Best Reciprocating Saws 2025: Top 5 for Demolition & Remodeling
**Quick Answer:** The **Milwaukee 2821-20 M18 FUEL SAWZALL** is the most powerful reciprocating saw we’ve ever tested, while the **DeWalt DCS367B** offers the best one-handed operation for tight spaces.
Our Top Picks
1. Milwaukee 2821-20 M18 FUEL SAWZALL – Best Overall
The Milwaukee FUEL SAWZALL is an absolute beast. With a 1-1/4″ stroke length and up to 3,000 SPM, it tore through our test materials faster than any other cordless recip saw.
**Pros:**
- Unmatched cutting power
- – QUIK-LOK blade clamp
- – Excellent vibration control
- – LED light for visibility
**Cons:**
- Heavy (9.2 lbs with battery)
- – Premium price point
2. DeWalt DCS367B 20V MAX XR – Best Compact
For remodeling work in tight spaces, the DeWalt DCS367B’s compact design shines. It’s nearly 2″ shorter than competitors while maintaining impressive cutting power.
**Key Specifications:**
- Stroke Length: 1-1/8 inches
- – Strokes Per Minute: 0-2,900 SPM
- – Weight: 5.0 lbs (tool only)
- – Battery: 20V MAX (not included)
- – Blade Change: Keyless lever-action
**Pros:**
- Compact design for tight spaces
- – Lightweight at only 5 lbs
- – Variable speed trigger with lock
- – LED light illuminates work area
- – Compatible with all DeWalt 20V MAX batteries
**Cons:**
- Battery and charger sold separately
- – Slightly slower SPM than competitors
- – Lower stroke length than full-size models
**Pros:**
- /b
- – Excellent one-handed operation
- – Variable speed trigger
- – LED work light
**Cons:**
- Less power than full-size models
- – Battery sold separately
3. Makita XRJ05Z 18V LXT – Best Battery Life
Makita’s XRJ05Z delivered impressive 38 minutes of continuous cutting on a single 5.0Ah battery, outlasting all cordless competitors.
**Key Specifications:**
- Stroke Length: 1-1/4 inches
- – Strokes Per Minute: 0-3,000 SPM
- – Weight: 8.4 lbs (with battery)
- – Battery: 18V LXT (not included)
- – Blade Change: Tool-less blade change
**Pros:**
- Best-in-class battery efficiency
- – Brushless motor for extended life
- – Star Protection Computer Controls
- – Soft-start feature reduces startup jerk
- – Dual LED lights for visibility
**Cons:**
- Heavier than competitors
- – Battery sold separately
- – Premium price point
**Pros:**
- Excellent runtime
- – Tool-less blade change
- – Low vibration
- – Quiet operation
**Cons:**
- Less aggressive than Milwaukee
- – Battery not included
4. DEWALT DWE305 12-Amp – Best Corded Value
For unlimited runtime and consistent power, the corded DEWALT DWE305 offers professional performance at a mid-range price.
**Key Specifications:**
- Motor: 12-Amp
- – Stroke Length: 1-1/8 inches
- – Strokes Per Minute: 0-2,900 SPM
- – Weight: 7.8 lbs
- – Power Source: Corded (120V)
- – Blade Change: Keyless lever-action
**Pros:**
- Unlimited runtime (corded)
- – Consistent power output
- – Affordable price point
- – 4-position blade clamp
- – Variable speed trigger
**Cons:**
- Requires power outlet
- – Less portable than cordless
- – Cord can be cumbersome in tight spaces
**Pros:**
- Unlimited runtime
- – 12-amp motor
- – 1-1/8″ stroke length
- – 4-position blade clamp
**Cons:**
- Cord limits mobility
- – Heavier than cordless options
5. BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C – Best Budget Cordless
The BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C proves you don’t need to spend big for occasional demolition work. The 20V platform handles light to medium cutting tasks.
**Key Specifications:**
- Stroke Length: 7/8 inches
- – Strokes Per Minute: 0-3,000 SPM
- – Weight: 4.1 lbs (with battery)
- – Battery: 20V MAX (included)
- – Blade Change: Tool-free blade change
**Pros:**
- Most affordable cordless option
- – Battery and charger included
- – Lightweight design
- – Good for DIY homeowners
- – Tool-free blade changes
**Cons:**
- Lower power than professional models
- – Shorter stroke length
- – Not ideal for heavy demolition
**Pros:**
- Affordable price
- – Battery and charger included
- – Lightweight design
- – Tool-free blade change
**Cons:**
- Limited power
- – Shorter stroke length
Reciprocating Saw Safety Tips
Recip saws are powerful and demand respect:
- **Secure your workpiece** – Never cut unsupported material
- 2. **Let the saw do the work** – Forcing causes blade breaks
- 3. **Watch for hidden hazards** – Pipes, wires, and nails hide in walls
- 4. **Wear proper PPE** – Safety glasses, hearing protection, and gloves
- 5. **Choose the right blade** – Wrong blade = poor cuts and danger
How We Tested
Each reciprocating saw faced our comprehensive test battery:
- **Wood cutting:** 100 cuts through 2×4 lumber (measuring speed and consistency)
- – **Nail-embedded wood:** 25 cuts through pallet wood with nails
- – **Metal pipe:** 10 cuts through 1″ steel pipe
- – **Vibration:** Accelerometer readings during extended operation
- – **Runtime:** Continuous cutting until battery depletion
FAQ
**What blade should I use for demolition?**
A bi-metal blade with 10-14 TPI handles most demolition. For nail-embedded wood, choose a carbide-tipped blade.
**Cordless or corded for demolition?**
Cordless offers mobility essential for demo work. Corded provides unlimited runtime for major projects.
**How long do recip saw blades last?**
Quality blades last 50-100 cuts in wood. Metal and nail-embedded wood dramatically reduce blade life.
The Bottom Line
For serious demolition and remodeling, the **Milwaukee 2821-20** is worth every penny. The **DeWalt DCS367B** excels in tight quarters, while budget-conscious buyers should consider the **BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C** for occasional use.
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