Top 5 Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw ( 2024 Guide)

Looking for the best cordless reciprocating saw?

Awesome – you are in the right place!

In this ToolsGaloreHQ.com guide you will learn

  • What to look out for before purchasing
  • Things to really avoid
  • My Overall #1 Pick
  • And So Much More!
best cordless reciprocating saw
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DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw
  • Very compact 12.5 inches from front to back
  • Efficient brushless motor
  • Pivot shoes for greater sawing control
  • Very compact 12.5 inches from front to back
  • Efficient brushless motor
  • Pivot shoes for greater sawing control
View on Amazon
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SKIL PWRCore 20 Brushless 20V Reciprocating Saw
  • Quick charge within 5 minutes
  • Powerful and efficient brushless motor
  • PWR CORE lithium battery technology
  • Quick charge within 5 minutes
  • Powerful and efficient brushless motor
  • PWR CORE lithium battery technology
View on Amazon
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BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw
  • Pivot shoes for close control
  • Tool free blade change
  • Electrical break for extra safety
  • Pivot shoes for close control
  • Tool free blade change
  • Electrical break for extra safety
View on Amazon
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MILWAUKEE'S 2621-20 M18 Cordless Reciprocating Saw
  • Quick lock tool free blade clamp
  • Strudy and rugged metal construction for internal components
  • Counter balance mechanism reduces vibrations
  • Quick lock tool free blade clamp
  • Strudy and rugged metal construction for internal components
  • Counter balance mechanism reduces vibrations
View on Amazon
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CRAFTSMAN V20 Reciprocating Saw Cordless Kit
  • 1-inch stroke length
  • Variable speed trigger up to 3000 RPM
  • Tool free blade release
  • 1-inch stroke length
  • Variable speed trigger up to 3000 RPM
  • Tool free blade release
View on Amazon

Overall #1 Rated Pick

Updated On September 13, 2024

De walt reciprocating saw

DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw

The DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX is one oft he best cordless reciprocating saws on the market. Technically it is a marvel coming in at a very compact 12.5 inches from the front to the back.

What I really like about this power tool, is it’s ergonomic design. It has a variable speed trigger which allows for precise speed control and the rubberized handle allows for comfortable handling.

There is a bright LED light which is great for providing visibility in hard to see spaces.

My favourite thing about this specific reciprocating saw however is the pivoting shoe. This helps provide a larger surface area of contact points making the entire sawing experience easier overall.

One thing about this saw however that could be improved is the stroke length. Many purchasers have noted that if it could be increased by about 1/8 inches, it would made a huge difference in speed and lower overall vibrations.

With that being said however, it is a very powerful tools with a brushless motor for improved efficiency and a strokes/minute from 0 – 2800 SPM.

It has a tool free easy release functionality for the blade coupled with a tool weight of 3.13 lbs. making this cordless reciprocating saw a real gem.

Also, typical of what you would expect from a DEWALT tool you get a great warranty: 3 year limited warranty, 1 year free serve and 90 days of money back guaranteed.

If you are in the market for a high quality cordless reciprocating saw, you cannot go wrong with the DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX.

Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Quick Summary)

Need to rush out? Not a problem, I completely get that not everyone wants to read long blog posts about cordless reciprocating saws. So I have summarized the top options below.

  1. DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw
  2. SKIL PWRCore 20 Brushless 20V Reciprocating Saw
  3. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw
  4. MILWAUKEE'S 2621-20 M18 Cordless Reciprocating Saw
  5. CRAFTSMAN V20 Reciprocating Saw Cordless Kit

If you do however want more detailed information, please keep reading. I have catered for you as well.

Why This Guide For Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw

We all know that a great cordless reciprocating saw that can cut through wood, prune branches, help with frames or cut through plumbing and PVC in construction works is a great addition to any tool box.

However a quick and thorough search on the various search engines can often leave one very confused as to which one is the best for their application.

Trust me, I know this frustration all to well, and hence why I created this guide. The aim of this post is to assist you in making your purchasing decision easier.

I have done a deep dive into technical manuals, product datasheets and online reviews to separate the good from the bad and ugly so that you don’t have to yourself.

Furthermore, I keep this guide constantly updated to ensure that you are getting only the best.

Read More:>>> Learn how to sharpen circular saw blade

What Are The Important Considerations For Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw

There are a couple f features you should most definitely look out for when trying to purchase a cordless reciprocating saw. See them below.

Weight and dimension

When using a cordless reciprocating saw, it will often serve as a handheld tool. So it is very important that you choose one that has a great combination of overall weight and dimensions.

In my experience, what I have seen is a good weight range is typically within about 3 to 7.5 pounds. Some are slightly heavier, which is not too much of a train smash, especially if this weight is due to a more powerful motor.

In selecting the best cordless reciprocating saws, I tried to ensure that weight was a key selection criteria. So rest assured – all the tools in this guide have been selected with this in mind. If you do however choose to purchase elsewhere, be sure to check the overall weight and product dimensions before committing your hand earned cash.

reciprocating saw

Technical Features

Pivoting shoe

Many of the great options allow for a pivoting shoe, this additional feature works wonders as it allows you to have multiple touch points as you are sawing into your material. These multiple touch points serve the purpose of increasing the surface area of the sawing operation in turn reducing the overall vibrations caused by the reciprocating saw.

It also makes the tool that much more easier and more comfortable to use as a whole. 

Variable Speed Trigger

This mechanism is found in a number of power tools such as drills as well. This feature helps you control the saws per minute with a lot of precision. All the tools in this guide have this feature

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Efficient Motor

Most cordless reciprocating saws use a combination of what I would term brushless motor with digital circuitry that allows for effective battery usage and smooth operation. Look for saws in the range of 12 – 20V.

The higher the voltage, as you can image to more powerful the tool becomes.

Tools Free Interchangeable blade

Another key critical factor is to ensure that you choose a cordless reciprocating saw that has a mechanism to interchange blades that is completely tools free. You do not want to have this hassle.

All the options in this guide have been chosen to include a tools free interchangeable blade. However as stated previously, If you purchase through other channels, please ensure that you check for this feature.

It will save you so much in time and productivity as a whole. You cannot believe how many cordless reciprocating saws I came across in preparation for this guide that were fantastic tools, however they lacked this simple but necessary feature.

What To Avoid When Buying The Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Brand new manufacturer

This goes without saying in general for all power tools. Not to say that new entrants in the market are bad in anyways – however always be sure to check the ability of the original equipment manufacturers to fulfill their warranties.

New entrants are generally untested, and a tool such as a cordless reciprocating saw is an established power tool that has been around for many years.

My view (and as always you are free to have your own), avoid brand new entrants until they have proven, through reviews etc that their product is good enough for market.

Limited ergonomic features

At the minimum, you should have a rubberized handle, variable speed trigger and LED lights for working in poorly lit areas.

Avoid purchasing tools that do not have your comfort at the core of the product design.

It goes without saying but all the tools below have great ergonomic features.

Read More:>>> Find quality band saws worth considering

Deep Dive Review of the Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Option #1: DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw

Specification

Value

Weight

3.7 pounds

Number of Teeth

24

Voltage

20 V

Warranty Period

3 year limited warranty, 1 year service free, 90 day money back guarantee

Unique Feature

pivoting shoe

Pros

  • 37% lighter than previous model
  • LED to light up dark spaces
  • Tool free blade release – making it simple to use
  • Strokes/min of between 0 – 2800 SPM
  • Includes good accessories like a belt hook

Cons

  • Great tool, however there is a large consensus that it would be even better if the stroke was increased by at least a 1/8’’ of an inch. This would allow for much quicker cutting and reduce vibration even further

Option #2: SKIL PWRCore 20 Brushless 20V Reciprocating Saw

Specification

Value

Weight

9.85 pounds

Number of Teeth

24 

Voltage

20 V

Warranty Period

5 year limited product warranty

Unique Feature

PWR CORE battery wraps cells in cooling material allowing for 25% longer charge time and up to 2X increased battery life

Pros

  • Longer running time and battery life
  • Efficient digital brushless motor
  • PWR CORE Lithium battery technology
  • Quick charging
  • Versatile including standard wood cutting blade

Cons

  • It is a bit on the heavier side

More Info

The SKIL PWRCore 20 Brushless Saw is another one of the great options available to you when searching for a cordless reciprocating saw.

It has one of the industry leading patented lithium ion battery technologies in the PWR CORE 20™. This allows for powering up to 25% longer run times and it furthermore increases the battery life by up to 2 times.

The digital brushless motor allows for efficient, and high performance power.

This tools is design very ergonomically overall. It has a tools free blade change, and adjustable pivot shoe and dual LED lights for working in tight areas.

What I really like about this cordless reciprocating saw is the design incorporates a counter balance gear box, which greatly minimizes the effects of vibration.

The orbital action further allows for allows for faster and more aggressive cutting. The integrated hook caps off the ergonomic features.

This tool however is a bit on the heavier end, and many purchases have noted this as a point of discomfort.

With that being said however,  the 5 year limited warranty is one of the best in the industry when considering cordless reciprocating saws.

In you are in the market for an industry leading ergonomically designed tool, with fantastic battery life, you cannot go wrong with the SKIL PWRCore 20 Brushless Saw.

Option #3: BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Specification

Value

Weight

4.5 pounds

Number of Teeth

24

Voltage

20 V

Warranty Period

 2 year limited warranty

Unique Feature

Electric brake functionality for additional safety

Pros

  • Variable seed trigger
  • Tool free quick change blade
  • Ergonomic lightweight design
  • Pivoting shoe provides great control
  • Compact design coming in at 15 x 3 x 7 inches

Cons

  • Vibration can be a bit excessive

More Info

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw is a great budget option for those who only ever need the tool every now and then. It is perfect for your typical weekend warrior or DIYer.

It is ergonomically designed. Including a compact and lightweight body with dimensions of 15 x 3 x 7 inches.  Variable speed trigger, a quick and easy to use tools free blade change and a pivoting shoes to increase the contact area and make sawing that much easier.

One thing about this tool however is that it tends to vibrate a lot more than would be expected and many buyers have noted this as an area of improvement.

With that being said however,  Black & Decker are one of the leading manufacturers when it comes to power tools and they provide extensive product information and a 2 year warranty.

The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw is a really good value for money tool, best suited for occasional use by DIYers.

Option #4: MILWAUKEE'S 2621-20 M18 Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Specification

Value

Weight

7.09 pounds

Speed

0 - 3000 SPM

Voltage

18 V

Warranty Period

5 year limited product warranty

Unique Feature

QUIK-LOK patented technology for blade clamp

Pros

  • Stroke length of 1-1/8’’
  • Patented QUIK-LOK ® mechanism for blade clamp
  • Great operator and user manuals
  • Metal gearing and casing for increased durability
  • Good counterbalancing mechanism which reduces vibration improving control

Cons

  • It does not include the battery, which is a real downside. This must be purchased separately

More Info

The MILWAUKEE'S 2621-20 M18 Cordless Reciprocating Saw, is a great tool to consider for your tool box.

It is equipped with the QUIK LOK ® technology that allows for swift and simple interchanging of the blades. Furthermore the counter balance mechanism helps to ensure stability whilst sawing, greatly reducing vibrations.

This tool does not come with the M18 compatible battery however, and that is a bit of a downer given it’s impressive technical traits.

With that being said, it is still a quality tool, having a 0 – 3000 SPM and a stroke length of 1-1/8’’.

If you are in the market for a sturdy tool that can work in a multitude of different conditions then the MILWAUKEE 2621-20 M18 is one of the best cordless reciprocating saws on the market today.

Option #5: CRAFTSMAN V20 Reciprocating Saw Cordless Kit

Specification

Value

Weight

7.06 pounds

Number of Teeth

24

Voltage

20 V

Warranty Period

3 year limited warranty

Unique Feature

High performance 1 inch stroke length

Pros

  • Variable speed trigger up to 3000 RPM
  • Ergonomic design and lightweight at 4.4 lbs
  • Good and true for metal and wood cutting
  • Compact size of 14.5 inches for cutting in very tight spaces
  • Tool free blade release and pivoting shoe

Cons

  • The battery drains quite fast, so you might need two batteries to ensure you can use it comfortably

More Info

The CRAFTSMAN V20 Reciprocating Saw Cordless Kit, is a good option for the more serious DIYers.

It is build with a powerful 20 V battery, capable of providing ergonomic variable speed range from 0 – 3000 RPM’s. It furthermore has a tool free blade exchange and is capable of cutting wood and metal.

The compact size always for the tool to be used in very tight spaces.

One thing that is a bit bothersome about this tool is the rate of battery power consumption. You actually require 2 batteries to operate this reciprocating saw comfortably.

With that being said, this product comes with a 3 year product warranty and great user manual and product information.

The CRAFTSMAN V20 Saw is without a doubt one of the best cordless reciprocating saws on the market.


My Overall #1 Pick: DeWalt Atomic 20 V Max Reciprocating Saw

DeWalt cordless saw


All the cordless reciprocating saws within this guide are exceptional tools, however the DeWalt Atomic 20 V Max Reciprocating Saw is the best for me.

It includes a blade that has 24 teeth that can very easily be interchanged with tool-free. The pivoting shoe helps to provide additional contact points making the cutting operation more stable overall.

This tool also has an very efficient brushless motor and DeWalt has done an incredible job by reducing the weight by 37% from previous models.

Find this tool on Amazon over here.

Final Thoughts On The Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw

I hope this guide has really helped making your purchasing decision a whole lot easier. I had a lot of fun creating and crafting this guide. Purchasing the best cordless reciprocating saw requires you to be on the look out for a couple of key and critical items, beyond that it shouldn’t be too difficult.

Mogale Modisane, PrEng

Mogale Modisane, PrEng

Mogale is a professional engineer (PrEng). With experience working on large-scale Solar, Wind, and Hybrid Projects. He has been exposed to multiple tools throughout his career and has a keen interest in breaking down the often murky world of power tools, machines, and measurement equipment making them more accessible and understandable to everyone.

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Mogale Modisane, PrEng

Mogale Modisane, PrEng

Mogale is a professional engineer (PrEng). With experience working on large-scale Solar, Wind, and Hybrid Projects. He has been exposed to multiple tools throughout his career and has a keen interest in breaking down the often murky world of power tools, machines, and measurement equipment making them more accessible and understandable to everyone.

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