A reciprocating saw is a powerful, hand-held electric saw and is ideal for use in demolition and construction ? cutting through drywall, wood, plaster, sheetrock, fiberglass, stucco, composites and metals. However, it is also used in the plumbing industry, great for cutting pipes and completing HVAC and electrical work, as well as in the medical field, as surgeons use them in operations that require the cutting or grinding of bone.

Reciprocating saws are also perfect for rounding out any home repairman?s (or repairwoman?s) toolkit.

Sometimes referred to as an oscillating saw, Sabre Saw, or Sawzall (a trademark of the Milwaukee Tool manufacturer) its cut is achieved through a push and pull reciprocating motion of the blade. The typical style of a reciprocating saw includes a foot at the base of the blade that the user rests against the surface being cut to counter the tendency of the blade to push or pull towards the cut as the blade moves through its cycle.

Reciprocating saws are not intended for fine, detailed work, but are rather helpful in paring down larger pieces of material to smaller, manageable sizes. With prices typically ranging from about $50 to $300, most decent saws starting at around $120.

Designs vary between the two (2) types of reciprocating saws ? the less powerful, hand-held cordless models, and the corded, high-power, high-speed models. Before you purchase your new saw, determine the amount of use (and abuse) you will put this tool through. Buying a cheaper model may not pay-off in the end. Find a brand and model that is reliable enough to last through all your projects, no matter the difficulty.

Corded - A corded reciprocating saw can cut through most any material and are the most recommended among consumer reviews. This trend is shown in that most cordless kits now include a reciprocating saw. Generally speaking, these corded saws have about 5-15 amps of power, but users involved in professional demolition jobs and require a lot of power should use saws with 10 amps or higher. Corded saws are also much lighter than cordless since it eliminates the battery pack.

Cordless - A cordless reciprocating saw is better suited for quick jobs, but if the project ahead of you requires more time and cutting, be prepared to have a lot of batteries close by. Overall power may not be as strong corded saws, but they do provide an enhanced range of movement. If your project requires both ease of movement and heavy-duty cutting, find a model with higher voltage (18V or 24V).

When choosing your saw, it is important to consider power, speed, weight, size, maneuverability and comfort according to your individual needs. For example, a saw that is lightweight and easy to maneuver will be greatly appreciated during long, overhead work hours, reducing fatigue and injuries. Cushioned grips add comfort, as do anti-vibration features. Some other optional, additional features that may also be of particular importance are:

Cord - While we already briefly covered this in the ?Corded? section of our buying guide, we thought it might help to draw attention to a few more points. If you buy a corded version, be sure to find one with a detachable cord ? they are easy to replace. Since the cord can become binding and restrictive, cord-free working environments may often arise. Additional battery packs will allow for plenty of work without worrying about running low on power. According to consumer reviews, you might be better off with a rubber cord than a plastic cord.

Orbital action - Orbital action refers to the movement of the blade. Primarily used in woodcutting, this feature consists of oscillating the traversed reciprocation in up and down manner, causing the tip of the blade to move in an oval-like pattern. This helps cutting through material happen faster and easier. For the sake of variability, purchase a tool with an adjustment that allows you to change the setting from orbital to a straight cut.

Variable speeds - This is a great feature when cutting a wide variety of materials. Reciprocating saws measure speed in SPM (strokes per minute) and saws typically range from 0 to 2,400 strokes per minute (spm). This occurs by trigger sensitivity or through a dial, though it is more accurate and consistent with dial controls compared to trigger controls.

Blades - Reciprocating saws have two types of blades - metal and wood. Metal blades have close-set, short teeth and are used to cut through metals. Wood blades have longer teeth spread farther apart and are used for cutting wood.

Tool-less blade change - Simply put, this gives you the ability to change blades without the use of an allen wrench or screwdriver. Even average use of a reciprocating saw dulls the bade quickly, this feature greatly increases efficiency and work time.

Also, the following are a few terms that reference parts and features of a reciprocating saw. We have provided brief descriptions:

Adjustable Shoe - A reciprocating saw resembles a swordfish ? it has a solid body and narrow, serrated blade that juts out of the end. The shoe is the front part of the saw that braces it against the work piece. Some saws allow the shoe to be moved in order to expose different parts of the blade. Since the shoe is on a pivot, moving the shoe adjusts the depth of cut. Some shoes are adjustable by lever, while others require the use of a wrench.

External brush access - Allowing for longer motor life, and fast and easy replacement, this feature is intended for work on materials, like aluminum siding, because it reverses the blade to smooth the cut.

Pocket Cutting - This term refers to cutting a hole in a finished wall.

Blade Clamping - occurs when you install a blade into the saw. To help you with the process, first ensure that the unit is powered off and unplugged. Loosen the set screw with a hand tool then, between the reciprocating shaft and blade clamp, insert the blade shank from the front. Over the pin on the reciprocating shaft, place the hole in the blade and tighten the set screw.

Reciprocating saws are handy, durable, and enable you to work in unusual and cramped spaces. It has become a necessity in the tool worker?s arsenal, so if you don?t have one, you?re now equipped with all the information you need to go out and buy the best reciprocating saw to meet all your needs.

Types of Reciprocating Saws

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