The reciprocating saw is one of those tools the DIY home renovator doesn't usually buy right off the bat. It's great to have, but not essential. But if you're serious about home renovation, eventually you'll find yourself at your local home improvement store with a long plastic case under your arm. Let's find out what a reciprocating saw is good for, and how you can get around not having one.
What is a Reciprocating Saw?
A reciprocating saw is a powerful hand-held electric saw. The blade can be inserted into tight spaces and used in much the same way as a jigsaw. The jigsaw metaphor really extends only to the blade and the way it rapidly moves up and down and is capable of working the material from one side only (that is, without having access to the other side of the material).
Otherwise, the reciprocating saw bears no other resemblance to the jigsaw. It is far more powerful. It is much larger. It must be held by both hands. Its foot does not need to be resting on the material in order for it to work.
"Sawzall" is a term often applied to any type of reciprocating saw, though this is incorrect. Sawzall is a brand name for a reciprocating saw manufactured by Milwaukee Tools.
Uses for a Reciprocating Saw
You'll buy a reciprocating saw for one specific purpose, and then find yourself finding other uses for it:
- Cutting pipe
- Demolition work
- Lopping off studs within walls
- Cutting into floor
- Cutting into ceilings
Reciprocating saws are not capable of making fine, straight cuts. So the cuts you make should not be visible.
Alternatives to the Reciprocating Saw
If the material is thin enough, a heavy-duty jigsaw might do the trick. But the important thing about reciprocating saws--and the reason why people buy them--is that their blades have a very short stroke. So it's difficult to replace the reciprocating saw's functionality with a hand saw, because a hand saw has a long stroke. The short stroke allows you to get into tight spaces that don't allow for hand tools.
Choosing a Reciprocating Saw
Consider how often you will use the saw before you buy it. My opinion is that, unless you are a professional (plumbers use these saws often), you'll find the saw sitting on your tool bench most of the time. I would
purchase a lower-end reciprocating saw.
