DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless Compact Reciprocating Saw Kit

A compact saw that actually fits where you need it

I put the DeWalt compact recip saw to work in places my full‑size sawzall simply won’t go—between studs for a plumbing reroute, under a sink to free a stubborn trap, and up a ladder for a soffit cutout. The 14.5-inch length and light weight are the whole point of this tool, and it shows. It’s genuinely easy to maneuver one‑handed, and the brushless motor gives it more grunt than its size suggests.

Build and ergonomics

The form factor feels purpose-built for tight spaces. The grip is slim with good overmold, the balance sits forward enough to keep the blade engaged, and the LED lands in the right place to light the cut line. The housing is mostly composite, but it doesn’t come off as fragile. After getting bounced around in a bag and knocking through demo, mine has the usual scuffs but no cracks, and the shoe remains straight.

The pivoting shoe is basic—no depth adjustment—yet it’s sturdy enough to bear down on. There is a bit of play at the pivot, common in compact saws, which you’ll notice if you’re trying to do a precise cut in thinner material. For demolition or pruning, it’s a non-issue. Blade changes are excellent: the keyless, 4‑position clamp is fast and actually useful. I rotated the blade 90 degrees for flush cuts along base plates and again for cutting PVC right up against a wall.

Speed and cutting performance

On speed alone, it hangs with bigger tools. The 1‑1/8-inch stroke and a top speed of 2,900 SPM make it noticeably quicker than many compact-class recip saws that run shorter strokes. With a 6 TPI wood blade it zipped through a dozen nail‑embedded 2x4s without bogging. I also used it for pruning—live oak limbs in the 3–4 inch range—with a coarse pruning blade. It chewed through cleanly, though you feel more feedback than with a heavier saw.

Metal cutting is predictable: with an 18–24 TPI blade, EMT conduit, threaded rod, and 3/4-inch copper were straightforward. The variable-speed trigger is easy to feather for starting cuts on thin stock, and the brushless motor keeps the stroke consistent under load. There’s no orbital action (I wouldn’t expect it on a compact saw), so wood cutting isn’t as aggressive as a full-size orbital recip, but for its size it’s plenty fast.

Vibration and control

Here’s the trade-off. The light 5 lb body is great overhead and in awkward spaces, but you feel more vibration than you would with a heavier, full-size saw. Keep the shoe planted and let the blade do the work, and it’s fine; float the shoe and it’ll chatter. With long demolition blades (9–12 inches), the saw can get buzzy in cross-grain cuts. I found a couple of simple habits make a big difference:

• Use the right blade for the material, and keep it sharp. This saw rewards fresh, aggressive teeth.
• Keep firm pressure on the shoe—especially on pipe and thin sheet—to control bounce.
• Run the trigger up gradually to avoid catching the first few strokes.

If you need glassy-smooth, layout-accurate cuts, a recip isn’t the tool. For controlled demolition and utility cuts, the compact DeWalt is perfectly manageable once you respect its light weight.

Runtime and battery strategy

The kit’s 2.0Ah pack is ideal for quick service work, punch-list cuts, and trim‑outs. For longer sessions, it’s the limiting factor. Cutting a mix of 2x pine and pruning, I averaged 15–25 minutes of active trigger time on a 2.0Ah battery. Swap to a 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah pack and the tool really comes into its own—more runtime, slightly better balance, and fewer trips to the charger. The included DCB112 brings a 2.0Ah pack back to full in about an hour, which is fine for a secondary battery but not fast enough if you’re cycling one pack on a heavy demo day.

If you’re already on DeWalt 20V batteries, I’d buy this as a bare tool or plan on pairing it with higher-capacity packs for serious work.

Features that matter

• 4‑position blade clamp: Genuinely useful. Rotate for flush cuts along floors, sills, and studs.
• Integrated LED: Bright and well-placed; it’s more helpful than you’d think in wall cavities and under cabinets.
• Compact size: The 14.5-inch length is the star. It slips between studs, around ducts, and under sink rails where a full-size recip simply can’t go.
• Brushless motor: Noticeably efficient and consistent under load, with less smell and heat than older brushed compact saws.

There’s no rafter hook, and the shoe doesn’t adjust for depth—two niceties I miss—but neither is a deal-breaker for the intended use.

Durability and service

After repeated blade swaps and plenty of gritty cuts, the clamp still locks positively and releases without sticking. The shoe hasn’t bent, and the trigger modulation remains smooth. DeWalt backs it with a 3‑year limited warranty, one year of free service, and a 90‑day satisfaction guarantee. That’s in line with the pro category and reassuring for a compact tool that’s likely to live in a service bag or truck.

Where it shines—and where it doesn’t

Shines:
- Remodel work: Cutting out nails and screws between studs, trimming back blocking, and freeing up old fasteners.
- MEP trades: One‑handed cuts on PVC, EMT, copper, and threaded rod in tight runs.
- Property maintenance: Quick pruning, small demolition, and emergency access when you don’t want to drag cords.
- Overhead and ladder work: The weight makes it much easier on forearms than a full-size saw.

Not its niche:
- All‑day demolition: If you’re ripping out a kitchen or cutting cast iron all afternoon, a heavier, full‑size recip with orbital action is faster, smoother, and easier on the hands.
- Ultra-precise cuts: A compact circular saw or oscillating tool will leave cleaner edges when precision matters.

Tips for better results

• Choose blades wisely. For wood with nails: 6–8 TPI demolition blades. For pruning: dedicated pruning blades. For metal: 14–24 TPI bi‑metal. Keep blades fresh.
• Plant the shoe. It reduces vibration and speeds up cuts.
• Use higher-capacity batteries for extended work. A 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah pack transforms the runtime.
• Rotate the blade. The 4‑position clamp enables safer flush cuts and easier plunge starts.
• Let the saw work. Forcing the cut increases vibration and heat, dulling blades faster.

Value

As a kit with a 2.0Ah battery, standard charger, and bag, it’s a convenient entry into the platform or a grab‑and‑go solution for service calls. If you already own 20V Max batteries, the bare tool often makes more financial sense, freeing budget for a larger battery that better matches what the motor can do. Given the performance and compactness, the overall value is strong for anyone who actually needs the small footprint.

The bottom line

The DeWalt compact recip saw is a purpose-built tool that does exactly what it’s supposed to: bring real reciprocating saw power into spaces where bigger tools can’t fit. It cuts fast for its class, the 4‑position blade clamp is legitimately handy, and the ergonomics make one‑handed use feasible. You will feel more vibration than with a heavier saw, and the included 2.0Ah battery is best for short tasks rather than long demo sessions. Pair it with the right blades and a larger pack and it becomes a surprisingly capable everyday problem-solver.

Recommendation: I recommend this saw for remodelers, service techs, and DIYers who value compact size and quick, controlled cuts in tight spaces. It’s not the best choice as your only demolition saw for large tear‑outs, but as a compact, go‑anywhere recip that punches above its weight, it earns a spot in the bag.