The Best Compact Reciprocating Saws That Cut With Ease

Compact Reciprocating Saws Buying Guide

Buying a compact reciprocating saw is a smart decision since it will let you perform numerous tasks and accomplish a lot of projects, in a significantly convenient manner. By owning such a saw, you get to have the freedom to work the way you want to and you can work on a project on your own, in accordance with what you like and desire. While we’re at it, it is also important to mention that a reciprocating saw can be difficult to purchase due to a couple of reasons.

Firstly, if you start browsing for one right now, you’ll realize that there are thousands of products available out there and a similar number of brands manufacturing them. With such a large variety to choose from, there’s a good chance that you’ll end up getting confused. Moreover, all of those options will have different specifications and features, making it difficult for you to choose from.

Since there’s one way to go about choosing the ‘best’ compact reciprocating saw, this comprehensive guide to the best compact reciprocating saws will help you navigate this purchase and choose the one that fits your requirements.

Why Do You Need a Compact Reciprocating Saw?

Reciprocating saws are quite useful and we’ve already touched upon their usefulness. We’ll go deeper into the uses of this saw and understand why it is such a handy tool.

Demolition

One of the primary uses of a reciprocating saw is demolition. Because of the nature and motion of this powerful tool, you can use it for demolition, to cut down things that you do not need. Demolition is an important part of remodeling since you’d have to remove the older materials first and a reciprocating saw will come in handy for this job.

Pruning

A reciprocating saw is commonly used for pruning. If you’ve got overgrown trees and branches, you can use this saw to trim them down. The power and precision of this tool will allow you to cut through even thicker branches, without any additional manpower. Moreover, compact reciprocating saws are even more suitable for this purpose, since you might find yourself climbing the tree or a ladder to get to the overgrown branch.

Salvaging wood

You can use excess wood that is of no use to you and transform it into decoration pieces or woodwork projects using these saws since they’ll allow you to cut them the way you want to.

Remodeling and construction

Compact reciprocating saws come in very handy as far as construction and remodeling projects are concerned. You can cut materials that you do not need and shape other materials in accordance with your requirement, in order to complete a remodeling or construction project.

What Are the Different Types of Reciprocating Saws?

Reciprocating saws come with different features and specifications and for you to understand which models align with your requirements, you need to go through the different types of reciprocating saws that are available out there.

Compact vs heavy-duty

Heavy-duty reciprocating saws are heavier, more powerful, and bulkier. In contrast, compact saws, as suggested by the term itself, are smaller, more compact, and more convenient. Of course, if you’re opting for a compact one, you’ll be compromising on the power. This is where you need to think if you actually need a heavy-duty saw or would it just be overkill considering your needs and requirements.

If you need a reciprocating saw for heavy-duty projects, you should go for the bigger saw; however, most projects and jobs can be done using compact ones and they’re significantly more convenient as well. If you do not need a very powerful reciprocating saw, a compact reciprocating saw is a way to go.

Cordless vs corded

A corded power saw is one that will have to be plugged into a power socket to work, while a cordless saw is one that is powered by batteries and does not require a power socket all the time.
Generally, corded reciprocating saws are considered more powerful, since they’re powered directly through a socket. On the other hand, since cordless saws are powered by a battery, they’re considered relatively less powerful. However, modern technology standards have made it easier for manufacturers to make powerful cordless saws.

As far as convenience and portability are concerned, cordless saws are the winners, hands-down. Cordless reciprocating saws are way easier to carry around and you can easily carry them to the location that you want to. If you’re remodeling or pruning, you’d certainly need to shift positions very often and it would be difficult to do so with a corded saw.

In our opinion, if you’re not looking for something heavy-duty, a cordless saw would be a much better option. Goodell David, founder of WoodWorking Clarity, says, “A cordless reciprocating saw is perfect as a secondary option for getting into tight spots, and it’s also great for DIY. If you do a lot of quick jobs or work mainly from your shop, you don’t need a cord. ”

What Factors Should Be Considered Before Buying a Compact Reciprocating Saw?

Motor

The motor of a saw is what gets the blade moving, which obviously makes it an important factor to consider. While you don’t need to get into the specifics of the sort of motor that you need, the only thing that you should consider is the new brushless motor technology. Brushless motors, as suggested by the name, do not require carbon brushes, which makes them more efficient, long-lasting, and cooler. If given the option, you can opt for a saw that is equipped with a brushless motor.

Speed

The speed of a compact reciprocating saw is measured in terms of Strokes per Minute or SPM. Higher SPM would mean that the saw would work faster, allowing you to cut the material with more ease, precision, and accuracy. The SPM that you require depends entirely on the task at hand.

Stroke length

The stroke length determines the distance that the saw blade will move back and forth in a single stroke. A greater stroke length would make it easier to cut through the material.

Additional Features That Would Be Good To Have in a Compact Reciprocating Saw

Variable speeds

The capability to change the speed (SPM) at which a saw operates is a great additional feature to have, as it will allow you to vary the speed in accordance with the requirement of the job.

Anti-vibration

Power tools generate a lot of force and a lot of vibration with them. Vibration can cause a lot of fatigue, making it difficult for you to work for longer periods. Some compact reciprocating guns come with vibration absorbing mechanisms, making it convenient for the one operating the saw

Auto-stop

Auto-stop is an important safety feature and it would be great to have it in your tool. Auto-stop mechanism basically stops the tool if it senses that anything has gone wrong. Not only is it an important feature for the material that you’ll be working on, but also for the operator’s safety.