
Some of the most common uses for reciprocating saws include:
- 1. Cutting through the wood: Reciprocating saws are great for quickly cutting through wood, either for rough cuts or more precise cuts. ...
- 2. Cutting through metal: Reciprocating saws can also be used to cut through metal. ...
- 3. Trimming branches: If you need to trim branches from a tree or bush, a reciprocating saw is a great tool to use. ...
What is the best reciprocal saw?
DEWALT DCS387B 20-Volt MAX Compact Reciprocating Saw is one of the best reciprocating saw in the market. It comes in a lightweight and ergonomic design at only fourteen and a half total length. This makes an ideal choice to use in confined spaces.
How to use a reciprocating saw properly?
How to Use a Reciprocating Saw
- Set orbital action. Orbital action is a motion the blade makes when cutting. ...
- Install your saw blade. Don’t do this before you know what you want to cut. ...
- Adjusting the settings. ...
- Size up the cuts. ...
- Cutting a metal. ...
- Check your blade. ...
Should I get a chainsaw or a reciprocating saw?
With all the clear advantages of reciprocating saws, you may wonder why they are not right for all jobs. But they do have their limitations which means that they are inferior to chainsaws in some ways. Disadvantages. Smaller in Size: The biggest advantage that a chainsaw has over a reciprocating saw is its size. Chainsaws are designed to be bigger and more powerful compared to reciprocating saws.
What can you cut with a reciprocating saw?
What Is the Reciprocating Saw Used for?
- For Pruning Trees Reciprocating saws are also used for pruning trees and large branches. ...
- Rough Cutting Recip saws are small and lightweight but they pack a good deal of power. ...
- For Cutting Holes in Material most people don’t know this but reciprocating saws are one of the few power saws out there that can cut holes in materials. ...

What should you not do with a reciprocating saw?
6 Safety Tips to Follow When Using a Reciprocating Saw#1) Wear Impact-Resistant Safety Goggles. ... #2) Use a Sharp Blade. ... #3) Keep Hands Away From the Blade. ... #4) Hold With Both Hands. ... #5) Watch the Electrical Cord. ... #6) Don't Use on or Around Flammable Materials.
Can I use a reciprocating saw to cut a tree?
The reciprocating saw offers advantages over chainsaws with smaller cutting jobs. So the answer is yes. You can use a reciprocating saw to cut small-sized trees and prune tree branches, limbs, and bushes. You should use a rough wood blade with 2-6 TPI or a variable TPI wood pruning blade.
Can you cut a straight line with a reciprocating saw?
2:473:37Genius Reciprocating Saw Pro Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust be able to switch the blade up here. The the switch. For straight cuts or orbital cuts forMoreJust be able to switch the blade up here. The the switch. For straight cuts or orbital cuts for straight cuts it's good for cutting metal for orbital cuts really good for cutting.
Can you use a reciprocating saw for woodworking?
0:091:14Carpentry & Saws : What Is a Reciprocating Saw Used For?YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe other type of reciprocating. Saw is a jig saw and that's a smaller device usually used forMoreThe other type of reciprocating. Saw is a jig saw and that's a smaller device usually used for cutting designs in wood or holes.
What's the difference between a sawzall and a reciprocating saw?
They are actually the same thing. The Milwaukee tool company introduced the first reciprocating saw in 1951, and called it the Sawzall. It has since been so widely copied that the terms reciprocating saw and sawzall are now used interchangeably.
Can you cut tree roots with a reciprocating saw?
Though you might think that you can only use a reciprocating saw to cut wood or metal for home construction projects, it makes an excellent tree root cutter tool.
Can I cut fence post with a reciprocating saw?
The best saw to use for the job is a battery-powered reciprocating saw with a 6-inch blade. Unlike a circular saw, it cuts all the way through a four-by-four post in a single pass without the need for a cord.
Is a reciprocating saw good for cutting plywood?
Yes, you can cut wood with a reciprocating saw, along with a wide variety of materials. You can cut through plywood and plyboard with no problem using just a general purpose blade with your tool. You can also cut dimensional lumber and studs, too, along with the nails and screws.
Can you cut firewood with a reciprocating saw?
A “Sawsall” type reciprocating saw would work if that's all you have. A reciprocating jig saw would not work well at all if at all. as the other responders noted, a chainsaw would be better (assuming you have the skill to use it safely).
Should I get a jigsaw or reciprocating saw?
With their long, slim blades, jig saws are ideal for jobs that require delicate wood cuts. Reciprocating saws, however, with their horizontal blade action, are designed primarily for rough cutting and demolition jobs, such as cutting wood and metal aggressively.
Can you use a reciprocating saw as a jigsaw?
Yes, you can use a reciprocating saw as a jigsaw; Reciprocating saws encompass a wide variety of saws that operate with the up and down or back and forth movement. A jigsaw is just a more specific type of reciprocating saw moving in the up and down fashion.
Can a reciprocating saw cut a 4x4?
No normal jig-saw will have enough depth to cut through a 4x4 post, and would be dangerous because of this. A better choice would be a reciprocating saw, with a sufficiently long blade.
What kind of saw do I need to cut down a tree?
Chainsaw Arguably the most familiar type of saw, the chainsaw is a motorized rope saw that rotates a chain with many teeth for cutting. There are gas and electric-powered chainsaws that range from small pruning versions to large machines designed to cut down big trees.
Will a reciprocating saw cut logs?
Yes, a reciprocating saw can cut logs, but they will need to be small logs. The limit to the size of the logs will be the length of the saw blades. You can get blades up to 12-inches long. So, in theory, you should be able to cut a 10-inch diameter log.
What kind of saw is used to cut trees?
What Kind of Saw Is Used to Cut Tree Branches? Different saws are used to cut tree branches. Among them are the Crosscut Saw, Rope Chain Saw, Chainsaw, Pruning Saw, Bow Saw, Pole Saw, and Reciprocating Saw is very popular for this purpose.
What is the best saw for cutting tree branches?
Bow Saws Most full-sized, quality bow saws will cut any tree or branch up to about a foot in thickness (working from both sides). The teeth are big and splay out wide. They clear plenty of wood as they cut so the blade will never stick. Don't expect to cut too straight though!
Discover innovative new ways to use a reciprocating saw in your workshop and around your home
While it is a common tool in many DIY projects, some people still ask what is a reciprocating saw and what is a reciprocating saw used for? The first question is relatively easy to answer.
1. Demolition in Small or Awkward Spaces
One of the most common reciprocating saw uses is cutting through studs and framework to help facilitate demolition efforts. While it may feel cathartic to swing a sledgehammer through a wall a few times, you’re going to start to get tired quickly if you rely on strength alone.
2. Cutting Through Wood and Nails
Another reciprocating saw use is cutting through both wood and nails. This task doesn’t even require a special blade. Simply attach a standard demolition blade to the reciprocating saw and use it to make quick work of wooden studs, nails, screws, pins, and other small pieces of metal that you may find buried in construction material.
3. Pruning Trees and Shrubs
Similar to cutting through wooden construction materials, a reciprocating saw can also be used to prune the trees, bushes, or shrubs in your yard. Choose a wood cutting blade to slice cleanly through overgrown branches in order to manage your yard.
4. Cutting Various Plumbing Pipes
Plumbers work with a variety of different materials to complete their work, including cutting wall studs, digging through concrete, measuring and cutting pipes for installation, and removing old plumbing lines, fixtures, and valves.
5. Scrape Glue, Mastic, and Other Adhesives
Switch the reciprocating blade out for a scraper blade attachment to quickly and effectively scrape away glue, mastic, and other adhesive components. A scraper blade like this option available at The Home Depot is designed to slide under these adhesive materials so that each thrust of the scraper gradually lifts up more and more adhesive.
6. Remove Grout
One project where using a reciprocating saw may seem unlikely is retiling a shower, but when you use a grout rake attachment like this option available at The Home Depot, a reciprocating saw can make short work of old grout. It can be used to remove sanded and unsanded cement-based grouts, as well as epoxy grout lines.
What is a reciprocating saw?
Run your blade alongside framing to cut plywood sheathing. Brace yourself. Lock your knees into ladder rails. If possible, lean against something solid for support. This works for window and door openings, wall and roof ends, and anyplace else where you let plywood sheathing run wild. This technique also works during demolition—just run the blade against the last framing member to stay.
Why is it important to apply pressure on a reciprocate saw?
This is something that can be gained only through experience. It’s a balance between bearing down on the tool in some situations vs. keeping a tight grip on the boot for control in others.
How to cut plywood with a circular saw?
First, make a pass with a circular saw at its deepest blade setting and then finish the cut with the recip saw. The circular saw quickly does the bulk of the cutting. Its saw cut acts as a guide and starts the recip blade running level. Ease up pressure as you get close to the plywood; your blade tip could kick back.
How to use a hacksaw blade?
Use the right blade 1 For cutting through metal pipes and nails, use a fine-tooth blade resembling a hacksaw. 2 When cutting through wood, use a coarse blade. 3 Use the coarsest-tooth blade to cut through plaster. 4 Some blades are toothless. They’re coated with tungsten carbide abrasive grit; use them for cutting stone, ceramic tile and cast iron.
Why is the blade exposed on a saw?
The blade is exposed so you can direct it into tight spaces. Because of this feature, you can use it in situations where other saws would be slow, impractical or pose a greater safety risk.
What blade to use to cut plaster?
When cutting through wood, use a coarse blade. Use the coarsest-tooth blade to cut through plaster. Some blades are toothless. They’re coated with tungsten carbide abrasive grit; use them for cutting stone, ceramic tile and cast iron. You don’t always have to be finicky about choosing a blade.
How much does a reciprocating saw cost?
If you buy one these days, expect to pay from $100 to $300, depending on the brand and the features. Would you rather try a reciprocate saw out for a one-time repair? Go ahead and rent one, but you’ll find that you’d rather have put the money toward buying one so you’ll have it again later.
Reciprocating Saw vs. Jigsaw
Though both a reciprocating saw and a jigsaw feature a reciprocating, interchangeable blade, these saws serve vastly different purposes. While there is some overlap to what the saws can achieve, jigsaws are typically reserved for more precise work than reciprocating saws.
Parts of a Reciprocating Saw
Reciprocating saws have many specific features that set them apart from other types of saws.
Safety Considerations
Due to their power and design, reciprocating saws are prone to kicking, which can lead to injury when not handled properly. This kicking is typically a result of the blade catching or hitting material, which, due to the blade's back-and-forth motion, abruptly throws the saw backward.
How to Use a Reciprocating Saw
The first step in using a reciprocating saw is fitting it with the proper blade. Most brands label blades according to their use and material, making this an easy task. Choose a blade with a low TPI for fast, rough cuts and a blade with high TPI for cleaner cuts.
Buying vs. Renting
Once you use a reciprocating saw once, chances are you're going to find a multitude of uses for it in the future. For this reason, buying is often a better option for most people than renting. On top of that, a quality reciprocating saw costs just more than $100 and will last for years if properly cared for.
Keeping a Reciprocating Saw in Good Condition
To keep a reciprocating saw in good working order, it's important to take good care of it. While today's reciprocating saws can take a beating, you should avoid unnecessary abuse. Keep saws in a hard toolbox when not in use, and when in use, take time to set your tool on the ground rather than tossing it to the side.
When to Replace a Reciprocating Saw
Reciprocating saw blades will need to be replaced once dull or damaged, but this isn't the case for the saw itself. A quality reciprocating saw that has been taken care of should last for years on end, but it's important to inspect your saw and take note of any unsafe wear that is occurring.
What is a reciprocating saw?
1. Cuts on wooden and metallic surfaces. As with any other saws, a reciprocating saw is designed to make straight and curved cuts. However, what’s good about a reciprocating saw is its compact design. It allows easy access to any materials, as compared to other saw types.
What is the best saw for pruning trees?
It allows you to carry it and do your pruning or trimming job with ease and confidence. With such convenience, this saw is deemed as one of the best tools for tree pruning. The pole saw is another excellent pruning saw to add to your collection.
What is a push and pull saw?
For the uninitiated, it is a type of machine-powered saw with a cutting action performed through a push-and-pull motion of a blade. It is also commonly used for making straight and curved cuts, as well as pruning of trees.
Can a reciprocating saw cut metal?
It allows easy access to any materials, as compared to other saw types. For this reason, this saw can easily cut wooden and metallic surfaces. Furthermore, a reciprocating saw is compatible with most versatil e blades. 2.
Can you use a reciprocating saw to trim shingle?
For instance, you can use a reciprocating saw with its longer blade to demolish things. As for construction, you can specifically trim the shingle into a beautiful piece for your roofing system. 4. Framework.
What is reciprocating saw?
A reciprocating saw is an essential tool for those involved in demolition, renovation, or refurbishment. What is usually a difficult task to remove old material is made easy by this saw.
What Is A Reciprocating Saw Good For Cutting?
Reciprocating saws are used for demolition work. When a hammer or a crowbar is not up to the job you can use a reciprocating saw to cut and rip out material around doors, windows, beams, etc.
What is a jigsaw?
A Jigsaw is a great tool specifically designed for precise and intricate cuts. It is a tool of precision, a carpenter's scalpel. This tool requires a solid surface to work from and would not be suitable or ideal for flush cuts. A jigsaw is not as versatile as a jigsaw and therefore costs slightly less.
Can a reciprocating saw be used with a jigsaw?
In fact, sometimes they are so similar that some jigsaw blades can be used for a reciprocating saw.
Do you have to go full power on a saw to cut metal?
Variable Speed: Some saws have a trigger allowing you to adjust the speed of the saw. Sometimes you don't need to go full power all the time. This is especially handy for cutting metal because the general rule is that you should cut slower for metal and faster for wood.
Can you cut nails through wood?
Another task that we all dread is removing the old nails from a piece of wood before you can cut through it, however with a reciprocating saw, it is possible just to slice through the whole thing.
Can you change the vibration on a saw?
Anti-Vibration: Your saw will vibrate. This is something that you cannot change. However, some manufacturers have changed the way you hold the saw or added additional features to reduce the vibrational strain on your body. Look for saws with anti-vibe features.
What Is A Reciprocating Saw?
A Reciprocating saw, also known as Sawzall, is a multi-purpose saw that performs beyond the tasks of cutting wood. It can be described as a one-in-all tool, or better as the best demolition tool.
What is a power saw used for?
The vast majority of these power saws are mainly used for precise cutting in a number of workshops.
Do you need to know the blades of a reciprocating saw?
Just as the nature of your work differs from one another, similarly, the blade of the Reciprocating Saw differs accordingly. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you know everything about the blades before you begin working on your project.
Is a reciprocating saw a construction work?
There’re all sorts of work required when we speak of the term “construction work”. It’s basically a very broad term, however, the Reciprocating Saw is pretty much versatile on its own.
Can you regret a reciprocating saw?
Having a Reciprocating Saw can never be an investment that you might regret in the future. This piece of equipment is extremely versatile and can help you perform a variety of tasks in just a few minutes.
How To Use A Reciprocating Saw?
Using a reciprocating saw is fairly simple. Here’s a quick step-by-step explanation:
How many volts does a reciprocating saw use?
Cordless reciprocating saws operate off of battery power and are by far the most convenient. Battery packs are 9 or 12 volts, and the capacity varies among different models.
What is a hackzall saw?
This is a generic way to refer to smaller reciprocating saws that are made to be even more portable and easier to use. For the most part, Sawzalls are the bigger of the two, making Hackzalls more popular for the average user.
What is a recoating saw?
Reciprocating saws are the wrecking crew of saws. While a bit crude in nature, these powerful and incredibly versatile saws are invaluable to a wide range of contractors, and even some other professions as well.
How to put blades in a saw?
Simply insert the back end of the blade into the blade slot in the front of the saw, and make sure it’s all the way to where it can be secured by the blade clamp.
When do you change a reciprocating saw blade?
Reciprocating saw blades need to be changed as soon as you notice cutting being inhibited by the blade getting dull.
What is a power saw used for?
Anyone who is familiar with power saws knows that the vast majority of them are used for making precise cuts to any number of workpieces.
What is a reciprocating saw?
A reciprocating saw or a Sawzall is one of the most versatile power saws that you can use in a wide variety of applications such as cutting wood, plastic, metal, demolition work, home improvement, and even cutting masonry. However, you must use the right blade for the right job.
What blade should I use for a reciprocating saw?
You can use a reciprocating saw to cut small-sized trees and prune tree branches, limbs, and bushes. You should use a rough wood blade with 2-6 TPI or a variable TPI wood pruning blade. Depending on the toughness of the wood, you should opt for a high carbon steel blade or a Bi-metal blade for the best results.
How Big a Tree Can You Cut with a Reciprocating Saw?
However, twelve inches is an arbitrary limit. But in actual practice, you can cut trees up to 6 to 8-inches thick with a reciprocating saw. It is better to say that the object which needs to be cut should be smaller in diameter than the length of the blade itself.
What is the best saw blade for cutting trees?
In conclusion, a chainsaw works best for cutting down large trees and sizing logs. You can cut small trees and branches more efficiently compared to a chainsaw when you use the right reciprocating saw. Contents [ show] Best Reciprocating Saw Blade for Cutting Trees. 1.
Why is a reciprocating saw more likely to overheat than a chainsaw?
That is because the back and forth action is more prone to overheating compared to a chainsaw which spins the chain over a gear.
What blade do I need to cut wood?
Generally speaking, you need a blade with bigger teeth with lower TPI (Teeth per inch) to cut soft materials like wood.
What is a 5TPI blade?
A pruning blade is specially designed for cutting small branches and pruning plants. 5TPI Wood Pruning Blade – Click Here to See Price. Pruning blades come with variable TPI, which also means they have different sized teeth through the length of the blade.
