFly XZF0366

The WingFly cordless reciprocating saw XZF0366 is a reciprocating saw compatible with DeWalt 18 V batteries (not included), designed for quick cuts in wood, metal, PVC, and construction materials with the freedom offered by a cordless solution. It features a powerful motor delivering a variable speed up to ~3,000 strokes/min, to adapt the cut to different materials, while the effective blade stroke ensures good material removal during renovation, demolition, or outdoor cutting work.

Designed for maneuverability, it includes an ergonomic non-slip handle, a tool-free blade change system, and an adjustable shoe to stabilize the cut. Its compatibility with DeWalt 18 V XR batteries makes it a practical option for users already equipped with batteries from this range, offering mobility, versatility, and speed on site or at home.

  

Bosch Professional Reciprocating Saw GSA 1300 PCE 060164E200

The design of the Bosch Professional reciprocating saw GSA 1300 PCE 060164E200 has been studied to increase the comfort of both professionals and amateur DIYers during each work session. The entire machine is covered with a material pleasant to the touch of the palm despite long-duration work.

The ring located at the top of the machine allows you to hang it in your workshop to save time. Making cuts in a dark place will not be a problem with the built-in LED lighting.

This model is among the most powerful with its 1300 W. It can also cut materials up to 23 cm thick. With the 2 wood and metal blades provided, you can start working immediately after unpacking.

The price is a bit higher than average, but the durability of the product’s motor is well worth it. The weight of 4.1 kg is also a weakness to note. However, the mass balancing compensates for this drawback.

 

BLACK+DECKER BDCR18N-XJ

The BLACK+DECKER BDCR18N‑XJ is an 18V cordless reciprocating saw designed for quick cuts on wood, metal, plastic, and branches with the freedom offered by a cordless solution. It features a 22mm blade stroke and a variable speed up to about 3,000 strokes/min, allowing you to adjust the cut according to the material for more control and precision. Its lightweight design makes handling easier during renovation work, outdoor DIY, or light demolition.

Designed for comfort, it includes a tool-free blade change system, an ergonomic non-slip handle, and can be used with Black+Decker 18V batteries (not included), making it convenient for users already equipped with this range. Its compact size and maneuverability make it an effective solution for occasional cuts and household tasks.

 

Ryobi Rrs 1801M

The Ryobi Rrs 1801M is an inexpensive reciprocating saw, but it has all the qualities for successful amateur DIY. Its weight of less than 2 kg allows pruning trees and plants up to a good height without getting tired. Inside, you can also reach ceiling areas.

This model has 30% less vibration than competing saws, which prevents tingling in the hands and arms and discomfort during the handling of this type of tool.

If a problem arises, you stop it quickly and instantly increase and decrease the speed thanks to the built-in system.

Its compact dimensions of 6.5 cm x 3.4cm x 16.9cm (L*W*H) also make it easy to store besides its handling. Adjustments and blade replacement also do not take you hours. You switch from one type of work to another in the blink of an eye.

The product comes with a blade for wood, and another for metal. If you already have the battery, you will be able to start right away. The machine is compatible with any 18 V battery from the One+ range.

 

Bosch Professional 060164L905

The handle of this Bosch Professional 060164L905 reciprocating saw has a very particular shape. It resembles that of a pistol and with the featherweight 1.3 kg of the device with the battery, you can garden and cut pipes, framework, and other materials that are otherwise hard to reach with ease. Users suffering from arthritis praise the ergonomics of the machine. Despite its small size, it handles everything: wood, steel, and plastic.

Its price is average. The practical aspect of this model is that it is compatible with all batteries of a 12 V voltage from both old and new tools in the Professional range. So if you have a few on hand, you can work for several hours depending on the available battery life.

You will be particularly comfortable in a cellar or a poorly lit corner thanks to the integrated LED light on the device. It also features a battery charge indicator. This way, you won’t be caught off guard.

 

Einhell Universal “sabre” Saw TE-AP 1050 E

The Einhell TE‑AP 950 E is a 950 W corded universal saw designed for varied cuts in wood, plastic, non-ferrous metal, and light construction materials. It features a 950 W motor that drives a high blade speed for fast and clean cuts, combined with a tool-free sole plate and blade change for simple and efficient use. Delivered with a KWB wood blade, it offers good versatility right out of the box.

Designed for comfort and practicality, it includes an adjustable sole plate, an ergonomic non-slip handle, and a dust extraction port to keep the work area clean. Its corded design ensures constant power, making it suitable for regular cutting tasks such as panel adjustments, ducts, or decorative pieces.

 

Makita JR3070CT 

The Makita JR3070CT reciprocating saw comes with a nice case featuring a carrying handle and locks to prevent it from opening accidentally. Its price, three times higher than the entry-level models, is explained by the product’s quality.

The machine is compact and equipped with a rubberized coating that enhances hand comfort throughout the work. It is still quite heavy at 4.5 kg compared to its competitors. However, the anti-vibration system compensates for this drawback.

Durability is also assured since the machine is equipped with technology that protects it from dust. It is possible to select 4 different positions to optimize cuts. You can easily replace the blade without tools and maintain power throughout operation thanks to the electronic regulator.

With its 1510 W, it is the most powerful reciprocating saw in the comparison. It will allow you to cut wood, metal, and other hard materials without difficulty. Depending on the nature of your work, you choose a speed among the 6 available.

 

 

How to use a reciprocating saw?

The reciprocating saw is one of the easiest tools to use in the entire DIY world, but if you still have some apprehensions about this statement, follow these few tips so you don’t make mistakes in handling it.

 

Mounting the blade on the reciprocating saw

Without connecting the saw to a power source, turn the dedicated knob located at the head so that the slot opens to accommodate the blade. Insert the blade and turn it in the opposite direction to lock it. In principle, it should no longer move even if you pull on it.

Secure the piece of wood or metal before cutting

This is not mandatory if one end of your board, beam, pipe, or profile is immobilized and ensures good stability for the whole. However, if neither end is attached to a support, you will need to use a pair of clamps positioned at both ends so that the piece does not move during cutting.

Starting the reciprocating saw

Then connect the machine to a power outlet. Unlock the safety switch, press the shoe against the surface and place the blade one centimeter from the edge. You press the trigger to start the reciprocating saw and advance little by little. The harder you press, the faster the blade moves back and forth. On some models, you have a rotary dial to adjust the speed.

 

Blade guide by materials

Material to cut	Max thickness	Type of teeth (TPI)
Green wood / Pruning	150 mm	3 to 5 (very coarse)
Wood with nails	100 mm	6 to 10 (medium)
Thick metals (steel)	10 mm	14 to 18 (fine)
Thin sheets and tubes	3 mm	24 (very fine)
Construction materials	200 mm	Carbide tips

What is the best reciprocating saw?

The best reciprocating saw for you is the one that fits well with the size of your hands and has the ideal weight for the intended uses. For DIY and construction, a 3 to 4 kg model, although relatively heavy, can be manageable, but for cutting branches or beams overhead, it may become cumbersome.

Also prefer a powerful and versatile product equipped with a variable speed control. It will help you cut plumbing elements, irons, framework, plaster, and even concrete of various thicknesses.

Do not overlook the value for money. A bare model without saw and without battery or charger costs around 60 to 80 euros. A corded reciprocating saw, on the other hand, with its set of blades for each material and its storage case generally costs between 100 to 150 euros, but there are always exceptions. And here, the opinion of users leans towards the Teccpo Professional.

What is the best reciprocating saw?

There is no one universal best reciprocating saw, but the best reciprocating saw for your use. It all depends on a few key criteria to know before buying.

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Corded or cordless?

• Corded reciprocating saw: more powerful, ideal for large projects, thick wood, metal, or demolition. Main limitation: electrical outlet.
• Cordless reciprocating saw: perfect for the garden, outdoors, and quick jobs. More mobile, but limited autonomy and power.

👉 Intensive use = corded. Mobility = cordless.

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Battery (for cordless models)

• Favor 18 V Lithium-ion
• Common capacity: 2.5 Ah to 5 Ah
• The higher the Ah, the longer the autonomy
• Big advantage: interchangeable batteries between tools of the same brand

👉 Battery ecosystem = saving space, time, and money.

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Power and speed

• 710 W: light work
• 1000 to 1100 W: versatility wood + metal (up to ~10 cm)
• Up to 1800 W: heavy demolition, concrete, hard materials

Regarding speed:

• Up to 3000 strokes/min
• Essential: speed controller to adapt to materials

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Blades: a key point

• One blade = one material (wood, metal, PVC, concrete)
• Wrong blade = poor cut + damaged blade
• Fine teeth: fast cut but rougher
• Wide teeth: clean and neat cut
• Tungsten carbide: ultra-resistant, stone and concrete

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Safety

Good models include:

• Double start switch
• Blade guard (chip guard)
• Automatic stop in case of blockage

👉 Essential for working calmly, especially in deep cuts.

Which saw to cut a wall?

The reciprocating saw is the ideal tool for cutting partitions made of red bricks or plaster. It is lightweight, not bulky, and very maneuverable. Choose a model with a power of at least 1100 W like the Dewalt DWE305PK-QS and capable of performing 2800 to 3000 strokes per minute. You will work faster and more comfortably.

Which brand to choose for a reciprocating saw?

Choosing a reciprocating saw is not just about comparing watts or batteries. It is mainly about finding the right balance between power, reliability, ergonomics, and budget, according to your usage. Here is a clear and structured overview of the most relevant brands and retailers on the market.

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🔹 Bosch

Bosch remains a safe bet and a widely recognized reference. The brand combines robustness, performance, and innovation, with real expertise in power tools.
Good surprise: Bosch has adjusted its prices on its range of reciprocating saws to remain competitive.

• About 10 different models
• Budgets from €100 to €386
• corded and battery-powered versions
• Sales in complete kits or tool only

👉 A wide choice, suitable for both demanding DIYers and regular users.

🔹 Makita

Makita offers a very coherent and durability-oriented range. The brand is appreciated for the quality of manufacturing and consistency of performance.

• Prices between €120 and €230
• corded and cordless models
• Power up to 1200 W
• Option to buy without battery or charger
• Cases and blades sometimes included

👉 Ideal if you are already equipped with Makita batteries or if you are looking for reliable equipment in the long term.

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🔹 Ryobi

Ryobi clearly positions itself as an affordable and generous option. It is often the preferred brand for a first battery-powered purchase.

• Prices from €86 to €257
• Affordable battery models
• Set of 5 blades included (wood, metal, various materials)

👉 An excellent equipment/price ratio for occasional or semi-regular projects.

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🔹 DeWalt

DeWalt targets the mid-range and high-end, with machines designed for intensive and precise use.

• Prices from €153 to €400
• Case, battery, and charger included
• Speed control, LED lighting
• Compact formats and good grip

👉 A relevant choice for demanding users and frequent job sites.

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Where to buy your reciprocating saw?

🏬 Brico Dépôt

You can find brands like Stanley, Bosch, Mac Allister, or Erbauer there.

• Prices around €90 to €100
• Often free delivery
• Good compromise power / maneuverability / price according to customer reviews

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🏬 Leroy Merlin

Probably the widest selection on the market:

• Bosch, Makita, Ryobi, DeWalt, Metabo, AEG, Black+Decker, Worx, Dexter, Einhell…
• Wired and wireless models
• Power from 400 W to 1300 W
• Prices from €67 to €570

👉 A real playground to compare and find exactly what you need.

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🏬 Castorama

Castorama focuses on accessibility without sacrificing quality.

• Recognized brands: Ryobi, Bosch, DeWalt, Stanley Fatmax, Mac Allister, Erbauer
• Prices capped around €160
• Free delivery
• Wired models (up to 1100 W) and wireless

👉 A reassuring option for an efficient and controlled purchase.

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In summary

• Intensive / professional use: Bosch, DeWalt, Makita
• Good value for money: Ryobi, Mac Allister, Erbauer
• Wide choice and easy comparison: Leroy Merlin
• Controlled budget: Brico Dépôt, Castorama

The key is to choose a reciprocating saw aligned with your usage frequency, your battery ecosystem, and your budget, without overpaying for unnecessary features.

To complete your equipment and refine your choices, discover the differences between reciprocating saw or jigsaw: explore the specific uses of the jigsaw: and learn how to use a circular saw according to safety rules.

How to sharpen a reciprocating saw blade?

After several uses, the reciprocating saw blade tends to dull and takes longer to cut certain materials than usual. If this is the case, don’t throw it away immediately, because it can still be sharpened.

To do this, start by removing the faulty blade. Clamp it in a vise so that the teeth are facing upward. Hold a sharpening steel at both ends with your hands and run it along the blade between the teeth gradually. Always push the steel forward. Three or four passes over each area should be enough.

How to change a reciprocating saw blade?

Changing the blade of a reciprocating saw is not complicated. Most electric models are equipped with a button at the blade entry point. When you press it, it releases the blade and you just have to remove it. To put the new blade in place, press the button again, insert the blade, and release.

On other models, it may be a switch that you push to the right or left. In other cases, you insert a key at the saw head to unscrew the blade fastening system. A quarter turn is enough to remove it. After replacing it, you turn a quarter turn in the opposite direction to tighten the screw.

FAQ: reciprocating saw: how to choose?