Back when I began doing carpentry they did not have as many options for power tools. Battery-powered tools weren’t even around which requires more effort and time to finish a project.
Even so, there were only a few options for sawzalls. Today there are so many options. There are two distinct styles. 2 handed sawzall and one-handed sawzalls. If you’re doing construction work, cutting into walls and ceilings you will want a two-handed machine. If you’re doing plumbing work and just projects around the house one-handed saw is the best option.
Sawzalls have been a popular demolition tool. They come in different varieties such as cordless and corded sawzalls. Each of them has their distinct characteristics. The value of sawzalls mostly depends on the capacity of the motor as well as its features.
Choosing the Best Sawzall
When choosing a sawzall, it is better if you know the primary purpose of why you are buying a sawzall. The specs that you will need will depend on the said purpose. There are sawzalls that are powered with a 10 or even a 15-ampere motor and it is your job to choose which will work best for you.
To give you an insight into choosing, here is the breakdown of their categories.
Sawzalls with 10 to 12-Ampere Motor
In this category, sawzalls usually are pricey and portable. This is because they are made for lighter tasks and complex maneuvers. It is also the safest option to have if you need to cut overhead.
Sawzalls with 13-Ampere Motor
13-amp-powered sawzalls are often in the middle. They are for light-up to semi-heavy-duty cutting. They are heavier and provide more power than their 10 to 12-amp sawzalls counterparts.
Sawzalls with 14 to 15-Ampere Motor
If we are talking about power and weight, sawzalls with 14 to 15-ampere motors are the man! They are expected to perform their best on heavy-duty tasks.
In this article, you will discover the best sawzalls according to their categories
1. One-handed saws with the most power
2. One-handed saws that are lightweight
3. Two-handed sawzalls (cordless)
4. Two-handed sawzalls (corded)
One-Handed Sawzalls
A great multipurpose one-handed tool that provides ample power. Regarding its brushless motor, I definitely say that it is a plus factor as the increased performance can be felt. I also loved the versatility that it has when it comes to controlling its speed. A great option for individuals who are looking to have the power of a chainsaw minus the heavyweight. It does the job easily for branches even up to 4” thick.
Pros:
Easy to use
Lightweight
High-efficiency in maneuverability
Long battery life
Elegant design
Gives superb power
Cons:
Blades sometimes experience premature breakdown
When it comes to sawzalls, I can say that this is my personal favorite. It is light and very maneuverable. The price is also just right for the superb quality that you will get from this tool. Milwaukee is one of the best brands that you can find out there. Having said so, this sawzall is the ultimate bang for the buck. I have no doubts that the accuracy is remarkable compared to the sawzalls with the same specifications.
Pros:
Portable
Lightweight
Highly-accurate in cutting
Ergonomic handle
Gives decent power
Easy to change blades
Cons:
Battery life tends to be shorter
Makita has become one of the fastest-growing brands in the power tools industry. When it comes to sawzalls, I can say that the Makita XRJ01Z is a versatile tool that comes in a budget-friendly price of less than a hundred bucks apiece. One thing that I noticed about this beast is that it can actually charge really fast and use this thing for hours. I tried cutting branches 5 inches in diameter and it has not given me any difficulties.
Pros:
Excellent battery life
Compact
Stylish
Affordable
Light in terms of weight
Cons:
Accumulates heat quickly
Can't penetrate extremely solid objects
Pocket Sawzall
For the extensive years that I have been in the carpentry industry, I have tried a lot of pocket power tools. But what amazed me more is the decent power that it gives by optimizing its small 12v max motor which is incredibly small in size compared to the other models. It only weighs 2.2 pounds but can actually produce 3,000 no-load strokes per minute. The great thing is it can also cut solid materials such as copper and conduit. I have tried using it for extended periods and haven’t gotten any strains due to its front rubber-like wrap-around boot that gives a better grip.
Pros:
Superb durability
Tolerable vibrations
Lightweight
Can decently pierce through solid objects
Energy-efficient
Cons:
Strokes could have been longer
With the help of this Sawzall, I was able to cut down various materials even in the tightest spaces. I love using this on woodworking projects that do have odd shapes. Aside from that, I am fascinated by using this beast for simple repairs in the house like cutting PVC pipes and tree branches. There is also an LED light and battery level indicator that helps me know if I already need to charge the saw or not. This is more of a necessity but a very helpful feature.
Pros:
Fits easily through very tight spaces
Comfortable to grip
Affordable
Safe to use
Decent power output
Cons:
Cutting through steel pipes is slow
Two-Handed Sawzalls Cordless
Every time I work in seemingly dark places, especially at night, this Sawzall becomes really handy because of the bright LED light integrated into it. The great thing about this Sawzall is that I can easily change the blades without exerting too much time and effort. Thanks to the “Keyless 4-Position Blade Clamp” technology. All the blades are responsive and the body itself is very easy to maneuver in tight spots.
Pros:
Has a 90-degree cutting position
Power is sufficient enough to cut through solid objects quickly
Catchy design
Built to last
Hassle-free to use
Value for money
Cons:
A bit shaky when in use
Bosch is regarded as one of the leading brands in the power tools industry has definitely done a good job in creating this sawzall. What is noticeable about this product is how sturdy this was built. It is beefy and at the same time can fit into the tiniest spaces. The power is superb, some colleagues that have tried it are amazed that it has the same power with the sawzalls that aren't cordless.
Pros:
Responsive charging system
Sturdy built
Energy-efficient
Clean design
Battery is topnotch
Will never fall short of power
Cons:
A bit expensive
Vibration is noticeable
For people looking for a more powerful Sawzall, this is the best option to take. The optimal power that it gives can make wooden materials cut down like butter. As a matter of fact, it can pierce through walls and other solid objects easily. If you have a bit of a budget then going for this Sawzall is truly a value for money.
Pros:
Demonstrates great power
Ergonomic handle
Built for rugged use
Slimmer design perfect for tight spaces
Easy to use
Blades are easy to change
Cons:
On the heavier side
The battery's life is not that long
Generating a power of a 15 amp corded Sawzall, this cordless Sawzall seems to deliver sufficient power for relatively almost all kinds of woodwork stuff. All the basic functionalities are there plus overload protection to keep things safe while doing your respective tasks.
Pros:
Great for long hours of usage
Sturdy casing
Easy to grip handle
Hassle-free keeping
Works well with superbly solid objects
Cons:
Heavy in terms of weight
Prior to the introduction of much more advanced sawzalls by today's leading brands, the Milwaukee 6538-21 is the only one available in the market. It is a classic sawzalls that has all the functionalities that you will need to cut down various objects with ease. It is heavy-duty and can pierce through almost any solid object. However, you'll need to opt for bigger batteries if you will use it for heavy usage.
Pros:
With added safety feature such as avoiding sudden lock ups
Can run all day without overheating
Power-efficient
Grips perfectly
Tolerable weight despite its built
Value for money
Cons:
A bit pricey
Orbital switch is stiff
Definitely a trusted brand name in the world of sawzalls. The Porter-Cable PCE360 is one of the favorites when it comes to speed and power. It has a 7.5 amp fast motor that makes woodwork hassle-free. The pivoting shoe feature that it has is also a plus. The one who will be using the sawzall will not have problems using the saw, especially for rounded maneuvers and tight spaces.
Pros:
Price is affordable
Cuts solid objects easily
Will not give muscle strains even on extended hours of usage due to its ergonomic design
Premium-looking exterior
Exceptional cutting power
Cons:
Slightly stronger vibrations are present when using the tool
The power and weight ratio is just perfect for a sawzall. Its ergonomic handle will allow the user to feel comfy even when using the saw for long periods of time. Aside from that, if you want to make sure that you have a saw that you can use for years, Bosch is definitely a brand that you should not underestimate. Bosch has a famous reputation for being able to last a long because of the high-quality components that are used to manufacture each of its products.
Pros:
Gives utmost confidence to the user due to this sawzall's solid build
Blades can fit in extremely tight spaces
Durability is topnotch
Fair price
Easy to operate
Cons:
Trigger function seems to be sensitive
Throughout my carpentry career, I have realized that you will never go wrong with DeWalt. Their products are crafted to provide customers with satisfaction especially for heavy applications. Just like, this corded sawzall from DeWalt will not give you any shortage of power. It has a maximum capacity of 2,900 SPM by using its 12 Amp motor. A true value for money for people who are looking for a corded sawzall that has sufficient power and quality.
Pros:
Excellent strokes and speed
Lesser vibrations
Sufficient power for various solid objects
Lightweight despite its size
Saves time due to its quick-change blade feature
Impressive looks
Cons:
Vibrates a lot
There you go, if buying a corded sawzall is on your bucket list, it is only fair if you will get the best value for your money. It might be overwhelming to choose from the list because they are all good and should I say the best of both worlds. But with the help of this review, you might surely find the right one for your needs.
Disclaimer: I only recommend products that I have used myself or have in my workshop. All opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.