Today, we’re diving into one of the most versatile tools in your arsenal: the reciprocating saw, or as many of us know it—Sawzall! If you’ve been around the trade world for any time, you’ve probably heard of the term “Sawzall,” which is actually a trademark of Milwaukee, who introduced the first version of the tool back in 1951. Over time, the name has become synonymous with any reciprocating saw, but don’t worry, we’re here to dive deeper into why this tool is so essential, its evolution, and the different models available today.

Milwaukee’s Revolutionary Sawzall

When Milwaukee first introduced the Sawzall in 1951, it was a game-changer for trade professionals. The tool worked by moving the blade back and forth, providing an electric alternative to the manual hacksaw. Fast forward to 1982, when Black & Decker introduced orbital action to jigsaws. This innovation was soon adopted by reciprocating saws, further improving the Sawzall’s performance. Today, the reciprocating saw continues to be a must-have for demolition, rough cuts, and more.

If you’ve ever done any demolition work, tackled a rough cut, or needed to make an aggressive chop, the reciprocating saw is your tool of choice. It’s not built for fine, precision cuts (you’ll leave those to tools like table saws or jigsaws), but it excels in rough cuts. With a little practice, you’ll be able to make straight and accurate cuts. Whether you’re tearing down walls, cutting through metal pipes, or even working with old furniture, a recip saw is a powerhouse that gets the job done.

Understanding Recip Saw Power: What to Look For

When you’re shopping for a reciprocating saw, there are a few key specifications to keep in mind:

RPM (Revolutions Per Minute): This is a no-load measurement, meaning it indicates how fast the blade spins when not cutting material.

AMPS (for corded tools) and Volts (for cordless tools): These helps measure the power of the motor, but keep in mind that high amperage doesn’t always correlate with cutting power. Torque, however, is the more accurate measure of how much force the saw exerts on the material.

Stroke Length: This refers to how far the blade moves with each pass. A longer stroke means the saw can remove more material with each cut, making it ideal for tougher jobs.

In general, while RPMs and amps can give you a sense of speed and power, it’s important to look at the overall design and features to ensure you’re getting a tool that suits your needs.

Types of Reciprocating Saws

Reciprocating saws come in a variety of sizes, each suited for different tasks. Here are the three main types you’ll find on the market:

1. Compact Reciprocating Saws

Compact models are lightweight, portable, and great for one-handed use. These saws are ideal for tight spaces, like when you’re working in walls, crawl spaces, or any job requiring flexibility. They’re popular among HVAC professionals, plumbers, electricians, and landscapers. The power of these saws has increased significantly, especially with the rise of high-performance cordless models.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hackzall 2719-20: This compact powerhouse boasts a brushless motor, delivering top tier cutting performance and impressive runtime. It weighs just 6.0 lbs, making it easy to use with one hand without fatigue. The tool also has an exceptional power-to-weight ratio, making it incredibly effective in cramped spaces.

DeWalt Atomic 20V MAX Brushless Cordless One-Handed Reciprocating Saw DCS369B: At just 5.0 lbs, this saw offers speed and power in a compact package. It has a brushless motor for efficiency, up to 2,900 strokes per minute, and a tool-free blade change system. This saw is built for professionals looking for portability and power.

2. Standard Reciprocating Saws

These models are your full-sized saws, offering a balance between power and portability. Whether you need to cut through wood, metal, PVC, or do general demolition, these saws have the muscle to handle it.

Milwaukee Corded Sawzall 6509-31: With a 12-amp motor, this corded saw offers exceptional power for a variety of materials. It delivers up to 2,800 strokes per minute, has an adjustable speed dial, and comes with a counterbalance mechanism to reduce vibrations.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL SAWZALL Reciprocating Saw 2821-20: This cordless model runs on Milwaukee’s M18 battery platform, offering 3,000 strokes per minute, a long stroke length, and an ergonomic grip for added comfort. It’s ideal for larger jobs and those looking to go cordless.

DeWalt XR 20V Max Reciprocating Saw DCS384B: Offering 2,900 strokes per minute with a brushless motor, this saw provides an excellent power-to-weight ratio. Its tool-free blade changes system and LED light make it ideal for all-day tasks.

3. Demolition Saws

When it comes to serious cutting and heavy-duty demolition, these saws are built for the toughest jobs. They typically feature higher stroke lengths and more power, allowing you to tackle thick materials and tougher jobs without breaking a sweat.

Milwaukee Corded Super Sawzall 6538-21: This tool features a 15-amp motor and can handle the toughest cutting jobs. Whether you’re cutting through metal, wood, or stubborn concrete, this saw offers up to 3,000 strokes per minute for fast, efficient cuts. It’s built for tough jobs but still designed to reduce vibration and improve comfort.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL SUPER SAWZALL 2722-20: The cordless version of this powerhouse boasts a Powerstate brushless motor, offering cutting power equivalent to a corded saw. With up to 3,000 strokes per minute, it’s designed for tough materials without the tether of a cord.

DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Brushless Reciprocating Saw DCS389B: This saw packs a punch with a 60V brushless motor, delivering the power of a corded saw without the limitations of a cord. With up to 3,000 strokes per minute and a 1-1/4″ stroke length, it’s perfect for demolition work.

The Right Blade for the Job

The blade you choose for your reciprocating saw is just as important as the tool itself. Are you cutting wood? Go for a bi-metal blade or carbide for more durability. For pruning, tree-trimming blades are best. For metal, you’ll want to use a carbide blade, which is more durable and perfect for cutting through metal pipes or even cast iron. Carbide blades are the gold standard, especially for serious demo work. They last longer, perform better, and handle a range of materials from wood to metal with ease.

The reciprocating saw is an essential tool for any professional who needs to make quick, rough cuts. Whether you’re demolishing walls, trimming trees, or cutting through pipes, there’s a recip saw model designed to get the job done efficiently. Choose from compact, standard, or demolition models, and don’t forget that the right blade is crucial for maximizing your tool’s performance.

So, which Reciprocating Saw will you be picking up next? Don’t hesitate to reach out at cs@ohiopowertool.com or 614-481-2111 with any questions or concerns and be sure to follow us on all your favorite social media channels to stay in the know on all the latest announcements, deals, news, and more!