DeWalt 6 in. Jab Saw with Composite Handle

Why I reached for this jab saw

I spend a lot of time cutting openings in drywall—old-work boxes, fan housings, quick access panels—and I prefer a hand tool over an oscillating multi-tool more often than you’d think. It’s quieter, cleaner, and gives better feel when I’m working near hidden wires or plumbing. That’s where the DeWalt jab saw has lived on my belt for the past few months. It’s a compact, 6-inch, no-fuss tool with a composite handle and an 8 TPI blade designed specifically to move through gypsum and plastics quickly.

Setup and first impressions

There’s no setup to speak of; it’s a straightforward jab saw. The handle is a molded composite with a subtle texture and a contour that nestles the index finger nicely behind the blade. It’s very light—about a third of a pound—and that shows as soon as you pick it up. Balance sits slightly forward, which is what you want when you’re driving the tip through drywall to start a cut.

Fit and finish are adequate rather than premium. The handle surface is uniform with no flashing, but it does feel on the hollow side compared to heavy, rubber-overmold handles. Personally, I prefer the lighter handle on overhead work, but it won’t impress someone expecting a tank-like, full-rubber grip.

Cutting performance: fast and predictable

Drywall is this tool’s home turf. The tooth geometry is aggressive enough to chew quickly without binding. I typically score the paper face with a utility knife before I start, but I intentionally skipped that step for a handful of test cuts. The tip penetrates cleanly with moderate pressure, and the first few strokes clear gypsum without exploding the paper face around the entry point—provided you keep your angle shallow and let the teeth do the work.

• Speed: On a 14-inch outlet run in 1/2-inch drywall, I averaged under 15 seconds per side with controlled strokes. That’s faster than the older, finer-tooth keyhole saw I used to carry.
• Control: The 8 TPI leaves a coarse edge in gypsum (as expected), but it tracks straight with minimal wander. Following a pencil line is easy if you keep the saw centered in the kerf and avoid overdriving on the pull stroke.
• Tear-out: The paper face stays intact when you maintain a low attack angle. If you angle steeply or pull too aggressively near the exit, you’ll fuzz the paper; that’s operator error more than a flaw of the saw.

On plastics, results vary with thickness:
- PVC and ABS up to 1/4 inch are straightforward. The teeth bite well, and chips clear without clogging.
- On thicker, more flexible plastics (think shower surrounds), you’ll feel the blade deflect if you side-load it. Light, patient strokes solve it, but this is a saw, not a pry bar.

Precision around obstacles

One reason I still carry a jab saw is the tactile feedback you don’t get from powered blades. The DeWalt’s stiffness is sufficient to “feel” metal studs, boxes, and pipes as you approach. I use short exploratory strokes when I suspect unknowns; the saw transmits contact nicely, and it’s easy to adjust course without chewing up a cable sheath or nicking a copper line.

For circular openings like recessed lights, I sketch the circle and use short chopping strokes on the line, rotating as I go. The saw’s compact length helps keep the arc consistent inside a ceiling cavity without beating up the surrounding paper. It’s not as precise as a hole saw, of course, but it’s controlled and clean.

Ergonomics and fatigue

The handle length works well for my medium-to-large hands, giving a full four-finger grip without crowding the guard. The composite handle doesn’t get slick when dusty, and there’s enough contouring to maintain orientation without looking at the tool.

Long cuts are less tiring than they used to be with heavier, denser-handled saws I’ve owned. The light weight genuinely reduces wrist fatigue on overhead work. I did add a strip of hockey tape near the butt for a touch more grip when I’m sweaty; not required, but it made the handle feel more secure during long sessions.

Durability and blade behavior

The blade is sharp out of the package and holds an edge through a lot of gypsum. That said, this is a relatively thin blade optimized for hand cutting. If you torque it sideways to leverage a piece out, you can induce a slight set or micro-warp. I managed to bend the blade fractionally when I used it to pry a stubborn knockout in an old plastic box—my fault, not the saw’s intended job. A couple of careful bends brought it back, and it still tracks true, but it’s a reminder to cut, not pry.

I didn’t experience any tooth chipping, even after hitting a surprise drywall screw. The teeth dulled a touch along that section, as expected, but the saw kept working. If you routinely encounter fasteners, consider a sacrificial blade tool for demolition and save this one for clean cutting.

Maintenance and sharpening

Jab saws like this are simple to maintain. Knock dust out of the teeth with a stiff brush, wipe the blade, and you’re done. If you’re inclined, you can touch up the teeth with a fine triangular file, but for most users, the blade’s service life will outlast a couple of projects before sharpening is even a question.

Comparisons and context

Among compact jab saws, there are two general camps: ultra-stiff, heavier blades that excel at straight-line tracking but tire the wrist, and lighter, faster-cutting blades that prioritize speed and maneuverability. This DeWalt sits in the latter camp. It’s quick, nimble, and easy to guide in tight spaces. If your work skews toward long straight rips in dense material, a stiffer, heavier saw might feel more reassuring. If you’re cutting lots of box openings, fan cutouts, and odd shapes, the DeWalt’s balance and tooth pattern shine.

If you prefer a folding design for pocket carry or safer transport, this isn’t it. As a fixed-blade jab saw, it rewards a simple holster or a spot in your pouch where the teeth won’t snag. I keep a scrap of corrugated sleeve over the blade when tossing it into a tote.

What could be better

• Handle feel: The composite handle is light and comfortable, but it doesn’t convey a premium, dense feel. Grip is secure; expectations of luxury should be tempered.
• Lateral rigidity: The blade is appropriately stiff for cutting but not for prying. If you’re hard on tools or prone to leveraging with your saw, you’ll want to adjust technique.
• Edge finish: The 8 TPI tooth pattern is tuned for speed, not finish. That’s a feature, not a bug—but expect to knock down edges on plastics with a file or utility knife.

Value and warranty

At its price point, performance per dollar is strong. You’re getting fast dry­wall cuts, an easy-to-control profile, and a brand-backed limited lifetime warranty. The return window is generous if you find it doesn’t fit your hand or workflow. There aren’t bells and whistles here—just a capable, light, reliable cutter that slots into a day-to-day kit without fuss.

Tips for best results

• Score the paper face on your layout lines for the cleanest edges, especially on painted drywall.
• Keep a low attack angle on entry and exit; let the teeth work to avoid paper blowout.
• Use short, controlled strokes near hidden utilities to “feel” obstacles before committing.
• Don’t pry. If something needs leverage, switch to a flat bar and keep your blade true.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt jab saw for anyone who regularly cuts drywall or thin plastics and values speed, control, and light weight. It excels at everyday layout cuts, box openings, and fixture cutouts, and the tooth geometry keeps pace without binding. The handle is comfortable if not luxurious, and while the blade won’t tolerate abusive prying, it holds up well when used as intended. If you want a nimble, reliable hand saw for drywall that won’t wear you out on overhead work, this one deserves a spot in your pouch.