🔧 Product Review
Best Reciprocating Saws UK 2026
A reciprocating saw is the demolition workhorse every UK maker needs at some point. Whether you are cutting through old soil pipes during a bathroom rip-out, pruning overgrown branches, or trimming timber studs, the right saw makes the job faster and cleaner. We compared five cordless models across price, power, build quality and real-world cutting performance to find the best options for UK workshops in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- DeWalt DCS382N is the best all-rounder for UK DIYers, with a brushless motor, pivoting shoe and excellent runtime on 18V XR batteries.
- Makita DJR188Z offers the highest stroke speed at 3,000 SPM, ideal for faster cuts through thicker materials.
- Bosch GSA 18V-LI is the most compact option, fitting into tighter spaces than most competitors.
- Makita DJR186Z is the budget pick for Makita users already in the 18V LXT ecosystem.
- XIAZIR 300W Brushless comes with two batteries and four blades at a fraction of the brand-name price.
Suggested Reading: Best Cordless Angle Grinders · Best Circular Saws · Best Impact Drivers
Quick Picks
Best Overall
Best Premium
Most Compact
Best Value
Best Budget Kit
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | SPM | Motor | Stroke | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCS382N | £165 | 3,000 | Brushless | 28mm | All-rounder |
| Makita DJR188Z | £195 | 3,000 | Brushless | 32mm | Heavy cuts |
| Bosch GSA 18V-LI | £200 | 2,700 | Brushless | 28mm | Tight spaces |
| Makita DJR186Z | £110 | 2,800 | Brushed | 29mm | Budget Makita |
| XIAZIR 300W Brushless | £50 | 3,100 | Brushless | 15mm | Budget starter |
In-Depth Reviews
1. DeWalt DCS382N-XJ 18V XR Brushless Reciprocating Saw
£165 (body only) | 18V XR | 3,000 SPM | 28mm stroke | 3.4kg
The DeWalt DCS382N is the reciprocating saw most UK makers will end up buying, and for good reason. The brushless motor delivers consistent cutting power across wood, metal and plastic, while the 28mm stroke length handles everything from pruning branches to cutting through copper pipes during bathroom refits.
Amazon reviewers highlight the pivoting shoe as a standout feature: it lets you rest the saw against the workpiece for steadier, more controlled cuts. One Amazon reviewer noted: "The shoe adjustment makes a massive difference to accuracy, especially when cutting flush against a wall." The two-position blade clamp also allows flush cutting, which matters when you need to trim a pipe flush to a floor.
At 3.4kg, it sits in the sweet spot between heavy enough to feel stable and light enough for overhead work. If you already own DeWalt 18V XR batteries, this is the obvious pick. The body-only price leaves room to add a battery if you are starting fresh.
Pros
- Brushless motor for longer runtime
- Pivoting shoe improves cut accuracy
- Part of the extensive DeWalt 18V XR range
Cons
- Body only, no battery or charger included
- Slightly heavier than the compact Bosch
2. Makita DJR188Z 18V Brushless Reciprocating Saw
£195 (body only) | 18V LXT | 3,000 SPM | 32mm stroke | 3.6kg
The DJR188Z is Makita's premium cordless reciprocating saw, and the 32mm stroke length is the longest in this roundup. That extra 4mm over the DeWalt translates to more material removed per stroke, which means faster cuts through thicker timber and steel. The brushless motor also runs cooler and lasts longer than brushed alternatives.
Makita's constant speed control maintains cutting speed even under load, so the blade does not slow down when it hits a knot in the wood or a thicker section of pipe. Amazon reviewers praise the build quality: "Solid construction, feels like it will last years. Cuts through everything I have thrown at it, including steel box section."
The main trade-off is price. At £195 body-only, it costs £30 more than the DeWalt, and the longer stroke makes it slightly heavier. For Makita 18V LXT users who need the extra cutting capacity, it is worth the premium. For occasional DIY, the DeWalt offers better value.
Pros
- Longest stroke length in the group (32mm)
- Constant speed under load
- Brushless motor with excellent longevity
Cons
- Most expensive body-only option
- Heavier than competitors
3. Bosch Professional GSA 18V-LI Cordless Reciprocating Saw
£200 (body only) | 18V | 2,700 SPM | 28mm stroke | 3.1kg
Bosch designed the GSA 18V-LI specifically for working in confined spaces. At 3.1kg, it is the lightest saw in this roundup, and the compact body design lets you manoeuvre it into gaps that the DeWalt and Makita cannot reach. This matters during kitchen refits, underfloor heating installations or any job where you are cutting inside a cabinet or wall cavity.
The low-vibration design reduces fatigue during longer cutting sessions. Amazon reviewers with arthritis or wrist issues specifically mention this: "The vibration dampening is noticeably better than my old reciprocating saw. I can use it for 20 minutes without my hands aching."
The trade-off is the slightly lower 2,700 SPM compared to the 3,000 of the DeWalt and Makita. For most cuts, you will not notice the difference. If you regularly cut thick steel or hardwood, the extra speed of the competitors makes a measurable difference. For general DIY and renovation work, the Bosch's compact form factor wins.
Pros
- Lightest and most compact design
- Excellent low-vibration system
- Bosch Professional build quality
Cons
- Lowest stroke speed in the group
- Premium price for a compact tool
4. Makita DJR186Z 18V Reciprocating Saw
£110 (body only) | 18V LXT | 2,800 SPM | 29mm stroke | 3.2kg
The DJR186Z is the entry point into Makita's reciprocating saw range, and at £110 body-only it undercuts the brushless models significantly. The brushed motor is less efficient and will wear out faster under heavy use, but for occasional DIY tasks it delivers perfectly adequate cutting performance.
At just 486mm long, it is surprisingly compact for a full-size reciprocating saw. The 2,800 SPM and 29mm stroke handle most household cutting jobs without complaint. Amazon reviewers confirm: "Does everything I need for weekend DIY. Cut through an old cast iron soil pipe and it handled it fine, just took a bit longer than a brushless model would."
If you already own Makita 18V LXT batteries and want a reciprocating saw for occasional use, the DJR186Z saves you £85-90 compared to the brushless DJR188Z. That saving buys you a decent set of reciprocating saw blades and still leaves change. For weekly use, spend the extra on brushless.
Pros
- Cheapest Makita reciprocating saw
- Compact 486mm body length
- Uses existing Makita 18V LXT batteries
Cons
- Brushed motor, shorter lifespan under heavy use
- No constant speed control
5. XIAZIR 300W Brushless Reciprocating Saw Kit
£50 (with 2x 3.0Ah batteries) | 300W | 3,100 SPM | 15mm stroke | 1.8kg
The XIAZIR is not in the same league as the DeWalt, Makita or Bosch, but it does not try to be. At £50 with two 3.0Ah batteries, a charger and four blades included, it is the cheapest way to get a functional reciprocating saw into your kit. The brushless motor is a genuine surprise at this price point.
The 15mm stroke length is noticeably shorter than the brand-name saws, which means slower cuts through thick material. The 3.1kg weight is light, though that is partly because the motor and build are smaller. Amazon reviewers are realistic about what it is: "Good enough for cutting PVC pipe, thin wood and light pruning. Do not expect it to cut through a 4x4 in one pass."
This is the saw for someone who needs a reciprocating saw once or twice a year and does not want to spend £150+ on a brand-name tool they will rarely use. The included batteries and blades mean you can open the box and start cutting immediately. For regular workshop use, save up for a DeWalt or Makita.
Pros
- Complete kit with batteries, charger and blades
- Brushless motor at budget price
- Extremely lightweight at 1.8kg
Cons
- Short 15mm stroke, slower on thick material
- No established UK warranty or parts supply
How to Choose a Reciprocating Saw
Brushless vs brushed motor: Brushless motors run cooler, last longer and deliver more cutting power per battery charge. They cost more upfront but pay for themselves if you use the saw regularly. Brushed motors are fine for occasional use but wear out faster under sustained heavy cutting.
Stroke length: Measured in millimetres, stroke length determines how much material the blade removes per push-pull cycle. Longer strokes (28-32mm) cut faster through thick material. Shorter strokes (15mm) offer more control for precision work but take longer on bigger jobs.
Stroke speed (SPM): Strokes per minute affects cutting speed. Most cordless models sit between 2,700 and 3,100 SPM. Higher SPM cuts faster but generates more vibration. For general DIY, 2,800-3,000 SPM is the sweet spot.
Battery platform: If you already own cordless tools from one brand, stay in that ecosystem. A DeWalt 18V XR battery fits the DCS382N, and a Makita 18V LXT battery fits both the DJR188Z and DJR186Z. Switching platforms means buying new batteries and chargers, which adds £60-100 to the real cost.
Weight and balance: Overhead cutting and extended use make weight matter. The Bosch at 3.1kg is the lightest premium option. The XIAZIR at 1.8kg is the lightest overall but sacrifices cutting capacity for that weight saving.
Blade compatibility: Most reciprocating saws use universal T-shank blades, so you can buy blades from any brand. Keep a selection of wood, metal and pruning blades on hand. A bi-metal blade with 18-24 TPI handles metal pipes, while a 6-10 TPI wood blade cuts timber fast. For garden work, a dedicated pruning blade with large hooked teeth prevents the blade from binding in green wood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict
For most UK makers, the DeWalt DCS382N hits the sweet spot of power, build quality and value. The brushless motor, pivoting shoe and part of the 18V XR ecosystem make it a tool you will use for years. If you already own Makita 18V LXT batteries, the Makita DJR188Z offers the longest stroke and fastest cutting for demanding jobs. For tight-space work, the Bosch GSA 18V-LI is the most manoeuvrable option. And if you just need a saw for the occasional job without spending a fortune, the XIAZIR 300W kit gets the job done for £50.
Whatever you choose, pair it with a good set of blades for your specific material. The best saw in the world with the wrong blade will underperform a cheap saw with the right one. Keep bi-metal blades for metal, coarse wood blades for timber, and pruning blades for garden work.
Last reviewed: August 27, 2026 · Evidence-based review · Contains affiliate links