Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws

A reciprocating saw is demolition’s best friend and renovation’s essential problem-solver. When you need to cut through a wall stud buried in drywall, remove a rusted plumbing pipe, cut back nails protruding from a subfloor, or slice through roots during landscaping, no other saw fits where it needs to go and cuts what it needs to cut. Reciprocating saws use a back-and-forth (reciprocating) blade motion that handles wood, metal, PVC, cast iron, masonry, and multi-material demolition with blade changes.

The cordless category has dramatically improved, with modern brushless 18V and 20V models delivering performance that matches or exceeds older corded tools for typical cuts. For heavy sustained use – cutting through steel I-beams or metal pipe all day – corded models still lead. But for the renovator’s toolkit, cordless is now the right default choice.

How We Evaluate Reciprocating Saws

Stroke length: Longer stroke length (1.25″ is standard, 1.5″ is excellent) means each pull of the blade removes more material per stroke. More stroke equals faster cutting. Short stroke saws (under 1 inch) are noticeably slower in wood and difficult to use in metal.

Orbital action: Similar to jigsaws, some reciprocating saws offer orbital settings that swing the blade in an elliptical path for faster wood cuts. For demolition work in mixed materials, straight-cut (non-orbital) mode is safer and more controllable.

Variable speed and trigger control: Variable speed triggers let you start slowly (preventing blade skidding on metal pipe surfaces) and build to full speed. This is particularly important when starting cuts without a pilot hole in hard materials.

Blade change mechanism: Tool-less blade clamps (lever-actuated) make swapping blades fast and safe. Older hex-key systems are slow and require locating a tool. Any modern reciprocating saw should have tool-less blade changing.

Anti-vibration: Reciprocating saws vibrate considerably. Counter-balanced designs (Milwaukee’s, DeWalt’s anti-vibration mechanisms) reduce transmitted vibration to the handle significantly – a real factor during long cuts through walls and framing.

Top Picks

1. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2720-20 – Best Overall Cordless

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Super Sawzall is the demolition professional’s tool of choice. Its POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers 1-1/8″ stroke length at up to 3,100 SPM with ANTI-VIBRATION technology that makes extended use noticeably more comfortable than competitors. The QUIK-LOK blade clamp changes blades with a single lever throw. The variable-speed dial (separate from the trigger) sets a maximum speed, which is useful for consistently controlled cutting in metal.

At $179–$219 (tool only), it’s the most expensive option here, but for anyone who does regular demo, plumbing, or remodel work, the performance difference is evident immediately. M18 compatibility extends runtime with larger batteries for all-day cutting.

• Pros: Best anti-vibration system, QUIK-LOK blade change, powerful brushless motor, variable speed dial
• Cons: Highest price, heavy at 7.9 lbs with 5.0Ah battery
• Price range: $179–$219 (tool only)

2. DeWalt DCS380B – Best Value Cordless

DeWalt’s 20V MAX reciprocating saw delivers a 1-1/8″ stroke length, 0–3,000 SPM variable speed, and a keyless blade clamp at $99–$119 tool-only – making it the best value reciprocating saw for DeWalt platform users. The four-position blade clamp rotates to let you orient the blade for flush cuts or overhead work. Anti-vibration isn’t as refined as Milwaukee’s, but for typical demo work and renovation cutting, the performance difference is minor.

• Pros: Excellent value, four-position blade clamp, 1-1/8″ stroke, DeWalt 20V compatible
• Cons’=>’Less anti-vibration than Milwaukee, brushed motor in base model (brushless DCS381 available for more)
• Price range: $99–$119 (tool only)

3. Makita XRJ07Z – Best Cordless for Metal Cutting

Makita’s 18V LXT brushless reciprocating saw features an automatic speed change function that adjusts cutting speed based on detected blade load – slowing when the blade binds to prevent stalling, increasing when cutting is smooth. This intelligent response makes metal cutting notably better: the saw self-adjusts as the blade bites through layers of different thickness. At $149–$179 (tool only), it’s the premium choice for plumbers and electricians cutting pipe and conduit.

• Pros: Automatic speed adjustment, excellent metal cutting, brushless motor, LXT compatible
• Cons: More expensive than DeWalt equivalent, auto-speed can feel unfamiliar initially
• Price range: $149–$179 (tool only)

4. RYOBI PCL515B – Best Budget Cordless

RYOBI’s ONE+ 18V reciprocating saw at $59–$79 (tool only) handles the demolition tasks most DIY homeowners encounter: cutting back protruding nails, removing old plumbing, cutting through a wall stud. The tool-less blade clamp, variable speed trigger, and adjustable shoe cover the basics. Motor power falls behind pro models for sustained cutting in dense materials, but for occasional renovation work, it delivers real value.

• Pros: Budget price, ONE+ compatible, tool-less blade clamp, adequate for occasional use
• Cons: Less powerful motor, limited anti-vibration, brushed motor wears faster
• Price range: $59–$79 (tool only)

5. Milwaukee 6519-31 – Best Corded Option

When you need sustained heavy cutting – demolishing a wall for hours, cutting through steel framing all day – a corded reciprocating saw never runs out of power and never slows down. Milwaukee’s 6519-31 Sawzall delivers 12 amps, 0–2,800 SPM, and 1-1/4″ stroke length with QUIK-LOK blade change for $119–$139. For renovation contractors who need maximum endurance, corded is still the right tool.

• Pros: Unlimited runtime, 1-1/4″ stroke, QUIK-LOK, powerful 12-amp motor
• Cons: Cord limitation in demo environments, heavier than cordless models
• Price range: $119–$139

FAQ

What blade should I use for cutting PVC pipe?

A standard 6-inch, 14 TPI (teeth per inch) bi-metal blade handles PVC and ABS pipe cleanly. For thin-wall PVC conduit, an 18 TPI blade gives a smoother cut. Avoid wood-cutting blades – they tear rather than cut plastic and can crack thin-wall pipe.

How do I start a cut in metal without a pilot hole?

Place the shoe of the saw firmly against the material surface, position the blade tip where you want to start, and use slow speed (light trigger pressure) to start the blade rocking into the material before applying full pressure. Let the blade establish its entry point before going to full speed. This prevents blade skidding that damages both the blade and the material.

Can a reciprocating saw cut flush with a surface?

Yes – this is one of its most valuable applications. Use a flush-cut or offset blade (designed to cut with no standoff from the shoe) to cut nails flush with studs, trim protruding screws, and cut pipe flush with walls. Adjust the blade position to point downward in the clamp so the flat of the blade rides against the surface.

Bottom Line

For serious demo and renovation work, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2720-20 is unmatched in cordless performance and comfort during extended use. Budget buyers on the DeWalt platform get excellent value with the DCS380B. RYOBI ONE+ users doing occasional work can stay in their ecosystem with the PCL515B. Anyone who needs all-day sustained cutting in a professional remodel or demolition context should consider the corded Milwaukee 6519-31 for its unlimited endurance.