DeWalt 20V MAX Compact Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit (2.0Ah)

A compact workhorse for tight quarters

The first time I reached for this compact DeWalt recip saw, I was belly-crawling under a kitchen peninsula to cut out a rusted trap. A full-size saw would have been a non-starter; there just wasn’t room to swing it. This compact DeWalt recip saw slid into the space, made the cut cleanly, and reminded me why I like having a short-body two-handed recip in the kit: it balances control with enough stroke and speed to actually get work done.

Size, balance, and ergonomics

At 14.5 inches long, the saw is notably shorter than most full-size models, and that pays off in stud bays, between joists, and behind appliances. The body shape lets you choke up with your off-hand on the front section while keeping your trigger hand comfortable. It’s not a featherweight—around 8.6 pounds with the included battery—but the balance is good enough that overhead cuts don’t feel punishing. Rubber overmold in the right places helps with grip without getting gummy or picking up dust.

The pivoting shoe is simple and effective. It doesn’t telescope, but the pivot lets you rock into a cut and keep the shoe planted for control. That’s handy on metal where walking the blade can be an issue.

Cutting performance: compact but capable

With a 1-1/8 inch stroke and a 0–2,900 spm variable-speed trigger, this is in the “compact but usable” category. I ran it through a mix of tasks:

• 2x framing: With a demolition blade, it chewed through 2x4s and embedded nails at a reasonable clip. It’s not as fast as a big saw with orbital action, but it doesn’t feel underpowered. You’ll get through studs, headers, and sill plates without frustration; you just won’t win a demo race.
• EMT and copper: With a fine-tooth metal blade, it tracks straight and predictable. The variable-speed trigger is responsive, making it easy to start cuts without grabbing. EMT up to 1 inch and copper up to 3/4 inch were no problem.
• Bolts and threaded rod: Cutting 3/8 to 1/2 inch hardware is well within its wheelhouse when you stabilize the shoe. The stroke length helps prevent heat buildup compared to one-handed “pocket” saws.
• PVC and ABS: Smooth, quick, and clean when you keep the RPMs moderate to avoid chatter.
• Pruning: Not its primary use, but with a pruning blade it handled limbs up to 3 inches just fine.

The lack of orbital action means wood cuts are smoother but slower. If you mainly do heavy wood demo, you’ll want a full-size orbital saw. For MEP trades and remodel punch work, the compact form factor plus full stroke length strikes a nice balance.

Four-position blade clamp: small feature, big value

The 4-position, keyless clamp is the star of the show. Being able to mount blades in any of four positions lets you make flush cuts along surfaces and attack a cut from odd angles. I used the horizontal orientation to sneak behind a vanity to cut screws holding a cleat; it saved me from pulling the whole unit. Blade changes are fast and glove-friendly: flip the lever, slide the blade in, and it locks with a solid “click.”

On my unit, the clamp held blades securely in all positions. I did notice that if I rushed a blade change and didn’t seat the tang fully, there was a hint of wiggle—reseating fixed it. It’s a good habit to tug-test the blade after every change, especially when you’re working in awkward positions.

Control, vibration, and visibility

Control is excellent. The trigger has a wide, linear range and it’s easy to feather. Vibration is present—this is a brushed compact saw—but not harsh. Compared to one-handed compact recip saws, this two-handed layout gives you more leverage to steer the blade and keep cuts square.

The integrated LED is surprisingly useful in cabinets and crawlspaces. It’s placed well enough to reduce shadowing from the shoe, though you’ll still cast a shadow on tight flush cuts. Outdoors in bright light it’s largely irrelevant, but indoors it earns its keep.

Power source and runtime

This kit ships with a 2.0Ah 20V MAX battery and a compact charger. The included pack keeps the tool slim and helps with reach, but expect modest runtime. For quick cuts and service work, one pack gets you through a handful of tasks. On a pruning or demo day, plan on swapping batteries. A 5.0Ah pack noticeably extends runtime and adds a little weight; the balance still feels fine, just a touch more nose-heavy. Compatibility with the broader 20V MAX line is a big plus if you’re already on the platform.

Being a brushed motor, you’ll see some sparking under load and the housing will warm up on longer cuts. It never overheated on me, but if you’re driving it hard through dense material, let the tool do the work—don’t stall it out.

Noise and dust

As with any recip saw, ear protection is a good idea. Noise levels are typical for the class, and dust ejection depends almost entirely on your blade choice and material. For interior work, I’ve had good luck holding a vac near the cut, especially on plaster and lath where fine particles can get everywhere.

Durability and service

The build feels solid: tight seams, robust shoe, and a clamp lever that doesn’t feel flimsy. After several months of intermittent use—shop remodel cuts, plumbing retrofits, and on-site service calls—I don’t see excessive wear. The platform’s warranty is reassuring: a 3-year limited warranty, one year of free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. Routine care helps: blow out dust, wipe the clamp mechanism, and occasionally add a drop of light oil to the clamp to keep it snappy.

What it isn’t

• A demolition monster: Without orbital action and with a brushed motor, it won’t blitz through lumber like a high-end full-size model.
• Ultra-light: While compact, it’s not a one-hand “pocket” saw. If true one-handed overhead cuts are your priority, there are smaller, lighter options with shorter strokes.
• Feature-loaded: No rafter hook, no adjustable shoe length, and no anti-vibration counterbalance. It’s a straightforward, compact recip built around size and control.

Practical tips to get the most from it

• Use the shoe: Plant the shoe firmly and pivot into the cut. It reduces chatter, extends blade life, and keeps cuts straighter.
• Match the blade to the job: Let the tool’s decent stroke do the work. Coarse, aggressive blades for wood; fine-tooth bi-metal for metal; carbide for nails and stainless.
• Adjust blade orientation: Don’t forget the four positions—rotate for flush cuts or to gain clearance in cramped spaces.
• Mind your runtime: Keep a spare battery if you’re tackling a bigger task, especially with the included 2.0Ah pack.
• Feather the trigger: Start slow to avoid grabbing, then ramp up. The trigger is responsive enough to use as your main speed control.

Who it’s for

This compact DeWalt recip saw makes a lot of sense for electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs who frequently work in tight spaces and need reliable cutting in wood, metal, and plastics. Remodelers and maintenance crews will appreciate the control and reach. For homeowners, it’s a versatile addition that handles everything from pruning to sink trap swaps without the bulk of a full-size saw.

If your daily work is heavy demolition, especially in wood framing, you’ll finish faster with a full-size orbital saw. If you’re working one-handed above shoulder height all day, a smaller one-handed recip might be a better ergonomic fit. Everyone else sits squarely in this tool’s sweet spot.

Value and kit contents

The kit is straightforward: tool, one 2.0Ah battery, compact charger, and a soft bag. You can get to work out of the box, though you’ll need to supply blades. If you’re already on the 20V MAX platform, the tool-only route could make more sense; if not, this kit is a clean entry with a charger you’ll use across the lineup.

Recommendation

I recommend this compact DeWalt recip saw for tradespeople and serious DIYers who need a short-body, two-handed saw that fits where full-size models can’t. It cuts confidently across common materials, the four-position clamp meaningfully expands what you can do in cramped spaces, and the ergonomics make it easy to control. The trade-offs—no orbital action, brushed motor, and modest runtime with the included 2.0Ah battery—are reasonable given the compact form. Pair it with the right blades and a spare battery, and it’s a dependable, tight-quarters problem solver that earns its spot in the bag.