Reciprocating Saw: Borrow or Buy?
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A reciprocating saw is a demolition tool first and a cutting tool second. If you remodel regularly or work in the trades, buy one. For a single demo project, borrow one for the weekend.
The Numbers
Why Borrow
- Demo day is usually a single weekend. After the walls come down, the saw goes back on the shelf.
- For a single plumbing repair where you need to cut a pipe in a tight spot, one afternoon is enough
- A jigsaw or oscillating multi-tool handles most of the cuts people think they need a recip saw for
- The tool is loud, aggressive, and throws debris. Most people do not enjoy using it enough to want one on hand.
Why Buy
- You do remodeling, renovation, or demolition work regularly
- Cutting nail-embedded lumber, old plumbing, and rusted bolts is fast with the right blade
- Tree pruning and rough outdoor cutting. A recip saw with a pruning blade handles limbs up to 6 inches.
- At $60-80 for a corded model, the buy-in is low enough that even occasional use justifies it
Check Before You Buy
Someone in your neighborhood probably owns a reciprocating saw and uses it a few times a year. Borrowing saves money, saves garage space, and keeps tools in use instead of collecting dust.
See How FriendsWithTools WorksCommon Questions
Reciprocating saw vs oscillating multi-tool: what is the difference?
A reciprocating saw makes aggressive, fast cuts for demolition. It tears through lumber, pipes, and nails but leaves a rough edge. An oscillating multi-tool makes precise, controlled cuts for detail work like cutting flush against a wall, trimming door jambs, or removing grout. Different tools for different jobs. The recip saw is a sledgehammer. The oscillating tool is a scalpel.
What blades should I have for a reciprocating saw?
Three blades cover most situations: a bi-metal blade (6-8 TPI) for general wood with nails, a fine-tooth metal blade (18-24 TPI) for pipes and conduit, and a carbide-grit blade for cutting cast iron and masonry. Buy an assortment pack. Blades are cheap and disposable.