Reciprocating Saw is a very handy tool, but not everyone knows how to use it.
We all know that reciprocating saw is important tool for construction workers and carpenters, but many people don’t even know much about this i.e. what is a reciprocating saw and how it works.
The best way to learn about any tool is by reading an expert’s guide on the subject. That’s why we’ve written this article so you can discover everything you need to know about reciprocating saws in one place.
You will get answers to all common questions like: how does a reciprocating saw work, what does a reciprocating saw do and how to use a reciprocating saw.
You’ll find out exactly what these power tools do and how they can make your job easier. By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to start using yours right away!
Table of Contents
What is a reciprocating saw & how does a reciprocating saw work?
Reciprocating saw is a powerful tool for professional and amateur woodworkers, carpenters, and DIY enthusiasts. It has a blade that moves back and forth like the teeth in a comb, but not as fast.
The blade cuts by pressing it against the material to be cut and pulling it towards you or pushing it away from you at an angle.
You can use this saw for demolition work, cutting wood, metal plates and pipes, and other materials with many different shapes.
This type of saw is also used for carpentry tasks such as making holes in door frames or trimming molding around doors or windows.
Types Of Reciprocating Saws
There are three main types of reciprocating saws:
1: Corded Electric models – these are portable power tools suitable for home use and light tasks. They can be quite powerful and are the cheapest type, often costing less than $100.
2: Cordless models – these are the most popular types, used by everyone from DIYers to professional carpenters. They come with a battery that lasts 30-50 minutes. Cordless models are usually more expensive than electric ones, but they can be used anywhere.
3: Pneumatic models – these are large and powerful tools used in construction sites by professionals. They are expensive and require a compressor to run them.
What Is A Reciprocating Saw Used For?
A reciprocating saw is a versatile power tool that can be used for a variety of different tasks. It’s an indispensable addition to any home workshop or construction site.
Here are some of the things you can do with a reciprocating saw:
Cut through wood, metal, and other materials – this is the main purpose of a reciprocating saw. The speed and cutting action of the blade means you can easily cut through a range of materials, even thick plates of steel.
The only thing you can’t cut through with this saw is concrete and other hard surfaces, which require drill bits.
Cutting wood and metal is the most common use for this tool, but saws with a diamond blade can also make cuts in drywall, brick, and other masonry materials.
How To Use A Reciprocating Saw To Cut Wood?

Cutting wood is the most common use for this tool, and it’s a piece of cake.
The first step is getting your work area prepared, including clearing out any bits of wood and other debris.
Then you’ll mount the blade, which is usually included with the saw (check the packaging). The blade has a specific “teeth” pattern and can only be used in one way.
Make sure you assemble everything properly, following the specific instructions for your model.
For most models, you’ll need to adjust the saw to make sure it’s aligned correctly with the blade.
How To Cut Straight With A Reciprocating Saw?
If you want to cut a straight line, the basic technique is simple. You’ll need some sort of guide to help you keep your cuts straight.
The easiest way to do this is with a straight edge or a miter fence guide. For complicated cuts, you might need to secure the workpiece to a table or clamp it in some way.
An extension pole will also help you make more accurate cuts because you’ll have more flexibility with the saw. Make sure your extension pole is stable and not wobbly, or else it will cause problems when you’re cutting.
You can also use Anti-vibration handles to make the cutting process easier and more comfortable.
Safety Precautions When Using The Reciprocating Saw
Many people don’t know how to use a reciprocating saw properly, so they end up taking unnecessary risks. This can easily result in a severe injury, especially if you’re working with wood.
Here are some safety tips:
- Use safety gear when operating any reciprocating saw.
- If using a blade, wear eye protection and hearing protection as well.
- Always make sure your work area is well-lit so you can see what you are doing.
- Pay close attention to what you’re doing and use your concentration; don’t let anything distract you.
- Work carefully, but don’t be afraid to take your time.
- Make sure the blade is fully secured before cutting.
In addition, make sure you’re not using the blade to do more than it was intended for. For example, standard blades aren’t meant for metal and should never be used for such projects.
When using a blade, make sure it’s sharp. Dull blades can lead to kickback which can cause serious injury, especially when you’re cutting drywall or some other material that’s highly prone to kickback.
How To Change Blade OnChicagoReciprocating Saw?
Most reciprocating saws have a clamp or other mechanism to change the size and type of blade you use with it, and the same applies to Chicago reciprocating saw.
First, make sure you mount the blade correctly. You should then be able to change it by simply loosening the screws or other mechanisms holding the blade in place and removing it.
Make sure you put the new blade into place, tighten the screws or other mechanism, and test it by making a few cuts in some scrap wood.
Here is a video instruction on how to change the blade on Chicago reciprocating saw (video owner: mmtoolparts)
What Is The Best Reciprocating Saw?
There are two main brands of reciprocating saw – DeWalt and Milwaukee. There’s also Bosch and Ridgid, but they aren’t quite as popular.
DeWalt is the most popular and easy-to-find brand, but Milwaukee reciprocating saws are typically considered better quality, so they’re worth considering too.
There are also other brands out there, but the price difference between DeWalt and Milwaukee makes it hard to justify anything else.
Wrapping Up!
A reciprocating saw is a powerful tool that can be used for different purposes. With the information we have provided, you should be able to find a reciprocating saw that is perfect for your needs.
We hope this article has been helpful in answering any questions about what reciprocating saws are and how they can help with residential or commercial projects.
If you have any questions about the best reciprocating saw or anything else related to this powerful tool, please don’t hesitate to contact us!