The DeWalt DCS369B is a compact, lightweight reciprocating saw that costs just under $100. It certainly appears to be a great bargain, especially when you consider that DeWalt XR Atomic tools are amongst the best for performance and outstanding power to weight ratio.

How does the DeWalt Atomic reciprocating saw fare when compared to others that cost the same or less? This review of the most affordable cordless reciprocating saws intends to find the answer.

DeWalt is one of the premier power tool brands, usually costing a fair deal more than most others. A Their XR tool range, using a high-performance XR brushless motor, are even more expensive compared to the standard DeWalt 20V MAX tools.

When one looks at a sophisticated tool, like the DeWalt DCS369B, and find similar products from cheaper brands that cost about the same, questions will naturally arise. One thing that is immediately apparent, when comparing the DeWalt Atomic reciprocating saw to the others that will be reviewed here, is the size difference. The DeWalt saw is smaller than the others and is, therefore, slightly limited in terms of what you can do with the saw.

I believe each model chosen for this review has its virtues. It will depend on your priorities which one is the best for your needs. These are the models that have been chosen as the Top Power Tools best cordless reciprocating saws under $100:

DeWalt DCS369B: Lightweight and compact, super-efficient 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw.

Black & Decker BDCR20C: Best price, 20V DIY reciprocating saw.

Skil RS5829-10: Excellent value for money 20V reciprocating saw.

Porter Cable PCC670B: Good quality cheap 20V reciprocating saw.

Worx WX550L: Wonderfully versatile 20V reciprocating and jigsaw in one tool.

I believe this is the best mix of great reciprocating saws under a hundred bucks. Check the reviews and decide for yourself.

DeWalt DCS369B

DeWalt DCS369B Atomic reciprocating saw review

Features:

  • Compact at only 12.5 in. front to back
  • 37% Lighter than the DCS367 Reciprocating Saw (tool only)
  • Brushless motor for increased performance
  • LED to help illuminate dark work spaces
  • Tool-free blade release allows for quick and easy blade changes
  • Variable-speed trigger provides the user with improved speed control
  • Pivoting shoe provides more points of contact than a fixed shoe

Link to Amazon

Review:

The DeWalt Atomic range of 20V MAX cordless tools boasts that they are lighter and more compact than others in their class. While this isn’t entirely true when comparing the DeWalt DCS3969B Reciprocating saw some top brands (Metabo and Makita have similar models that are lighter), it is exceptionally light, the bare tool weighs only 3.2 pounds. When you add a 5AH 20V MAX battery into the equation, weight increases to 4.6 pounds. Very reasonable for a saw of this caliber with a battery that provides a longer runtime.

The compact Atomic design is the bomb, it measures only 12.5” in length. Being such a compact reciprocating saw has its limitations, the DeWalt DCS369B has a ⁵⁄₈” stroke with a variable speed of 0 to 2,800 strokes per minute. There are others that will cut through a 3” PVC pipe faster than the DeWalt Atomic reciprocating saw.

Superb vibration control (possibly the best in its class), a comfortable ergonomic handle, and a well-positioned trigger switch make this a great tool to use. The pivoting shoe is ultra-convenient and helps reduce vibration when cutting along curved surfaces like pipes.

A unique feature of this shoe is the claw which allows you to hang the saw by the shoe. This provides a convenient and safe storage solution when working on a ladder – it will hook onto the ladder or material like 2 X 2. It also has a belt clip. One more cool extra is the bright LED light. This is an excellent feature for working in dark corners and inside cabinets. The DeWalt 20V Atomic reciprocating saw has a tool-free quick-release blade changing mechanism. A real time saver for fast, hassle-free operation.

The crowning glory to the DeWalt DCS3969B is the XR brushless motor. This is possibly the only reciprocating saw under $100 that can boast the efficiency and durability provided by brushless motor technology. It delivers exceptional power with fantastic battery usage. Brushless motors also last much longer than brushed equivalents.

There are a lot of great cordless reciprocating saws from top brands like Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Makita. The DeWalt DCS3969B takes the prize for being the most budget-friendly out of the high-end brands. When writing this article, the DeWalt DCS3969B was available as a tool-only option for just under a hundred bucks. That’s amazing for a technologically advanced reciprocating saw from one of the best power tool brands. The DeWalt 3-year warranty and great service network are more compelling reasons to consider the DCS3969B as the best cordless reciprocating saw under $100.

Black & Decker BDCR20C

Black and Decker 20V cordless reciprocating saw

Features:

  • Tool-free blade change
  • Pivoting shoe
  • 20V MAX Battery System

Link to Amazon

Review:

 

When researching cordless reciprocating saw prices, I came across the Black & Decker BDCR20C kit on Amazon for under $50. This is a limited time special offer and may not be available by the time you read this. Even at the normal retail price of around $75, it is great value for money. This is much cheaper than the DeWalt DCS369B and includes a great selection of metal and wood cutting blades (6 of each).

Even though the DeWalt brand is owned by the Stanley Black & Decker group, I would not compare the Black & Decker BDCR20C vs DeWalt DCS369B as equals. DeWalt is marketed as a high-end brand for professionals and the more discerning DIY user. Black & Decker has, for generations, been the number one DIY power tool and home appliance brand in the eyes of many.

The Black and Decker cordless reciprocating saw is quite a bit larger than the DeWalt DCS369B, it has a longer stroke (⁷⁄₈”) and a slightly better blade speed of 3,000 SPM. So this cheaper, less prestigious little brother to the DeWalt Atomic reciprocating saw, is actually more capable when it comes to capacity and speed. It cannot, however, compete with the larger (more expensive) DeWalt DCS367B.

While the Black & Decker BDCR20C may have more impressive cutting speed specs compared to the DeWalt DCS369B, I doubt it will handle hard material as competently as the DeWalt Atomic Reciprocating saw. The conventional brushed motor powering the Black & Decker saw is no match for the DeWalt XR Brushless motor, which is electronically managed to ensure optimal power at all times. The Black & Decker also won’t deliver as many cuts from a single battery. I doubt that the Black & Decker will last as long as the DeWalt saw either. This should be expected, given the price difference.

There’s nothing cheap and nasty about the Black & Decker BDCR20C. In the realm of medium-duty DIY tools, Black and Decker always holds up well to competing brands. This is a fairly solid tool with some great features like a pivoting shoe and tool-free blade changing.

The bottom line is great value for money. If you’re lucky enough to find the Black & Decker BDCR20C at the Amazing discount I found on Amazon, it’s an absolute bargain. There are a number of great value kits for this saw, with a variety of extras to choose from. Black & Decker is probably my top brand for affordable DIY tools. You always know what you’re getting – good quality at a reasonable price with a great 2-year warranty.

Skil RS5829-10

Skil RS5829 cordless reciprocating saw review

Features:

  • Power saw kit comes with a PWRCore 20 2. 0Ah Lithium Battery and 20V Charger.
  • 1-inch stroke and up to 3, 000 strokes per minute.
  • The PWRCore 20 Lithium Battery has an innovative temperature management system to keep the battery cool and powering through your project.
  • Adjustable pivoting shoe.
  • Tool-less blade change.

Link to Amazon

Review:

I’ve been greatly impressed by many Skil products. For some of the most affordable tools, Skil saws display a high level of sophisticated engineering and good quality. The Skil RS5829-10 certainly looks the part of a robust workhorse. The chunky design is a far cry from the nimble little DeWalt DCS369B but does give one a sense of power and enduring quality.

While this tool is over 16” in length and weighs a fairly hefty 6.9 pounds, it knocks the socks off the smaller reciprocating saws when it comes to cutting performance. At 3,000 SPM and a 1” stroke, the Skil RS5829-10 will power through plastic, metal, and wood like few others. Certainly not any that cost as little as this one does.

Unlike the DeWalt DCS369B, which is easy to operate with only one hand, the Skil RS5829-10 will require both hands. It’s a larger saw, so that’s to be expected. The D-shape handle with top-mounted trigger switch, and great padding around the saw body, make it pretty effortless and easy to manage this deceivingly mild-mannered beast.

I think the guys at Skil have hit upon a winner with the Skil RS5829-10. It’s an inexpensive cordless reciprocating saw with a high-quality build and outstanding specifications. The general design is great, making it an easy tool to use.

Porter Cable PCC670B

Porter Cable PCC670B cordless reciprocating saw

Features:

  • High-Performance Drivetrain delivers 1″ stroke length and 0-3,000 SPM for aggressive cutting speed
  • 5″ in length. Compact design allows the tool to reach tight spaces
  • Tool-Free Blade Release allows for quick and easy blade changes
  • Variable-speed trigger provides more control for cutting a variety of materials
  • Pivoting shoe helps keep constant contact with the material
  • Contoured Over-molded Handle optimized for increased comfort
  • 20V Max System – High-performance cordless platform

Link to Amazon

Review:

The Porter Cable PCC670B is another top-quality offering at a great price. The Tiger Saw, as it is aptly named, has all the hallmarks of an intrepid work machine, capable of meeting the needs of contractors who demand a high level of excellence. Although quite a bit larger than the DeWalt DCS369 Atomic reciprocating saw, this model is probably its closest rival. At least, amongst the best cordless reciprocating saws costing less than $100.

At a length of 14.5”, it may not be as compact as the DeWalt Atomic model but is a very convenient size for working in confined areas. The bare tool weight of 4-pounds is quite remarkable for such a competent and powerful machine. In its class, the Porter Cable PCC670B has some of the most impressive performance specs. With a 1” stroke, and variable speed of 0 – 3,000 SPM, the Porter cable reciprocating saw will really improve your working efficiency.

This reciprocating saw is definitely designed for comfort and convenience. It has wonderful, low-vibration padding on every surface and a non-slip handle with a wide trigger switch. A tool-free blade release will also help improve efficiency on a jobsite. The Porter Cable PCC670B has a well-designed pivoting shoe.

Of the cordless reciprocating saws chosen for this review, the Porter Cable PCC670B is one of the more expensive options. Though, at $60 for the bare tool, it is cheap enough for the home user not to grow faint at the price. While some may be cheaper, and include extras like battery, charger, and blades, the Porter Cable 20V reciprocating saw can stand alongside the DeWalt DCS369B as a professional-grade tool. The warranty and guarantee is on a par with DeWalt, which says a lot. Like DeWalt, Porter Cable offer a 3-year warranty, 90-day money back guarantee, and 1-year free service plan.

Worx WX550L

Worx WX550L cordless reciprocating saw

Features:

  • Pivoting head design converts from a reciprocating saw to a jig saw in seconds.
  • Powerful 20V Max Lithium battery delivers long-lasting performance.
  • Orbital cutting technology provides a more efficient cut.
  • Compatible with standard reciprocating saw and t-shank jigsaw blades.
  • Built-in blower removes dust and debris to increase cutting visibility.
  • Compact & lightweight for easy use.

Link to Amazon

Review:

I was a little apprehensive about including the Worx WX550L in this review of the best cordless reciprocating saws under $100. While I think that the idea of a 2-in-1 reciprocating saw that that also functions as a jigsaw is a great and novel one, I’m not sure that a design with this level of sophistication can be any good when the tool is so cheap.

I should probably offer an explanation for my initial misgivings. The axial pivoting design for the blade is a fairly complex endeavor. It requires a more sophisticated drive system from the motor through the gearbox to the blade. Worx has definitely been quite innovative in this regard, by offsetting the motor to the side. However, Worx is a relatively cheap brand, not in the same engineering league as DeWalt, Milwaukee, or some of the other big boys in the power tool world.

I’m not sure that a reciprocating saw that costs around $50 for the bare tool can accomplish this type of design complexity, without some degree of compromise when it comes to quality. Having said all this, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Worx WX550L is probably a great tool for the occasional DIY user. I don’t think this jigsaw/reciprocating saw will hold up well on a jobsite. The Worx brand is not really in the professional power tool league, and the added complications that make this design so versatile has the potential for problems if the saw is going to work hard all day long.

Of course, my skeptical observations are purely speculative. So far, there is no real evidence that the Worx WX550L is going to be problematic with long-term use. It will take a few years to establish if this is actually true. Though, with my experience of using power tools for many years, I think it is highly probable. If you’re not expecting a heavy-duty professional machine, this versatile multi-purpose saw could well be your best option, despite what I may have said about potential issues in the future. In a light-duty environment, it has a better chance of remaining reliable.

There are many advantages associated with the Worx WX550L. You will save a lot of money buying one tool that does the job of two. You also don’t need the space to store two tools. It can accommodate regular reciprocating saw blades and T-shank jigsaw blades. The blade motion has the option for linear or orbital cuts. This gives you the flexibility to choose between a more aggressive cut, allowing you to work faster, or a less aggressive cut for detailed jigsaw work. This saw also includes an LED light. This is a great extra and not too common on a reciprocating saw. Of the models in this review, the DeWalt DCS369B is the only saw to include this feature. Another great feature is the dust blower that clears sawdust from the cutline.

Technical specs are quite impressive. The Worx WX550L has a ¾” stroke at 3,000 RPM. It weighs only 4.2 LBs (tool only) and has great weight distribution for ease of use. The handle is fairly comfortable with enough padding and has a flat base, making it easy to stand the saw upright when you place it down.

The Worx WX550L is a really cool and unique cordless reciprocating saw that also functions as a jigsaw. I can see why DIYers will be drawn to this novel tool. I may have overstated my concerns with regards to long-term durability. The manufacturers seem to have a lot of confidence in this product, offering a 3-year warranty and 30-day guarantee. Customer response has certainly been very positive, with a mighty impressive 4.6 star rating on Amazon.

Additional reading

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