There are some DIY power tools that you really need to have in your toolbox, simply because they have so many uses. The reciprocating saw is one of them.
While these tools can be fairly costly to purchase, the money that you spend out will totally be worth it.
Reciprocating saws are incredibly versatile, great for a wide variety of jobs, and very strong and durable too. However, none of these alone is a good enough reason for you to go out and buy one.
In this guide, we will be taking a look at 5 of the key reasons why you need to purchase a reciprocating saw to add to your DIY tool box. So keep on reading to find out more.
What Is A Reciprocating Saw?
Before we dive into all the great reasons why you should invest in a reciprocating saw, let’s take a look at what a reciprocating saw is.
Well, as the name suggests, a reciprocating saw is a type of saw. It is a machine-powered saw that works with a cutting in method.
So unlike traditional saws that will cut back and forth, the blade of a reciprocating saw moves inwards and outwards using a push-pull motion blade.
Like many types of machine-powered saw, a reciprocating saw is a handheld saw. This means that you have a lot of flexibility with how you use it.
However this style of saw is designed for a very different job to some of the other types of saws that are similar to it, such as a jigsaw.
While a reciprocating saw might look fairly similar to a jigsaw, their purposes are very different. Jigsaws are great for intricate jobs, while reciprocating saws tend to be used for messier jobs where precision isn’t necessary.
Now that we know exactly what a reciprocating saw is, let’s dive right into 5 amazing reasons why you should buy one.
5 Reasons Why You Need A Reciprocating Saw
There are all sorts of great reasons why you should consider adding a reciprocating saw to your toolbox, but these 5 reasons alone are all you need to really sell you on the idea.
So here are 5 great reasons why you need to buy a reciprocating saw.
1. You Only Need One Hand
The first reason why you should really consider purchasing a reciprocating saw is because you only need one hand to use it.
Many types of machine-powered saw require the user to hold the saw with both hands, and this can make a DIY job tricky.
Most of the time, you will need at least one hand holding the material that you are sawing as well as two hands holding the saw. So, you will usually need to ask somebody to help you.
But, you don’t need an extra pair of hands when you are using a reciprocating saw. You only need one hand to hold the reciprocating saw in a stable manner, and you only need one hand to have full control over the reciprocating saw.
So, using a reciprocating saw suddenly makes DIY projects a lot more achievable if you are on your own. It gives you a lot more freedom.
For us, this reason alone is enough to have us running to our local hardware store.
2. It Is Great For Stubborn Jobs
If you are doing any DIY or upcycling projects at home, there is a fair chance that you will encounter some stubborn, old construction work along the way.
In particular, there is a good chance that you may encounter stubborn nails or screws. Stubborn screws, and nails in particular, can be very tricky to remove, but a reciprocating saw makes it a lot easier.
Reciprocating saws can be used to cut through both wood and metal. So, you can easily use your reciprocating saw to cut out any stubborn nails or screws.
With a reciprocating saw, you will no longer have to spend hours of your time trying to coax stubborn nails out of the wood that you are working on.
Instead, you can simply cut them out with your reciprocating saw – saving yourself a lot of time and effort.
When it comes to any DIY project, trying to resolve stubbornness in your materials is one of the most draining activities.
So, buy a reciprocating saw and you won’t have to stress over stubborn jobs anymore.
3. It Is Great For Demolition Jobs
We said earlier that reciprocating saws aren’t designed for intricate jobs, and we really weren’t lying. Reciprocating saws are the polar opposite of saws that are designed for doing fiddly jobs.
Instead reciprocating saws are designed to be used for demolition work.
There are lots of different saws that are appropriate for fiddly jobs, but reciprocating saws are not one of them. Reciprocating saws are the perfect saw to use when you need a saw to get the job done.
For any quick rough cuts that you need to get done, or any material that you simply need to cut away, the reciprocating saw will be able to do the job quickly and efficiently.
In short, the reciprocating saw is essentially the Wreck It Ralph of the saw world, alongside the chainsaw.
4. It Is Incredibly Versatile
Not only is the reciprocating saw great at cutting through material quickly and efficiently, it is incredibly versatile too.
While this type of saw is most commonly used for cutting through wood or metal, you can actually use it to complete a range of different tasks, even in tight spaces. Don’t believe us? Let’s tell you more…
Is that shrub in your garden looking a little overgrown? Can’t find your shears?
Don’t worry, your reciprocating saw will easily be able to cut back those branches and get your shrub looking neat and tidy once more.
But what about that piece of plastic pipe that you need to finish plumbing in your sink, can’t find your handsaw? Don’t worry, your reciprocating saw will fly through it.
There really are all sorts of tasks you can complete with your reciprocating saw, but you will only truly appreciate this once you buy one.
5. It Is Great For Thick Wood
Finally, we would recommend purchasing a reciprocating saw if you regularly complete DIY jobs where you need to cut through very thick wood.
There are a small amount of saws that can comfortably cut through large chunks of wood, but the reciprocating saw is one of them.
They're just as a effective as a circular saw when it comes to sheer power, speed, and effortless cutting.
In particular, a reciprocating saw can effortlessly cut through both 2 x 8 planks of wood and 2 x 4 planks of wood too.
Even though these wooden planks are thick, your reciprocating saw will make easy work of it, flying through your wood in no time at all, making it one of the best hand tools, and one of the best versatile tools you can get your hands on.
So, if you regularly need to cut through planks of wood that are this thick, we would suggest buying a reciprocating saw, thanks to its power that puts it above just about any other tool, and its ability to be cutting through almost anything that you use it on.
It's a truly handy and great tool that you will want around the house, especially for making precision cuts.
Summary
In short, there are lots of reasons why you need a reciprocating saw in your DIY tool box and set of power tools. Primarily because they are quick and easy to use, and incredibly versatile too.
We have explored these reasons in more detail in this guide, to show you what makes a reciprocating saw such a versatile tool, and a truly essential cutting tool for use with thicker wood, or when you just need a little bit of extra power amongst other things.
Thank you for reading!