When it comes to demolition work or home projects, a reciprocating saw, also known as a Sawzall, is an essential tool to have in your arsenal.
With its ability to cut through wood, metal, drywall, piping, or nails, it’s no wonder why this versatile tool is a must-have for any DIY enthusiast or professional contractor.
But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the top contenders and help you decide who makes the best Sawzall.
Who Makes The Best Sawzall
After conducting extensive research and testing, we’ve determined that Milwaukee and DEWALT are two of the top brands when it comes to Sawzalls.
Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Sawzall is a standout choice, with its superior cutting power and speed, comfortable grip, and included charger and battery. It also features a brushless motor, which is more efficient and longer-lasting than typical brushed motors.
DEWALT’s DW310K 12 Amp Heavy-Duty Reciprocating Saw Kit is another top contender, with its powerful 15 amp motor and constant power technology for improved performance.
Both brands offer a range of options, from corded to cordless models, to fit your specific needs and preferences.
Understanding The Basics Of A Sawzall
A Sawzall, also known as a reciprocating saw, is a handheld power tool commonly used for demolition and remodeling. It is a versatile tool that can cut through a variety of materials such as wood, metal, PVC, and nails. Its aggressive cutting is best suited for tearing things apart rather than making precise, clean cuts.
Sawzalls come with blades ranging from 3 to 12 inches, allowing for deeper cuts than other types of handheld saws. They can be used for rough cutting and are often used by fire departments to extract accident victims from cars.
When using a Sawzall, it’s important to have the right accessories to get the most out of the tool and keep it in working shape. Blades are the most important accessory, with options available for cutting wood, metal, and other materials. It’s also important to have a comfortable grip on the tool for extended use.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Sawzall
When choosing a Sawzall, there are several factors to consider to ensure that you select the right tool for the job. The first consideration should be the type of project you plan on using it for. If you’re taking on large-scale demolition projects, prioritize power and size over mobility. On the other hand, if you have small-scale tasks like plumbing or working with conduit pipe, a more compact, maneuverable saw that can fit into tight areas may be more suitable.
The power source of your saw is another crucial factor to consider. Corded options tend to be more powerful and have unlimited running time, but they limit your mobility to the length of the extension cord, which can introduce an inconvenient tripping hazard to your workspace. Battery-powered saws are perfect for tasks that require maximum portability, but keep an eye on your battery levels while you work. If you decide to go with a battery-powered option, consider purchasing one that’s the same brand as your existing power tools so that you have a supply of extra batteries ready.
Regardless of power source, keep overall weight in mind as well. A larger, heavier saw might be able to work faster, but if it’s too heavy for you to carry comfortably, it can be more trouble than it’s worth. If you’re not sure, go with a lighter saw that allows you to work effectively and safely.
The blade is another critical component of a Sawzall, and selecting the right one is essential for optimal performance and durability. Several technical factors impact performance and durability when choosing any saw blade, including the blade’s material, teeth per inch, length and shape, and thickness.
Reciprocating saws are incredibly versatile tools due to the vast array of blades available for cutting through a wide range of materials. With the right blade, your Sawzall can cut through wood, nails, fiberglass, branches, plaster, masonry, and metals including aluminum, cast iron, steel, and even high-strength alloys. When selecting a blade for specific materials or cut types, factors such as blade shape, tooth shape, kerf-width, gullet, and tooth pattern should also be considered.
Finally, consider the amperage of the Sawzall when making your selection. In general, saws fall within the range of 8 – 15 amps, with 10 amps being sufficient for small projects or DIY home activities. Choose a saw with higher amperage if you’re looking for a prolonged or heavy commercial project.
Top Brands In The Sawzall Market
When it comes to the Sawzall market, two brands stand out as top contenders: Milwaukee and DEWALT.
Milwaukee, the inventors of the original Sawzall, continue to build on their heritage and cutting-edge cordless development to offer impressive cutting speed that leaves its cordless competitors in the dust. Their M18 Fuel Sawzall is a standout choice, with its superior cutting power and speed, comfortable grip, and included charger and battery. It also features a brushless motor, which is more efficient and longer-lasting than typical brushed motors. However, it is important to note that it is one of the pricier options available and can be a bit heavier than other models.
DEWALT is another top brand in the Sawzall market, known for their powerful tools. Their DW310K 12 Amp Heavy-Duty Reciprocating Saw Kit features a powerful 15 amp motor and constant power technology for improved performance. Dewalt is always a hard brand to beat, and they continue the tradition with the Dewalt DW310K. They offer a range of options, from corded to cordless models, to fit your specific needs and preferences.
Both Milwaukee and DEWALT have earned their place as top brands in the Sawzall market through their commitment to innovation, quality, and performance. When considering which brand to choose for your next Sawzall purchase, these two should definitely be at the top of your list.
Comparison Of Sawzall Models And Features
When it comes to comparing Sawzall models and features, it can be a challenging task. However, paying attention to the details can make all the difference. We evaluated several Sawzall models from different brands and scored them based on their features. Each feature was worth one point, and the total number of points available was seven.
The features we considered were the rafter hook, orbital action, blade release lever, LED light, shoe plate, variable speed, and standout features. The Milwaukee One Key 2822-20 came out on top with a perfect score of seven points. This saw impressed us with its well-balanced design, comfortable grip with over-molding, solid rafter hook, and smooth spring lever for blade changing.
In second place, there was a tie between the Milwaukee Super Sawzall and the Ridgid with five points each. Both saws had impressive features such as orbital action and variable speed. However, the Milwaukee Super Sawzall stood out with its adjustable shoe plate and LED light.
The Kobalt KRS 224B-03 and Kobalt KXRS 124B-03 models also had some great features but fell short in comparison to the other models we evaluated.
It’s worth noting that the Porter Cable saw did not have any of the features we evaluated, resulting in a score of zero.
Customer Reviews And Ratings Of Sawzall Brands
When it comes to customer reviews and ratings, Milwaukee and DEWALT are again at the top of the list for Sawzall brands. Many customers praise Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Sawzall for its exceptional cutting power and efficiency, with some even stating that it has replaced their need for a circular saw. The comfortable grip and included charger and battery are also highly appreciated features.
DEWALT’s DW310K 12 Amp Heavy-Duty Reciprocating Saw Kit also receives high marks from customers, with many noting its impressive cutting speed and power. Some reviewers mention that the constant power technology truly makes a difference in the saw’s performance.
Other brands, such as Makita and BLACK+DECKER, also have positive reviews from customers, with users noting their reliability and ease of use. However, Milwaukee and DEWALT consistently receive the most praise for their Sawzall models.
Our Top Picks For The Best Sawzall On The Market
After careful consideration, our team’s top picks for the best Sawzalls on the market are the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall and the DEWALT DW310K 12 Amp Heavy-Duty Reciprocating Saw Kit.
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall boasts impressive cutting power and speed, making it a great choice for heavy-duty and professional use. Its brushless motor is also more efficient and longer-lasting than typical brushed motors, ensuring that it will last for years to come. Additionally, the comfortable grip and included charger and battery make it a convenient option for those who need to use it frequently.
On the other hand, the DEWALT DW310K 12 Amp Heavy-Duty Reciprocating Saw Kit is a powerful option with a 15 amp motor and constant power technology for improved performance. It’s also versatile, with a range of speed settings and a pivoting shoe for added control during use.
Both brands offer corded and cordless options, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. Ultimately, whether you choose Milwaukee or DEWALT, you can be confident that you’re getting a high-quality Sawzall that will get the job done efficiently and effectively.