Reciprocating Saws (i.e. Saws-all)

[Wolverine]

A friend of mine is shopping for a reciprocating saw. Since I have yet to purchase one, I could not give much advice on the subject.





#1) Which one/s do you like, and WHY?



#2) Are the 'adjustable position' (articulating or swivel nose) ones necessary? They are more expensive, but if you're purchasing your initial reciprocating saw anyway............. are they worth the extra price???




Much appreciated!

 

[l_bilyk]

1 - I have the milwaukee pivoting one, and an old porter cable tigersaw. Both good tools

2 - depends on what youre doing... I find that if you get a cordless one, you tend to use it in places where the swivel head comes in handy (up in a tree, on top of a ladder). I haven't come across a situation where i wanted to pivot the head of my corded one yet

 

[Rickster]

I bought the Harbor Freight version. I haven't needed one until recently to cut off the rusted-in rear leaf spring mounting bolts on my Mustang. Worked great for the job. I don't recommend HF electrical tools for the long haul, but if its needed for occasional jobs around the house the money I spent was worth it and if it burns out tomorrow I won't be upset.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=4095

 

[eschoendorff]

After much research, I ended up with teh standard 10 AMP 3/4" stroke Milwaukee Sawzall. It is actually much lighter than any of the DeWalts, Porter Cables or any of teh others I tried. And let's face it, if you're using a sawzall, your probably using it as a last-ditch effort in some confined space, so weight is an issue. Well, not always, but for me morre often than not

Oh, and the Milwaukee is a beast. I couldn't be happier!

 

[kartracer55]

The best, by far, is the Milwaukee super sawzall. Milwaukee was the original, and its the best. They use a counter-balance so the saw is pretty smooth(as far as sawzalls go) I say go milwaukee, and If hes willing to spend the cash, getthe super-sawzall. My dads is over 15 years old, about 3 years ago he had to replace the motor brushes, but other than that, o problems. There arnt to many things we havent ct with that thing.

Jim

 

[Fast Orange]

Whether you're looking to go cheap or looking to buy the best, theres only one true Sawzall-Milwaukee.The electrical contractor I work for has been in business over 35 yearsand probably owns 25 sawzalls.In the 15 years I've worked there,other than a few sets of brushes and a lost blade clamp or two,I've only seen 2 Milwaukees than were broken bad enough that we had to send them in for repair.Both were older,model 6507 saws that were being used to demo HW conduit and got the blades wedged.Basically,they were being abused.
If you hunt around,you can find factory reconditioned saws from around $70 & up.

George

 

[danski0224]

I have used several brands. I own a corded Porter Cable. The PC will out-cut any Milwaukee I have used.

For balance and lack of fatigue when cutting, I like either Bosch or Hilti. The drawback is the extra weight.

DeWalt doesn't do anything for me.

The twistable handle PC is a nice tool. I have not used the newest version yet.

I also have a cordless Milwaukee Hatchet. That is a nice feature when you need it.

Whatever brand you choose, watch the amp and blade stroke specs. More is better in either case.

 

[dink]

If you need to replace blades I can help you out...I have a few hundred here in my office....bi metal...different sizes

 

[TOMWELDS]

I borrowed a friends Porter cable tigersaw...What an animal!..great saw.

 

[dink]

When I invest in one it will probably be the Milwaukee or Hitachi

 

[evildky]

Milwaukee Super Sawzall, once you've used one the others seem heavy and clunky in comparison, the cheapie ryobi will get the job done and is light, the Porter cable is pretty smoothe but heavy, but the milwaukee is by far the smoothest comfortable one to use

I do also have a ryobi 18v cordless for wuick and or distant jbs but I always come back to the big daddy Milwaukee

 

[danski0224]

... but the milwaukee is by far the smoothest comfortable one to use

Have you used a Bosch or Hilti?

 

[Procrastinator]

I purchased the dewalt because I got a great deal on it. I put myself through college as a carpenter and I have logged plenty of hours using them. Most will be fine for non-professionals. The saws are like opinions on which is the best I liked our milwalkee, but hated our porter cable, my dewalt was right in the middle.

The best tip I have ever used on a saws all relatively unknown to the public. I put the blade in upside down. This allows me to cut holding the saw upside down, but gives me a longer flatter area of cutting.

Example would be when building the interior walls of a house, we left the bottom plates in place until the entire roof was up. With the blade upside down, we would cut out the plates for the door with the blade parallel to the floor using the entire stroke of the blade not just a small portion and possibly cutting into the floor. At first its unnatural but after you try it, you will never put a blade in the right way.

Pro

 

[logical]

I have the Milwaukee Super Sawzall...but get whatever you can get a deal on among the major brands. I got nine new and in the metal case (but no cardboard box) for under $100 on Ebay.

 

[Wolverine]

Great information from all. Much appreciated!

 

[autoist]

I've got both the Makita electric & the Makita battery powered sawsaw's

 

[motorheadjohn]

Milwaukee

If you go with the Milwaukee, get a model with the twist-lock cord...allows you to interchange cords with your Milwaukee Magnum drill and other tools.

 

[Spookrider]

I got this bad boy while ago and I love it so far>
http://www.milwaukeetool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_27_40028_-1_731352_192213_192137
I'm now trying figer out what blades to get the 6" or the 9" "The Wreckers" from Millw.

 

[z28toz06]

The best, by far, is the Milwaukee super sawzall. Milwaukee was the original, and its the best. They use a counter-balance so the saw is pretty smooth(as far as sawzalls go) I say go milwaukee, and If hes willing to spend the cash, getthe super-sawzall. My dads is over 15 years old, about 3 years ago he had to replace the motor brushes, but other than that, o problems. There arnt to many things we havent ct with that thing.

Jim

i agree. i have a supersawzall and an 18 volt cordless sawzall. love em both the cord less is great for trimming trees.

 

[Pedro-snapon]

I have a few junkyard customers who put these though major abuse and have nothing but good from them about the new s-o one

http://image.snapon.com/sotin/pdf/ctrs4850_npa.pdf

 

[Bolster]

Slightly OT comment, but I wish my Sawzall would allow me to dial in the length of the blade stroke. Sometimes I need a very small back-and-forth action so I don't ram the tip of the blade into an object behind what I'm cutting.

You know the kickback you can get if that blade tip hits something solid!!

 

[Spookrider]

Slightly OT comment, but I wish my Sawzall would allow me to dial in the length of the blade stroke. Sometimes I need a very small back-and-forth action so I don't ram the tip of the blade into an object behind what I'm cutting.

You know the kickback you can get if that blade tip hits something solid!!

This might help you if you have not seen it yet or heard of it.

 

[Bolster]

"Video is no longer available" ... what was it?

Oh wait, it's working on the third try...

HEY, that's a good trick! Thanks!!

 

[igneous]

I think Im going to get this one for my birthday in a couple weeks, I think I'll be happy with it: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009RWLHE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Spookrider]

I think Im going to get this one for my birthday in a couple weeks, I think I'll be happy with it: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009RWLHE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Go for this model
MILWAUKEE 6536-21P
MILWAUKEE 13 Amp Orbital Sawzall with Free Tool belt
you pay a little more for it and you get the same tool but with a free tool belt. I payed $152.00 for mine.
http://www.toolup.com/milwaukee/6536-21p.html?AdCamp=Froogle_Feed&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=froogle1&utm_term=milwaukee%206536-21p
But the only problem they are hard to find or few out there.

 

[igneous]

Go for this model
MILWAUKEE 6536-21P
MILWAUKEE 13 Amp Orbital Sawzall with Free Tool belt
you pay a little more for it and you get the same tool but with a free tool belt. I payed $152.00 for mine.
http://www.toolup.com/milwaukee/6536-21p.html?AdCamp=Froogle_Feed&utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=froogle1&utm_term=milwaukee%206536-21p
But the only problem they are hard to find or few out there.

hmm, that's tempting. For $150 I can get it with the Rotating Handle though(not sure if I want that yet). I could use a tool belt though too...

 

[Spookrider]

hmm, that's tempting. For $150 I can get it with the Rotating Handle though(not sure if I want that yet). I could use a tool belt though too...

I do say it is nice tool belt indeed. It has many many pockets to put stuff in.
You are getting a $60.00 + tool belt for free.
Like I said there few out there, so when you find one, get it and call the dealer to make sure they have it instock, it was promo so once they sold there share then that it for their stock.
Google the model number and see how many out there.

 

[rsanter]

I have the dewalt corded and cordless models

they are both great but I grab the cordless first every time

bob

 

[wilbilt]

I have an older Makita JR3000V Variable-speed saw. I bought it at a yard sale about 15 years ago and it just won't die. It's pretty light as well.

The only complaint I have is about the trigger lock button. Since I am left-handed, My hand tends to push the button in when I am using the saw.

It could be a safety hazard if the saw keeps running when you are not expecting it.

For this reason, if I ever need to replace it, I will look for one with a different trigger lock configuration.

 

[48548]

Milwaukee, I got my father a super orbital sawz all and he loves it. I also have the v28 version and love not having a cord and use it all the time to trim the trees. i do have the v28 portable bandsaw and must that is a tool to own, even though after 2 years I have only used it twice, but it works great and is really fast compared to the sawz all, but then they are for different applications.

 

[igneous]

Milwaukee, I got my father a super orbital sawz all and he loves it. I also have the v28 version and love not having a cord and use it all the time to trim the trees. i do have the v28 portable bandsaw and must that is a tool to own, even though after 2 years I have only used it twice, but it works great and is really fast compared to the sawz all, but then they are for different applications.

im most likely going to get a chainsaw this christmas/winter, so I wont really need a cordless sawzall. id rather have more power and not have to deal with the battery

 

[pl_silverado]

The best, by far, is the Milwaukee super sawzall. Milwaukee was the original, and its the best. They use a counter-balance so the saw is pretty smooth(as far as sawzalls go) I say go milwaukee, and If hes willing to spend the cash, getthe super-sawzall. My dads is over 15 years old, about 3 years ago he had to replace the motor brushes, but other than that, o problems. There arnt to many things we havent ct with that thing.

Jim

I second that. I have a 13 amp Milwaukee and i've put it through hell, however i also have a DeWalt thats got to be at least 10 years old thats been through hell and still works.

I bought a new one because the DeWalt lacked the quick change blade feature, i was tired of fiddling with allen keys.

 

[pl_silverado]

I think Im going to get this one for my birthday in a couple weeks, I think I'll be happy with it: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009RWLHE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have that same one. I paid $ 200 at Lowes a year or so ago.

 

[Spookrider]

I have that same one. I paid $ 200 at Lowes a year or so ago.

Wow, you got rip. I paid $152 and got a free tool belt for the same model that you have.

 

[pl_silverado]

Wow, you got rip. I paid $152 and got a free tool belt for the same model that you have.

harsh.

i needed it that day for the job. it's already paid for itsself multiple times

 

[Spookrider]

harsh.

i needed it that day for the job. it's already paid for itsself multiple times

Sorry.
Well, I guess since it paid for it self then it is not to bad of an rip.