How to choose the best Reciprocating Saw

Tools are a necessity in numerous kinds of mechanical jobs including construction work, window fitters, emergency escape workers, etc. Reciprocating Saw is one such famously demanded and used tool.

It is essentially like a normal saw but equipped with a machine or a battery so it doesn’t have to be operated by you.

The push and pull action of the equipment will assist you in easily cutting through the desired object.

There are numerous types of reciprocating saws available in the market and various factors can affect your choice to buy one.

Several important things should be kept in check while buying them which are listed below –

Corded vs. Cordless

Before you start cutting through various materials you should first ask yourself how much movement will you be requiring.

Will you be moving all around the object or will you stand in one place and will be able to cut your way through?

Reciprocating saws come in both cordless (battery operated) and corded, thus one will restrict your movement while the other will let you roam free.

However, the cordless saw may turn out to be heavier as it requires and has batteries attached to it.

It can basically be narrowed down to the facts that are you taking yourself to the project or is the project coming to you.

In case there are power outlets available in your surroundings, then it is recommended that you opt for a corded reciprocating saw.

But, if you’re working in a place without easy access to a power outlet and want freedom in your movements, then it is recommended that you opt for a cordless reciprocating saw.

Power (Battery Voltage/Amperage)

What is your demand for power?

A reciprocating saw can be mildly powerful or can be extremely powerful, all of which depend on what is the saw’s battery voltage or amperage.

So, if the amperage or battery voltage is high you will be able to cut more vigorously.

Also, power is proportional to weight and inversely proportional to mobility.

A reciprocating saw with a higher battery voltage will be heavier than a one with lower battery voltage or amperage.

So, you need to decide whether you will be moving a lot or staying in one place.

Adding on to that, you should be aware of what type of work will you be doing.

Will you be cutting through thin ply boards or will you be operating on metal gates?

If you will be cutting through hefty materials, it is recommended that you opt for a reciprocating saw with high battery voltage; this, however, will limit your movement as the saw will be heavy.

If not, try a saw with low battery voltage or amperage.

Blade

There are two factors relating to the blade which you must keep in mind to make sure you get the perfect reciprocating saw for your needs.

Strokes per minute: that a saw blade provides lets you know how fast you will be doing your work.

You will be able to cut at a faster rate making it easier for you to finish the job early.

If you need something to be swift then make sure the reciprocating saw you are buying has higher strokes per minute.

Blade stroke: A quite simple meaning, the number of strokes present on your blade matters.

The saw which will have longer strokes will have a greater number of teeth on the saw blade.

You will be able to cut faster and with greater precision, if the reciprocating saw you intend to buy has a good blade stroke.

Hex wrench Clamp or Quick Blade Change Adaptor?

Depending on the load of work you will have to do, you should decide whether you should get a hex wrench clamp or a quick blade change adaptor.

A hex wrench clamp is an easy way to go and is a more conventional approach.

It is recommended to be used when you are working indoors.

The clamp will keep the blade in place making your work easy, and in case you lose your hex wrench, you can easily get a new one.

If you want to opt for a quick blade change adaptor, it is preferable you opt for it when you’re working in busy spaces or doing heavy-duty work.

This will let you change the blade quickly when needed.

However, be sure to use a metal quick-change adaptor, so it doesn’t tend to break or get loose.

Linear inches per minute vs Orbital Cutting

The basic cutting action which is shown by many reciprocating saws is linear inches per minute.

This gives you the ability to cut in a straight path with higher precision.

However, when it comes to the optimal cutting action, nothing can beat the orbital cutting technique.

The action gives the user an upper hand and lets them cut through any material faster while giving higher precision.

However, if you want to freely move the blade while cutting; do not get a reciprocating saw equipped with orbital cutting.

As when a saw has orbital cutting it is preferable that you rest the shoe of the saw on the material which you are cutting.

Blade Size

An obvious yet vital factor that you should keep in mind when you want to purchase a reciprocating saw.

Like any saw or bladed equipment, the blade size tends to matter a lot.

It will be the factor responsible for which type of materials or objects you can work on.

The longer the blade the faster you will be able to cut, but you will face some difficulty in managing the saw.

On the other hand, if you opt for a smaller-sized blade you will be able to maneuver the movement of the saw without any hassle.

Before buying any item you should analyze its need and what type of action/work will you be performing while using it.

A reciprocating saw is mainly used for heavy-duty and can come at high rates.

So, it will only be beneficial for you if you refer to the above-mentioned factors before purchasing one.

Also see: Best Reciprocating Saws Reviews