DeWalt Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Why I picked it up

I reached for this 20V recip saw to cover a wide mix of everyday tasks: pruning overgrown shrubs, cutting out nail-studded 2x lumber on a remodel, trimming PVC and EMT, and breaking down pallets. I ran it primarily on 5.0Ah packs, with a smaller 2.0Ah battery as a backup. It’s a tool-only body, so plan on bringing your own battery and charger—and your own blades. Out of the box it’s straightforward: long, simple, and built to do the rough work.

Ergonomics and build quality

This saw is on the longer side for a cordless recip at about 18 inches end to end. That length actually helps in demolition where a longer shoe can ride securely against material, but it’s less friendly in tight spaces. Weight with a 5.0Ah pack lands in the “middle-class” range—light enough for overhead use in bursts, heavy enough to feel planted in a cut.

The rubber overmold is generous and grippy, and the handle profile works well for both gloved and bare hands. I appreciate the large trigger and responsive variable speed; it’s easy to feather into metal or start a flush cut without the blade chattering. The electric brake is a plus: lift off the trigger and the blade stops quickly rather than coasting.

Fit and finish are typical of this class—solid overall, but I’d treat the battery latch area kindly. The battery shoe locks packs securely, but the surrounding plastic doesn’t invite prying or using the battery as a handle. After several weekends of work mine is still tight with only cosmetic scuffs.

Blade changes and shoe control

DeWalt’s 4-position keyless blade clamp is the standout convenience feature. Being able to orient the blade up, down, left, or right gives you workable angles for flush cutting base plates, trimming pipe close to a surface, or sneaking under a sill. Blade swaps are fast and positive; just remember blades get hot—twist the collar with gloves after a long cut.

The pivoting shoe makes depth control and stability easier. Extend it fully for maximum blade life, shorten it to keep the stroke within clean material, and let it pivot to maintain full blade contact as you change angles. That last point matters: a planted shoe reduces vibration, speeds the cut, and saves blades.

Cutting performance

With a 1-1/8-inch stroke and 0–3,000 spm, this saw has the classic recip feel: it “bites” into wood convincingly and maintains momentum if you keep a steady feed. In clean SPF 2x, a sharp 6 TPI blade zipped through reliably. On nail-embedded framing, a demolition blade stayed on track without excessive deflection. Cutting EMT and threaded rod at low to mid speed was controlled, and the brake helped keep the blade from walking after the cut.

Where it separates from more modern, compact brushless models is absolute speed and torque under sustained load. It’s not sluggish, but if you routinely plunge into dense hardwoods or chew through thick metal all day, you’ll notice it works best with a measured feed rather than brute pressure. Let the blade do the work and keep the shoe planted. For pruning, it handled 3–4-inch branches well with a green-wood blade; larger limbs are doable but require patience and a sharp tooth profile.

One omission to note: there’s no orbital-action setting. Orbital can speed up rough wood cuts at the expense of finesse. If you rely on that for rapid demolition, you won’t find it here.

Vibration and control

Vibration is part and parcel of recip saws, and this one sits in the middle of the pack. It’s not a low-vibe specialist, but it’s predictable. On metal cuts at lower speeds it’s well mannered. In demolition-grade wood with coarse blades, you’ll feel it—especially in one-handed use. Two-handed grip, a planted shoe, and the right blade dramatically reduce the shake. For longer sessions, anti-vibration gloves help.

Runtime and heat

Runtime depends heavily on material and blade choice. Using a 5.0Ah pack, I could do several dozen typical 2x cuts or a good pruning session before needing a battery swap. In heavy, continuous cuts, you can drain a pack in a short work burst—that’s normal recip territory. Plan on at least two batteries for project work and three if you’re tackling demolition.

Heat management is adequate. In extended, continuous cuts—especially when I leaned on it too aggressively—the tool warmed up and once triggered what felt like a protective pause. Backing off, clearing chips, and letting it cool for a minute brought it right back. You’ll get the best results by matching blade and speed to the material, and pulsing the trigger rather than burying it wide open through a bind.

Durability and upkeep

Beyond the usual demolition dings, my unit has held up fine. The shoe pivots cleanly without excessive play, the clamp still indexes blades positively, and the trigger remains smooth. This model uses a double oil-sealed shaft to keep debris out of the drive; in practice, that translates to fewer gritty sounds after dusty cuts.

A few simple habits go a long way:
- Keep the blade clamp clear of chips and pitch; a quick brush and a drop of light lubricant on the clamp collar keep it snappy.
- Periodically check external screws and the shoe pin for tightness.
- Don’t use the tool as a lever; if you’re tempted to pry, switch to a bar and save the saw.

What you don’t get

• No battery, charger, or blades in the box. Budget for a starter set if this is your first 20V tool.
• No LED work light. Not a deal-breaker, but you’ll miss it in dark cavities.
• No orbital action or rafter hook.
• It’s not the most compact option in the 20V lineup; tight framing cuts can be awkward.

Value and system fit

If you’re already on DeWalt’s 20V platform, this saw slots in neatly as a capable, straightforward workhorse. Compared with DeWalt’s newer brushless, compact recip saws, it gives up some speed, efficiency, and refinement but usually comes in at a friendlier price. If you’re budget-conscious and want a full-size stroke with practical features like the 4-position clamp and an electric brake, it’s an appealing option.

If you’re starting from scratch and want maximum power per pound, lower vibration, and longer runtime, consider stepping up to a brushless model and plan your budget accordingly.

Tips for better results

• Use the right blade: demolition blades for nail-embedded wood, 14–18 TPI for metal, and green-wood blades for pruning.
• Let the shoe work: keep it pressed firmly to the material to reduce vibration and blade chatter.
• Control speed: feather the trigger to start, then ramp up once the blade is engaged.
• Avoid binding: overbent blades and pinched kerfs generate heat and eat batteries.
• Rotate blades: the 4-position clamp helps you use fresh teeth and get a better angle for flush cuts.

Recommendation

I recommend this saw for homeowners, DIY renovators, and pros who need a dependable, no-frills recip on the 20V platform for light to medium-duty work. It cuts well, the 4-position clamp meaningfully improves versatility, and the electric brake adds control. The trade-offs are real—noticeable vibration, average runtime under heavy load, and a larger footprint than newer compact models—but they’re manageable with good technique and blade choice.

If you want the smoothest, fastest cordless recip for daily demolition, look to a brushless compact or high-output alternative. If you want a solid, system-compatible saw that handles the bulk of common cuts without fuss, this one earns its spot in the kit.