Which reciprocating saw should you actually buy?
A reciprocating saw is the tool you reach for when neatness does not matter and speed does. Pruning storm branches, ripping out an old vanity, cutting a rusted bolt flush, trimming a door frame during a reno: this is the demolition and rough cut workhorse of an Australian garage. For a first home buyer building a tool kit from scratch, the honest question is not which saw a tradie would grab, but which one gives you real cutting power without a battery platform you will regret. This guide compares three cordless options: the Makita DJR188Z, a two handed saw for Makita LXT batteries, and two one handed saws, the CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCS340B and the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hackzall. The right one for you depends on whether you already own cordless batteries, how often you will use it, and whether you want a full size two handed saw or a nimble one handed one.
The short answer for busy buyers
We are not naming a single best reciprocating saw because we have not confirmed Australian manufacturer warranty coverage for these linked offers. Compare the three options by battery platform and by whether you want a two handed or a one handed saw. All three are bare tools, with batteries and chargers sold separately. The Makita DJR188Z suits people who already run Makita LXT batteries. The CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCS340B suits people on CRAFTSMAN V20 batteries, and the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hackzall suits people on Milwaukee M18 batteries.
How our reciprocating saw picks compare
Here is the quick side by side. Check the product cards below for current prices and reviews on Amazon Australia.
| Pick | Suits | Power source |
|---|
| Makita DJR188Z | Makita LXT owners, two handed cutting | 18V battery (bare tool) |
| CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCS340B | CRAFTSMAN V20 owners, one handed pruning | 20V battery (bare tool) |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hackzall | Milwaukee M18 owners, one handed trade work | 18V battery (bare tool) |
We removed the BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C kit because we could not confirm that its included charger is suitable for Australian mains power. We also removed the Bosch PSA 700 E. This listing is an Amazon Germany import, and an Australian plug and Australian market suitability have not been confirmed. The WORX WX543.9 is also out. We removed this listing because the model it carries is sold by WORX as a jigsaw, not a reciprocating saw.
How we evaluated these reciprocating saws
NestPath does not run a workshop or bench-test tools. We research and study what is actually for sale to Australian buyers and read it against the listing data, so you get an honest shortlist rather than a lab report. Here is what shaped these picks.
- Availability and ratings on Amazon AU. Each pick is listed on Amazon AU for Australian delivery and shows a star rating from reviewers on its listing.
- Specs taken only as the listing states them. Voltage, wattage, strokes per minute, brushless motors and blade systems are quoted from each product page, not from our own cutting trials.
- A spread of saw types. We wanted a full size saw and a couple of one handed saws, rather than a list of near identical tools.
- Battery ecosystem sense. Where a saw is a bare tool, we flag it clearly so you know a battery and charger are an extra cost, and we favour platforms you can grow into.
Makita DJR188Z 18V LXT Brushless
The Makita DJR188Z is a compact two handed saw for people who already run, or plan to run, Makita 18V LXT batteries. The listing lists a brushless motor, tool less blade changes, an LED job light and a lock off function, and quotes a cutting capacity of 255mm in wood and 130mm in mild steel pipe, which covers fence posts, joists, old plumbing and pruning. When we checked in September 2026, the listing said usually dispatched within 3 to 4 days.
Bare tool: battery and charger sold separately. The DJR188Z is listed by Amazon as a Makita UK model, and it is not in Makita Australia's range. Makita's Australian warranty covers products sold new in Australia through an authorised Makita Australia dealer. The seller on this listing in September 2026 was JJS Corporation. We did not find JJS Corporation in Makita's dealer locator.
The one thing to be clear about: this is a bare tool, or "skin" in Australian tool speak, so it does not include a battery or charger. That is normal for Makita LXT and it is the reason the saw itself is priced where it is. If you already own, or plan to own, other Makita 18V tools such as a drill or impact driver, the batteries are shared and the DJR188Z is the body to add. If this is your very first cordless tool and you have no batteries at all, factor in the cost of an 18V LXT battery and charger. The Makita's brushless motor is the payoff over cheaper brushed saws: more runtime per charge, cooler running and less to wear out. If you want the matching drill for the same battery, our best cordless drill guide covers the Makita and its rivals.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
No battery or charger in the box will sting if you are starting fresh, and Makita's warranty terms explicitly warn against non-genuine batteries. There is no orbital-action setting, which purpose-built demolition saws offer for faster, rougher wood cuts. For a general-purpose home saw, neither is a reason to walk away.
CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCS340B
Full size reciprocating saws are two handed tools. Sometimes you want the opposite: a compact, one handed saw you can steer into a hedge, under a sink or between studs. The CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCS340B is built for that. The listing says it measures 12.75in (about 32cm) front to back and weighs 3.2lb (about 1.5kg), and lists a variable speed trigger, a tool free blade release and a pivoting shoe.
Bare tool: battery and charger sold separately. The listing title says tool only. It was sold by Amazon US when we checked in September 2026, and the listing says the manufacturer warranty may not apply.
This is the saw for the buyer who already has, or wants to start, a CRAFTSMAN V20 kit, and whose main jobs are garden pruning and one-handed access work rather than heavy demolition. Being able to reach and cut with one hand genuinely changes how comfortable ladder and overhead work feels. It is a bare tool, so a V20 battery and charger are extra, and it will not chew through a fence post as fast as a full-size saw. But for what it is designed to do, tidy, controllable one-handed cutting, it is a pleasure to use and priced sensibly.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The shorter stroke and one handed body mean it is slower on thick, dense timber than a two handed saw, and as a bare tool it needs a V20 battery to run. Its listing has the fewest reviews of the saws here. As a dedicated pruning and access saw, it is well judged.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hackzall
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hackzall is a one handed saw for people on Milwaukee M18 batteries. It pairs Milwaukee's POWERSTATE brushless motor with REDLINK overload protection in a compact one handed body. A pivoting shoe keeps it planted for smoother cuts with less bucking and vibration, and the listing says the brushless motor gives it increased cutting speed and power. It slots straight into the M18 battery range that runs across Milwaukee's trade tools.
Bare tool: battery and charger sold separately. The listing carries Milwaukee's US model number 2719-20. The seller on this listing in September 2026 was AK TOOLS. Milwaukee Australia's warranty page says purchases on Amazon and other non authorised websites are not covered. The seller states it offers its own two year warranty.
It suits a serious DIYer or trade buyer who is already on, or committed to joining, the Milwaukee M18 platform and wants a compact demolition saw. It is a bare tool, so factor in an M18 battery and charger. If you value the brushless motor, the overload protection and the ability to share batteries across a growing kit of Milwaukee tools, it is worth a look. For occasional home use it is more saw than you need.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
As a bare tool, it needs an M18 battery and charger, which add meaningfully to the outlay if you do not already own them. A one handed body will never match a full size two handed saw on the very thickest cuts. For anyone invested in Milwaukee M18, those are expected trade offs rather than faults.
What should you look for in a reciprocating saw?
A reciprocating saw is a simple tool, but a handful of features decide whether you enjoy owning it. It is a rough-cut tool, so for straight cuts in sheet material reach for a circular saw, and for repeat cuts to length a drop saw does in one pass what a reciprocating saw does badly. Here is what matters for a home buyer.
- Corded or cordless. Corded saws give unlimited, constant power and never go flat, which suits a shed tool near a power point. Cordless 18V or 20V saws give you freedom to work anywhere, at the cost of buying batteries. If you already own a cordless drill or garden tools, matching the same brand's battery is the smartest move, because the drill you buy first usually decides the battery platform every later tool has to match.
- Brushless motor. Brushless motors, like those in the Makita and Milwaukee here, run cooler, last longer and squeeze more cutting per charge than brushed ones. They cost more, and for light occasional use a brushed saw is perfectly fine.
- Bare tool versus kit. A "bare tool" or "skin" is the saw alone, with no battery or charger; a "kit" includes them. Bare tools save money only if you already have compatible batteries. All three saws in this guide are sold as bare tools, so if you are starting with no batteries, add the cost of a battery and charger for that brand.
- Stroke length and speed. A longer stroke and higher strokes per minute cut faster through thick material. One-handed saws use shorter strokes for control; full-size saws use longer strokes for demolition.
- Tool free blade change and orbital action. The Makita and CRAFTSMAN listings both list tool free blade changes. Orbital or pendulum action adds a slight up and down swing for faster, rougher wood cuts, and none of the three listings here mentions it.
- Anti-vibration and grip. A pivoting shoe and a cushioned grip cut fatigue and improve control, which matters most on longer jobs and overhead work. Pair the saw with proper eye protection from our safety glasses guide before you start.
One safety note that applies to every saw here: keep both hands on a full-size saw where the design allows, fit and check the blade with the tool switched off, wear eye and ear protection, and read the manual before your first cut. Reciprocating saw blades run hot and can grab in awkward material.
How do you care for a reciprocating saw?
Reciprocating saws are low maintenance, but a few habits keep one cutting cleanly for years. Change blades before they go blunt, because a dull blade makes the motor work harder and produces rough, slow cuts; blades are cheap and consumable, so keep a small stock of wood and metal ones on hand. After demolition or pruning work, blow or brush sawdust out of the blade clamp and vents so grit does not build up. Wipe the shoe and body down, and check the blade clamp holds firmly with no play before each session. For cordless saws, store batteries at a partial charge in a cool, dry spot rather than flat or in a hot car, and avoid leaving them on the charger indefinitely. Keep the tool and its blades together in a drawer or case so nothing walks off between jobs; a lockable tool chest earns its keep here.
You'll also want a few blades and safety basics
A reciprocating saw is only as good as the blade in it, and the single blade in most boxes is a starter at best. A small kit of the right blades, plus eye and ear protection, is the difference between a saw that frustrates you and one that flies through the job. These add-ons pair with any of the saws above.
The competition: saws we looked at but did not pick
A few well known saws are not in this guide: the DeWalt 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw (DCS367B) and the full size Milwaukee M18 Sawzall (2621-20). Ozito's PXC reciprocating saw and Ryobi's ONE+ saw are sold through Bunnings rather than Amazon, so they fall outside what we link to here.
Reciprocating saw questions, answered
Corded or cordless reciprocating saw: which is better?
Neither is universally better; it depends on how and where you cut. A corded saw gives you constant, unlimited power and never goes flat, which suits a shed tool used near a power point. A cordless 18V or 20V saw frees you to work anywhere, including up ladders and at the back of the block, but you pay for batteries and manage charging. If you already own a cordless drill or garden tools, matching that brand's battery is usually the smartest and cheapest path.
What can you cut with a reciprocating saw?
With the right blade, a reciprocating saw cuts wood, tree branches, plastic pipe, metal pipe, bolts, nails, plasterboard and old framing timber. It is a rough-cut and demolition tool, not a finishing tool, so it is ideal for pruning, tear-outs and getting into awkward spots, but it will not give you the clean, straight edge of a circular saw or drop saw. The blade you fit matters more than the saw: use coarse wood blades for timber and pruning, and fine bi-metal blades for steel.
Do you need a brushless reciprocating saw?
Not necessarily. Brushless motors, like those in the Makita DJR188Z and Milwaukee Hackzall, run cooler, last longer and deliver more cutting per charge, which is worth paying for if you will use the saw often or for demanding work. For occasional home jobs, pruning a few times a year and the odd reno, a brushed saw is perfectly capable and saves you money. Match the motor to how hard you will actually work it.
What is the difference between a full-size saw and a one-handed hackzall?
A full-size reciprocating saw is a two-handed tool with a longer stroke, built for fast demolition and thick material. A one-handed saw, often called a hackzall, is compact and light enough to steer with a single hand, which suits pruning, overhead work and cutting in tight spaces where the other hand holds the material or steadies you. One-handers trade some outright cutting speed on thick timber for control and reach. Many buyers who do a lot of both eventually own one of each.
Are cheap reciprocating saws any good?
For occasional home use, yes. Budget saws, including Bunnings stocked lines like Ozito, cut branches, pallets and light demolition perfectly well. Where they give ground to premium saws is in runtime, durability under heavy daily use, and refinement rather than in basic ability to cut. If you prune a few times a year and break down the odd bulky item, a budget saw is genuinely all you need; if you will lean on it hard and often, spend up for a brushless model. This guide does not include a budget pick.
Is Makita or Milwaukee better for a reciprocating saw?
Both are brushless and both are on this list, but they are different kinds of saw. The Makita DJR188Z is a two handed saw with a listed cutting capacity of 255mm in wood, for people on Makita LXT batteries. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hackzall is a one handed trade saw for people on Milwaukee M18 batteries or who want a compact saw for overhead and one handed work.
Which reciprocating saw blade should you use?
Match the teeth per inch to the material. Coarse wood blades of about 6 teeth per inch cut timber and green branches fastest, general purpose bimetal blades of about 10 to 14 teeth per inch suit mixed and nail embedded timber, and fine bimetal blades of 18 to 24 teeth per inch are the ones for steel pipe, bolts and nails. Longer blades reach through thicker material, and the Makita and CRAFTSMAN listings both list tool free blade changes.
How do you use a reciprocating saw to cut wood?
Fit a coarse wood blade with the saw switched off and check the clamp holds it firmly. Press the shoe flat against the timber before you squeeze the trigger, because the shoe is what stops the saw juddering. Start slowly, then hold a steady speed and let the blade do the work rather than leaning on it. Keep the cut line clear of nails and support the offcut so it cannot pinch the blade.
Can a reciprocating saw cut concrete?
No, not properly. A reciprocating saw is a rough-cut and demolition tool for timber, plastic, plasterboard and metal, and a masonry blade in one will only score soft block slowly while wearing itself out. Concrete, pavers and brick are a job for a demolition saw or an angle grinder with a diamond blade. Use the reciprocating saw for the framing, pipe and fixings around the concrete instead.
Is a sabre saw the same as a reciprocating saw?
Yes. Sabre saw is the older Australian and British name for the same tool, and recip saw is the trade shorthand. Sawzall and Hackzall are Milwaukee brand names, with a Sawzall meaning a full-size two-handed saw and a Hackzall a one-handed one. Whatever the name on the box, they all drive a straight blade back and forth, and the blades are interchangeable across brands.
Build out the rest of your garage
A reciprocating saw is one tool in a first-home kit. If you are setting up a garage from scratch, these NestPath guides cover the pieces that pair with it, from the cordless drill that shares your batteries to the boots and glasses that keep you safe.
About the author
Anish Puri founded NestPath in 2026 after going through the Australian first-home-buyer process himself. NestPath focuses on Australian first-home buyers because the existing review sites are American, generic, or both. Anish handles editorial selection across the homeowner hub. Reach out: hello@nestpath.com.au
