Choosing a Reciprocating Saw

[rpearlberg]

I need to get one tomorrow or Saturday. I have a Lowe's gift card, so I'll probably go to Lowes. Any recommendations? Mainly for projects around the house. I wanted a corded one.

Thanks.

 

[TimDaToolMan]

Can't go wrong with Dewalt.

 

[bobcatdan]

To me, lowes has the worst power tool selection, so out of what they have, I would also go with dewalt. I really like my metbo saw, and it is USA made, go figure.

 

[rpearlberg]

It doesn't have to be from Lowe's, but I've been looking at the DW304PK for $99.

 

[rpearlberg]

Lowe's has these that I would choose from (don't want a Skil):

DeWalt DW304PK ($99)
Bosch RS325 ($119)
DeWalt DW311K ($159)
DeWalt DW310K ($119)

 

[rpearlberg]

so this morning I bought the DW304PK at Lowe's. Now I'm debating whether I'm better off getting this Milwaukee from Home Depot...
http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/202438...toreId=10051&N=5yc1v&R=202438078#.UUO8WBlAuPU

I need it for this weekend so I need to decide quickly...

 

[sk farmer]

so this morning I bought the DW304PK at Lowe's. Now I'm debating whether I'm better off getting this Milwaukee from Home Depot...
http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/202438...toreId=10051&N=5yc1v&R=202438078#.UUO8WBlAuPU

I need it for this weekend so I need to decide quickly...

i despise the milwaukee style of blade changes. the dewalt is simple and easy. it also offers the four position blade that is pretty cool.

 

[DHS]

i despise the milwaukee style of blade changes. the dewalt is simple and easy. it also offers the four position blade that is pretty cool.

Really? My old Milw had an allen screw you had to loosen to change, but my newer one is almost effortless with its quick change. We have a dewalt at work and it still works but the adjustable pivot is always falling out because it does not lock very tightly. It is not used much but the little use is hard abuse.

 

[shoturtle]

corded or cordless?

 

[rpearlberg]

Corded.

 

[shoturtle]

From Lowes the bosch and the dewalt cord ones are nice. It really comes down to which one feels better in your had.

 

[rpearlberg]

Out of those I chose the dewalt. But not sure if I should get the Milwaukee....

 

[KnurledNut]

rpearlberg, heres a link to a hot deals lowes coupon that may be of interest:

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=190009

 

[Treeman]

Does the Milwaukee above have the removable cord? I love this feature for the time(s) you accidentally cut or damage the cord.

The Milwaukee blade change (at least my model) is super simple and reliable.

For no other reason, every man (or woman) should own at least one genuine Sawzall in their lifetime!

 

[shoturtle]

Lowes does not carry milwaukee, but the dewalt 310 is nice, and 12amp is allot of power unless you are planning to cut through I-Beams. I personally like the lighter bosch 12amp unit given the choices. But I like lighter power tools in general.

 

[rpearlberg]

Thanks. It doesn't have to be from lowes but I do need to get one tomorrow.

 

[shoturtle]

Does the Milwaukee above have the removable cord? I love this feature for the time(s) you accidentally cut or damage the cord.

The Milwaukee blade change (at least my model) is super simple and reliable.

For no other reason, every man (or woman) should own at least one genuine Sawzall in their lifetime!

milwaukee does not have the removable cord.

 

[shoturtle]

Thanks. It doesn't have to be from lowes but I do need to get one tomorrow.

I honestly would go to the lowes and see how it feels in your hand. I find the 7lb bosch to be more comfortable then the 9lb dewalt.

 

[scab]

I have a Bosch corded and its been great. Easy blade change, comfortable, lots of power. I think I paid $120ish.

 

[Den69rs96]

I have that same dewalt saw. I love mine. Good power and the 4 position blade holder is nice.

 

[volaredon]

milwaukee or nothing. I like the 1/4 turn, blade retainer on mine; way better than the old style allen wrench setup, and watch they have several amperage ratings and stroke lengths across their lineup.

 

[shoturtle]

All the big brands have a quick release now a days. Not just Milwaukee. And they all work well. And they all have differ amperage form 10amp to 14amp.

 

[shoturtle]

Out of those I chose the dewalt. But not sure if I should get the Milwaukee....

the dewalt you chose is a 10amp motor. It will do most jobs around the house. But if you are planning to cut thick I beams, I would get a 12amp dewalt or bosch or milwaukee.

 

[shoturtle]

One thing you may want to consider. A good blade will make a huge difference in the saws performance. Feud Diablo are the ones to get at Homedepot. They are way better then the blades.

 

[pfctblu]

The DW311K is the better choice if you are going Dewalt. Ive had mine since the mid 90s and it has been seriously used and abused...still works

 

[Andrew S. Quinn]

Milwaukee Super Sawzall. It has a 1 1/4 stroke,which makes quicker cuts than those with a shorter stroke.

 

[rpearlberg]

Thanks everyone. I'll just be using this for random jobs around the house, but it seems that for $20 more I should get the Milwaukee.

 

[claymont]

I got one of these on Ebay for $74 total in excellent condition. Not the best feature wise, but the price was right and its definitely a big move-up from my '78 B&D one. Takes a little time to hit your price point on Ebay, but most times it's worth it. Cuts a whole lot better than my last one


PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The Milwaukee 6519-31 Sawzall Recip Saw delivers best in class cut speed, durability and power with 0-3,000 strokes per minute, a 1-1/8 stroke length and a powerful 12 Amp motor. The gear protecting clutch extends gear and motor life by absorbing high impact forces and a QUIK-LOK blade clamp offers fast tool-free blade changes. To provide greater user comfort, a counter weighted mechanism reduces vibration for smoother operation and a redesigned front grip area provides best in class ergonomics.

• The Milwaukee 6519-31 features a powerful 12 Amp motor, delivering 0-3,000 SPM for high performance cutting in a variety of materials
• 1-1/8 in. Stroke length for maximum cutting speed
• A Gear protecting clutch extends gear and motor life on the Milwaukee 6519-31 by absorbing high impact forces caused by blade lock-ups
• Counter weighted mechanism reduces vibration for smoother operation and less user fatigue.
• The Milwaukee 6519-31 features a QUIK-LOK blade clamp provides fast , tool-free blade changes.
• MFG Brand Name : Milwaukee
• MFG Model # : 6519-31
• MFG Part # : 6519-31

 

[WHT]

Milwaukee Super Sawzall. It has a 1 1/4 stroke,which makes quicker cuts than those with a shorter stroke.

Had a Dewalt previous and bought the 13-amp Milwaukee. Buy the Milwaukee and you will never look back.

 

[rpearlberg]

i just went and got the Milwaukee. Now I have both, but haven't opened either one yet.

 

[shoturtle]

The milwaukee is a good saw, and it has more power then the 10amp dewalt you had. It will be better for cutting metal. But if you are using it for light stuff. The 12amp tools are a bit of a overkill. The blades make a huge difference. A lower power saw with good blades will do a better job then higher power saw with cheap blades.

 

[rshadd]

I bought the Bosch RS325 and like it alot. It's compact and let's me get in tight spaces. Changing blades is couldn't be easier.

 

[shoturtle]

Yup the bosch is a 7LB saw with at 12amp motor. Lots of power, and good to getting into tight places vs a larger saw.

 

[the gypsy]

I own an older Milwaukee super sawzall, and I would recommend it no matter what price. What made me choose the milwaukee is the anti vibration design.
Just remember their super sawzall has a1 1/4 stroke and regular sawzall has a 1 1/8 stroke. What does this mean, the blades will last longer on the super sawzall because more teeth will actually come in contact (use) with the material you are cutting.
I hope you understand what I am trying to explain.

 

[sberry]

For this user none of this will matter.

 

[shoturtle]

I think the OP got overwhelm with what members post. For the intended uses of the saw the 10amp dewalt with good blades would work just fine. And it plenty of power for around the house work.

 

[rpearlberg]

Yeah, thats my problem. I always want and end up getting way more than I really need. I still haven't opened either...

 

[shoturtle]

To be honest, for your needs the $100 dewalt will be more then enough. And get a set of feud diablo blades and you are set. Unless you use the saw 3-4 times a week, you will not notice any difference.

 

[sberry]

yes, only reason for a real heavy duty saw is continual demolition work. Daily installer work. 10 amps will wear the user out before he wears the saw out, same for 4 1/2 grinders, after a bit, a couple minutes the extra power doesnt mean all that much.

 

[rpearlberg]

with that being said should i just keep the milwaukee, or save the $20 and use the DeWalt? I also bought the Milwaukee blade set at HD this morning...