A cordless reciprocating saw (recipro saw to Makita users, sabre saw to Metabo and Hikoki) is the demolition and rough-cutting tool: pipe, timber with nails in it, pallets, old window frames, roots and anything else that is in the way. This collection has 12V, 18V and 40V machines from Makita, DeWalt, Bosch Professional, Einhell, Metabo, Hikoki and Festool, most sold bare for the battery platform you already own.
Choosing a cordless reciprocating saw
- Compact or full-size. One-handed compact saws (Makita DJR183Z, DeWalt DCS312N 12V) get into ceilings and plumbing voids. Full-size saws (Makita DJR186ZK and DJR187ZK, DeWalt DCS386NT, Bosch GSA 18V-280, Hikoki CR18DBL) have the stroke and weight for demolition.
- Stroke length. A longer stroke clears chips faster and cuts quicker in thick material. Einhell's numbers say it: the TP-AP 18/28 has a 28mm stroke, the TP-AP 18/32 a 32mm stroke.
- Brushless. Brushless motors (Makita JR001GZ and JR002GZ 40V XGT, Einhell TP-AP BL, Metabo SSEP 18 LT BL, DeWalt DCS386NT) run longer per charge and hold speed under load.
- Orbital action. The Makita JR002GZ adds an orbital stroke for aggressive wood cutting that you switch off for metal.
Makita reciprocating saw or Bosch, DeWalt, Festool?
Pick the saw that runs on your batteries first; a bare-tool recipro saw on an existing platform is far cheaper than a new kit. If you are starting fresh, the Einhell TE-AP 18 Li is the budget entry, Makita and Bosch 18V are the site workhorses, and the Festool RSC 18 EB is the premium option for renovation and conversion work. Blades are the other half of the equation: see reciprocating saw blades. For cleaner cuts in sheet material look at cordless jigsaws, and spare packs are in batteries and chargers.
In stock in Cape Town with nationwide delivery, free over R2000. Call 021 674 2119 for advice on matching a saw to your batteries.
