Reciprocating-Saw Showdown

Reciprocating saws (the Sawzall is a popular model) are well known for their ability to cut through just about anything and still beg for more work. Whether you need a reciprocating saw with lots of power or a model that's light enough to lug onto a roof, contributing editors Rick Arnold and Mike Guertin help you pick the best saw for any job. The new-generation ''cip saws feature some innovative improvements. Our experts rate each saw's cutting performance, handling, speed control, trigger action, blade changing, shoe adjustments, blade sightlines, and maneuverability. There's also a sidebar on cordless reciprocating saws.

Product Finder: Tools in this Article

(2 user reviews) Ridgid - R3000 Reciprocating Saw
This reciprocating saw from Ridgid is lightweight and has decent speed/trigger control and a comfortable handgrip

(1 user review) DeWalt - DW304PK Reciprocating Saw
This reciprocating saw from DeWalt offers the choice of mounting the blade at 90 degrees for flush-cut applications

Hitachi - CR13VA Reciprocating Saw
This reciprocating saw from Hitachi has a thumbwheel speed selector and a variable-speed trigger

Porter-Cable - 9747 Reciprocating Saw
This reciprocating saw from Porter-Cable has a convenient rotating handle and five detents.

(2 user reviews) Bosch - RS20 Reciprocating Saw
This reciprocating saw from Bosch features LED lights that shine out of the nose

Craftsman - 28640 Reciprocating Saw
This reciprocating saw from Craftsman can articulate, making possible cuts in confined, hard-to-reach places that are roadblocks for other saws

(1 user review) Porter-Cable - 9750 Reciprocating Saw
This reciprocating saw from Porter-Cable can articulate, making possible cuts in confined, hard-to-reach places that are roadblocks for other saws.

Hilti - WSR 1250-PE Reciprocating Saw
This reciprocating saw from Hilti features excellent speed control and trigger action

Milwaukee - 6519-22 Reciprocating Saw
This reciprocating saw from Milwaukee features good sightlines and easy-to-operate foot adjustment

Milwaukee - 6523-21 Reciprocating Saw
An aggressive cutter, this reciprocating saw from Milwaukee has a handle that can rotate 360 degrees

Makita - JR3050T Reciprocating Saw
Blade changes on this low-priced reciprocating saw from Makita can be done with one hand

Makita - JR3070CT Reciprocating Saw
This smooth-running reciprocating saw from Makita features four operating modes from straight to orbital blade action