What Is A Sawzall?
What’s a sawzall? It’s not a term that can be used to describe it. The Milwaukee Tool Company has given the sawzall a nickname or slang term that refers to a reciprocating saw. This is the most powerful handheld power tool you will ever use, and it can be used for many purposes.
A sawzall, a type or saw that cuts by pushing and pulling the blade in a reciprocating motion, is a saw. Commonly, a cordless reciprocating saw can be used for demolition and construction.
You can use the sawzall in many different ways. There are blades that can be used for metal, wood or both. They also come in all sizes.
Reciprocating Saws
The reciprocating saws can be used the same way. If you are using a one-handed model, grasp the neck and handle with both your hands. The protruding blade is designed to cut through plywood and other construction materials. The most noticeable differences between the various types of reciprocatingsaws are their weights and power.
Corded
Corded reciprocating sees have the highest power of all types of reciprocatingsaws. They can be plugged directly into an electric outlet, so they can be used for hours without any breaks. Corded tools have a disadvantage. If the user needs to use the saw from a distance, they will need to attach an extension cord. Most people will need to do this as job sites don’t have many outlets. This not only causes irritation but also creates a danger for tripping.
Cordless
While they have sufficient power to cut through wood and metal, cordless reciprocating saws are not able to sustain that power for long periods. You will need to take into account the environment where you’ll be working when deciding between a corded and cordless sawzall. While a corded sawzall will provide the most power, a cordless sawzall can be used in places where there are not electrical outlets.
One-Handed/Compact
One-handed reciprocating saws, also called compact, work in the same way as their bigger, two-handed counterparts. They are lighter and smaller. A regular reciprocating saw may weigh up to 5 kg and be as long as 0.6m in length. This does not include the blade. A compact saw typically weighs around 2 kg and is 30 cm long. Compact reciprocating saws work well when you have to make small cuts or when your arm and hand fatigue is reduced. They are not as powerful as full-sized models, however. There are many compact recipsaws that are battery-operated, but you can also get corded versions.
COMMON RECIPROCATING AW USES
You can use your sawzall to cut nails and screws, make interior holes in plywood or drywall, do demolition (remove old pipes and wood with nails), prune trees, and many other uses.
A sawzall can also be used to make cut that are not possible due to access restrictions or the position of the material. This is evident when you are cutting PVC pipe flush with the ground or enlarging the blade to fit into tight spaces.
A new sawzall was purchased by me recently because it proved to be extremely useful in disassembling pallets. Many pallets have wood that has been weathered over the years and rusty nails. This makes wood harder, but it is also prone to cracking or breaking as you remove each piece of its rusty nails.
The sawzall’s reciprocating saw blade is able to fit in tight spaces, making it ideal for cutting old nails between the pallet’s slats. This prevents you from prying and breaking the wood.
Sawzalls can prove dangerous due to the exposed blade at one end of a powerful recipsaw machine. Take your time and be careful.
Click here to view a short safety video from Expert Village.
THE SAWZALL BLADE
There are many sawzall blades that can be used for any job. Even the most basic options can seem overwhelming. You can find the right sawzall blade for your job, regardless of whether you are cutting wood, metal, or a combination.
There are many length options. Why? Why? Because the blades are shorter and allow for more control when cutting through hard materials. The longer blades are more flexible and can vibrate and flail when making simple cuts.
The longer blades are more versatile and can be used in tight places to make difficult cuts. If you need to make a cut flush with the ground or to remove 24 nails from a surface piece, a sawzall with a longer blade is the best tool.
You can find a variety of attachments that are designed for specific tasks in addition to the standard blade options.
Spyder Reciprocating saw Remodeling Kit is an excellent example of accessories. It includes everything you need, including wire brushes and cutting blades as well as sanding attachments.
You can even use the ReciProMate attachment to cut fence posts.
The versatility of the sawzall has been recognized by manufacturers, so they continue to develop accessories that make it easier.
Best Budget Sawzall
The PORTER-CABLE PC75TRS 7.75 Amp Reciprocating saw is a sturdy sawzall that’s also very affordable. This sawzall was purchased recently by me because it is affordable and can be used to disassemble pallets. The Porter-Cable sawzall is great and I have enough money left over for dinner.
KEY FEATURES
- Motor with 7.5 Amps for heavy-duty cutting in many applications
- Twist Lock Tool blade change is quick and simple with no tools
- Variable speed trigger keeps you moving for multiple cutting tasks
- The pivoting shoe is easy to maneuver around objects and while cutting
- For prolonged cutting, soft grips on the boot and rear handle reduce vibration
An experienced reviewer purchased this sawzall with specific expectations based on its price. After using the sawzall for a while, he had some comments to make about some of its features.
This was purchased to perform some housework. Because I am a weekend warrior, I needed something sturdy but affordable. This was the right fit. This machine had enough power to take out everything.
VITAL STATS
Other Thoughts
This sawzall may not be the most powerful on the market but it’s perfectly usable when used properly.
Another reviewer draws a sharp distinction between the sawzall and higher-priced versions.
This reciprocating saw is a great light-use tool for around the home, and it’s a very affordable price. I have used the Milwaukee 12-amp Sawzall before and it is superior. The Milwaukee is 4-5x cheaper than the Porter Cable. If you plan on using the Milwaukee 5 days per week, make sure to get at least 11 amps. It works well for occasional jobs around the home.
Texas Matt Lowes.com Review
Although it may not be the most powerful sawzall on the market, this sawzall might be the most affordable. Trust me, that is no shame.
Best Cordless Sawzall
The DEWALT CSS380L1 20 Volt MAX Lithium Ion 3.0 Ah Reciprocating saw kit gives you a cordless saw with the most recent technology. It even comes with a charger and a case.
You can save up to half the price if you already have one of Dewalts 20-Volt MAX cordless power tools. If you don’t want to spend more on a Li-ion battery or charger,
KEY FEATURES
- The 4-position blade clamp is ideal for flush cutting and greater positional flexibility
- A stroke length of 1-1/20 cm allows for fast cutting
- Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 RPM provides greater blade control and faster cutting speeds
- The adjustable pivoting shoe increases blade life and allows for depth of cut control
- Comfort grip made of rubber overmolded with rubber inserts provides optimal control and comfort
This tool was a gift from my wife and I love it. It has been a great tool to use since I received it. The blade changing process is much easier than the old style allen-drill blade changing system. I like that the blade can be placed in any position that is most beneficial for the job (up, down or to either side). I have never had to replace the 20v batteries.
NorthernTool.com Customer
VITAL STATS
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
The battery life is a problem with all cordless power tools. The motor’s use and strain will affect the battery’s life expectancy.
This is the bad thing about the saw. The batteries are the most expensive part. However, it depends on what kind of work you do, 152.4m of extension cord can be quite expensive.
The cordless sawzall is best if you have a lot to work with.
We love the versatility of cordless reciprocating saws over corded ones. If you value your time (which I suspect you are), finding an outlet that is suitable for your project and running the extension cable from there to your project will take a lot of time.
What are the unique uses of the Dewalt DCS380L1 Cordless Sawzall?
You can try cutting windshields like the guy who posted a comment on CPOpowertools.com
Amazing reciprocating saw! This power saw is a beast thanks to its powerful and smooth stroke. It is perfect for removing windshields. It has enough power to remove windshields, but also the smoothness to keep windshields intact.
BEST SAWZALL ALL OVER
The DEWALTDW310K 12 Amp Heavy Duty Reciprocating Saw Kit is the final winner. Dewalt has a reputation for being a formidable brand, and the Dewalt DW310K continues that tradition.
KEY FEATURES
- For heavy-duty applications, a 12 Amp motor provides more power
- For fast and efficient cutting, 0-2,700 SPM is available and 1-1/20 cm stroke length is available
- For blade changes that are quick and simple, the keyless stainless steel blade clamp is ideal for increased reliability and ease of use
- The keyless adjustable shoe adjusts the depth of cut and blade life.
- Variable speed trigger allows users to control speed instantly
VITAL STATS
What Can You Cut?
A reciprocating saw’s versatility is one of its greatest assets.
You can use the blades to cut wood, metal and everything in between. Stan, a HomeDepot.com reviewer, talked about how the DeWalt DW310K performed when he used his hot tub.
This is my first reciprocating saw and I hope it will be my last. This saw was specifically purchased to disassemble a hot tub. It performed as expected. It was able to cut through any material, including fiberglass with staples and nails, as well as steel supports. Although it was slow at cutting tile, the right blade would likely make it work well.
What makes the Dewalt DW310K heavy-duty sawzall different from a regular saw? This saw is much more durable than cheaper knockoffs and offers a better cut.
Although it is not expensive, it is important to remember that you can buy twice if you don’t care about the price. This powerful tool is very durable, which is huge.
SAWZALL SUMMARY
As I always state in my reviews of power tools, the best sawzall may not be the best for you. It all depends on your needs. It is important to be open with yourself and to make educated decisions.
These 2 quick tips will help you make a smart decision.
- Corded saw or cordless saw This is where you make your final decision.
Are you sure you will have power where you need it? Do the extension cords that you will need cost more than the price of a cordless kit for your sawzall? Is cordless affordable?
