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10 Best Sawzall Reciprocating Saws 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Makita XRJ01Z-R 18V Cordless LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only) (Renewed)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,183
Power Source
Motor Power
Stroke Length

Most important from
84 reviews

Power Source
This saw stands out as the lightest, strongest, and most compact cordless reciprocating saw available, offering superior power and maneuverability compared to bulkier models.
Motor Power
The renewed version provides excellent value, especially for those who plan to use the tool heavily and appreciate the cost savings.
Stroke Length
Its lightweight and compact design make it ideal for tight spaces, though the shorter 1/2 inch stroke requires applying more pressure to cut effectively.
Weight and Ergonomics
This saw stands out as the lightest, strongest, and most compact cordless reciprocating saw available, offering superior power and maneuverability compared to bulkier models.

The Makita XRJ01Z-R is a cordless reciprocating saw powered by an 18V lithium-ion battery (battery sold separately), making it convenient for portable use without dealing with cords. It offers a motor power around 350 watts and delivers up to 3,000 strokes per minute with a 1/2 inch stroke length, which allows for efficient and fairly fast cutting through wood, metal, and plastic. One standout feature is its variable speed control, giving you flexibility to adjust cutting speed based on the material and task. The saw also uses a tool-less blade change system, making swapping blades quick and easy without extra tools, which is great for productivity on the job.

Weighing just 3.9 pounds with the battery, it is light and compact at just over 15 inches long, which helps reduce fatigue and allows for better handling in tight spaces. The ergonomic rubberized grip and dual-position on/off switch add to user comfort and control. Additionally, a built-in LED light helps illuminate your work area in low-light conditions. As a renewed (refurbished) tool with a 90-day warranty, it may not offer the long-term reliability of a new model. Also, since the battery is not included, you’ll need to own compatible Makita batteries or purchase them separately.

While it’s not the most powerful saw on the market, it is well suited for homeowners or professionals needing a lightweight, versatile saw for general cutting tasks rather than heavy demolition. Its brushless motor and protection features help extend tool life and prevent damage from overuse. This model provides a good balance between portability and performance for common cutting needs.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,183
Power Source
Motor Power
Stroke Length

Most important from
84 reviews

Power Source
This saw stands out as the lightest, strongest, and most compact cordless reciprocating saw available, offering superior power and maneuverability compared to bulkier models.
Motor Power
The renewed version provides excellent value, especially for those who plan to use the tool heavily and appreciate the cost savings.
Stroke Length
Its lightweight and compact design make it ideal for tight spaces, though the shorter 1/2 inch stroke requires applying more pressure to cut effectively.
Weight and Ergonomics
This saw stands out as the lightest, strongest, and most compact cordless reciprocating saw available, offering superior power and maneuverability compared to bulkier models.
#2

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw - No Charger, No Battery, Bare Tool Only

Rating
9.4
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
1354 reviews

Weight and Ergonomics
Outstanding quality and lightweight design make the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall a powerful and reliable choice.

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall is a strong contender in the category of cordless reciprocating saws, making it ideal for tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts alike. Its battery-powered design offers great flexibility, especially for jobs in various locations without easy access to power outlets. With a robust brushless motor, this tool provides efficient cutting with less wear and tear compared to traditional motors. The lever actuated blade clamp is a standout feature, allowing for quick and easy blade changes, which is a significant advantage during busy projects where time is of the essence.

One of its notable strengths is the built-in LED light that illuminates the cutting area, enhancing visibility in dimly lit spaces. At just 6.8 pounds, it's relatively lightweight for its class, which contributes to better ergonomics and ease of use during extended periods of operation. Additionally, the metal reinforced battery connection ensures better durability and longevity of the tool, which is a plus for frequent users.

It's worth noting that this is a bare tool, meaning it does not come with a battery or charger. This could be a drawback for users who do not already own Milwaukee's M18 battery system, as it requires an additional investment. While it excels in cutting metal, some users may find its performance less satisfactory on tougher materials, depending on the blade used. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall offers excellent power and convenience for those in the market for a reliable reciprocating saw, particularly in metalworking tasks. Just keep in mind the need for separate battery purchase if you're new to the Milwaukee system.

Rating
9.4
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
1354 reviews

Weight and Ergonomics
Outstanding quality and lightweight design make the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall a powerful and reliable choice.
#3

Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black,

Rating
9.4
Motor Power
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
6485 reviews

Motor Power
The brushless motor ensures long-lasting performance and impressive speed, making even the toughest jobs a breeze.
Weight and Ergonomics
One-handed operation adds convenience and versatility, especially in tight spaces.

The Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall is a robust battery-powered reciprocating saw that's ideal for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. One of its standout features is the POWERSTATE Brushless Motor, which enhances cutting speed and power, making it effective for tough materials, particularly metal. With a 7/8 inch stroke length, this saw removes more material per cut, allowing for faster work. The 1-handed design adds to its versatility, making it easier to control and maneuver in tight spaces compared to traditional two-handed models.

The REDLINK Plus Intelligence system is another impressive aspect, providing optimized performance and protecting against overloads. This advanced electronics system ensures that the tool works efficiently with the battery and charger, which is essential for consistent performance over time. Users appreciate the pivoting shoe feature, which maintains constant contact with the workpiece, resulting in smoother cuts with less vibration.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. The Milwaukee Hackzall is a bare tool, meaning you'll need to purchase the battery and charger separately, which can add to the cost. Additionally, while the tool is lightweight at around 3.96 pounds, some may find it less powerful compared to larger, more traditional reciprocating saws for heavy-duty jobs. Lastly, as with many battery-operated tools, the runtime will depend on the battery used, which could be a limitation for extensive projects without access to a spare.

Rating
9.4
Motor Power
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
6485 reviews

Motor Power
The brushless motor ensures long-lasting performance and impressive speed, making even the toughest jobs a breeze.
Weight and Ergonomics
One-handed operation adds convenience and versatility, especially in tight spaces.

Buying Guide for the Best Sawzall Reciprocating Saws

Choosing the right reciprocating saw, also known as a Sawzall, can make a significant difference in your cutting tasks. These versatile tools are used for a variety of applications, from demolition work to pruning trees. To find the best fit for your needs, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they impact performance. By considering these factors, you can ensure that you select a saw that meets your specific requirements and provides the best value for your work.
Power SourceReciprocating saws can be powered by electricity (corded) or batteries (cordless). Corded saws offer continuous power and are ideal for heavy-duty tasks where you don't want to worry about battery life. Cordless saws provide greater mobility and are convenient for outdoor or remote work where access to power outlets is limited. Choose a corded saw for extended use and demanding jobs, and a cordless saw for flexibility and ease of movement.
Motor PowerMotor power is measured in amps for corded saws and volts for cordless saws. Higher amp or volt ratings indicate more powerful motors, which can handle tougher materials and more demanding tasks. For light to medium-duty work, a saw with 7-10 amps or 18-20 volts is usually sufficient. For heavy-duty applications, look for saws with 11-15 amps or 20-60 volts. Consider the types of materials you'll be cutting and the frequency of use to determine the appropriate motor power for your needs.
Stroke LengthStroke length refers to the distance the blade travels in one complete movement. Longer stroke lengths (1-1/8 to 1-1/4 inches) allow for faster cutting and are better suited for heavy-duty tasks. Shorter stroke lengths (3/4 to 1 inch) provide more control and precision, making them ideal for detailed work or cutting in tight spaces. Choose a longer stroke length for speed and efficiency in demolition or rough cuts, and a shorter stroke length for precision and control in more delicate tasks.
Strokes Per Minute (SPM)Strokes per minute (SPM) measures how many times the blade moves back and forth in a minute. Higher SPM rates result in faster cutting speeds. Most reciprocating saws offer variable speed settings, allowing you to adjust the SPM based on the material and task. For general use, an SPM range of 0-3,000 is common. Higher SPM is beneficial for cutting through softer materials quickly, while lower SPM provides better control for harder materials. Consider the types of materials you'll be working with and choose a saw with an appropriate SPM range.
Blade Change MechanismThe blade change mechanism determines how easily you can swap out blades. Tool-less blade change systems are the most convenient, allowing you to change blades quickly without the need for additional tools. This feature is especially useful when you need to switch between different types of blades frequently. Look for a saw with a reliable and easy-to-use blade change mechanism to save time and effort during your projects.
Weight and ErgonomicsThe weight and ergonomics of a reciprocating saw affect its ease of use and comfort during extended periods of operation. Lighter saws (5-8 pounds) are easier to handle and reduce fatigue, making them suitable for overhead or prolonged use. Heavier saws (8-12 pounds) may offer more stability and control for heavy-duty tasks. Additionally, ergonomic features such as cushioned grips and balanced designs enhance comfort and reduce strain. Consider the duration and type of work you'll be doing to choose a saw with the right weight and ergonomic features for you.

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