10 best reciprocating saws, from household to professional models
The saber saw rating we have compiled, based on customer reviews and tool specifications, will help you choose a proven model for both gardening and homework and professional activities.
The advantage of the reciprocating saw lies in the oscillatory drive, so that its blade is able to make a fast forward and backward movement. The robust cutting part allows you to cut thick materials that the jigsaw cannot handle.
Content:
The best saber saws for domestic use
The electric saws for domestic use are characterized by a low power of 400-700 W, compact sizes and work with short canvases. This affects the maximum thickness of the materials being cut, which often does not exceed 120-150 mm on wood and 10-15 mm on metal. Manufacturers almost do not equip saber household saws with additional functions, since this tool is designed for short work several hours a day.
To adjust the pendulum, it is necessary to make adjustments using the keys, which takes time. For some models, the swing of the pendulum is not regulated at all. But a simple design and a minimum of functions provide a small weight, so such a saw is not hard to work on outstretched arms or carry with you over a large area. Low cost makes it affordable for most users, which makes it easier to work in the country or in a private courtyard.
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| Bosch PSA 700 E | AEG US 400 XE | |||||||
| Power, W | 710 | 400 | ||||||
| Depth of cut (metal), mm | 10 | 6 | ||||||
| Depth of cut (wood), mm | 150 | 40 | ||||||
| Stroke, mm | 20 | 13 | ||||||
| Weight, kg | 3 | 1,7 | ||||||
| Keyless adjustment depth of cut |
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Bosch PSA 700 E
This reciprocating saw in the ranking of the best models takes first place thanks to a well-designed case, for which it is convenient to hold the tool. The rear handle is D-shaped and provides a firm grip. The front is fully rubberized and equipped with an emphasis on the end. She will not slip out of her sweaty hands. A saw power of 710 W is sufficient for high productivity at the household level.
+ Pros of the Bosch PSA 700 E
- Quick change of cloths - if the cloth breaks, then you do not need to carry a key with you, replacement is carried out in a few touches.
- It is characterized by low vibration, hands do not get tired after work.
- Weight 3.5 kg is convenient for transportation and long use.
- Ergonomic grip at the handles of the saw and optimal sizes to crawl into hard to reach places.
- Good for women - easy to learn.
- Relatively quiet move.
- Large selection of paintings for various materials.
- Power of 700 watts and web travel of 2700 per minute provides high performance.
- Cons Bosch PSA 700 E
- There is no case for transportation, so taking it with you to the country you have to put the tool, cloths and carrying just in a rag bag - there is the possibility of damage in the train.
- The cut is uneven - if the cut is performed on the final product (furniture), then grinding will be required.
- The rubber coating on the handle exfoliates.
- Turnovers are not fixed and when working with a thick log or beam, you have to constantly pull the trigger.
- After cutting thick bars or branches, it becomes very hot and requires a break.
- In case of a breakdown, it breaks out of the hands and hangs on the index finger pressing the trigger (while continuing to work), so you need to hold it tightly and avoid jamming.
- The metal cut depth is only 10 mm - cutting steel pipes is possible, but difficult.
Conclusion. Reciprocating saw from a German manufacturer is well suited for gardening. With its help, it is easy to prune branches and even trunks of small trees. A flexible blade allows cutting at the base. The depth of cut of wood reaches 150 mm. A grip on two handles will not allow you to pull the tool out of your hands when the blade is jammed.
AEG US 400 XE
The reciprocating saw from the German brand has a power of 400 watts and a stroke number of 3,500 per minute. A distinctive feature is the design designed to hold with one hand. The location of the motor at the rear and the gearbox at the front provides an ideal weight distribution. The web limiter is made of a steel bracket that does not obstruct the view.
+ Pros AEG US 400 XE
- A long 4 m power cord is convenient in most cases for working without carrying.
- Replacing the file without using keys.
- It is convenient to climb into hard-to-reach places (near the walls, in the corner).
- The large start button is designed for several fingers, which distributes the load during prolonged sawing.
- The grip area is rubberized from different sides and prevents slipping.
- There is a built-in diode backlight, running around work in poorly lit places.
- Easy replacement of carbon brushes through special hatches.
- Saws wood in a diameter of 100 mm.
- There is a speed controller (on the start key) - you can set the desired value and not control it by pressing force each time.
- Cons AEG US 400 XE
- Reciprocating saw twitches at startup.
- It can work with overloads in dense material, due to the low power of 400 watts.
- The stroke is only 13 mm, so the performance is low.
- There is a strong vibration, tiring for one hand.
- There is no stop to prevent accidental starting of the saw.
- The tool needs to be helped with its own reciprocating movements, otherwise it will jam.
- When operating at maximum revolutions, the blade wears out quickly from overheating, and at low speed the file tears the material.
- There is no electronic stabilizer - you have to wait for a set of revolutions.
Conclusion. This is a very convenient reciprocating saw for performing design elements in a plasterboard ceiling for self-repair. You can hold it with one hand and make curly cutouts for fixtures or several levels of a suspended ceiling. Canvas can be placed with teeth up or down, which expands the capabilities of the tool. A weight of 1.7 kg will not overload the hand during prolonged manipulations.
The best semi-professional reciprocating saws
The best reciprocating saws from the semi-professional category are endowed with power from 900 to 1000 W and a long blade travel (about 20-30 mm), which ensures high productivity. The increased characteristics, compared with household models, allow you to cope with thicker tree trunks (up to 200 mm) and metal parts with a cross section of up to 20 mm.
Manufacturers give them some features that make work easier. For example, the model can be with a soft start, adjustable depth of cut, set to the stop, or with a pendulum stroke that facilitates the ejection of chips and reduces overheating of the blade. At the same time, the weight of reciprocating saws of this category is slightly higher, but still convenient for manipulations. They are used both in private needs and in small workshops.
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| Bosch PSA 900 E | AEG US 900 XE | |||||||
| Power, W | 900 | 900 | ||||||
| Depth of cut (metal), mm | 20 | 10 | ||||||
| Depth of cut (wood), mm | 200 | 200 | ||||||
| Stroke, mm | 28 | 19 | ||||||
| Weight, kg | 3,7 | 2,9 | ||||||
| Keyless adjustment depth of cut |
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Bosch PSA 900 E
Reciprocating saw with a higher power rating, relative to its counterpart in the same series. 900 W and a stroke of 28 mm provide accelerated cutting of trunks or timber with a depth of up to 200 mm. To start the cut accurately on the intended line, a soft start is present. The tool cuts metal with a section up to 20 mm.
+ Pros of Bosch PSA 900 E
- It copes well with tree trunks over 30 years old.
- Simple operation with easy web installation.
- High-quality assembly of the case - nothing rattles in the hands, there are no poorly fitted parts, the insides are protected from chips.
- Smooth running of the canvas, relatively quiet operation.
- It has a long service life in the absence of overloads.
- Compact dimensions are convenient for handling in tight spaces and for transportation.
- Large selection of blades for electric saws for different types of materials.
- Cons Bosch PSA 900 E
- The set comes with a set of low quality nail files - you have to buy separately.
- During prolonged operation, the gearbox (front) is very hot and breaks are required.
- A 2.5 m short power cord always requires carrying.
- Outside, at the point where the web joins, there is a slight play.
- There is no button to block accidental launch.
- The number of revolutions is not adjustable.
- There is no pendulum movement, therefore, at great depths, it is necessary to help the saw to push the sawdust out of the cutting line.
Conclusion. This reciprocating saw is quite suitable for the subsequent refinement of trifles in a built house from a log house or self-installation of a long fence. 900 W power and soft start ensure high productivity and cutting accuracy. With its help, it will be convenient to prepare openings for inserting windows, align the upper edge of the fence.
AEG US 900 XE
Reciprocating saw differs in power of 900 W and stroke size of 19 mm. In addition to keyless replacement of equipment using the patented Fixtec system, this model also has a one-touch adjustment of the depth of cut. On the case there is a switch between the normal course and the pendulum, helping to remove sawdust.
+ Pros AEG US 900 XE
- A cord 4 meters long is convenient for working in a carpentry workshop from the outlet.
- It is delivered in a plastic case where canvases and carrying are located.
- Power of 900 W copes with materials of any density (plastic, wood, metal).
- Light weight 2.9 kg for semi-professional tools.
- The cutting depth is controlled by the movement of the thrust platform.
- The start key is wide and easy to hold for a long time with a few fingers.
- Easy to replace carbon brushes without disassembling the entire housing.
- Setting the web in two positions.
- It can cut along a curve and cut blanks flush against the wall.
- The large D-shaped handle is suitable for large hands.
- Cons AEG US 900 XE
- There is no soft start and maintenance of turns under load.
- Low quality stock paintings.
- Strong vibration, bored hands.
- Soft rubber on the clamp in the front - when working with foam blocks, it is frayed from rough sawdust.
- The pendulum move exists as a separate mode, but the dynamism of this move is not regulated - always at maximum.
- It is absolutely impossible to work with one hand, therefore it is not applicable in hard-to-reach places.
Conclusion. Reciprocating saw is well suited for trimming thick branches, old tree trunks in the garden or trimming the beam. The pendulum stroke, expanding the cut, will ensure chip output and keep the blade from overheating. Thanks to this, the saw does not jam and can function for 4-5 hours every day.
The best professional reciprocating saws
Such a tool is produced for long-term operation during the day. To cope with serious tasks, professional type reciprocating saws are equipped with high power from 1000 W, a large saw stroke over 30 mm, long blades that allow sawing tree trunks up to 255 mm in diameter.
For convenience and productivity, companies give them many additional functions: adjustable pendulum stroke, soft start, maintaining constant speed, regardless of the density of the material and the pressure on the canvas. Such functionality and power affect the weight of reciprocating saws, often exceeding 4 kg. Use them on construction sites and in professional workshops for the production of furniture.
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| Makita JR 3070 CT | Bosch GSA 1300 PCE | |||||||
| Power, W | 1510 | 1300 | ||||||
| Stroke length mm | 32 | 28 | ||||||
| Depth of cut (wood), mm | 255 | 230 | ||||||
| Depth of cut of metal (pipe), mm | 130 | 175 | ||||||
| Weight, kg | 4,4 | 4,1 | ||||||
| Keyless adjustment depth of cut |
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Makita JR 3070 CT
This is a functional reciprocating saw from a Japanese manufacturer with a power of 1510 watts. The tool has many settings, including: adjusting the oscillation frequency of the pendulum stroke, setting the speed of revolutions, extending the stop by pressing the button, which forms the depth of cut. 32 mm stroke contributes to productivity.
+ Pros Makita JR 3070 CT
- Powerful reciprocating saw, adapted to continuous loads throughout the day.
- A soft start helps you start cutting at the exact spot.
- Setting the depth of cut occurs without the use of keys - pressing one button extends the stop along the length (5 positions are provided).
- 3 positions of the pendulum stroke for materials of different densities.
- The patented AVT vibration damping system promotes precise cuts and less fatigue on the hands.
- The revolutions are regulated by a wheel on the main handle, so the trigger can be pulled with constant force.
- There is a lock button that prevents accidental start and fixes the on position for working with thick materials.
- Electronics protected against dust and water.
- Easy access for brush replacement.
- Cons Makita JR 3070 CT
- A short power cord almost always needs to be connected to the carry.
- Weight 4.6 kg quickly tires your hands and requires breaks in work.
- Large dimensions of 485x99x181 mm are more difficult to place when working in a bottleneck.
- Often, when turned off, the cartridge stops inside the case, and to replace the blade you have to catch it from the outside, including the tool again.
- Sometimes the original canvas may pop off its mount.
- The support sole without floating elements always rests perpendicularly and does not adapt to the surface topography.
- The emphasis is made of soft material and is able to deform.
- The characteristics indicate automatic blowing of the working area to remove sawdust, but in fact it is not there or it is very weak.
Conclusion. Reciprocating saw is especially useful at a construction site. In addition to thick bars with a thickness of 255 mm, she will cope with plastic pipes with a diameter of 130 mm, sheets of drywall, aerated concrete blocks, steel pipes. Due to the ability to maintain constant speed under load, it is convenient to cut a brick or aluminum profile with a saw.
Bosch GSA 1300 PCE
Reciprocating saw for professional use, has a capacity of 1300 watts. To increase productivity, the saw is equipped with a pendulum stroke. It is possible without key adjustment of the support sole. The tool handle has a closed shape and is equipped with rubberized pads.
+ Advantages of the Bosch GSA 1300 PCE
- Adjustable reach of a hacksaw cloth.
- There is a pendulum move.
- There is a built-in flashlight.
- Vibration is present, but it is small and does not tire when working.
- 2 files in a set (for metal and wood)
- For the saw there is a huge selection of files on a wide variety of materials.
- Fairly long cord.
- Many users emphasize the good cutting speed of metal parts.
- Cons Bosch GSA 1300 PCE
- Not a convenient and low-quality case.
- Insufficient quality of the plastic of which the body is made.
- Heavy, holding with one hand is not possible.
- The swingarm cannot be turned off.
- It is sometimes difficult to start cutting at the marked location.
Conclusion. The main areas of application of this saw are the execution of straight and curved cuts when performing rough work. The saw is suitable for cutting metals flush with the surface.
Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws
The main feature of cordless reciprocating saws is autonomy. Such a tool is able to work away from current sources for a long time. The number of strokes of the file can reach 3000 per minute, and the depth of cut is 200 mm. At the same time, manufacturers endow them with a small weight of up to 3 kg, which is convenient for manipulations on outstretched arms or on foot carrying a tool over a vast territory.
The battery voltage of 18 V provides high torque power, therefore such reciprocating saws are suitable for cutting not only wood or plastic, but also copper, aluminum and foam blocks. Most often come with durable cases, as they are designed for mobile use.
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| Bosch GSA 18 V-LI With Pro | AEG BUS 18-0 | Metabo SSE 18 LTX Compact | |||||||
| Battery Voltage | 18 | 18 | 18 | ||||||
| Number of strokes, stroke / min | 3050 | 3600 | 3100 | ||||||
| Stroke, mm | 21 | 19 | 13 | ||||||
| Weight, kg | 2,5 | 3,5 | 1,7 | ||||||
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Bosch GSA 18 V-LI C Professional
This is the best battery-powered electric reciprocating saw, featuring a compact body for one-handed operation and high productivity. The brush motor is powered by a battery, the capacity of which can be from 2 to 5 mA / h. The metal cutting depth reaches 16 mm, and on a tree this figure is 200 mm.
+ Pros of Bosch GSA 18 V-LI With Professional
- The vibration system eases the pressure on the hands.
- The body is made with a counterweight, which provides a comfortable grip and simple work on an outstretched arm.
- Locking the start key for long cuts.
- Light weight 2.5 kg.
- 3 canvases included for various materials.
- From one charge, you can perform up to 100 cuts.
- Comes in a durable case.
- It is convenient to work with gloves.
- Complete freedom from wires.
- Saws everything from steel pipes to tree trunks.
- It interacts well with sheets up to 225 mm long.
- Cons Bosch GSA 18 V-LI C Professional
- The battery is not supplied, despite the high cost of the saw itself.
- No speed control and soft start.
- The emphasis is not set in length, so the depth of cut must be controlled by eye.
- Stucks the web in a cut clogged with sawdust.
- The high cost of more than 11,000 rubles.
- Poorly copes with radius cuts, which have a small diameter.
- If the material is dense, then press with the other hand only on a small protrusion of the rubberized gearbox.
Conclusion. Such a cordless reciprocating saw is perfect for a plumber performing installation of installations, sinks and toilets in a limited space. One-handed operation is convenient for easy access and cutting of plastic and steel pipes under the ceiling or behind other utilities.
The tool length of only 400 mm contributes to this. The end face of the device is equipped with diode illumination. It is convenient to carry the saw between objects in a plastic case.
AEG BUS 18-0
This powerful cordless reciprocating saw is almost as good as network models. The tool controls the stroke of the file in the range of 0-3600 strokes per minute. In addition, it is equipped with a pendulum stroke, which provides sawing up of solid materials and increases the resource of the blade. The 19 mm blade stroke is well suited for plastic, wood, sheet metal.
+ Pros AEG BUS 18-0
- There is a backlight for use in poorly lit places.
- The fully rubberized handle and the locking of the start key facilitate holding.
- The gear case is covered with an anti-slip pad for the second hand, but holding the saw is also permitted with one hand (the weight of the battery helps balance).
- In terms of cutting speed, it is comparable to a grinder, but more maneuverable in hard-to-reach places and less dangerous.
- Keyless chuck for instant tool change.
- The file can be fixed with teeth up or down.
- Cope with a steel pin with a diameter of 18 mm.
- The price of about 7000 rubles is the lowest among analogues.
- Cons AEG BUS 18-0
- Mounting the battery at the bottom of the handle reduces maneuverability in tight spaces.
- The battery must be purchased separately.
- It is delivered without a case, so you have to figure out how to transport it from object to object.
- For continuous operation, you need 3 batteries that could be used and charged alternately - with fewer interruptions in operation.
- The presence of the pendulum stroke is almost not felt when it is turned on - you still have to help the saw and stretch the blade to exit the chips.
- There is some kickback when sawing hard materials.
- Expensive repair parts.
- The first time after the purchase emits a specific smell at startup.
Conclusion. This is the best reciprocating saw for construction. Electronic speed control helps to set the right values for materials of different densities (foam concrete, drywall, brick, plastic).Due to the absence of a cord, it is convenient for work at heights (pipe trimming, rafters) and a quick change of workplace over a large area of the facility.
Metabo SSE 18 LTX Compact
A feature of this model is immediately visible by its name - it is compact. The length of the reciprocating saw is 380 mm and it is convenient to carry it with you. The product comes already with two batteries with a capacity of 2 mA / h. A suitcase is provided for transportation. The number of strokes is adjustable from 0 to 3100 per minute.
+ Pros of Metabo SSE 18 LTX Compact
- While one battery is in use, the second can be charged.
- Good weight distribution for one-handed operation - with the second it is convenient to hold the material or keep it at work at height.
- Thin canvas is optimal for curly cuts in drywall or plywood.
- The diode accurately shines in the cut zone.
- All corners of the body are covered with rubber pads that protect against cracks during impacts and reduce vibration.
- One-touch Metabo Quick change of sheets.
- There is electronic speed control.
- Two canvases in the kit (universal and for wood).
- Battery charge indicator.
- The emphasis is regulated on departure by pressing of one button.
- Cons Metabo SSE 18 LTX Compact
- Saws branches with a diameter of 20 mm for a long time.
- It interacts only with short blades up to 150 mm long, which limits the depth of cut.
- Short stroke 13 mm.
- In addition to adjusting the revolutions, there are no functions (pendulum stroke, soft start, holding revolutions under load).
- Used with thin canvases that are easy to break.
- The battery capacity of 2.0 mA / h is quickly discharged.
Conclusion. A reciprocating saw is perfect for use in a building materials warehouse to quickly cut a plastic pipe, aluminum profile or copper pipes that do not fit in the van.
The weight of 1.7 kg is convenient for manipulations with one hand. Even in the dark, the instrument itself can illuminate the working area. This is a great solution for a large garden, to take care of trees and shrubs and not to carry a carrier.
