Best, Economic Reciprocating Saw

[davidshackelford]

I am trying to find a good quality reciprocating saw, at a good price.

What do you think about this saw:
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&langId=-1&catalogId=4006970&PHOTOS=on&productId=200304673&categoryId=767391?

For $35, it looks like a great deal to me!

Thanks!
-David

[doyle]

The problem with an "inexpensive" tool is the probablility that it will usually translate into a "cheap" tool. I know...I've done the same thing as you are tempted to do, only to end up throwing it away. Buy it if you want to, but just be forewarned that it might not last through one project.

Look for a reciprocating saw around $100. It will come with it's own plastic case, and a most useful feature: a quick-change blade (no tools required). It will last for many years. I have a Milwaukee that has the above features that was $119 at Lowes. Check ebay for a good deal on a slightly used one, or even a new one.

You can also check Harbor Freight tools for a reconditioned saw in a good brand name at a good discount. www.harborfreight.com

Buy yourself a good Father's Day present...lol

[Rich]

Buy the original.. buy the only one that can call itself a Sawzall - Milwaukee :)

[doyle]

I went back and clicked on the link to see the saw you are talking about. I can't believe that it has all the features that I mentioned earlier....go figure. If money is super-tight, go for it. Let us know how it worked for you. If it dies an early death, then you can go buy a better saw.

[Nicky]

I would rather pay double and get a used milwaukee. If you only use it once a year or so go for it, but you will probably have problems with it if you use it more often. check ebay pawn shops or local ads for a name brand saw, there are a lot out there. I've had a milwaukee super sawzall for about 10 years and it runs like it did the day I bought it and I do a lot of plumbing and electrical and demo work.

[roger g]

I bought a Milwauki 14.5 half inch hammer drill a few years ago. NOT HAPPY!!!!. With anything, it is the luck of the draw. If you got a good one of anything, you got a good one regardless of price. I like good quality but have been let down a few times.
Just my thoughts. I have a sawzall and like it.

roger

[Nicky]

I don't think it's luck of the draw, for sawzalls I think milwaukee. For hammer drills, rotary hammers, jack hammers you go bosch or hilti for nailers, senco or hitachi. there are other good companies but if you do your homework your odds are usually better if you choose the best for that particular tool.

[Rich]

I agree.. I always try and buy the most that I can afford whenever buying new tools.. except for maybe nailers. Nailers get so abused in most circumstances that I buy Grizzly nailers. Quite a bit cheaper yet they hold together remarkably well.

[Conrad Grey]

David,


Buy junk and you will end up in the emergency room for the night instead of finishing up your project. Some applications in demolition work can be very dangerous when working with a saw prone to breaking midway through the job. When working with a circular saw, jig saw, etc, you can usually set the work up in a comfortable and safe position. However, unfortunately when you do most demolition work, you can't always attack it from a comfortable angle. So find a saw YOU feel comfortable holding, and don't simply choose a saw that's cheap!

Everybody's physique is different so no one saw is perfect for all of us. I wanted to buy the new Porter Cable variable angle Saw, but I simply didn't like the way it felt in my hands. Plus, all those added buttons the saw uses to changes angles seem like they can break easily. I bought a DeWalt 303mk because it is lightweight and felt great whether I was using the blade from the up or down position. And since the saw is one of the shortest reciprocating saws out there, you can pretty much hit any angle you need, without needing the features that the Porter Cable saw offers.

Go to Lowe's and Home Depot and take your time and get a feel for the saws they have and see which one feels comfortable in your hands. Between Milwaukee, Dewalt, Skil, and Porter Cable you should be able to find something that feels right. I have big hands so I don't mind Dewalt's larger body, whereas the Milwaukee(s) have a slimmer body which may feel better for guys with smaller hands. Unless you HAVE TO have a cordless saw because of your application, buy a corded saw instead. The batteries wear out quickly in cordless reciprocating saws and it becomes a nuisance if you have a lot of work to do. I'm sure most work you do you'll have no problem being tied to a power source. I also have a Skil 18 volt recip saw and it doesn't even compare to my DeWalt 303mk, which isn't even the strongest recip that DeWalt offers in it's corded recip line.....

It's not worth saving 60 bucks if you are going to end up with a broken blade sticking out of your head.......

[Rich]

Excellent advice Conrad.. and welcome to the forum.

[TOOLMANonline]

I have been selling DeWalt power tools for many years now and have to say that if you are looking for a cordless then DeWalt is the leader hands down. I have sold probably 500 - 1000 of their 18V cordless and never had one returned or one complaint. That says a lot when you sell to primarily contractors who abuse them and beat them. Looking at corded the best I have used is Porter Cable. They have some really innovative designs as well with rotating handles and split body designs that make them very handy to use in odd places.