DeWalt 20V MAX Compact Reciprocating Saw Kit

A compact recip saw that actually fits where I need it

I spend a lot of time cutting in cramped chases, between studs, and up on a ladder pruning or doing overhead demo. The DeWalt compact recip saw has quickly become the one I grab for those tight, awkward jobs. At 14.5 inches long with a short, stout front end, it slips into places where a full-size sawzall just won’t go, and it does it without feeling flimsy.

Design, balance, and ergonomics

The size is the headline, but balance matters more in use. With the included 5.0Ah 20V battery, the saw sits comfortably in two hands and lands around the weight I expect for a compact—light enough to maneuver all day, heavy enough to keep the blade planted. The center of gravity is slightly forward, which helps the shoe stay engaged on the work. The rubber overmold isn’t squishy, and the contour gives a reliable purchase even with gloves on.

Controls are straightforward. The variable-speed trigger is easy to feather, and I can start cuts cleanly without the blade jumping. There’s no separate speed selector, but the trigger modulation is good enough that I didn’t miss one. The LED light is bright and well-placed; it illuminates the cut line without casting an annoying shadow off the shoe.

The pivoting shoe doesn’t telescope, but it pivots smoothly and does what it should—let me keep the shoe in contact as I change angles and ride surfaces. That constant contact is critical to controlling vibration and extending blade life.

The blade clamp is a quiet game-changer

DeWalt’s 4-position, tool-free blade clamp is the feature that kept surprising me. Being able to rotate the blade 90 degrees or mount it upside-down let me make flush cuts against flooring and tight plunge cuts in stud bays that would have been a headache otherwise. Blade changes are fast, and the clamp has held onto every blade I’ve thrown at it—from 6-inch demo blades to long pruning blades—without loosening.

Cutting performance

For a compact tool, this saw cuts with authority. The 1-1/8 inch stroke and 0–2,900 spm motor put it closer to full-size performance than I expected. In framing lumber with a fresh 6–10 TPI blade, I’m through a 2x4 in roughly 8–12 seconds without leaning on it. It chews through nail-embedded wood predictably, and with a bimetal blade I had no drama slicing old galvanized nails and screws during demo.

On metals, it’s not a steel-eating monster, but with the right blade it stayed controllable on EMT and copper. PVC and ABS are almost too easy—feather the trigger or you’ll melt more than you cut. For pruning, the saw is compact enough to get tight to trunks and fence lines, and with a coarse-tooth pruning blade I had no trouble taking down limbs in the 3–5 inch range.

Vibration and control

Here’s the trade-off with a compact recip saw: you gain access and lose some mass that normally helps tame vibration. This saw does not have the kind of counterbalance you’ll find on larger, heavier models, and you feel that. With aggressive wood or pruning blades at full speed, vibration is noticeable and, if you’re not bracing the shoe, it can get chattery.

In practice, it’s manageable with the right technique:
- Keep the shoe planted. Push it firmly into the material and let the stroke work.
- Match blade to material. Coarse wood blades for wood, fine-tooth for metal. Dull blades amplify vibration.
- Don’t pin the trigger immediately. Start slower to establish the kerf, then ramp up.
- Use two hands. This isn’t a one-hand mini saw; the compact body invites one-handed use, but control improves dramatically with two.

Using it this way, I stayed accurate and felt in control, even on ladder work. If you’re expecting the silky smoothness of a heavy, counterbalanced corded saw, you won’t get it here. If you want a compact tool that can still rip, this one delivers—just respect the physics.

Runtime and charging

With the included 5.0Ah pack, runtime is solid. I completed a small bathroom demo (PVC, copper, plaster lath, and a dozen 2x members) on one charge, then headed outside and trimmed a pile of small limbs before the battery called it quits. Expect dozens of cuts in framing lumber or a good pruning session per charge, depending on blade and technique. The standard charger brings a 5.0Ah pack from empty to full in roughly an hour and a half in my shop.

Heat management has been good. Even after extended cutting, the tool got warm but not concerning, and I never tripped thermal protection on the pack.

Visibility and precision

The LED plus the compact nose make it easy to see where the blade is going. On plunge cuts in drywall or sheathing, the short front end helped me keep to layout lines. The shoe is broad enough to stabilize on flat surfaces, and the pivot keeps contact when cutting round stock like pipe or branches.

Durability and maintenance

The housing feels robust, and the boot holds up to scuffs and grit. I’ve had the saw in plaster dust and outside in damp conditions without a hiccup. The blade clamp continues to operate smoothly after multiple swaps, and there’s no slop in the pivoting shoe. Keep the clamp clean and blow out the front after dusty work and it should stay trouble-free.

What I’d change

• Vibration damping: A counterbalance or additional isolation would make a real difference, especially for pruning and long demolition cuts. As-is, technique and blade selection carry a lot of the burden.
• Shoe adjustability: A telescoping shoe would extend blade life and give more precise control over cut depth. The pivot is great, but length adjustability would be better.
• Trigger lock-off: A more pronounced lockout would be nice for transport in a crowded bag.

Who it’s for

• Remodelers and service plumbers/electricians who need a real recip saw that fits in tight mechanical spaces.
• DIYers who want one do-it-all saw for pruning, small demolition, and occasional metal or PVC cuts without wrestling a full-size tool.
• Pros already on the 20V MAX platform who value the compact form factor for punch-list work and overhead tasks.

If you’re doing all-day demo, hacking through cast iron, or you prioritize low vibration above all else, a heavier, full-size recip saw remains the better primary tool. This compact shines as a highly capable second saw or a primary saw for lighter work in tight quarters.

Practical tips for better results

• Use the 4-position clamp to rotate the blade for flush cuts along floors or to sneak between studs.
• Keep a set of fresh blades: 6–8 TPI for wood/demo, 10–14 TPI for metal, and a dedicated pruning blade for yard work.
• Let the saw do the work. Forcing the cut increases vibration and shortens blade life.
• Wear hearing protection. This saw is loud at full speed, especially on metal.

The bottom line

The DeWalt compact recip saw hits a sweet spot for access, power, and convenience. It’s compact enough to reach, strong enough to cut real materials at a respectable pace, and the 4-position blade clamp adds meaningful versatility on the job. Vibration is the notable compromise, particularly with aggressive blades at high speed, but with good technique and blade choices, it stays controllable and productive.

Recommendation: I recommend this saw, especially if you value compact size and are already on the 20V MAX battery platform. It’s an excellent tight-quarters and overhead tool that punches above its weight. If low vibration is your top priority for heavy demolition or long pruning sessions, pair this with a heavier, counterbalanced model for those tasks and keep this compact saw for everything else—it earns its spot in the bag.