Best Reciprocating Saw in the UK (2023 Reviews & Buying Guide)

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I love using my recipricating saw, it’s so handy in tight sawing situations.

To help others enjoy using their reciprocating saw as much as me, I’ve spent hours testing and reviewing the most popular models to find the best reciprocating saw in the UK.

So save yourself time and money by reading my reciprocating saw reviews below. I’ve also included a handy buying guide to help determine which saw is best for your next DIY project.

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Best Reciprocating Saw Reviews — The UK’s Top 3 in 2023

Below are my top three reciprocating saws in 2023:

Don’t let its name fool you, ‘sabre saw’ is just another name for a reciprocating saw. And in my tests, the Bosch PSA 700 E Sabre Saw tops my list.

If you need quickly cut various materials, then the Bosch PSA 700 E Sabre Saw could be just what you need. While it is unsuitable for professional use, it is extremely easy to handle and would make a great choice if you are new to DIY. 

Its 710W motor is powerful enough to cut through most materials, including wooden beams, plastic and metal. Compact and easy to handle, thanks to its ergonomic soft-grip handle, this saw can cut up to 150 mm in wood and 10mm in metal. The swivelling base plate adopts the angle of your cutting surface for smoother results and greater comfort.  

With its automatic electronic speed control, it’s easy to find the optimum speed for your project but bear in mind that there is no lock-on switch, making it less suitable for larger workpieces. Blade changes are also rapid and simple, thanks to Bosch’s SDS no-tool blade change system. 

Unfortunately, no blades are included in this model, so you must purchase the appropriate blade(s) type to suit your projects. 

The Bosch PSA 700 E is hard to beat if you need an inexpensive corded reciprocating saw that is reliable and simple. 

Pros	Cons
Automatic electronic speed control.	No blades included.
Ergonomic soft-grip handle.	No lock-on switch.
Tool-free blade change.
Lightweight: 3 kg.
Swivel base plate.

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The first difference between the DeWalt and Bosch saw is the latter’s corded power, whereas the DeWalt (and Makita) require batteries. However, batteries are an optional extra on this chassis-only model, which makes it seem all the more expensive. Unless you’re already using DeWalt XR tools (in which case the batteries are interchangeable), you’ll pay a high price to set yourself up with the DCS380N-XJ.

There’s plenty to like about this product for anyone willing to pay the premium. The chassis weighs just 454g, and even with a standard battery clipped on, it’ll only weigh 1.1kg. That’s advantageous for a product that requires a steady hand when operating, and it’s the product I recommend if upper-body strength isn’t your forte.

This is DeWalt’s newest-generation reciprocating saw. As part of the XR series of products, it has a fan-cooled motor featuring replaceable brushes. Its cutting action of 3,000 strokes per minute should make light work of heavy cutting. At the same time, the DCS380N’s inherent lightness is boosted by a magnesium gearcase, making it comfortable to hold for long periods.

Pros	Cons
Lightweight chassis.	Body only — batteries are separate.
Well-balanced thanks to the magnesium gearcase.	Expensive for what you get.
Compatible with other DeWalt products.
It emits just 87dB of sound.

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If you are looking for a cordless reciprocal saw that can also double up as a type of jigsaw, then this mini version by Makita could be what you’re looking for. 

Jigsaw and reciprocal saw blade compatible, this highly versatile saw is lightweight, easy to manoeuvre, and compact with a stroke length of 13mm.

Its dual switch levers with variable speed control make it very easy to operate in almost any position. 

A good choice for fast, efficient cutting, thanks to its maximum speed of 3,000 spm, this reciprocating saw also features an electric brake for extra control, enhanced safety, and an adjustable shoe.

The LED job light helps to illuminate your cutting area for safer, more precise cutting. 

While this reciprocating saw is a highly dependable model at a good price, remember that it does not come with any batteries, and not all Makita batteries are compatible with this particular model.

Pros	Cons
Variable speed control: 0-3,000 spm.	No battery included.
Jigsaw blade compatible.
Adjustable shoe.
LED job light.
Electric brake.

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Best Reciprocating Saw in the UK — 2023 Comparison Table

Model	Weight	Mains?	Batteries supplied?	LED light	Cost	Rating
Bosch PSA 700 E	3kg	Yes	N/A	No	£	9
DeWalt DCS380N-XJ	454g	No	No	No	£££	8
Makita DJR185Z	1.4kg	No	No	Yes	££	7

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Reciprocating Buying Guide

When choosing your new reciprocating saw, keep an eye out for the following essential features.

Corded or Cordless

Corded models tend to have extra power with a lower weight, but you always need a power socket nearby. 

Cordless models allow you to cut wherever you want but require a high-capacity (Ah) battery which adds to their weight and size. 

Speed SPM

Speed is measured in strokes per minute (SPM). The higher this figure, the faster your saw will cut.

Variable Speed

Variable speed gives you complete control over how fast your saw cuts. This feature is useful when working on a variety of different materials. 

Most variable-speed models feature triggers you must squeeze tighter to increase the speed and release to slow down or stop.

Stroke Length

Stroke length is important as it lets you know how far your saw will cut with one forward movement. A longer stroke length allows you to take on larger cutting tasks and finish projects faster. 

Extra Features

• Work light — a work light is a great extra if you’re likely to use your saw in areas with poor lighting. 
• Tool-less blade changing – opting for a tool-free blade change system makes it quick and easy to change blades whenever needed. If you are taking on projects that involve cutting various materials, this can save you a lot of time. 
• Adjustable shoes — allow you to push the blade up against your workpiece, reducing vibration and the risk of kickback. Adjusting the shoe also allows you to adjust where the cutting occurs, making your blade last longer. Otherwise, you’ll find that most blade wear occurs right next to the shoe.
• Grip — choose a model with an anti-slip, comfortable grip. Your saw must be secure in your hands, especially if you will be using it for extended periods. 
• Lock-on button — helps reduce hand fatigue on long projects where you need to cut through thick, hard materials. Once you reach your optimum speed, press the lock-on button to keep your saw cutting at that speed for the duration of the cut. 

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Best Reciprocating Saw in the UK — Final Thoughts

Each model has its own USPs, but my favourite is the Bosch PSA 700 E Sabre Saw.

This reciprocating saw has everything you need: powerful, easy to use and manoeuvre, as well as benefiting from automatic speed control. It’s also the most affordable product I tested, especially considering that the other two contenders are body-only.

If lightness is paramount, DeWalt’s 454g chassis is impossible to ignore, though it’s hard to see where else it justifies its price premium over the better-equipped Makita. Both achieve speeds of 3,000 RPM, require separate batteries, and are similarly sized at around 45cm in length. The DeWalt is generally held in higher esteem by its users, but neither can compete with the Bosch’s out-of-the-box practicality and affordability. If you’re willing to compromise by relying on mains power, it’s the product to choose.

To learn more about other saws, check out our complete guide to the 21 types of saws.