A reciprocating saw is the demolition tool I reach for more than any other in my Calgary garage and renovation work. Cutting rusted exhaust pipes under vehicles, removing old door frames, cutting through walls during renovation — there is no more versatile cutting tool for rough work in tight spaces.
How We Tested
- Cutting speed through 2×6 dimensional lumber and 1/2-inch mild steel pipe
- Battery performance at -15°C (cordless models)
- Vibration levels during extended cutting sessions
- Blade change ease with cold hands at -20°C
- Canadian availability through major retailers
Quick Summary
| Pick | Model | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 Top Pick | Milwaukee 2720-20 | Cordless | Heavy demolition, pipe cutting |
| 🥈 Runner-Up | DeWalt DCS387B | Cordless | Compact, versatile renovation work |
| 💰 Budget | Ryobi PCL515B | Cordless | Occasional use, light renovation |
| 💎 Premium | Milwaukee 2821-20 | Cordless | FUEL brushless, professional demolition |
| 🔌 Corded Pick | DeWalt DWE304 | Corded | Extended use, no battery concern |
🏆 Best Reciprocating Saw in Canada: Milwaukee 2720-20
The Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 FUEL reciprocating saw delivers professional-grade cutting power with REDLITHIUM battery compatibility. The variable speed trigger provides control from delicate trim cuts to aggressive demolition. QUIK-LOK blade change system works reliably with winter gloves — a genuine advantage when changing blades in a cold Canadian garage. The anti-vibration counterbalance dramatically reduces fatigue during extended sessions.
✅ Pros: Powerful brushless motor, excellent cold battery performance with M18 REDLITHIUM, QUIK-LOK blade change works with gloves, anti-vibration system
❌ Cons: Premium price, requires M18 batteries
View Milwaukee 2720-20 on Amazon.ca →
🥈 Runner-Up: DeWalt DCS387B
The DeWalt DCS387B compact reciprocating saw fits in spaces where full-size models cannot — between floor joists, under vehicles with limited clearance, inside wall cavities. The compact form factor does not sacrifice significant cutting power for most renovation tasks. DeWalt 20V MAX battery compatibility means most Canadian tradespeople already have compatible batteries.
✅ Pros: Compact for tight spaces, DeWalt 20V MAX compatibility, good power for size
❌ Cons: Less power than full-size for heavy demolition
View DeWalt DCS387B on Amazon.ca →
💰 Budget: Ryobi PCL515B
The Ryobi PCL515B ONE+ 18V reciprocating saw is adequate for homeowner renovation use — removing old framing, cutting plastic pipe, trimming lumber. For occasional use it represents good value. For heavy demolition or frequent automotive work it runs out of capacity.
✅ Pros: Lowest cost, Ryobi ONE+ compatibility, good for light renovation
❌ Cons: Insufficient for heavy demolition, higher vibration levels
View Ryobi PCL515B on Amazon.ca →
💎 Premium: Milwaukee 2821-20
The Milwaukee 2821-20 M18 FUEL Super Sawzall delivers 1-1/4-inch stroke length and maximum cutting speed for professional demolition work. If you are regularly cutting through walls, concrete-embedded nails, and structural lumber, this is the tool. Overkill for occasional home renovation use.
✅ Pros: Maximum cutting power, longest stroke for professional demolition, excellent cold performance
❌ Cons: Highest cost, heavy for extended overhead work
View Milwaukee 2821-20 on Amazon.ca →
🔌 Best Corded: DeWalt DWE304
For extended demolition work where battery life is a concern, the DeWalt DWE304 delivers consistent 12-amp power without interruption. In very cold conditions where battery capacity drops significantly, a corded saw maintains full power regardless of temperature.
View DeWalt DWE304 on Amazon.ca →
Blade Selection for Canadian Work
- Wood cutting: 6-10 TPI blades for dimensional lumber and framing
- Metal cutting: 14-24 TPI bi-metal blades for pipe, conduit, and nails embedded in wood
- Demolition: Bi-metal combination blades (6 TPI with grit teeth) for nail-embedded lumber
- Frozen pipes: Fine tooth metal blades work well on frozen copper or ABS in emergency situations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best reciprocating saw for cutting rusted exhaust pipes?
For automotive exhaust work, use a bi-metal 14-18 TPI blade with a variable speed saw set to medium speed. The Milwaukee 2720-20 with a Lenox or Milwaukee metal cutting blade handles rusted exhaust pipes reliably. Apply cutting oil to extend blade life when cutting thick wall pipe.
Cordless vs corded reciprocating saw for a Canadian winter garage?
Cordless for most applications with the understanding that battery capacity drops 20-30% below -10°C. For extended demolition sessions, a corded saw eliminates battery management entirely. Keep spare batteries warm inside the house if working in a cold garage for extended periods.
What stroke length do I need in a reciprocating saw?
Most DIY and renovation work is well-served by a 1-1/8-inch stroke length. A 1-1/4-inch stroke cuts faster through thick material and is worth the step up for anyone doing regular demolition work or cutting through walls.
Jake’s Final Verdict
The Milwaukee 2720-20 is the reciprocating saw I reach for first. If you are already in the M18 ecosystem it is a straightforward choice. DeWalt platform users should go with the DCS387B compact — it handles 90% of renovation work at lower cost than the Milwaukee. Either way, invest in quality bi-metal blades — the blade quality matters as much as the saw for the cuts that count.