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Corded Vs Cordless Reciprocating Saw – Which is Better?

By: David S. Miles | Last Updated: January 18, 2024

A reciprocating saw is a powerful tool for demolition projects. Breaking down drywalls, cutting and ripping wood, plastic, and metals are the type of projects you can do with a reciprocating saw.

Like most power tools, a reciprocating saw comes in two versions: corded and cordless. Whether you buy a corded or cordless saw depends on the type of projects you carry out on job sites.

Generally, DIYers prefer cordless reciprocating saws as they don’t need much power for occasional home improvement projects. However, the professionals tend to prefer a corded reciprocating saw for more power and efficiency.

Read the following discussion to learn more about corded vs cordless reciprocating saw.

Corded Reciprocating Saw

A corded reciprocating saw depends on a power outlet in the job site. It delivers more speed and enables you to cut through any materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. An endless power supply helps you work for long hours without interruption.

However, the reciprocating saw will become useless if there is no power outlet in the workplace. Another disadvantage of a corded reciprocating saw is it limits your movement around when operating the saw.

Despite those limitations, why on earth do the professionals of several fields tend to have this version of reciprocating saw? It is because of the uninterrupted performance it shows in the workplace.

Cordless Reciprocating Saw

A Cordless reciprocating saw may not deliver the power its counterpart does, it comes with a different set of advantages for the user. The saw does not limit your movement when operating it; you can work at any corner of a house or other job sites.

Since it is powered by a battery, you can work with it as long as it has enough energy. In short, you can enjoy more freedom with a cordless reciprocating saw, but you have to make sure that the tool has enough charge.

Corded vs Cordless Reciprocating Saw: Which One Is Perfect?

Corded vs Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Each type of reciprocating saw suit a different set of jobs. It depends on the place and circumstance where you can use the saw. You can, however,  consider the following points to choose between the two versions of reciprocating saws.

Performance

When it comes to corded vs cordless reciprocating saws, the most notable difference between the two is their performance. While a corded reciprocating saw delivers a sheer amount of power, a cordless one depends on the limited power of a lithium-ion battery. Hence, the difference in performance is spectacular.

A corded reciprocating saw can cut through heavy-duty materials such as hardboards, dry walls, PVC pipes, aluminum, etc. On the other hand, a cordless one is best for light-duty projects, mostly that of DIYers.

Ease of Use

When it comes to ease of use, a cordless reciprocating saw ranks at the top. It is lightweight, portable, easy to hold and operate. Occasional home improvement and demolition projects are a matter of hours when you have a cordless reciprocating saw.

On the other hand, the corded reciprocating saw has a long cable attached to its body. This cable limits you at a place when operating the saw; you have to keep an eye on the cable all the time.

Types of Cut

The cut achieved through a corded saw may be somewhat rough and coarse. On the other hand, a cordless reciprocating saw achieves the same type of cut but consuming more time.

Hence, if you have to deal with thick pieces of materials, a corded reciprocating saw will be your best companion. But, if you are likely to deal with detailed works, you should opt for a cordless model.

Blades

Blades in both types of reciprocating saws are identical.

Safety

Both versions of the reciprocating saws are safe to use. However, the safety depends on the user himself. It’s about how you take care of the saw and the way you operate them.

Nevertheless, the corded one being heavy-duty and with a long cable attached to itself, users find it somewhat hard to handle and control. Experienced professionals, however, can operate and control them with minimal effort and difficulties. They even prefer the corded one because of the advantages I have mentioned earlier.

As for the cordless one, you don’t need an electric connection when operating the saw. Moreover, it’s lightweight and has no cable attached to it. You can break down light materials with the utmost ease and convenience.

Cost

Most brands keep the prices of both types of the reciprocating saw at the same range. Hence, you should opt for the one that is best suited to the kind of projects you often do.

But when you buy a cheap cordless reciprocating saw, chances are you don’t get a battery with the package. Thus you have to pay extra for the battery and the charger.

In the end, it appears that the cordless model costs you more.

Nonetheless, different brands vary in terms of quality and price. Find the best one for the best price.

Conclusion

Cordless vs corded reciprocating saw discussion ends here. But the question remains as to which one you are likely to prefer. Other than being corded or cordless, there are very few differences between the two saws.

Hence, you should choose either the one with more power or the one with more convenience. If you are a woodworker, mason, or anything that involves a reciprocating saw, you can buy a corded one. But, if you are a homeowner who occasionally carries out light-duty projects, you can go for a cordless reciprocating saw.

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