Cordless Saws Reviews

I purchased a Ryobi combo set that included the same tools as the Makita combo set. Battery life with the Ryobi was short and the recip saw broke after a few hours. I returned the Ryobi set and purchased the Makita combo set after reading the customer reviews here.

I put up galvanized steel fence panels on my property and used the reciprocating saw to cut the panels to fit. What a difference! The recip saw cut through the galvanized steel like butter! A nice feature is the adjustable shoe. Being able to move the shoe up or down lengthens the life of the blade by moving the cutting edge to other parts of the blade. Another nice feature is the do-it-yourself carbon brush changes on the recip and drill/driver. The drill is in itself is really nice. Again, the quality of the tool was evident. Batteries seemed to last a long time.

I've grown up using corded tools [usually past down from my father] and finally decided to buy a nice cordless tool set after tripping on extension cords once too many times. Power is right up there with the corded tools.

If you are looking for a good set of tools, this is the set to buy.

I bought this tool set about 1 year ago and It is so handy. I have used it more times than I can count. I am a carpenter and I use it from trim work to cutting plywood off the eves of a roof. I am very impressed with the power of the drill, the amount of work I can get out of the tools on one charge of the batteries and how efficient the tools are to use. The tools are very rugged and durable. They have held up very well on the jobsite and I use them just about everyday. I highly recommend them to anyone who needs the power of a corded tool with the effiecency of a cordless.

Have now used this kit quite a bit while building a shed from scratch.

The drill is incredible. Great power, flexibility, balance and battery life. I have managed to break one of the two included bits, but I replaced it at the hardware store for 89 cents. The drill itself seems solid and well built, even after a lot of use.

The circ saw is powerful enough and well balanced, but battery life can be an issue if you don't plan your charges in advance.

The recip saw is nice enough and well balanced, if a little heavy (I had to do some tight cutting above my head and holding it up there was a little tiring after a while).

The flashlight? Well, it just sits there. I suppose it would be ok, but usually both of my batteries are taken, either by a tool or the charger.

The standout here is really the drill, followed by the circular saw. The fact that I don't have to drag a cord around is simply wonderful, and the 18v tools provide more than enough power for the things I do.

I have owned this saw for over 3 years now. It is a shame that I had paid the full introductory price when it had come out, but I wouldn't trade this saw for anything. I also own the complete 24V cordless line by Bosch. I own a small contractor buisness doing everything from kitchens, baths, additions, full house construction, to concrete work and everything in between. Not only is this saw worth it's weight in gold, but the entire 24V Bosch is worth the same. I can not write a good enough review for this item. It is so handy to set up and cut a few pieces of trim with such accuracy as my 12" Bosch Sliding Compound miter saw. In fact, I have found myself using this saw for just about every job, since I already have the case with my other cordless tools. I have trimmed out $750k houses with this saw, just set it up in every room that needs trimwork, hook it up to my shop vac and away I go with accurate miters. The only thing that I had wished this saw had was the dual compound feature, but I am used to turning crown over and cutting it the other way. The saw holds an accurate fence and the positive miter detents are right on! Again, it takes only 5 min. to pull the saw out, set it down, and begin cutting with no cords to drag around. It is the nearest replacement to a quality cordes miter saw you can ever have. I am truely convinced to forever puchase the old blue and red over the yellow and black any day. Bravo Bosch!

L. Long, L Squared Building and Excavating

well ive had this saw for a month now. i couldnt be happier i install kitchens and bath cabinets everyday and use it everyday, the battery lasted longer than i thought it would before i had to recharge it. its so light my helper dosent complain anymore about dragging the saw around. between this and the bosch cordless jigsaw and the nail gun i hardly have to plug in anything anymore i read some of the reviews before i bought this last saw most were favorable some wernt but for what i do its great i guess if i did trim all day i would want 2 batteries but thats the only down side

First let me say I am not a contractor I am a weekend warrior but I do like doing my own project work.
I bought this saw about 2 months ago because I had a project to build a double set of outside stairs. The nearest power was 1/4 mile away and I don't own a generator.
This saw is very good. I was suprised by it power. The stairs I built were completely made from green treated lumber. I was able to cut 2x12 stair treads with no problem. Yes I had to flip the wood over and yes the wood was still wet. I was amazed. I also bought the 24 volt circular saw. It too exceeded my expectation. I also own the Corded Dewalt 12 inch compound miter. This saw can't do everything the Dewalt can do but you can't expect it to. For what it is worth I have not found a job it can't do yet.
I would highly recommend this saw to any one.

If you can deal with a cord, you can't do better than this drill. It's very impressive. Amazon is selling them a little high, so check around. I got mine on ebay for $80 brand new.

POWER is the word! I was on a ladder drilling with a 4" hole saw overhead. You can see where this is leading. Use to wimpy 18 volt guns I was 1 handing it when hole saw hooked up and stopped! My new magnum however kept on turning. I hung on for 1 turn and got clobbered on the following 2! I love my drill! It broke my wrist and I still say it's the best! It's the Top-Fueler's of screw guns.

The 302's long fault is that it needs a cord.
I have had this drill for 3 years and I don't use it much.
I use my cordless drills including my powerful Dewalt 988.
Today I used a 3 in holesaw to drill thru a 2 by 4,once I used the Dewalt,It struggled but drilled the hole. Then I used the
Milwalkee 302,it drilled It with ease and didn't even slow down.
I was very impressed.I will use the Milwaukee for the really heavy drilling from now on.I will use the cordless drills for
light to fairly heavy use (about 95% of the time). Why put unneeded strain on a good cordless drill?
If you are looking to buy a strong corded drill,look at Milwaukee first.

I'M AN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR AND USE THE HOLE HAWG ALMOST EVERY DAY...THE ONLY OTHER ONE I'VE USED ALOT IS THE MAKITA AND THO IT'S A GOOD TOOL, THE MILWAKEE JUST SEEMS TO BE TOUGHER. I DEFINATELY RECOMEND IT TO ANYONE THAT HAS TO DO SOME SERIOUS HOLE DRILLING, ESPECIALLY BIG HOLES...BUT PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOUR DOING, IT'LL HURT YOU IF YOUR CARELESS.....

This drill puts others to shame. Drilling through the toughest material, this one has enough torque to get the job done, and still more to spare. The limit to what you can get done with this tool is determined not by the torque that the drill puts out, but by your own strength--when the bit binds on you, the drill will literally wrench itself out of your hands. The warning that the Amazon review gives is apt; new users should be careful with this behemoth because it has more power than you might think. Screw on the secondary, perpendicular handle to keep a hold on this monster as it bores through wood, concrete, asphalt, metal--the tool can handle it all. But can you handle the tool?

In addition to being an outstanding tool for electrical and plumbing, mine survied 3" of water. I let it dry out, cleaned up the outside and it runs like new still. The self-feed bits pull it through the heaviest 2" solid, dry, and well aged oak -- without burning the wood. And its not just for pros. Anyone who has to do electrical, plumbing, or has to drill through studs or heavy wood, will benefit from this tool.

i'll preface this by saying i'm a professional carpenter and make my living using my tools.

i have owned or used worm-drives from skil, makita, and bosch, as well as sidewinders from porter-cable, makita, hitachi, skil, and dewalt. this milwaukee is my saw of choice in nearly every situation--it is light (4+lbs less than a worm-drive), powerful, accurate, and the tilt-lok handle is a great feature. at first, i thought i'd not use the tilt-lok often, but i end up using it in a different position several times a day. another feature easily overlooked but crucial is the positioning of the secondary handle. i most often cut one-handed anyway, but when i do grab the front handle, my hand and wrist are far enough forward to stay well away from the blade sightline.

my only (small) complaint is that i'd prefer the dust collection to be a bit more organised. porter-cable saws do a great job with this, and i wonder why the other manufacturers can't seem to get it together.

if i had it to do over again, i'd spring for the blade brake model--the blade can do a lot of damage in the 8-10 seconds it takes to spin down.

I received this saw as a birthday present, allowing me to retire my old underpowered and inaccurate Black & Decker "Sawforce" saw. The Milwaukee arrived in perfect condition and purred like a kitten from the start. I have been very impressed with every aspect of this thing, most notably:

The tool-less ability to change the base plate angle as needed;

The POWER. It cuts wet framing lumber and quarter sawn white oak with equal ease;

With all that power, I have not experienced any binding, stalling, kicking, burning etc;

The tilt lock handle is fantastic. I cannot conceive of using a saw without it now that I have it;

The blade that came with the saw is quite good.

Overall I cannot say enough good things about this saw. Its relatively light, very accurate, powerful, and feels like it will outlast me. Buy one yourself and you won't be sorry!

I bought this saw about 5 months ago to replace an old Makita and have used it almost daily since. I did a lot of research before buying using online reviews and magazine comparisons. After reading the reviews and having previous experience with other Milwaukee products, I opted for this one.

The tilt-lok handle makes it very easy to change positions, allowing for maximum control and comfort while sawing. I especially like the adjustable front handle. It makes beveled cuts a snap, keeping maximum leverage right where it needs to be. Once you use it, you will miss it if you have to use anything else. With 15 amps, I haven't found any wood too tough to cut with it even with a dulling blade. I purchased the edge guide about two months ago. This is a necessary addition if you cut lots of plywood.

I am becoming quite a Milwaukee "fan-boy". Every tool of theirs I've bought has been a winner. As long as they keep making tools with this kind of quality, performance and features, I'll be a user for life. This saw will be a welcome addition to any serious woodworker's shop or contractor's truck. If you're still undecided, give this saw a try. You won't regret it.

I own just about every 19.2v PC tool. This is a stout product line and the Tiger Saw (I always just called them "sawzalls") from PC can cut through anything with the right blade.

You will need more than one battery, as has already been stated, but if you want lots of power, you are going to sacrifice battery life. That's just physics. This tool has lots of power, so I make sure I've got backup batteries. I have a multitude of them since I own so many 19.2 devices, so keeping a fleet of batteries charged is a non-issue for me. PC's newer chargers and batteries are better than they were three years ago, so anyone who had bad experiences with the older chargers really should contact PC for a replacement.

One recommendation: when you get the saw, it will come with a very basic blade. Keep it, but go and order yourself a couple of other blades, because the one it ships with will not impress you. I would suggest a long, combination blade for general use, a carbide blade for cutting metals, and a fine-tooth blade for more precision work.

Nothing beats a good sawzall, and this is a great one.

As a professional plumber, the sawzall is my primary tool. Almost every time I do a job, its one of the first tools to come off the truck. The only trouble was when I do renovation work. It was always such a pain to drag out the old PC Tigersaw to make a couple of cuts. Draging it in, finding a plug, pulling an extension cord, all made me think of using a hacksaw. Not really liking any of the red or yellow corded saws, I was thrilled when PC came out with the cordless saw last year. I ordered myself one for christmas and took it to work. Needless to say, I was very happy with it. It works almost as well as its corded brother with the exception of the short charge. But if you are cutting more than two batteries worth(I have the drill and saw set too), then you should have pulled out the corded version.

This is the first cordless recip saw I ever owned, and it turned out to be a great pick. I got it with the hammer/drill/driver in a combo kit. After considering what the competition offers, I bought the PorterCable 19.2V line partly because of brand loyalty, but also because of the saw's compact design and 2,900 spm speed. This saw is heavier than the Milwaukee, Dewalt, and Makita models, but it is shorter in length and easier to manage with one hand despite its weight, and has more power. It gets into tighter spaces than the others, and its speed is faster, too. Now, I cannot do without this tool. Using the right blade, it literally cuts anything, from plywood and studs, to drywall, to sheet metal and pipe, or old tires, or bricks. I have used it doing renovation work in the attic and under the house where cordless convienience and power is needed. I like to reverse the blade and turn it upside down to use like a sabre saw, pivoting on its foot to do plunge cuts. Believe me, life got easier real fast after buying this. One thing though, the saw can sap a battery quickly when doing long extended cuts in tough material, like for door and window openings. But its performance and conveinience makes up for that. I can't wait to try this saw with an aggressive wood blade for trimming trees and cutting limbs on my property. Look for more of my reviews on the PorterCable 19.2V line and recip saw blades.

For me, the main reason to purchase this tool set was to build the Costco SUNRAY playground playset in my backyard.

As a new homeowner myself, I did not have any tools. And this is the list of the Required tools from Costco for building the playset:

Tape measure, Carpenters level, Claw hammer, Wood clamp,
Standard cordless drill with medium Phillips bit,
1/4" and 3/8" ratchet,
1/4", 7/16", 1/8" drill bit,
7/16", 1/2", 9/16" deep well socket,
9/16" box wrench.

I expected to spend two hundred dollars in Homedepot to have the complete set. Luckily I checked Amazon first and found the Allied 39025 tool set.
Sixty dollars and three days later, I have almost every tools I need.

I am no expert on tools, but after three days of intensive use, I feel this tool set is very solid, especially taking consideration of the value.
The drill is very powerful too.

If there is anything more I'd hope for, it would be an extra battery. But with the current price, I have no complain.

...SO if you are paid to put wooden things together, fix plastic things or do any of that jazz on a daily basis, then you should know better. Much better.

For someone like me, however, who occasionally puts cupboards and wardrobes from Ikea together, this kit is simply the best value for money I could find online and offline.

I've had it for about 3 months and it still performs as new. The drill doesn't come with diamond crystalized drill bits to break into safes; it comes with bits to drill holes into dry wall and brick wall. And it does a great job.

The plastic casing supporting the tools/holding them in place, feels a bit cheap but that's about the only problem I can identify.

Here's why I was interested in this tool set and why it's pretty much perfect.

a) Hated having to search through a giant toolbox over & over on every project because everything is tossed on top of each other. EVERY tool, component, etc has its own slot and it's a nice tight fit so if you drop it, the 178 pieces do not fall into one giant heap of tools, sockets, etc ...

b) While quality is important, if tools are just tools to you and you don't need/want a $1,000 tool set - these might not last three generations but they are all solid and work great and at a price where I don't have to worry about if people might make off with some tiny wrench.

c) No real compromises on what you get. Unlike other sets, it not missing some main tool. This one has a screwdriver, wrench, plier, crescent wrench set, hammer, saw, etc, etc ... not to mention the cordless drill. Look at the ZOOM photo - and unlike other sets where 100 screws count as part of a "115-set" tool kit, 99.5% of what you get are actual tools or actual attachments to tools. (there are $1,000 tool sets without a hammer!)

d) the box is nice. It's not pretty but it's solid heavy plastic and the pieces require effort to get in each slot - again, that's actually a good thing as I've had sets that look pretty in the picture but if you drop the tool kit, all the pieces fall in a heap and no one really likes to pick through 50 socket heads to put everything back or the 'holder' is some flimsy plastic that yellows, cracks or just gives up the ghost. This is very solid.

There's even a little extra room in the middle when it's closed that you can keep gloves and a towel there.

About the only thing missing is that if the bolt is very long, the crescent wrench does not have an extender and you can't really reach the nut but that's pretty obscure - not to confuse anyone - there is an extender if the nut is merely a ways from your hand but not if the bolt is exessively long.

Other than that, finally a set that will serve 99.9% of your average home, car and even some computer repair use (it has torx and even a tool/magnet retriever if you drop a screw somewhere) - ALL solidly built in a solidly built case with a slot for EVERYTHING. And of course, a great price also! It's excellent!

After I got this saw, I no longer use my corded Dewalt saw. I have kept it, mainly because the dewalt was the first tool I every bought. The bosch has plenty of power and a long battery life. It works as well as my corded saw.

I got mine when Bosch first ran their free tool promo a few years back and it's been one of my favorite tools. No cords, no hassles. It has a good runtime and has plenty of power. The toolless blade change is great and the dual stroke is nice for when you need to be more/less aggessive. With two batteries and a one hour charger, you won't run out of power. It may never replace a corded recip saw for extreme use, but a corded saw will never be as handy as this saw

This cordless reciprocating saw seems to have as much power as some corded saws. It works great for jobs where I don't want to run an extension cord. It has selection for two different stroke lengths. Quick release for changing blades. The Bosch 1645K 24V saw has a great balance of power, durability, weight, comfort & convience.

I had bought a Sears 19.2V cordless reciprocating saw which came with 2 batteries. However, the batteries would not hold a charge (both of them) and the brief time it work the saw seem to bog down. Believe I paid about $110 for the Sears. After the returned the Sears unit I purchase the Dewalt and couldn't be happier. Used it to cut wood and metal with excellent results. It's heavier than the Sears model but the Dewalt really works well and the battery has staying power. I paid $179 for the Dewalt with free Amazon shipping. As always its best to spend a little more money and get a quality unit.

This tool is quite powerful and last a long time on a single battery. This was part of the DC6KITA. I have tested each tool and have reviewed some. This one is not exception. On a fresh battery and with the supplied blade I continual cut 2x4's until my hand was sore from holding on. The power is nice. It did not seem too bog when pushed hard through the wood. Battery life suprised me by never giving up. On a full demo job where cutting throught various materials is necessary it might show it's weakness in longevity.

Having purchased a 1/2 rebar to test the DC410 cut-off tool, I proceed to test the DC385 with a 18tpi metal blade. It worked quite well. The power was still there. No bogging. Of course pressure was needed to help the teeth bite, but that is to be expected.

Also the adjustable shoe is a new feature. It does not have much range of motion but at least it is there.

For most all home projects this is going to be a wonderful tool. In owning many XRP batteries and having several chargers, I don't forsee buy a corded saw. I have given this 5 stars, but there is only one thing that slightly bothers me. The blade is not centered in the shoe becuase of the 4 way blade clamp. Now I gave it the 5 because I would rather have the 4 way clamp than have it centered.

This tool is quite powerful and last a long time on a single battery. This was part of the DC6KITA. I have tested each tool and have reviewed some. This one is no exception. On a fresh battery and with the supplied blade I continual cut 2x4's until my hand was sore from holding on. The power is nice. It did not seem too bog when pushed hard through the wood. Battery life suprised me by never giving up. On a full demo job where cutting throught various materials is necessary it might show it's weakness in longevity.

Having purchased a 1/2 rebar to test the DC410 cut-off tool, I proceed to test the DC385 with a 18tpi metal blade. It worked quite well. The power was still there. No bogging. Of course pressure was needed to help the teeth bite, but that is to be expected.

Also the adjustable shoe is a new feature. It does not have much range of motion but at least it is there.

For most all home projects this is going to be a wonderful tool. In owning many XRP batteries and having several chargers, I don't forsee buy a corded saw. I have given this 5 stars, but there is only one thing that slightly bothers me. The blade is not centered in the shoe becuase of the 4 way blade clamp. Now I gave it the 5 because I would rather have the 4 way clamp than have it centered.

Read all the reviews here and decided to give it a try. The saw I previously used was a 20 years old SKIL saw. Let me tell you,this saw doesn't hold a handle to the old SKIL. It sounds like any other cheap saw from Harbor Freight (kind of rocks instead of bearings feeling). Besides, a pretty strong vibration would come and go while you are cutting. I don't know what I'm going to choose next, one thing I know for sure, I'm not going to keep this saw. The hight adjustment leaver got jammed and it took all my strength to loosen it. Bottom line, it would be a good $30 saw, not a $130 one.

well. The saw is powerful, and fairly lightweight. Not jumpy either, very smooth. The case is clown-shoes big and the adjustable handle is a bit stiff, but overall a worthwhile investment and a good deal at that. (this review is for "left blade" consumers only. I cannot speak for the other side.)
And I am over the age of 13. Really.

Good strong saw, 2 things bother me though, 1 made in mexico, 2 the saw slides around in the case and seems to be a circular saw / router case, not a standard saw case with slots to hold extra blades or small parts.