Best Reciprocating Saws in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 18, 2024
When we need to cut wood, out of habit most of us still grab a hand saw using which requires quite a lot of effort and time spent. ...Read more
PROS

A blade can be installed with the cutting edge facing up, down, left or right, allowing users to cut in different positions.

CONS

A blade release clamp is on the right side of the shoe. This makes blade switching a bit longer.

OUR VERDICT

The DEWALT Reciprocating Saw has high productivity and shows superb results with any material, thrown at it. Without a doubt, this all-purpose cordless model will be a major asset for any handyman or construction worker.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Two-handed / Cordless

STROKE LENGTH

28.6 mm

SPEED

0 - 2950 SPM

POWER SOURCE

18V, 4 Ah (optional), 560-watt output

USABILITY

Pivoting adjustable shoe with an open top, 4-position blade clamp, Rubberised rear and left-hand grips

SAFETY

Electric brake, Lock-off switch

BLADE CLAMP

Lever-action keyless blade clamp

WEIGHT

2.7 kg

Warranty

1-year full warranty

PROS

The saw incorporates a stroke length of up to 32mm. It gives the user higher cutting efficiency. The crank mechanism, designed to minimise blade deflection, works wonders reducing vibration to the machine, making it less difficult to operate long-term and a lot more durable.

CONS

The tool is a little heavy (its weight adds up to 3.8 kilos with the battery). 

OUR VERDICT

The Makita DJR186Z is nothing short of a quality reciprocating saw. It does not disappoint in the speed and power departments. But, unlike most of its competition, the model's inventive construction makes it a far more accurate and efficient tool to wield.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Two-handed / Cordless

STROKE LENGTH

32 mm

SPEED

0 - 2800 SPM

POWER SOURCE

18V, 1.5 Ah or 3 Ah battery (optional), 450-watt output

USABILITY

A newly designed crank mechanism for higher efficiency, Rubberised handles

SAFETY

Electric brake, Lock-off switch

BLADE CLAMP

Lever-action keyless blade clamp

WEIGHT

3.5 - 3.8 kg (depends on the battery)

Warranty

1 year (2 more years for product registration)

PROS

Foregrip design is very convenient to handle the tool for making precise cuts.

CONS

No trigger lock.

OUR VERDICT

The Bosch PSA 700 E Multi Saw is easy to handle and can be a reliable solution for a wide scope of applications, including cutting through metal pipes or making holes in the boards. Well worth its price.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Two-handed / Corded

STROKE LENGTH

20 mm

SPEED

0 - 2700 SPM

POWER SOURCE

710 W

USABILITY

Adjustable shoe, Rubberised rear and left-hand grips

SAFETY

Class II construction

BLADE CLAMP

Bosch SDS

WEIGHT

3 kg

Warranty

2 years + 3 extended

PROS

The handle can be rotated 90° to the right and to the left, thus, eliminating all inconveniences related to crosscutting and/or using the tool in awkward, tight spaces. 

CONS

Because the continuous button is placed quite near to your thumb, it's possible to switch it on by accident while using. 

OUR VERDICT

For those who aren't bothered with brand names, the TACKLIFE RPRS01A should be right up your alley. It's a powerful reciprocating saw that comes supplied with a 6T blade for wood and a 14T blade for metal cut, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. 

detailed parameters
TYPE

Two-handed / Corded

STROKE LENGTH

28 mm

SPEED

0-2800 SPM

POWER SOURCE

850 W

USABILITY

90° rotating handle, LED lights, Soft grip handle, Low vibration, Adjustable shoes

SAFETY

Lock button

BLADE CLAMP

Quick-change clamp

WEIGHT

3.4 kg

Warranty

2 years

PROS

Features battery overload and overheating protection.

CONS

Cutting depth is not adjustable.

OUR VERDICT

Owing to the compact size and sufficient performance characteristics that allow it to cut even through the metal, this Bosch Reciprocating Saw is a good option for both professional and home use.

detailed parameters
TYPE

Two-handed / Cordless

STROKE LENGTH

14.5 mm

SPEED

0 - 3000 SPM

POWER SOURCE

10.8V, 2 Ah (optional)

USABILITY

Integral LED light, Soft grip, Overload protection indicator

SAFETY

Lock-off switch

BLADE CLAMP

Bosch SDS

WEIGHT

1.2 kg

Warranty

3 years

Professional Approach

The DEWALT DCS380N tops our list for its remarkably great performance and thoughtful design that, without a doubt, will be appreciated by both newbies and pros alike. 

First of all, you can change the blade position with the cutting edge looking up, down left or right. This comes handy for carving at different angles in different places that would be otherwise hard or even impossible to reach like window frames or near the floor. The cutting depth limit is adjustable as well. To do this, simply press the button on the hand grip and pull the shoe in one of the 3 available positions. That way, you can quickly adapt the saw for various tasks in just a few seconds.

Speaking about the power supply, this is a cordless, battery-powered model. We've chosen a body-only variant because you can use 18V XR-series battery packs from any other portable DEWALT power tool with this saw as well. Otherwise, feel free to order one from Amazon too. Also, the body-only option is shipped without the blades. However, with the right one, this saw can tear through metal just as easy as through the thick wood boards with nails in them, not to mention plywood planks. 

Finally, this model comes with a 1-year full warranty that can be extended to 4 years after registering it online, which is also a nice bonus.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £115.80
Stock In stock
ASIN B006XBSX8G

Efficient Power Tool Through and Through

Makita and quality power tools are about as synonymous as Germany and boring people. Needless to say, Makita DJR186Z wasn't designed to be an exception to this rule.

For the most part, it doesn't differ that much from most reciprocating saws in its class. The cutting speed of up to 2,800 spm is way above average but also nothing we haven't seen before in other quality instruments.

Having said that, there aren't a whole lot of these saws that incorporate a stroke length of up to 32mm. And that's a real shame and an oversight on their part as it gives the user higher cutting efficiency.

Another not-so-little detail that separates the model from the majority of its competition is its brand-new inventive crank mechanism. Designed to minimise blade deflection, the mechanism works wonders reducing vibration to the machine, making it less difficult to operate long-term and a lot more durable.

Dubbed eXtreme Protection Technology or XPT for short, the model incorporates a particularly rugged housing that allows it to effortlessly withstand demanding outdoor applications or harsh environments. Among other things, it protects the power tool from dust and dripping water.

There's nothing particularly new and inventive about its tool-less blade change, an electronic brake, or a lock-off switch. But the handle is a slightly different story. Designed with an elastomer, it allows for comfortable and controlled operation. Plus, it fits the hand really well, even during those difficult cutting tasks like overhead applications or cutting with the saw upside down.

All in all, Makita DJR186Z is nothing short of a quality reciprocating saw. It does not disappoint in the speed and power departments. But, unlike most of its competition, the model's inventive construction makes it a far more accurate and efficient tool to wield.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £83.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B01H5TAXFU

Roaring Might

The Bosch PSA 700 E is an ultimate reciprocating saw with lots of positive feedbacks from happy owners. This is a corded model that is exceptionally easy to handle. It features a special SDS technology for tool-less blade change that can be done without taking gloves off.

The saw is designed to be held conveniently with both hands and features rubberised grips with protectors near the edges. Thanks to them, it's possible to make accurate incisions with the saw in artful wood carving.

What's more, the package includes a multi-purpose blade, capable of cutting through both wood and soft metals, so it can come in handy for tackling various DIY projects.  

If your job task requires cutting up to 150-mm boards or 10-mm metal pipes, the Bosch PSA 700 E is an ideal choice. It's worth mentioning, though, that most of the reciprocating saws, including this one, are not too quiet. Thus, we urge you to get a pair of ear protectors and thick gloves for working with it.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £68.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00BLMHD5Q

Best for DYIers

Not everyone needs an expensive tool for DIY work. Besides, not all tools that are not expensive are lacking performance. One such proof is the RPRS01A reciprocating saw from Tacklife. This tool strikes a perfect balance between decent quality, great performance, and affordability, making it a great alternative to all those users who aren't bothered with brand names and are looking to buy a saw that won't break a bank.

To kick things off, let's start with the performance. The model's equipped with a powerful 850W motor that is capable of reaching 2800 spm oscillation speed. This, together with the oscillation length of 28 mm, allows the tool to effortlessly cut through up to 180mm of wood and up to 10 mm of soft metals. For a reciprocating in its class, these numbers are pretty amazing.

Also of note is a blade clamp system. In addition to being compatible with a wide variety of blade brands besides Tacklife, it is tool-less, meaning you'll never have problems with finding replacement blades for it when the original ones wear out and it'll be easy and quick to change them, unlike with some other models.

However, the standout feature of the tool, which's rarely found in other recip saws, is its rotatable handle. It can be rotated 180 degrees, allowing you to pivot the front section of the tool so that you can find the best position for crosscutting and/or handling the saw in tight spaces. Combined with the adjustable shoe, it makes it miles easier to obtain professional-quality cuts while also making it suitable for tackling different jobs. Not all recip saws are so versatile.

Speaking of negatives, the RPRS01A doesn't have many. One is that it's quite heavy, weighing 4.25 kg, although the same can be said about most reciprocating saws. And two, we don't like its lock-on button design, that is how closely it's placed to the thumb - its vicinity to the fingers makes it easy to mistakenly press it during use, especially for left-handers. In the grand scheme of things, it is a minor problem, of course, but we'd certainly love to see it improved.

In the end, though not completely without flaws, the advantages of the RPRS01A definitely outweigh its disadvantages, making it a sound choice for DIYers looking for a powerful and universal tool at an affordable price.

Last updated price £52.99
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B075WTWL57

Pocket-Sized Saw

The Bosch GSA108VLIN Reciprocating Saw is a one-handed model with a marvellous compact design. For starters, it's incredibly small and looks almost like a toy gun. Its rubberised pistol grip conveniently lies in a hand. At the staggering, for its size, 3000 SPM rate and 14.5-mm stroke length, it's capable of processing up to 65-mm thick wood boards. With the right blade, it can also cut through metal pipes. Owing to the compact dimensions, it's way easier to reach into a tight spot to cut off a specific tree branch or hard-to-reach pipe, compared to any two-handed model. It also has an LED light coming out at the front that helps in dark places as well.

With short blades, 1 battery charge is enough for about 1 hour of continuous use. The longer blades may cause stress on the motor and, thus, are not recommended. Anyhow, don't let the small size deceive you - the saw can be pretty noisy. Therefore, wear hearing protection and safety eyeglasses because the blade shoe faced upward increases the risk of getting sawdust fly right into your face. However, such inconvenience is non-threatening if the tool is used cautiously. As a result, this device can be equally useful for all professions engaged in minor cutting jobs.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £75.45
Stock In stock
ASIN B004XCAIJO

What Is a Reciprocating Saw?

More likely than not, each of us has ever had the need to cut a pipe or make a hole. You might have tried to use a conventional saw, but the better option would be to grab a reciprocating saw. It operates similar to most other saws, yet, it’s smaller in size and more manoeuvrable. Its compact design and light weight allow for easy access to confined places where the other saws wouldn’t ever get to. Reciprocating saws are also safer. Combined with various saw tools, they ideally cut through different material. The reciprocating saw is often used for mounting/demounting windows and doors, replacing utility pipes, drilling holes in walls and wood. A reciprocating saw can become a great assistant for builders, carpenters, and those who constantly make repairs or rearrangements.

If you are looking for a tool to cut the plane surfaces, you may take an interest in circular saws to cut straightly and jig saws to cut the curves.

What Features to Compare

If you need to choose the best reciprocating to suit your needs, you should pay attention to several important criteria.

Type

A few types of reciprocating saws are available on the market nowadays. When choosing a reciprocating saw, you should consider the type and design as saws are designed for gripping with one or two hands. If you need to cut curves or make minor repairs, you should consider one-handed models. They are very lightweight and simple, and their compact size allows for easy storing in the toolboxes. But, if you have a lot of work to do, it is better to choose a high-power model designed for both hands. This tool will allow you to cut through any materials and work continuously. Reciprocating saws may also be corded and cordless. Corded reciprocating saws are usually equipped with electric engines and are more powerful than cordless models fitted with batteries. The corded saws can be used for a considerable time since they are powered by electricity. On the contrary, the cordless models are becoming increasingly popular due to their manoeuvrability, a relatively long battery life, and quick charging time. Besides, when several batteries used, it's quite possible to work all day long.

Performance

Performance of reciprocating saws depends on several features. The power of a reciprocating saw plays an important role as it affects functionality and cutting time. As regards the cordless models, you need to consider the battery voltage and capacity. The higher the voltage is, the higher the performance is. A high battery capacity will provide long work on a single charge. The speed is another parameter significant for the performance. The more cutting strokes per minute the blade makes, the tougher materials it's able to cut through. Furthermore, the speed also affects the cutting time. Besides, you should pay attention to the speed adjustability as different materials require different speeds. The stroke length of a reciprocating saw determines its purpose. The longer this length is, the longer blade can be used and, hence, the thicker things you can cut. If you are going to cut support beams, metal channels, and thick door posts, it’s better to pick the model with the stroke length over 1". However, the stroke length below 1" will be suitable for cutting broads and thin branches of trees.

Safety and Usability

Safety and usability of a reciprocating saw are also the factors of no smaller account. The double insulation of the current-carrying leads reduces the risk of electric shock and extends the service life of a saw. In addition, this feature allows you to plug a saw in an ungrounded power socket and, as a result, you may work outdoors as long as you wish. If you are keen on safety, you will be pleased to know that saws are fitted with trigger locks that don't let them start without you wanting it. As for the usability, here you should consider the mechanism of automatic blade replacement. This feature will greatly facilitate replacement of the blades. Moreover, the blade position adjustment will let you work in hard-to-reach places. Another beneficial feature - an adjustable shoe provides comfort when you deal with curved surfaces. The anti-vibration mechanism reduces the strain on your hands and rubberized handles provide a reliable grip. Regarding modern technologies, LED lighting will illuminate the cutting line so as you see this line clearly and cut more precisely. Finally, you shouldn't charge off personal protective equipment.

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