When it comes to demolition work or home projects, a reciprocating saw is an essential tool to have in your arsenal.
With its ability to cut through wood, metal, drywall, piping, and nails, it’s no wonder why many refer to it as a “Sawzall.”
But with so many brands and models available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs.
Fear not, as we’ve done the research and testing for you.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the best brand of Sawzall and what sets it apart from the rest.
So sit back, relax, and let’s dive in!
What Is The Best Brand Of Sawzall
After weeks of testing and evaluation, the Milwaukee brand emerged as the best brand of Sawzall.
Milwaukee has been in the business of making reciprocating saws for decades and has established itself as a leader in the industry. In fact, many people refer to reciprocating saws as “Sawzalls” because of Milwaukee’s influence.
One of the standout models from Milwaukee is the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall. This cordless reciprocating saw impressed us with its superior cutting power and speed, comfortable grip, and included charger. It also features a brushless motor, which is more efficient, powerful, and longer-lasting than typical brushed motors.
Another great feature of the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall is its stud hanger. This may seem like a small detail, but it’s incredibly useful when you’re working on a ladder and need to set down your Sawzall.
While the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall is on the pricier side, we believe that the price is offset by the included charger, battery, and hard-shell case. Plus, if you expect to use a reciprocating saw for anything even remotely strenuous, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better quality tool.
Understanding The Basics Of A Sawzall
A Sawzall, also known as a reciprocating saw, is a handheld power tool that rapidly moves a saw blade back and forth. The back-and-forth motion replaces the sawing motion that a DIYer would make with a manual saw. The tool is primarily used for demolition cutting, but it can also be used for install cuts with the right blade attachment. A Sawzall’s aggressive cutting is best for tearing things apart rather than making precise, clean cuts. It can cut through many types of materials such as wood, metal, PVC, and nails. The blades range from 3 to 12 inches, allowing the tool to cut much deeper than other types of handheld saws. Additionally, there are many attachments beyond simple blades, such as grout removal tools, sanding tools, and scouring pads. These attachments expand the scope of a Sawzall’s uses even further. Milwaukee is a leading brand in the Sawzall industry and offers high-quality models with features such as brushless motors and stud hangers. While Sawzalls may be more expensive than other handheld saws, they are worth the investment if you expect to use them for anything even remotely strenuous.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Sawzall Brand
When choosing a Sawzall brand, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important factors is the brand’s reputation for quality and durability. Milwaukee has established itself as a leader in the industry and has a long history of producing high-quality reciprocating saws.
Another factor to consider is the specific features and capabilities of the Sawzall models offered by the brand. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall, for example, is cordless, making it highly portable and convenient for use in a variety of settings. It also features a brushless motor, which provides superior performance and longer-lasting durability.
The availability of accessories and replacement parts is another important consideration when choosing a Sawzall brand. Milwaukee offers a wide range of blades specifically designed for their reciprocating saws, including the Nitrus Carbide blades that provide longer cutting life and faster cutting speeds.
Finally, price is also an important factor to consider when choosing a Sawzall brand. While the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall may be on the pricier side, it comes with a number of included features and accessories that make it a worthwhile investment for those who need a high-quality reciprocating saw for their projects.
Top Brands Of Sawzall In The Market
Apart from Milwaukee, there are several other top brands of Sawzall in the market that offer quality reciprocating saws. One such brand is Ryobi, which offers the Ryobi One+ HP Brushless reciprocating saw. This model boasts an impressive 3200 SPM and 1 1/4-inch stroke length, making it a top choice in the prosumer category. It’s also heavily price-conscious, with the bare tool costing only $99 and the 4.0Ah High Performance battery kit priced at just $159.
DeWalt is another well-known brand that produces high-quality Sawzalls. Their DWE305 model is a popular choice among professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. It features a powerful 12-amp motor and a four-position blade clamp that allows for flush cutting and increased versatility.
Bosch is also a reputable brand that offers quality reciprocating saws. Their RS428 model features a powerful 14-amp motor and a variable speed trigger that allows for precise cutting control. It also has an adjustable shoe that provides increased stability and control during cutting.
Lastly, Makita is another brand that produces reliable Sawzalls. Their JR3070CT model features a powerful 15-amp motor and an anti-vibration technology that reduces user fatigue during prolonged use. It also has a tool-less blade change system that allows for quick and easy blade changes.
Comparison Of Features And Performance Of Each Brand
When comparing the features and performance of each brand of reciprocating saw, we found that Milwaukee emerged as the clear winner. However, it’s worth taking a closer look at the other brands to see how they stack up.
The Bosch brand stood out with its compact size and lightweight design, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. It also has a variable speed trigger, which allows for more precise cutting. However, it fell short in terms of power and cutting speed compared to Milwaukee.
DeWalt and Hitachi both offer solid options with good cutting power and speed. DeWalt’s model features a four-position blade clamp, which allows for flush cutting and increased versatility. Hitachi’s model includes an adjustable shoe for better control and stability during cuts.
Ryobi’s model is notable for its affordable price point and decent cutting power. However, it lacks some of the features found in higher-end models like a variable speed trigger or orbital action.
Finally, Black+Decker’s model offers decent cutting power but falls short in terms of speed and features compared to other brands.
Our Top Pick For The Best Sawzall Brand
Our top pick for the best Sawzall brand is Milwaukee. With their decades of experience in the industry, Milwaukee has established themselves as a leader in the reciprocating saw market. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall, in particular, stood out to us during our testing and evaluation. It boasts superior cutting power and speed, a comfortable grip, and a brushless motor that is more efficient, powerful, and longer-lasting than typical brushed motors.
In addition to its impressive performance, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall also features a stud hanger, which may seem like a small detail but is incredibly useful when working on a ladder. While it is one of the more expensive models on the market, we believe that the price is offset by the included charger, battery, and hard-shell case.
Tips For Maintaining And Using Your Sawzall Safely
To ensure that your reciprocating saw lasts for a long time and that you remain safe while using it, there are some tips that you should keep in mind.
Firstly, make sure that you are using the right tool for the job at hand. While reciprocating saws are versatile and can cut through a wide range of materials, they do have their limits. Using the wrong blade or forcing the tool to make cuts it can’t handle can damage the saw and put you at risk of injury.
It’s also important to choose the right blade for the material you need to cut. Consider factors such as blade material, length, width, thickness, teeth-per-inch (TPI), and blade shape, tooth shape, kerf-width, gullet, and tooth pattern for specific cut types. Once you know the basics, choosing the right blade becomes easy.
Proper usage of your reciprocating saw not only ensures that you are not shortening the useful life of your tool but also ensures your personal safety. Always use a sharp blade with your sawzall to prevent it from tearing through your workpiece rather than creating clean cuts. If the blade is dull or damaged, either sharpen it or replace it with a new one.
Finally, take care of your reciprocating saw by handling it properly. Use lubrication on tougher cuts to keep the saw blade cool and prevent it from overheating. However, make sure that you are not using a flammable liquid to lubricate your cut and that you are not using your reciprocating saw anywhere near these substances.