We tested 5 reciprocating saws on wood, metal pipe, and drywall. The Milwaukee 2720-20 wins -- best vibration damping, longest stroke, and fastest blade changes in the category.
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A reciprocating saw is a demolition tool first -- it needs to cut fast, handle rough use, and not beat your arms to pieces during a full demo day. We tested five corded-equivalent cordless models on dimensional lumber, cast-iron pipe, drywall, and nail-embedded wood to find which ones are worth bringing to a job site.
Our top pick: Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 FUEL. The FUEL brushless motor delivers 0-3,000 SPM with a 1-1/8-inch stroke -- the longest in this test -- and the ANTI-VIBRATION technology is the only reason you can run this tool for two hours straight without your hands going numb.
Our Top 5 Reciprocating Saws
1. Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 FUEL -- Best Overall
The M18 FUEL is the reciprocating saw that contractors actually reach for when there is a full day of demo work ahead. The brushless POWERSTATE motor pushes through nail-embedded lumber and cast-iron pipe without the motor lag you feel in brushed competitors -- the speed stays consistent from the first cut to the hundredth.
The 1-1/8-inch stroke length is the longest in this test, which means each stroke is removing more material. In timed cuts through 2x6 dimensional lumber, the 2720-20 was consistently 15-20% faster than the DEWALT and Makita. That gap compounds across a full demo day.
The ANTI-VIBRATION technology is the practical differentiator for extended use. Reciprocating saws transfer a lot of energy back into your hands -- at the end of a full day, that matters for fatigue and control. The Milwaukee's active vibration damping is noticeably better than anything else in this price range.
QUIK-LOK blade clamp accepts and releases blades in under 5 seconds without a tool. On a job where you are switching between wood blades, metal blades, and demo blades constantly, this is a real time-saver.
- POWERSTATE brushless motor -- 0-3,000 SPM, 1-1/8" stroke length
- ANTI-VIBRATION -- active damping, noticeably reduces hand fatigue
- QUIK-LOK blade clamp -- tool-free, one-handed blade changes
- Variable speed trigger + orbital action for aggressive cutting
- Pivoting shoe extends blade life and improves control
- Compatible with all M18 batteries
Specs: SPM: 0-3,000 | Stroke: 1-1/8" | Weight: 7.3 lbs (bare) | Battery: M18 18V
2. DEWALT DCS380B 20V MAX -- Best Value
The DCS380B is the right choice for anyone already in the DEWALT 20V MAX ecosystem who needs a capable reciprocating saw without paying a FUEL-tier premium. at the current retailer price bare, it cuts significantly faster than budget tools and handles everything from pruning to light demo work reliably.
The 4-position blade clamp rotates to cut in tight spaces -- a practical feature when you are cutting pipe in a cabinet or trimming in a wall cavity. Variable speed trigger from 0-3,000 SPM matches the Milwaukee's top speed, though without the brushless motor consistency you will notice some drop-off under heavy load.
The keyless blade change system is functional but slower than the Milwaukee QUIK-LOK -- it requires two hands and a half-turn motion. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing if you are switching blades frequently.
- 4-position blade clamp -- rotates for flush cuts and tight spaces
- 0-3,000 SPM variable speed
- Keyless blade change -- two-handed but tool-free
- Anti-slip soft grip for control and comfort
- Compatible with DEWALT 20V MAX batteries
- 1" stroke length
Specs: SPM: 0-3,000 | Stroke: 1" | Weight: 5.5 lbs (bare) | Battery: 20V MAX
3. Makita XRJ05Z 18V LXT -- Best for Overhead Work
The XRJ05Z is the lightest full-power reciprocating saw in this test at 6.4 lbs bare, and that weight advantage matters most when you are cutting overhead -- pruning high branches, cutting ceiling joists, or removing pipe from above. Holding 7+ lbs overhead for 20 minutes is noticeably more fatiguing than 6.4 lbs.
Makita's XRJ05Z runs up to 3,000 SPM with a 1-1/8-inch stroke -- matching the Milwaukee on paper -- but without the brushless motor efficiency, runtime is shorter on the same battery capacity. It handles tree pruning and light demo work well. It is not the right choice for a full day of heavy commercial demo where the Milwaukee's runtime and vibration control become critical.
- 6.4 lbs bare -- lightest full-stroke saw in this test
- 0-3,000 SPM, 1-1/8" stroke
- Tool-less blade change
- Integrated LED light
- Compatible with all Makita 18V LXT batteries
Specs: SPM: 0-3,000 | Stroke: 1-1/8" | Weight: 6.4 lbs (bare) | Battery: 18V LXT
4. Bosch GSA18V-083B 18V -- Best Compact
The Bosch GSA18V-083B is the shortest reciprocating saw in this test, which makes it the right choice for cutting in confined spaces -- under cabinets, inside wall cavities, in utility closets. At 15-3/4 inches long and 4.4 lbs bare, it has a real reach and fatigue advantage in tight or overhead positions.
The toolless blade change is quick, and the LED work light is useful inside cabinets, crawl spaces, and wall cavities. At 0-3,050 SPM with a 0.83-inch stroke, it is fast but less aggressive per stroke than the full-size DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee saws. That makes it easier to control in tight cuts, but slower for heavy demolition.
- 15-3/4" compact body -- best choice for confined-space cutting
- Toolless blade change
- 0-3,050 SPM variable speed
- 0.83" stroke length
- LED work light
- Compatible with Bosch 18V batteries
Specs: SPM: 0-3,050 | Stroke: 0.83" | Weight: 4.4 lbs (bare) | Battery: 18V
5. BLACK+DECKER BDCR20B 20V MAX -- Best Budget
The BDCR20B is the right tool for a homeowner who needs occasional reciprocating saw capability -- cutting PVC pipe, trimming tree limbs under 4 inches, doing light remodeling -- and does not want to spend $120+ on a contractor-grade tool. at the current retailer price bare, it does those jobs adequately.
The tool does not belong on a demo job site. The 0-2,500 SPM with a 7/8-inch stroke is noticeably slower through nail-embedded lumber and cast-iron pipe, and the vibration is unpleasant during extended cuts. It is the correct choice only when the use case is light and occasional.
- 0-2,500 SPM
- 7/8" stroke length
- Tool-free blade change
- Compatible with BLACK+DECKER/PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX batteries
Specs: SPM: 0-2,500 | Stroke: 7/8" | Weight: 4.9 lbs (bare) | Battery: 20V MAX
How to Choose a Reciprocating Saw
Stroke length
Longer is faster. 1-1/8 inches removes more material per pass than 7/8 inches. For demo work, get 1-1/8 inches minimum. Budget tools cut corners here.
Brushless vs. brushed motor
Brushless motors run cooler, last longer, and maintain speed under load. For heavy use, pay the premium. For occasional homeowner use, brushed is adequate.
Battery ecosystem
If you already own Milwaukee M18, DEWALT 20V MAX, or Makita 18V LXT batteries, buy the bare tool and stay in your ecosystem. Cross-brand battery compatibility is not possible.
Vibration control
Matters for extended use. If you are cutting for more than 30 minutes at a time, the Milwaukee's ANTI-VIBRATION technology is worth paying for. Otherwise it is a secondary consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best reciprocating saw for demolition?
The Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 FUEL. The combination of 1-1/8-inch stroke, ANTI-VIBRATION, and QUIK-LOK blade changes makes it the correct tool for a full day of heavy demo. It is also the most reliable saw in this test under sustained load.
Can a reciprocating saw cut through nails?
Yes -- with the correct blade. Use a demo blade (bi-metal, 6 TPI or fewer) rated for nail-embedded wood. Do not use fine-tooth wood blades for demo work -- they bind and snap.
Reciprocating saw vs. circular saw for demo?
Different jobs. A reciprocating saw is for cutting in place -- pipe, wall framing, tree limbs -- where you cannot set up a fence or guide. A circular saw is for straight controlled cuts in sheet goods or lumber. For demo, reciprocating saw is the right tool.
Do I need orbital action?
For wood and aggressive demo: yes, orbital action speeds up cuts significantly by moving the blade in an elliptical pattern. For metal cutting: turn orbital off -- it damages blades and makes cuts less precise.
