DeWalt Folding Jab Saw

Why this folding jab saw earned a spot in my drywall kit

I’m a sucker for tools that reduce the amount of stuff I have to carry up a ladder. That’s what drew me to this folding jab saw: it combines a compact drywall saw with a stainless rasp, both of which tuck safely into the handle. After several weeks of cutting in electrical boxes, tuning ceiling openings for recessed lights, and patching walls, I’ve formed a clear picture of where this tool shines—and where it doesn’t.

Design and build

This is a two-in-one: a 5.25-inch, triple-ground blade on one side and a stainless-steel rasp on the other. Both fold into the handle and lock in the open and closed positions. The handle is a bi-material soft grip, with the familiar black-and-yellow you’d expect.

Open, it’s about a foot long, and at roughly 100 g, it’s surprisingly light. The weight helps on long cuts overhead, but it also means you rely on technique rather than tool mass to keep the stroke smooth. The folding format keeps sharp edges covered in your pouch or bag—no more shredded tool rolls or accidental nicks reaching in for a tape.

Build quality feels solid overall. The lock engages with a clear click, and the handle plates are aligned with no proud edges. There is a hint of play at the pivot when the blade is locked open—common with many folding designs—but on my sample it didn’t translate into sloppy cutting as long as I kept the stroke in line with the blade.

Cutting performance

The jab blade uses triple-ground teeth at about 8 TPI, designed to cut on the push and pull. In 1/2-inch drywall, it starts easily with a firm jab and settles into a fast, predictable rhythm. I had no issues punching in through painted rock either—score the surface with a knife first to minimize paper blowout and the blade does the rest.

In 5/8-inch fire-rated board, it understandably slows. The tooth geometry still clears dust well, but you’ll want to back out periodically and shake off the powder to prevent clogging. Compared to a fixed-blade jab saw, speed is on par; where this one stands out is control. The slim blade tracks straight, and I found it easy to follow a traced gang-box outline with minimal correction.

• Starting holes: You can pierce cleanly, but for pristine edges around visible openings, I still drill a pilot at the corner. It reduces the paper tear-out when you begin the cut.
• Curves and notches: The blade flex is just right—enough to steer, not so much that it buckles.

Is it the right tool for plaster or lath? Not really. It will cut, but you’ll dull the teeth quickly and risk cracking. Same for cement board—reach for carbide or power tools there.

The stainless rasp: helpful, within limits

The folding rasp is the headline feature beyond portability. It’s meant for trimming an edge, easing a tight fit, or knocking down a high spot inside a cutout. For that, it works. I used it to tune a dimmer cutout that was 1–2 mm proud on one side and to soften the edges of a register opening to prevent paper fray under the grille.

A few observations:
- Light passes are its sweet spot. It’s great for shaving, not hogging.
- Like any rasp on drywall, it loads with gypsum dust. Two taps on the palm clears it; a stiff brush works better.
- Stainless is a good call here. It shrugs off rust in humid conditions and cleans up easily.

If you regularly remove significant material or square edges across large patches, a dedicated rasp or sanding block will be faster. But as an always-there finisher that lives with the saw, it’s genuinely useful.

Locking and safety

Folding tools live and die by their locks. On my unit, both the saw and rasp lock with an audible click and a positive stop. Pushing straight through drywall, the lock never budged. Where I did notice its limits was when I used the saw wrong—as a lever. Twisting the blade hard to break out a piece or prying side to side can put torque on the lock. That’s when you feel the play and, if you persist, you can get the lock to relax.

A few best practices that kept things safe and predictable:
- Make sure you fully extend and seat each implement until it clicks. Don’t rush the lock.
- Cut with in-line strokes; avoid side loading or prying chunks out with the blade.
- Keep your forward hand off the spine; let the handle do the work.
- Occasionally blow gypsum dust from the lock area before closing. Fine dust can make any mechanism gritty.

Would a fixed-blade jab saw feel more bombproof? Yes. If you’re especially hard on tools or routinely twist and pry, that’s something to consider. For straight cutting, the lock on my sample was dependable.

Ergonomics and control

The soft-grip handle is a standout. It’s contoured just enough to index the hand without hot spots, and the overmold offers traction even with dust on your gloves. The handle-to-blade alignment is neutral, so wrist position feels natural whether you’re jabbing to start or pulling to finish. Because the tool is light, keeping a gentle, even pressure gives the cleanest results—heavy-handed strokes can chatter.

The rasp’s orientation is convenient for one-handed edge work. I mostly used it with a fingertip on the spine for control, and the handle shape made that stable.

Portability and storage

The folding design is the reason to pick this format. With both blades tucked away, it slides into a pouch slot or jacket pocket without a sheath. Nothing snags, nothing cuts you when you reach for it. On site, that’s a practical advantage. The locking closed position is strong enough that it won’t open in your bag.

Durability and maintenance

Drywall dust is abrasive. Wipe down the blade and handle at the end of the day, and lightly oil the saw blade—unlike the rasp, it’s not stainless. Keep the pivot clean; a quick blast of compressed air and a drop of light machine oil keeps the action smooth. After a few weeks, the teeth are still sharp, with expected polish on the cutting faces. Long-term, a fixed blade will always have fewer moving parts to worry about, but the convenience here is worth the simple upkeep.

The included warranty is limited to a year. That’s standard in this category, but it underscores the importance of basic maintenance.

Who it’s for

• Pros who want a compact, bag-friendly drywall saw with a built-in solution for small cleanups.
• DIYers tackling cutouts, patches, and small remodels who value safety in storage and ease of use.
• Anyone working on ladders or in tight spaces where a holstered fixed blade is awkward.

Who should look elsewhere: If you expect your jab saw to double as a pry bar, or you work primarily in plaster, cement board, or multi-layer assemblies, a fixed-blade model or a specialty tool will serve you better.

The bottom line

This folding jab saw is a thoughtfully executed 2-in-1 that genuinely reduces what you need to carry. The triple-ground blade cuts drywall quickly and cleanly, the rasp is handy for fine-tuning, and the folding, locking design makes it safer and easier to live with on the job. The lock is adequate for proper straight cuts but isn’t designed for heavy twisting. Use it as a saw, not a lever, and it rewards you with speed, control, and convenience.

Recommendation: I recommend it for drywall work where portability and safety in storage matter. It’s a strong everyday choice for electricians, HVAC installers, and remodelers who make frequent cutouts and touch-ups. If you want absolute, pry-proof rigidity, choose a fixed-blade jab saw; otherwise, this folding design is a smart, efficient upgrade that earns its keep.