Sawzall vs. Reciprocating Saw: Is There a Difference?
Having trouble choosing between a Sawzall or another reciprocating saw? Our guide will clear things up!
Let’s start with the simple answer first: No, there’s no difference between a “reciprocating saw” and a “Sawzall.” Milwaukee Tool introduced the first reciprocating saw in 1951 and registered the trademark Sawzall for it. It proved so popular, Sawzall became a genericized trademark, commonly used to refer to any reciprocating saw (like “Kleenex” for facial tissue). The trademark registration continues in effect, though, so only Milwaukee can legally call their reciprocating saws a Sawzall.
Okay, you might ask, but what differentiates Sawzalls from their non-Sawzall competition? These days, honestly, not a whole lot. Milwaukee’s reputation for high-quality power tools certainly includes their most famous product, the Sawzall—you won’t go wrong buying the original! But several other manufacturers offer reciprocating saws with similar features and quality, sometimes at a lower price.
I recommend looking at reciprocating saws both from Milwaukee and from their competitors. I’ve pulled together some of the top choices:
For even more choices, check out our full roundup of all the best reciprocating saws.
Sawzalls vs. Other Reciprocating Saws
Let’s take a closer look at some reciprocating saws from Milwaukee and its competitors.
Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Fuel Sawzall
While the original Sawzall had a power cord, these days the product line includes several cordless options. I think the M18 Fuel model 2720 is one of the best. It came to market a few years ago, but its power and performance remain hard to beat.
Its brushless motor reduces heat buildup, extending the life of the tool by ensuring it won’t overheat even with continual use. This kit includes one 5.0 Ah battery, which should get you through most jobs without needing a recharge. For continuous use, such as on a big demolition job, you’ll certainly want a second battery so you don’t lose time. The 9.0 Ah battery from Milwaukee should let you get through a whole day’s work.
At 7.4 pounds, this saw isn’t the lightest reciprocating saw available. But its rugged construction and power make it worth it for demanding users. One small complaint about its construction: the plastic blade release lever seems less durable as the rest of the saw. Use caution when replacing the blades and you should have no problems.
And if you already own Milwaukee M18 batteries and chargers, you can buy just the bare tool rather than the kit.
Positives
- Power comparable to corded saw
- Brushless motor reduces heat and battery consumption
- Heavy-duty build quality (except for blade release lever)
- LED light
Negatives
- Plastic blade release lever can break
Milwaukee 6538-21 Super Sawzall Reciprocating Saw
The Milwaukee 6538-21 delivers the power with its full 15-amp motor. That represents the maximum you can draw from a standard electrical circuit. This Super Sawzall should handle almost any demolition work you can throw at it.
A worthy successor in the long line of Sawzalls from Milwaukee, this model includes a new feature. It provides constant cutting speed regardless of load, relieving you of the need to vary trigger pressure as you cut. And it has a clutch mechanism that absorbs the impact if the saw blade locks up. That protects both the motor and you from the sudden force.
At 9.8 lbs, the 6538-21 weighs in a bit heavier than most of its competitors. Take that into consideration if you’ll need to carry it for long periods of time. Milwaukee has done a good job balancing the tool, so in spite of its extra heft, it remains comfortable to maneuver.
If you’ll need to use the Milwaukee 6538-21 away from a power outlet, I strongly recommend using a 10- or 12-gauge extension cord that can handle the full 15-amp draw. The Yellow Jacket 2884 12/3 Heavy-Duty 15-Amp Extension Cord is a great 50’ extension cord suitable for this purpose.
Positives
- Best-in-class power rating lets you tackle the toughest jobs
- Much less vibration than lighter reciprocating saws
Negatives
- Heavier than typical lower-powered saws
Makita XRJ05Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Recipro Saw
The Makita XRJ05Z falls in the middle of Makita’s range of cordless reciprocating saws. I think it offers a great blend of features at a reasonable price. For the typical DIYer or home improvement enthusiast, it checks all the necessary boxes.
The saw offers two modes: low-speed mode tops out at 2,300 strokes per minute, and the high-speed mode at 3,000. Choosing the low-speed mode lets you concentrate more on your cut rather than on trigger pressure to keep from going too fast. The 1 1/4” stroke length, typical for this class of saw, lets you rapidly cut through most any material.
Weighing in at just about 8 pounds, you can safely use this tool overhead or on a ladder. This link is to the bare tool, so if you don’t already have Makita batteries and chargers, make sure to pick those up as well.
Positives
- Low-speed mode makes it easier to control speeds
- Long battery life
DeWalt DWE305
If you prefer a corded reciprocating saw so you don’t need to worry about batteries, I think the DeWalt DWE305 makes a great all-around choice. Lighter than most competitors at just 7 pounds, it has a 12-amp motor. That’ll deliver plenty of power for any household or light construction job.
You can change the blade without using any tools, and you can orient the blade in all four directions. That lets you position it to make the cut without needing to hold the saw in an awkward (and possibly dangerous) position.
One small drawback to this saw is its lack of an orbital mode like some higher-end saws have. And it can prove a little tricky to keep the speed constant when sawing at lower speeds. Other than these minor quibbles, this is an excellent tool for everyday use.
Positives
- Tool-less blade changing
- Blade can be oriented in any of four directions
- Fairly lightweight for the power
Negatives
- No orbital motion for fast wood cutting
- Harder to control low speeds
Buying Guide
I’ll walk you through the most important features to consider in choosing a Sawzall or other reciprocating saw.
Power: Corded vs. Cordless
The first decision you’ll want to make: a traditional corded model or battery-powered cordless? If you’ll always be near a source of electrical power, or at least within reach of an extension cord, consider a corded model. Since you don’t need batteries or chargers, your dollar will buy more power and features.
But if you have a large property or need to work somewhere without ready access to electricity, a cordless model may be just the ticket. You’ll need to buy batteries and chargers specific to your cordless reciprocating saw’s manufacturer. If you already own some tools in a particular manufacturer’s cordless line, it may make sense to stick to a reciprocating saw from that same company.
If you choose a corded model, motors up to about 12 amps will work for most home improvement projects, pruning branches, and so forth. For tougher material like thick or pressure-treated timbers or metal pipes, you’ll want a heavier-duty 13 to 15 amp model.
For cordless tools, it’s less straightforward—higher-voltage cordless tools generally provide more power, but it can vary a lot from manufacturer to manufacturer. I recommend reading the individual reviews for cordless reciprocating saws to make sure they’ll work for your needs.
Vibration Control
Reciprocating saws generate a lot of vibration, which can lead to cramping and numb hands with prolonged use. Heavier saws tend to dampen the vibrations better than lighter ones, though carrying the extra weight can also be fatiguing. Some higher-end saws have vibration reduction mechanisms. If you plan to use your reciprocating saw for hours on end, this could make for a huge improvement in your experience.
Blades
Most reciprocating saws accept the same style of blade. So you can shop around and find the right blade for the task at hand, without being limited to a particular manufacturer.
Saws generally come with a “general-purpose” blade that’s fine for cutting through things like 2×4s. But you’ll find the job becomes much easier (and safer) with a blade specifically made for the task. One of the main differences between blades is the number of teeth per inch (TPI). Lower TPIs tend to cut faster but leave a more jagged cut than higher TPIs.
Most blades for cutting wood have between 5 and 10 TPI. Lower TPI blades make fast work of wood, as long as it has no nails; for cutting nails, you want a blade with 10 TPI or higher.
Metal-cutting blades have much finer teeth, ranging from 10 to 24 TPI.
Some blades have two different TPIs on different sections of the blade. This lets you cut through varying materials by changing which part of the blade you’re using.
Conclusion
Whether you choose an authentic Sawzall or one of its competitors, there are plenty of high-quality reciprocating saws on the market.
I think the Milwaukee 2720-21 M18 Fuel Sawzall is an excellent all-around choice. But any of the tools listed above will give you years of dependable service.
