Cordless Reciprocating Saw

[buckle97]

Does anyone own one of these or use one regularly? What kinds of things can this tool be used for? Are these battery operated versions comparable to the corded ones? Are there any drawbacks to the battery operated version? I’m not committed to one brand, I just found this photo easily and decided to use it in my post.

 

[DaveNay]

Don't do it! I have never had success with cordless recip saws. I have used Dewalt, Bosch, Milwaukee, and Makita brand, and they are all severely lacking on power. The Bosch one wasn't even powerful enough to cut through a pressure treated 6x6 post, using BOTH batteries.

You can usually buy the corded standard duty Milwaukee or DeWalt for around $100.00

 

[Bobcat]

I use that same unit on the job at least once a week. I use it to shorten 2", 4", and 6" steel pipe, cut up HDPE, etc. Works fine for me out in the boonies.

 

[bczoom]

OK, I have the one you have pictured as well as a Milwaukee corded version.

I'm not sure if it's the batteries but I've had no problems with the batteries dieing on it. (mine is the Dewalt 18v XRP). Power hasn't been an issue either. I cut the lid off a 55gal steel drum last week and it went through it like butter and the battery was fine at the end.

Now, that said... As Dave noted a corded saw has a plug so it won't kill batteries. They're less expensive but, you do have that cord attached. BTW, when did they drop in price? I thought I paid about $200 for mine.

In general, the corded tools are less expensive and more powerful. A premium is paid for the cordless for convenience.

 

[Melensdad]

I have a Ryobi and it is ok for light duty stuff. But I wouldn't want to have to cut a bunch of light duty pipes, tubes, etc unless I had a whole lot of batteries. Its fine for cutting one or two pieces of light steel or even some wood. For steel cutting I much prefer a corded portable band saw. They are much faster and give a much cleaner cut. JMO.

 

[bczoom]

a much cleaner cut. JMO.

Well, my opinion is that you shouldn't even be looking at a reciprocating saw if you're interested in a clean cut. Their objective is to just eat whatever it's coming in contact with (and potentially anything within an inch on either side).

 

[California]

I have the Ryobi too. Keep in mind this is a homeowner-grade tool. I think Consumer Reports said the Ryobi 18 volt tools have about half the battery life of the pro tools that cost 3 times as much. This is suitable for occasional use but for tradesman use I would buy something better.

I wouldn't go any cheaper. HF's 18 volt batteries are half the amp rating of Ryobi so their tools must be for handicrafts, not construction.

I bought my Ryobi when I was dismantling a falling-down outbuilding, and it was really handy for climbing around without tangling a cord. Now I carry it on the tractor when I need to clear a snapped limb, or break up a downed apple tree. It's a replacement for a manual bow saw, not for a chainsaw.

The Ryobi charger doesn't draw much power so I bought a small inverter to run it from the tractor battery. Rotating three batteries should allow hours of intermittent use during orchard cleanup.

you shouldn't even be looking at a reciprocating saw if you're interested in a clean cut.

True. This is mainly a brute force demolition tool. For building something where the pieces have to match up, use a more precise tool.

 

[Big Dog]

I have the same unit, no complaints but I haven't ask it to cut 1/4 inch plate either. 2x4 and PVC is a breeze!

 

[buckle97]

Thanks for the comments.
I'm looking at this as a possible gift for my BIL. He would mainly be cutting wood. Anything from downed tree limbs to 2x4's. Does everyone agree it should be okay for this type of duty?

 

[bczoom]

He would mainly be cutting wood. Anything from downed tree limbs to 2x4's. Does everyone agree it should be okay for this type of duty?

It would work fine for that.

 

[mtntopper]

I have the Dewalt 18 volt set and it is great for quick jobs requiring a couple of cuts without charging. If I am doing something that takes many multiple cuts, I pack up the Honda generator and the corded power tools and forget about the battery ones as they will disappoint you when you need them the most. I do a lot of remote work such as fence work away from power and the generator and corded tools are a necessity to complete the job in a timely manner.

 

[Bulldog1401]

I use cordless tools daily, and the sawall almost daily. I have used the craftsman 19.2 volt for a very long time, with good results, and the usual drawbacks of a cordless tool. I recently bought a milwaukee V-28 lithium Ion kit with the circular saw, sawsall, drill/driver, charger, two batteries, and flashlight. This is the first time that I have had a cordless saw with all the power of a corded one. The saws are unbelievable.

 

[rugerman]

If he has access to power I'd get the corded one. If he's just going to use it for limbs and wood get a electric or gas chain saw, faster cutting. rugerman

 

[k-dog]

My brother and dad each have the 18 volt DeWalt XRP set. We used it to cut off the PTO shaft on my tiller. It cut through that like nothing and he had been using the batteries all ready that day installing some chain link fence. He cut off a couple of posts with it as well as top link. We also used the little skil saw quite a bit. I would stay with the XRP pack as the regular batteries just don't hold up. Dad has the right angle drill that has regular batteries and they just aren't as good. The little impact driver that came with the set is awesome. We put in several 4 inch long screws like nothing. But like the others said to get the corded version if the cord permits.

 

[Kwiens]

I use mine to trim limbs and branches that are too big for my loppin shears. I also have used it to cut PVC pipe when making UGS repairs.

K

 

[Cowboyjg]

I think it would make a great gift.

I have the Dewalt 18v XRP. I think many folks see the cordless as a replacement for the corded. For me it's a compliment to my corded. There are jobs for which both are appropriate. I have cut many things with mine. from pipe to rebar to posts demo'ing walls and such when there was no power. Tree limbs, pvc pipe and more. It let's me get into tight spots and work in awkward situations as well as not have to drag a cord around. The batteries are designed for only so many charges and so because I use mine regularly I have had to buy a new battery. Making sure you have the right blades for what you're cutting also makes or breaks your experience.
BTW....I have used mine to cut 1/8" steel but nothing extreme. Had to trim the corner off a plate to get it to set right.

 

[Dargo]

I have the 36v version of the DeWalt. The hammer drill, circular saw and reciprocating saw all are every bit as powerful as my corded counter parts. The battery life is much, much longer with the 36v system. The price of the 36v kit has now dropped to be reasonable. I paid $380 for the complete kit (also includes a flashlight) on eBay. I needed to buy 4 new 18v batteries for my 18v DeWalt tools and was really shocked to see that it was going to cost me at least $250 for four new 18v batteries. I thought spending about $130 more to get a far stronger setup along with 2 new batteries was the way to go. I still have a couple of 18v batteries that are good but have noticed that the "new" yellow top XRP 18v batteries don't last nearly as long as the older black top ones. All my yellow top newer batteries have crapped out on me but two of my old black top ones still work fine. Go figure.

 

[Erik]

extreme heat and cold are bad for cordless batteries, so the charge doesn't last very long when trimming branches after an ice storm -- but it also ment i wasn't dragging a power cord through the wet. (Ice is also hard on the blades)
another advantage to the cordless is that my wife can use it where my chainsaw is too heavy/awkward for her. (and noisy, smelly, etc...)

i have my cordless dewalt XRP for situations where i don't have a handy outlet. for the times when i do, I use my milwakee corded model.