The 5 best reciprocating saws for professionals and DIYers

The best reciprocating saws go beyond the basics of the everyday homeowner's tool kit. 

They're very handy pieces of kit whether you're a professional or a serious DIYer looking to take a more serious role in the demolition stages when renovating a house. 

A reciprocating saw is, in essence, a blade that goes back and forth very quickly to cut materials. It can cut anything from wood and metal to plastic and brick. However, a reciprocating saw is very much a demolition tool, rather than a saw that provides the clean cuts required for second fix tasks. 

Here's our pick of the best reciprocating saws tight now to help you work out which model is best for you.

The best reciprocating saws available now

Ryobi's RRS18X-0 is an impressive reciprocating saw that feels solid and sturdy to use, and it features contoured handles to make you feel confident gripping it. In short, it's very easy to use, making it a great choice for beginners.

You can easily change the blade without needing additional tools by activating a lever behind the blade area. The saw is operated by pressing a trigger with the index finger and there is a trigger lock which can easily be engaged so that the tool does not accidentally get activated when not in use.

The tool is sold bare, but Ryobi's ONE+ range of cordless power tools are all compatible with the same batteries, so you may already have the batteries you need if you own other RYOBI tools. Our reviewer found that a 5Ah model battery lasted a full day of use from just a single charge.

Read our full Ryobi HP RRS18X-0 Cordless 18V Brushless Reciprocating Saw review

Makita's DJR186Z is probably the brand's most popular reciprocating saw, and for good reason. Though it's a mid-range tool, it's relatively budget-friendly, with the 'bare' saw starting from around £100. In relation to its cost, it outperforms cheaper, entry level saws by leaps and bounds. 

This cordless model can cut timber up to 255mm, while its tolerance for metal is up to 130mm. However, its shoe is fixed in one position, meaning the blade length cannot be adapted for different tasks. 

The blade is easy to change without requiring a tool, and the brush is also easy to access for when that requires replacing. 

You can either buy the bare tool if you own a Makita battery, or buy it with one 5Ah battery and a charger. 

If you're looking to upgrade on this model, opt for the Makita DJR187Z reciprocating saw instead, as it has a high performance brushless motor. 

Milwaukee's M18 BSX-0 is a tough and powerful reciprocating saw. It's perfect for easily cutting through the likes of thin pipes or errant nails and screws hidden in timber. 

While it can cut wood to a greater thickness than many other reciprocating saws, its tolerance for metals, especially steel, is on the lower side at 20mm.

A quick release blade change is a definite plus, as is the multi-position shoe, which helps this tool's versatility.

You can buy the bare tool or buy it with two 5Ah batteries and a charger.

The most eye-catching feature of Metabo's ASE18 LTX is its adjustable saw head, which can be rotated 180°, ensuring that the tool can be safely used overhead without an awkward positioning. 

While this saw is at the heavier end of the scale when it comes to cordless reciprocating saws, it's still lightweight enough for easy use. 

Blades can be changed quickly without needing tools, and the adjustable shoe works as a depth guide, helping to make cuts to more accurate depths where the work requires it. 

The tool is only available to buy on its own, but you can buy a 4Ah battery pack separately.

Bosch's GSA reciprocating saw has two speed settings, which is plenty for most uses of this type of tool. While reciprocating saws don't tend to have extra handles, this design has an ergonomic soft grip handle on the front, making it a comfortable tool to use. 

As well as an electric break to make it safer to use, this model has features that help to protect the motor and cells, ensuring it lasts a long time as well as not overheating as much during use. 

Like most cordless reciprocating saws, the Bosch GSA is sold bare, but it is compatible with the brand's cordless battery range. 

Which jobs is a reciprocating saw suitable for?

You’ll often see a reciprocating saw used at the beginning of a job, for rip out and demolition. Because of its heavy-duty nature, you won’t see it on second fix applications where you need fine cuts. 

A reciprocating saw is perfect for cutting out rafters and battens on roofs. Depending on the job, you can also use it for cutting plastics and metals, as well as wood. 

How to choose the best reciprocating saw

Corded vs. cordless

Corded reciprocating saws are cheaper, but because of the nature of a reciprocating saw, you’re more likely to use it moving around. The convenience of a cordless saw is worthwhile, otherwise you’ll find yourself tethered by the cord and relying on extension leads across the site.

Weight

Bear in mind a lot of the time you’ll use a reciprocating saw over head height, so it’s worth taking the tool's weight into account. Pick it up and have a play with it, to make sure it’s not too heavy. Cordless models will be lighter.

Blade changing

Consider how easy it is to change the blades. Quick release systems are much better than those that require tools, especially as saw blades can blunt quite easily. 

What accessories will I need?

Accessory wise, you need to pick the blade for the material you’re cutting. Fortunately, the material should be written on each blade, making it easy to select the right one. 

Stock up on blades as they do go quickly. In older houses, rafters are full of old nails and old timber is much better quality, grown slower and tougher to cut.

In terms of PPE, eye protection is important, and there are different types of googles and glasses. When cutting timber, dust and splinters can flick up so make sure your eyes are protected. This tool is a sharp blade going back and forth quickly so some strong gloves should also be worn when operating.

Cordless is a bit more expensive, as you’ll need to buy batteries separately if you don't already have them. Buy a minimum of two batteries — one on the go and one on charge. One battery will give you most of the day, depending on ampage. 

How we’re testing the best reciprocating saws

There's a lot to consider when buying one of the best reciprocating saws, and the Homebuilding & Renovating team is getting hands-on experience with the products in this buying guide to help you feel confident in choosing the right tool for you. 

In our ongoing independent reviews, we are testing the cutting capacity and power to gauge each saw's efficacy, and assessing key factors including ease of use and value for money. 

Our team is passionate about DIY and home improvement (which probably won’t be a surprise) so we already have detailed knowledge about the brands that make these reciprocating saws. 

Moreover, we have taken into account user reviews when compiling this buying guide, and gleaned key information from our sister sites such as Real Homes and Ideal Home to help you find the best tool for your home.

Still intrigued by our testing process? Find out more about how we test on our page. Here are a few of our Homebuilding & Renovating tools testers:

David Hilton

David is a renewables and ventilation installer with over 30 years of experience, who is passionate about testing new tools. He has reviewed the Ryobi HP RRS18X-0 Cordless 18V Brushless Reciprocating Saw for Homebuilding & Renovating.