Corded vs. Cordless Reciprocating Saw: which one to choose?
A reciprocating saw is a powerful tool, which needs to be held in hand. Its function is to move the blade to and fro in repeated motion to cut the material. Reciprocating saws are similar to that of a power drill.
Nevertheless, the major difference between the two lies in the use of cutting parts. A reciprocating saw uses blades, while a drill shaft uses a power drill. One of the most important features of these saws is their excellent cuts. No tool can compete with a reciprocating saw for cutting through the materials. It is very handy to accomplish the demolition and construction work. It is astonishing to know that with the help of the right blade, a reciprocating saw can easily cut through materials like metal, wood, copper, aluminum, plastic, and more.
So, if you want a multi-tasking tool, get a reciprocating saw. Most importantly, a reciprocating saw is a far better tool that can perform the tasks performed together by a hacksaw, jigsaw, and crowbar. Hence, you don’t only get to save money but also time and energy.
There are mainly two types of these saws, among which is the corded reciprocating saw and another is a cordless one. In this article, we will help you find the best reciprocating saw depending on their features and your needs. Let’s talk about Corded vs. Cordless Reciprocating Saw in detail.
Corded Reciprocating Saw
A corded reciprocating saw is a type of saw that uses electricity as its power source. It operates through plug-and-play. The power cord usually extends either from the bottom of the back of the reciprocating saw. Besides, it does not have any fancy parts.
A corded reciprocating saw is a simple saw that may seem like other corded equipment your own in the toolbox. This tool works in repetitive mode and moves back and forth to cut through the object. Plus, they are more compatible with various length blades so that you can use them interchangeably for different types of cutting.
Advantages
- Lightweight and handy, weighing around 6-8 pounds.
- Can produce extreme force with the use of AC motors
- It doesn’t produce much vibration
- Ideal for operating for hours in the presence of electricity
- Suitable for micro and small working sites
Disadvantages
- Motors can quickly get heated up
- A challenge to work on the sites as the chances of accidental wire cutting is high.
- Limited option for maneuver
Safety
When it comes to the safety factor, a corded reciprocating saw is not a very safe saw available in the market. Since it runs through plug-and-play, the power may transfer to the blades.
Nonetheless, if the power application is right, there would be no issue regarding power transfer. So, it is better to skip this reciprocating saw if you are buying it for the first time.
Why Should You Consider Corded Reciprocating Saw?
- Blades
There is no shortage of blades for a corded reciprocating saw. Whether you need a blade designed to cut through metal, wood, or plastic, the availability of blades in different lengths makes it possible.
It is worthy to note that the use of a proper blade is important to avoid a faster snapping of the blade. The blades usually vary in length from 3-inches to 12-inches, where 6-inches length is common. So, choose the right blade to complete the project appropriately.
Besides, teeth per inch or TPI is important to consider while choosing the blade for a project. A blade with low TPI is best suitable for making a cut through the woods quickly but leaving rough edges. Oppositely, a blade with high TPI is best for slowly cutting metals, leaving smoother edges.
- Cutting Types
As there is no scope to set this saw for cutting the angle precisely, a corded reciprocating saw produces a bit of a rough type of cutting. When you constantly hold this saw to make a cut through the object while following a line, it is possible to cut at the angle.
- Power Supply
Corded reciprocating saws get power from a direct connection to an electric port. Therefore, the source of power for this type of reciprocating saw can be limitless unless the electricity runs out.
This factor helps to make the corded one stand out from the rest. The workers can get a steady operation until they turn the power off. For any solid object cutting session, it is important to have maximum power for smooth operation. A corded reciprocating saw indeed helps to deliver that.
Furthermore, they are ideal when you need a reciprocating saw to run for a long cutting session. Corded saws do not possess any threat of power loss while operating.
- Powerful Motor
A USP of corded reciprocating saws is its extremely powerful motor than cordless saws. Due to their unlimited power supply, you can produce more output as opposed to the other saws.
- Infinite Runtime
Unlike a cordless saw that has limited operation time, corded saws can run for infinite time. There is no hassle of battery recharge. Instead, you can just connect the plug to the power supply and get going.
- Mobility
Since corded reciprocating saws have a dedicated cord, there will be some sort of limitations and restrictions in movements while working. Accordingly, if you use it to cut a longer material, it becomes quite a challenge.
- Uses
The function of a corded reciprocating saw is to cut through rough materials, especially demolition and construction. Therefore, they are mainly used in PVC cutting and plumbing tasks.
Most importantly, a corded reciprocating saw is ideal to use in any tight and compact spaces. As no big project can run in a smaller space, it can be the best reciprocating saw for doing the task without moving here and there. Hence, you can have infinite and uninterrupted time to finish your job. Moreover, there would be less hassle with wire management.
- Investment
When you want a cheaper version of a reciprocating saw to perform smaller tasks, a corded reciprocating saw is the best. Also, if you want to gain confidence and improve construction skills to attempt many DIY projects in the future, get this one and pay less.
Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Unlike corded reciprocating saws, cordless saws do not have a wire attached to the body. A cordless reciprocating saw is a type of saw that runs with battery power. You could charge the battery depending upon the power required to make a cut through the material. This is a significant difference the cordless saw has from the corded ones.
Advantages
- Simple to use
- Portable
- Most blades are interchangeable
- Ideal for working on bigger projects in larger worksites
- Low risk of electrical hazard
Disadvantages
- Needs to charge battery repeatedly when cutting stronger and thicker objects such as aluminum or steel
- The body becomes hot after using it for some time.
- Generally, it would help if you had a spare battery
Safety
Cordless reciprocating saws come with less power as compared to corded saws. Consequently, the safety aspect is also higher in this type of reciprocating saw.
Generally speaking, cordless saws don’t bounce around much when you try to cut through the object. Therefore, it is better to go for this saw in case you are a beginner. In this way, there will be no more worry about mistakenly cutting the saw cord.
Why Should You Consider Cordless Reciprocating Saws?
- Mobility
A cordless reciprocating saw is mostly liked for its mobility. This type of saw does not have a cord attached to the machine. So, there is no limitation in the movement of the worker. Rather, they can work easily even in a place with no electrical port.
- Efficiency
This type of saw comes with an agreeably better SPM and a good stroke length. As a result, you can get cleaner and smoother cuts in comparison to the corded saws.
- Blades
Both the cordless and corded reciprocating saw blades are the same.
- Cutting Types
Although the type of cutting is the same as the corded saws, it is likely to take longer to cut using a cordless saw. Besides, cordless saws are better for producing detailed cuts.
- Uses
A cordless reciprocating saw primarily does the same job as a corded saw. However, the major difference lies in their portability. It comes in handy to work in places with no power. Therefore, it is better suitable for renovation or demolition of construction. Hence, cordless saws are perfect for use in larger construction worksites.
- Investment
Investing in cordless saws can be value for money for those who need to complete bigger projects in the future.
Corded vs. Cordless Reciprocating Saw: Similarities Between A Corded And A Cordless Reciprocating Saw
1. Cuts Through the Same Objects
Both the versions of reciprocating saws- corded and cordless ones are ide for cutting through almost every material. If the length of the blade attached to any reciprocating saw is longer than the material width, it is easy to cut.
2. Variable Speed
The scope of controlling the blade speed while performing is essential. This is a way to prevent the use of excessive force on the material and unevenly cut it through. Hence, the variable speed helps to trigger the speed of the blade depending on the object you need to cut.
3. Storage Problem
It is very important to store sharp objects and equipment after work. Unfortunately, none of these reciprocating saws come with a case or a large bag to store all the components of the tool safely.
It is no denial that the blades of the reciprocating saws are very sharp and pointed. Hence, there remains a risk when you handle it loosely.
So, it would be best if you found an additional bag that is large enough to store all the blades, batteries, and chargers inside it. When you do so, you can simultaneously carry the saws from one worksite to another hassle-free.
4. Added Cost
Both reciprocating saws need additional expenditures for something or other. These include the cost of separate blades and the cost of maintenance.
Chart Showing Corded Reciprocating Saws Vs. Cordless Reciprocating Saws
| Features | Corded Reciprocating Saws | Cordless Reciprocating Saws |
| Source of Power | Electrical plug | Battery |
| Runtime | Unlimited | Limited |
| Motor Power | Very powerful | Less powerful due to its dependence on battery charge |
| Maneuverability | Restricted | Easy to take anywhere |
| Weights | Varies between 6 to 8 pounds | Around 8 pounds, depending on the battery weight |
| Investment | Good investment for instant use | Better investment for long-run uses |
Corded vs. Cordless Reciprocating Saw: Which Reciprocating Saw is Best Suitable For Your Needs?
The answer as to which reciprocating saw is better isn’t very easy to say as both shine in their respective field. For determining whether a cordless or corded reciprocating saw is going to mend your needs, everything will depend upon two fundamental questions. What are you utilizing the saw for? Which material would you want to cut with the saw?
In case you have no way to get electrical access, you can go for the cordless reciprocating saw. Though cordless saws lose a little bit of power supply, you do not have to adjust to get continuous power.
Moreover, if you need a reciprocating saw for demolition work in a large area, you need to move faster and set to work. In that case, also, plug and play the saw again and again in different corners of the location can slow down your work process.
· Material
Both cordless and corded reciprocating saws are great equipment for cutting different types of objects. However, you need the right saw to cut down the object quickly and easily.
As a result, when your work is to cut through heavy or thick materials such as metal or thick wood, a corded reciprocating saw is the right version. Contrary to this, cordless reciprocating saws drain out battery power quickly to execute complicated cutting jobs.
Hence, with an increase in the power supply, you can see a difference in the work process.
· Weight
In comparison to a corded reciprocating saw, cordless saws are a little bit heavier. This is because the battery increases the weight of the cordless saw.
For those who need a saw to carry out some small cutting tasks, the weight does not seem to be an issue. It can only become an issue when you hold this heavyweight reciprocating saw for making some complicated cutting works or continuously lug around the worksite with the saw in your hands.
So, if you want a durable reciprocating saw that can deliver higher power for a long cutting session, it would be ideal to choose corded reciprocating saws. On the other hand, if you need a reciprocating saw that offers good mobility and is easy to hold, then it is better to go for cordless reciprocating saws.
Besides, beginners should pick a cordless reciprocating saw, while experts who know how to be around reciprocating saws can get a corded model.
Most Likeable Features of A Corded Reciprocating Saw
- Limitless power supply permits corded reciprocating saw to possess extremely powerful AC motors.
- AC motors can adapt changes to lower startup power, control current, and force
- Highly durable motor
- The variable speed option allows you to determine the speed of the blade for cutting objects.
- Can perform 0-2800 strokes every minute with less vibration
- Doing heavy-duty and complicated work is like a cakewalk as it provides a 7.5-10 amp motor
Most Likeable Features of A Cordless Reciprocating Saw
- Free movement with powered batteries
- The use of DC batteries makes the installation process easier and quicker with low maintenance.
- Get a wonderful 18V to 20V battery.
- Lithium-ion battery offers less wastage of energy and more life to the battery.
- Variable speed delivers good grip
Final Thoughts
Tree pruning or trimming or whatever the task is, a good saw is essential. It is actually quite hard to pick any one of these two corded and cordless reciprocating saws. Each of these two saws has its own pros and cons.
As a result, it is very important to learn about their features and analyze the work abilities of these saws. In addition, you must consider the task for which you are looking for a reciprocating saw before taking the final call. In this article, we have given an insight into how these reciprocating saws work and what their similarities are. In addition, there is also an elaborate comparison that will help you choose the right one.
We suggest you not see their price for determining what to buy between a corded reciprocating saw and a cordless reciprocating saw. So, pick the reciprocating saw that would be a winner for your work type.
