The Best Sawzall For the Money

Finding the best sawzall for the money can be tricky as there are lots of variables.  One thing I know for sure and that as a carpenter by trade, a sawzall is a tool I use a lot – so it’s important to pick a good one.

Just like table saws, miter saws, and circular saws, sawzalls are another tool for cutting through a push and pull reciprocating motion of a blade.  The best sawzall’s though double as a chainsaw, circular saw, a jigsaw and handsaw as it has the capabilities of each of these saws in one, handy power tool.

So what are the best sawzall’s for the money?  Below we have reviewed our top 5 products and drafted up a question and answer guide on the sawzall basics to help those just getting started.

**Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, with no additional cost to you, I can earn from qualifying purchases.

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Our Top 5 Best Sawzalls for the Money Compared

Sawzall Question and Answer Guide

Is a sawzall the same as a reciprocating saw?

Yes.  A sawzall is essentially the slang term or nickname (trademarked by the Milwaukee Tool Company) for a reciprocating saw.

What is a sawzall?

A sawzall is a machine-powered saw in which the cutting action is achieved through a push-and-pull (“reciprocating”) motion of the blade.  It is one of the largest handheld power tools you’ll ever use (and it has many uses).

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What are sawzall’s commonly used for?

Sawzall’s are quite diverse and can do everything from cutting nails and screws to cutting interior holes or cutouts in plywood and drywall to serious demolition work and tree pruning.

The sawzall is great as it allows you to make cuts that you normally wouldn’t be able to make because of access or how the material is positioned. Great examples of this are cutting PVC pipe flush to the ground, or wedging the blade in tight spaces to cut material you can’t even see.

The Sawzall Blade

Sawzall blades are designed around their intended use and there are a lot of options available.  If you’re planning on cutting wood, metal or even a combination of materials,  you will surely find the best sawzall blade to get the job done.  Blades also vary in length options. Why? Well, the shorter blades will give the user more control while cutting through hard materials. Longer blades are more flexible but will vibrate and wobble all over the place when making simple cuts.  On the upside, the longer blades offer a ton of versatility allowing the user to fit into tight spaces to make those awkward cuts.

It is good to know which blade to choose for the right job.  For example, lets say you want to cut something flush with the ground, or cut the nails underneath a piece of 2×4 attached directly to the surface.   The best tool to accomplish this effectively is the sawzall using a longer blade.

Reciprocating Kits

Another thing to consider besides blade options are whether to buy a kit or just the bare tool.  For example, The Dewalt DCS380P1 reciprocating Saw Kit is a great example of a kit that includes the tool, battery, charger and a case. This option allows you to save money rather than buying a separate battery and charger later on down the track.  Of course, if you already have a compatible battery, then you may as well make the most of this.

So what are the best sawzalls for the money?

To make this decision, we had some certain preferences on our checklist. We preferred the ones with powerful and durable motors. Tools that are powerful still need to be controlled so we chose ones with less vibration. To ensure the best control, we chose the ones with less vibration as a steady application is clearly desirable. We also considered the weight carefully, as heavy sawzalls are difficult to handle (but a lightweight one might not be powerful enough)! Hence we opted for ones that offer the best of both worlds: power balanced with comfort.

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Other things considered were the construction of the material used, overall durability, and of course price. Lastly we always draw from our own personal experience and those of people in the industry we trust who actual use the sawzalls we list here to offer some personal insight.  We also comb through a ton of reviews, with a focus on positives and negatives to present a valid perspective on each product.  Below we have picked out our top 5 products for you to consider in your research for the right one for your needs.

DEWALT DCS387B 20-volt MAX Compact Reciprocating Saw (BareTool Only) – Top Pick

This is a great battery operated tool and gives you the flexibility to move from place to place without dragging any power leads around.

This tool is identical in functionality to the DCS380 reciprocating saw (corded saw), but the difference is the motor has been relocated to a diagonal position.

This sawzall cuts with ease and perfection. Its also great when needing to get into tight spots and will handle some demolition (though you would probably won’t a more heavy duty saw for more serious application).  It will not let you down with it’s performance.  The batteries seem to last quite sometime and it would be advisable to have back up batteries on rotation to keep you going through out the day.

  My impression so far is that this saw handles/performs just like the newer and more powerful DCS380, but it would be in your best interest to check the prices.  However, the DCS380P1 is a kit containing the battery and charger (so it’s a bit more expensive).  To check out the kit deal with the DCS380, click here.

The one in the video above and we checked out though is the DCS387.  This is similar in design to the DCS380 but the DCS387 is really designed to make cuts in confined spaces and fits between studs.  Definitely more for everyday application than heavier uses (we like the Makita reviewed below for serious demolition work).

The Dewalt DCS387B also has the LED light with delayed turn-off, it’s located just below the moving head of the tool to help guide your cut if the main lighting is poor.  Most of the Dewalt 20V tools have this feature, and you won’t live with out the LED light once you have it. So if you’re after a reliable, battery powered Dewalt sawzall, this little gem is certainly worth checking out.

To check the price of the DEWALT DCS387B 20-volt MAX Compact Reciprocating Saw, click here.

The Good:

• Compact and lightweight design
• fits between studs and allows users to make cuts in confined spaces
• 4-Position Blade Clamp allows for flush cutting
• 1-1/8″ stroke length delivers faster cutting speed
• Variable Speed Trigger with 0-2,900 spm
• Free Amazon tech support included

The Bad:

• Battery & Charger Sold Separately
• No blades provided
• Better for tight spots, every day use than heavy demolition work

PORTER-CABLE PC75TRS 7.5 Amp Reciprocating Saw – Low Budget Corded

At this price, I wouldn’t describe this sawzall as the best on the market, but do think it’s perfectly suitable for small to mid size jobs.  There are plenty of positive reviews out there endorsing it “the perfect light-use reciprocating saw for using around the house”  and it has “plenty of power to cut up everything in it’s path.”

If you are using this bad boy 5 days a week, it may not have the guts to do all of your much need grunt work.  You may want something around the 10 or 11 Amps instead.   But for sporadic jobs around the house, it works great.​  The only drawback we’ve noticed is that the blade is recessed quite a bit from the guide/arm that sticks out on the front.  This is a bit awkward when using a long blade.

It’s a reasonably heavy that’s well balanced with good grip and the tool-less blade change and the variable-speed trigger are nice features that are probably a bonus at this price point.

Overall, a very good buy if used for the proper tasks.

If you would like to check the price of the PORTER-CABLE PC75TRS 7.5 Amp Reciprocating Saw, click here.

The Good:

• Heavy-duty 7.5 Amp motor for effective cutting in a variety of applications
• Twist Lock Tool free blade change for quick and easy blade changes
• Variable-speed trigger maintains speed for multiple cutting tasks
• Pivoting shoe easily maneuvers around objects while cutting
• Soft grips rear handle and boot minimizes vibration for prolonged cutting

The Bad:

• Corded
• No orbital option

BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw with Battery and Charger – Budget Friendly and Cordless

This review was done by my dad who is retired and tends to use tools around the old family property.  He wrote;

“This is the only reciprocating saw I have ever purchased. I primarily bought it to reduce my labor around my property to prune and tend to my gardens but it is also great for demolition. I removed a dividing wall in my entertainment room. (Note: always make sure its not a load bearing wall and turn off the main electrical before any demolition work.)

Prior to this I had been manually trimming my gardens which at times seemed very laborious and time consuming.  I also used it to construct a rustic garden planter boxes which I sell on the side.

When the sawzall was delivered the contents were as labelled on the box:

• The power tool
• Charger
• Battery
• One 5 inch saw blade
• Instructions.

The blade fitting is universal so most blades will fit correctly.  The instructions are very basic but it is easy to pick any revise clip online to see how it operates.  The battery itself by my surprise does not run down quickly and the tool itself performs very well.

Generally with the 5 inch blade it will cut through 2-2.5 inch limbs very easily.   The blade attaches and locks into place with a flip lock which is located on the left hand side of the tool towards the blade end.

Weight wise it is only about 12 pounds. Which is not bad considering.  When operating the machine you do not notice the weight at all as the machine does the work for you.  It is easy to grips which gives you better control of the tool whilst using it. Overall a very handy tool to have.

NOTE: This tool is covered by a 2-year warranty through Black & Decker. The saw can also accommodate up to 12″ saw blades.

If you would like to check the price on the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw with Battery and Charger, click here.

The Good:

• Cordless
• Variable speed trigger for increased control
• Pivoting shoe for increased control
• Tool-free blade change

The Bad:

*The battery may not last as long as some better quality sawzall’s.

Makita JR3070CT AVT Recipro Saw 15 AMP – Most Powerful

Finally got around to a review of this after having owned it for a year or more, due to a couple reasons. I hadn’t used it until recently. I have a cordless version of Makita’s reciprocating saw which I use most of the time on normal repair jobs. The cordless is great but really can only be used for smaller jobs.  But if you want a machine to decimate any substrate this is the tool for you.

The antivibrationtech Makita uses is phenomenal and gives you great control of the tool.

  First off, this saw is a mechanical beast! It is designed for power and power alone and as a result can be too powerful for intricate and small operations.

It is great for any demolition work. It is designed to be rugged and worked hard. The 15 amp motor is effortless in cutting. If you are planning to remodel the interior of your home it will carve up any obstruction that needs to be demolished.  Not to mention other jobs like, cutting trees and large branches… this thing will chew through stuff faster than I can chug a Dr. Pepper.

I would recommend this sawzall if you’re after one with plenty of guts. And it even comes with a steel case with padding to keep it secure inside the case. It’s good to find tools that are made with quality and this Makita is no exception. I think this is definitely the best sawzall they have brought out in a long time.

If you would like to check the price for the Makita JR3070CT AVT Recipro Saw – 15 AMP, click here.

The Good:

• Anti-vibration technology for 2x less vibration
• Powerful 15.0 AMP motor with 0-2,800 SPM
• Electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load
• Built-in clutch reduces gear damage by disengaging gears if blade binds
• 4-position orbital/straight cutting action
• Variable speed control dial enables user to match the speed to the application
• Long 1-1/4″ stroke for faster cutting
• “Tool-less” blade change and shoe adjustment
• Ergonomically designed rubberized grip for more comfort
• Anti-vibration technology for 2x less vibration
• Powerful 15.0 AMP motor with 0-2,800 SPM
• Electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load
• Built-in clutch reduces gear damage by disengaging gears if blade binds
• 4-position orbital/straight cutting action

The Bad:

• Powerful but heavy  (10.14 pounds)

Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 Sawzall Reciprocating Saw (Bare Tool only) – Fast and Durable

The corded Milwaukee Sawzall has been the trade industry benchmark as long as I can remember. Milwaukee tools set a high standard for quality and durability and has always been a go to tool for me. Its the first tool pulled for the toughest jobs from wall demo to cutting cop[per and steel pipes. With that being said, based on our reviews of the new M18 cordless Fuel Sawzall its clear that that there is a reason why this one is a top seller.

The Milwaukee’s power of the sawzall is  supported by an excellent rechargeable tool battery system. Batteries and chargers are available just about anywhere a Milwaukee tool is sold.

For a cordless saw, it is a well built, robust tool with plenty of power.  This saw uses elliptical motion only which is more aggressive and cuts faster, but can vibrate around a bit when cutting hard material like steel so wouldn’t recommend it for heavy demolition.

It has a decent weight for a cordless saw (7.5 pounds) but you need to allow for some weight in the machine for durability and smooth operation.  Sometimes I find the lighter the sawzall the more difficult it is to cut. So the weight of the sawzall has its own advantages.

So while it may get heavy in your hands with long term use, it will do the work for you as long as you control it.  For one handed operation it’s been described as a bit of a handful, but still positively reviewed as a well built saw (perhaps use both hands during operation and bear in mind, that it is a quality saw and not light weight junk).

To check the price of the Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 Sawzall Reciprocating Saw, click here.

The Good:

• Delivers faster than corded cutting speed and the durability of a corded saw
• POWERSTATE Brushless Motor: Supplies constant power for faster cuts and reduced heat for extended life
• REDLINK PLUS Intelligence: Provides optimized performance and overload protection using total system communication between tool, battery and charger
• REDLITHIUM XC 4.0 Battery Pack: Provides superior pack construction, more work per charge and more work over the life of the pack than competitive batteries

The Bad:

• Bare tool only (so you would need to purchase a battery and charger)
• No case included

Quick Links to Products on this Page

1. DEWALT DCS387B 20-volt MAX Compact Reciprocating Saw (BareTool Only) – Top Pick
2. PORTER-CABLE PC75TRS 7.5 Amp Reciprocating Saw – Low Budget
3. BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw with Battery and Charger – Budget Friendly and Cordless
4. Makita JR3070CT AVT Recipro Saw – 15 AMP – Most Powerful
5. Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 SAWZALL Reciprocating (Bare Tool only) – Premium Quality