DeWalt Reciprocating Saw Guide: Cordless, Compact or Corded?

High score Our score: 9.8/10

Dewalt

DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw, One-Handed, Cordless, Tool Only (DCS369B)

9.8/10Our score, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback

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Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.

DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw

Best for: One-handed cuts overhead or in tight spots

Pros

• Only 12.5 inches long
• Brushless motor
• Two blades and belt hook included

Cons

• Lower 2,800 SPM
• Weight listed inconsistently

The DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw (DCS369B) is the smallest saw here. It measures only 12.5 inches from front to back and is designed for one-handed use, which helps when you are on a ladder, reaching overhead or cutting inside a cabinet. DeWalt says it is 37% lighter than the DCS367. The description gives its weight as 3.13 pounds, while the spec table says 16 ounces, so trust the 3.13-pound figure as the more realistic one.

It has a brushless motor, which uses electronics instead of carbon brushes for better efficiency and less wear. You get up to 2,800 strokes per minute (SPM, how many times the blade moves back and forth each minute), a variable-speed trigger, an LED light, a tool-free blade release and a pivoting shoe. The shoe is the metal foot that rests against the material; a pivoting one tilts to keep more contact. The box includes a belt hook and two blades. It is tool only, so the battery and charger are sold separately.

This suits homeowners doing light pruning, plumbing cuts and small remodel jobs, or anyone who finds bigger saws tiring. For heavy demolition, the XR DCS384B or corded DWE305 have more muscle.

Dewalt

DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw, Compact, Variable Speed, LED Light, Bare Tool Only (DCS387B)

8.4/10Our score, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback

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Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.

DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Best for: Compact cordless saw for remodeling

Pros

• About 14 inches long
• LED light
• 4-position blade clamp

Cons

• Brushless not claimed

Best for: Budget-minded DIY demolition

Pros

• Up to 3,000 SPM
• Double oil sealed shaft
• 4-position blade clamp

Cons

• No LED listed
• Brushless claim unclear

Best for: Cutting between studs with long runtime

Pros

• Up to 2.5x more runtime
• Compact 14.5-inch length
• 4-position blade clamp

Cons

• Tool only, battery separate

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw (DCS367B) is a compact brushless saw, 14.5 inches long so it fits between studs. DeWalt claims up to 2.5x more runtime from its brushless motor, based on a comparison in 2×4 wood with a larger battery. The variable-speed trigger reaches up to 2,900 SPM, and the stroke length is 1-1/8 inches, meaning the blade travels that far on each stroke; a longer stroke generally removes material faster.

A keyless 4-position blade clamp lets you mount the blade facing up, down or sideways, which is useful for flush cutting close to a wall or floor. It has a pivoting head, an LED light and a 3-year limited warranty. The weight is listed as 5 pounds in the features and 5.4 pounds in the specs. It works with all 20V MAX batteries and chargers, which are sold separately.

This fits DIYers and pros who do a lot of remodeling and want a compact saw with good battery life. If you want the lightest possible saw, the ATOMIC is smaller.

The DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw (DCS380B) is a classic cordless model with a variable-speed trigger reaching up to 3,000 SPM and a 1-1/8-inch stroke. It has a keyless, lever-action 4-position blade clamp for flush cutting, a pivoting adjustable shoe that extends blade life and allows depth-of-cut control, and a rubber overmolded grip.

A double oil sealed shaft helps keep dust and debris out, which adds durability. It comes with a 3-year limited warranty. The spec table tags it as brushless, but the features and description never mention a brushless motor, so the listing does not clearly confirm it. It also does not mention an LED, and the listed dimensions of 1 by 1 by 1 inch are clearly a placeholder. Battery and charger are sold separately.

This suits someone who wants a proven, simple 20V saw for occasional demolition. If you want a built-in light and a smaller body, the DCS387B is a closer fit.

The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw (DCS387B) is a compact saw about 14 inches long (the specs say 14.75 inches), designed to fit between studs and in confined spaces. It offers a 1-1/8-inch stroke, a variable-speed trigger up to 2,900 SPM, a keyless 4-position blade clamp and a bright LED.

The pivoting shoe adds versatility while cutting. The listing does not claim a brushless motor for this model, and it lists the weight as 2.25 kg, about 5 pounds. Battery and charger are sold separately.

Choose this if you want a compact 20V saw with a light for cutting inside walls and under sinks. For extra runtime in the same size class, the brushless DCS367B is the step up. Our guide to the DeWalt 20V recip saw sold as a bare tool explains what tool only means for your budget and battery plans.

Best for: Heavy demolition on battery power

Pros

• DeWalt’s fastest 20V MAX recip saw
• Up to 102 cuts per charge
• Counterbalance cuts vibration

Cons

• Longest cordless at 19.3 inches

The DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw (DCS384B) is described by DeWalt as its fastest cutting 20V MAX reciprocating saw. The brushless motor delivers more power for tough jobs, and DeWalt claims up to 102 cuts per charge in 2×12 pine. It has a 1-1/8-inch stroke and up to 3,000 SPM with no load.

A counterbalance mechanism is designed to limit vibration, which makes long demolition sessions more comfortable. It has a keyless lever-action blade clamp, a pivoting shoe, an onboard LED and is ready for DeWalt’s TOOL CONNECT tracking chip (sold separately). At 19.3 inches long and 4.5 pounds, it is a full-size saw rather than a compact one. The listing recommends it for wood and metal.

This suits anyone tackling a kitchen gut, deck teardown or metal cutting who wants cordless freedom. It is less handy in tight spaces than the compact models.

The DEWALT Reciprocating Saw (DWE305) is the only corded model here. It uses a 12 amp motor designed for heavy-duty work, with a variable-speed trigger up to 2,900 SPM and a 1-1/8-inch stroke. The keyless, lever-action 4-position blade clamp allows blade changes in four directions and flush cutting.

Because it plugs into the wall, you never wait on a battery. The trade-offs are the cord and weight: it measures 19.38 inches and weighs 8 pounds. The spec table lists it as brushless and 9000 rpm, which conflicts with the 2,900 SPM rating elsewhere and is not mentioned in the features, so treat those spec lines with caution.

Pick this if you do not own DeWalt batteries and plan long cutting sessions near an outlet. For work away from power, choose a cordless model. If you also cut metal often, a DeWalt cut off wheel is another useful accessory to consider.