Best Reciprocating Saws in the UK

The DEWALT DCS380N tops our list for its remarkably great performance and thoughtful design that, without a doubt, will be appreciated by both newbies and pros alike. 

First of all, you can change the blade position with the cutting edge looking up, down left or right. This comes handy for carving at different angles in different places that would be otherwise hard or even impossible to reach like window frames or near the floor. The cutting depth limit is adjustable as well. To do this, simply press the button on the hand grip and pull the shoe in one of the 3 available positions. That way, you can quickly adapt the saw for various tasks in just a few seconds.

Speaking about the power supply, this is a cordless, battery-powered model. We've chosen a body-only variant because you can use 18V XR-series battery packs from any other portable DEWALT power tool with this saw as well. Otherwise, feel free to order one from Amazon too. Also, the body-only option is shipped without the blades. However, with the right one, this saw can tear through metal just as easy as through the thick wood boards with nails in them, not to mention plywood planks. 

Finally, this model comes with a 1-year full warranty that can be extended to 4 years after registering it online, which is also a nice bonus.

Makita and quality power tools are about as synonymous as Germany and boring people. Needless to say, Makita DJR186Z wasn't designed to be an exception to this rule.

For the most part, it doesn't differ that much from most reciprocating saws in its class. The cutting speed of up to 2,800 spm is way above average but also nothing we haven't seen before in other quality instruments.

Having said that, there aren't a whole lot of these saws that incorporate a stroke length of up to 32mm. And that's a real shame and an oversight on their part as it gives the user higher cutting efficiency.

Another not-so-little detail that separates the model from the majority of its competition is its brand-new inventive crank mechanism. Designed to minimise blade deflection, the mechanism works wonders reducing vibration to the machine, making it less difficult to operate long-term and a lot more durable.

Dubbed eXtreme Protection Technology or XPT for short, the model incorporates a particularly rugged housing that allows it to effortlessly withstand demanding outdoor applications or harsh environments. Among other things, it protects the power tool from dust and dripping water.

There's nothing particularly new and inventive about its tool-less blade change, an electronic brake, or a lock-off switch. But the handle is a slightly different story. Designed with an elastomer, it allows for comfortable and controlled operation. Plus, it fits the hand really well, even during those difficult cutting tasks like overhead applications or cutting with the saw upside down.

All in all, Makita DJR186Z is nothing short of a quality reciprocating saw. It does not disappoint in the speed and power departments. But, unlike most of its competition, the model's inventive construction makes it a far more accurate and efficient tool to wield.

The Bosch PSA 700 E is an ultimate reciprocating saw with lots of positive feedbacks from happy owners. This is a corded model that is exceptionally easy to handle. It features a special SDS technology for tool-less blade change that can be done without taking gloves off.

The saw is designed to be held conveniently with both hands and features rubberised grips with protectors near the edges. Thanks to them, it's possible to make accurate incisions with the saw in artful wood carving.

What's more, the package includes a multi-purpose blade, capable of cutting through both wood and soft metals, so it can come in handy for tackling various DIY projects.  

If your job task requires cutting up to 150-mm boards or 10-mm metal pipes, the Bosch PSA 700 E is an ideal choice. It's worth mentioning, though, that most of the reciprocating saws, including this one, are not too quiet. Thus, we urge you to get a pair of ear protectors and thick gloves for working with it.

Not everyone needs an expensive tool for DIY work. Besides, not all tools that are not expensive are lacking performance. One such proof is the RPRS01A reciprocating saw from Tacklife. This tool strikes a perfect balance between decent quality, great performance, and affordability, making it a great alternative to all those users who aren't bothered with brand names and are looking to buy a saw that won't break a bank.

To kick things off, let's start with the performance. The model's equipped with a powerful 850W motor that is capable of reaching 2800 spm oscillation speed. This, together with the oscillation length of 28 mm, allows the tool to effortlessly cut through up to 180mm of wood and up to 10 mm of soft metals. For a reciprocating in its class, these numbers are pretty amazing.

Also of note is a blade clamp system. In addition to being compatible with a wide variety of blade brands besides Tacklife, it is tool-less, meaning you'll never have problems with finding replacement blades for it when the original ones wear out and it'll be easy and quick to change them, unlike with some other models.

However, the standout feature of the tool, which's rarely found in other recip saws, is its rotatable handle. It can be rotated 180 degrees, allowing you to pivot the front section of the tool so that you can find the best position for crosscutting and/or handling the saw in tight spaces. Combined with the adjustable shoe, it makes it miles easier to obtain professional-quality cuts while also making it suitable for tackling different jobs. Not all recip saws are so versatile.

Speaking of negatives, the RPRS01A doesn't have many. One is that it's quite heavy, weighing 4.25 kg, although the same can be said about most reciprocating saws. And two, we don't like its lock-on button design, that is how closely it's placed to the thumb - its vicinity to the fingers makes it easy to mistakenly press it during use, especially for left-handers. In the grand scheme of things, it is a minor problem, of course, but we'd certainly love to see it improved.

In the end, though not completely without flaws, the advantages of the RPRS01A definitely outweigh its disadvantages, making it a sound choice for DIYers looking for a powerful and universal tool at an affordable price.

The Bosch GSA108VLIN Reciprocating Saw is a one-handed model with a marvellous compact design. For starters, it's incredibly small and looks almost like a toy gun. Its rubberised pistol grip conveniently lies in a hand. At the staggering, for its size, 3000 SPM rate and 14.5-mm stroke length, it's capable of processing up to 65-mm thick wood boards. With the right blade, it can also cut through metal pipes. Owing to the compact dimensions, it's way easier to reach into a tight spot to cut off a specific tree branch or hard-to-reach pipe, compared to any two-handed model. It also has an LED light coming out at the front that helps in dark places as well.

With short blades, 1 battery charge is enough for about 1 hour of continuous use. The longer blades may cause stress on the motor and, thus, are not recommended. Anyhow, don't let the small size deceive you - the saw can be pretty noisy. Therefore, wear hearing protection and safety eyeglasses because the blade shoe faced upward increases the risk of getting sawdust fly right into your face. However, such inconvenience is non-threatening if the tool is used cautiously. As a result, this device can be equally useful for all professions engaged in minor cutting jobs.