What's the difference between a reciprocating saw and a Sawzall?

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The Sawzall is a reciprocating saw. Milwaukee also has a line of reciprocating called HACKZALLS. It's easy to see why Sawzall is used to refer to any reciprocating saw. This type of saw is designed to cut through anything and everything.



Similarly, it is asked, what type of saw is a Sawzall?

Reciprocating saws

Furthermore, which is better jigsaw or reciprocating saw? A jigsaw, or a saber saw, is actually a type of reciprocating saw, only jigsaws are more for delicate work, while reciprocating saws are more for demolition work. Jig saws offer more flexibility and can cut straight or curved, as well as crosscuts, ripping, beveling, and purge cuts.

Similarly, you may ask, what is a reciprocating saw good for?

A reciprocating saw is a popular tool used by many window fitters, construction workers and emergency rescue services. Variants and accessories are available for specialized uses, such as clamps and long blades for cutting large pipe. Blades are available for a variety of materials and uses.

What is the difference between a Sawzall and a Hackzall?

Hackzall is much smaller, then a sawzall. Hackzall is great for the small areas, any place you'd use a dry wall saw, it cuts 1/2" EMT up to !" EMT just fine. any thing over that use a sawzall.

33 Related Question Answers Found

Can I use a reciprocating saw to cut tree limbs?

Joe Truini: A reciprocating saw is one of the most versatile power tools you can own. It can cut virtually any building material. But it's also great for trimming tree branches. Now you can use a standard reciprocating saw blade to cut tree branches, but you'll get much better results if you use a pruning blade.

Why is it called a reciprocating saw?

A reciprocating saw isn't used as a fine crafting tool. It's a workhorse that gets its name from the short, back-and-forth cutting stroke of the blade. The blade is exposed so you can direct it into tight spaces.

Are reciprocating saw blades universal?

Yes, reciprocating saw blades have a universal shank that is standardized to fit all reciprocating saws.

Can you cut concrete with a Sawzall?

Cutting concrete with a reciprocating saw begins with safety gear. Cutting concrete creates dust and sends sharp shards of material flying toward the tool operator. Because concrete dust can cause respiratory discomfort or damage, reciprocal saw operators must wear face masks or respirators.

What should I look for in a reciprocating saw?


Choosing A Reciprocating Saw
  • Consider whether the saw is corded or not. There are two possibilities when working; one of them is where a task comes to you, and the other is where you go it.
  • Decide whether you need a quick blade change adaptor.
  • Battery voltage or amperage.
  • Cutting action.
  • Blade size and type.

How do you pronounce reciprocating saw?

Here are 4 tips that should help you perfect your pronunciation of 'reciprocating saw':
  1. Break 'reciprocating saw' down into sounds: say it out loud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently produce them.
  2. Record yourself saying 'reciprocating saw' in full sentences, then watch yourself and listen.

Can I use Sawzall blades in a Hackzall?

Yes, Hackzall and Sawzall blades are interchangeable. If your blade is too long, place it in a vise and break it to the appropriate length with a few back and forth bends.

What do you use to cut fiberglass?

The Best Ways to Cut Fiberglass Panels
  1. Router. If you choose to use a router to cut your panels, use a blade with a fine edge that will make clean and smooth edge cuts.
  2. Fiberglass Power Trimmer. A trimmer is lightweight and powerful, and it easily cuts through hard fiberglass, such as that used in paneling.
  3. Jigsaw.
  4. Circular Saw.
  5. Hacksaw.

Are reciprocating saws dangerous?

Reciprocating saws can cut through wood, metal, and all sorts of construction materials. But they can also be dangerous and need to be handled with the utmost care. One of the main hazards of recip saws is their potential for kickback.

How thick can a reciprocating saw cut?


There are three facets to a reciprocating saw blade: Length, width, and thickness. The longer the blade, the deeper the cut. Wider blades will reduce bending and wobbling. Heavy-duty blades are typically 7/8-inches wide and 0.062-inches thick.

Which is the best reciprocating saw?

5 Best Corded Reciprocating Saws:
  1. DEWALT DWE305 Corded Reciprocating Saw – Best Overall. Check Latest Price on Amazon.
  2. Makita JR3050T Corded Recip Saw. Check Latest Price on Amazon.
  3. SKIL 9206-02 Reciprocating Saw – Best Value.
  4. Milwaukee 6519-31 Reciprocating Saw.
  5. WEN 3630 Reciprocating-Saw (Corded)

Are reciprocating saws any good?

The reciprocating saw makes one of the best saws for pruning tree limbs or cutting small trees. You can actually use a standard reciprocating saw blade to cut tree branches, but a reciprocating saw will only work as good as the blade that is intended for a specific project – like a pruning blade.

Can you cut plywood with a reciprocating saw?

Yes, you can cut wood with a reciprocating saw, along with a wide variety of materials. You can cut through plywood and plyboard with no problem using just a general purpose blade with your tool. You can also cut dimensional lumber and studs, too, along with the nails and screws.

How does a reciprocating saw work?

A reciprocating saw is a machine-powered saw that creates a cutting action through a push-and-pull (“reciprocating”) motion of the blade. It is connected to a long machine containing a rotating motor that moves a piston up and down. The piston, in turn, is attached at one end to a clamp that holds the blade.

How do you cut straight with a reciprocating saw?


With the reciprocating saw held in front of you in line with your stomach, press the shoe against the material, aligning the blade to the marked line as closely as possible. Angling the saw slightly downwards, it will begin to rip through the material with the pressure you've applied.

What can a reciprocating saw do that a circular saw can t?

6 Answers. Jig saws are for delicate work; they cut slow and the blades like to bend and break. Reciprocating saws are for not delicate work and cut fast, the blades bend if you let the tip of the blade bounce on your work. Circular saws are for relatively straight cuts, their blades do not break or bend, readily.

Can you use a reciprocating saw to cut PVC pipe?

Sawzall/Reciprocating Saw
As long as you have a long enough blade and some skills, you can cut up to 8” PVC pipe with a reciprocating saw.