A pocket reciprocating saw is the smallest reciprocating saw available on the market. These saws are extremely light and maneuverable.
They’re a good bit smaller than full-sized reciprocating saws. The lines begin to blur with jigsaws once reciprocating saws get this compact.
Pocket reciprocating saws can be used for lighter jobs like cutting smaller pieces of wood, drywall, PVC, copper, even cardboard.
They can cut just about anything a full-sized saw can but they have less power and shorter strokes.
If you find yourself with the occassional need for a reciprocating cut but nothing too extreme, consider a smaller handheld saw or one of these pocket models.
They’re fantastic for DIY craft projects and people who live in apartments or condos.
They’re also handy for plumbers or other contractors as a sidekick to their full-sized reciprocating saws. Smaller spaces (such as underneath a sink) are too tight for a larger reciprocating saw to operate. Pocket reciprocating saws are perfect for cutting in close quarters.
The Quick Answer
The MILWAUKEE 2420 takes the top spot as the best pocket reciprocating saw for the apartment, home, and workshop. It packs a bunch of power in a handheld package with a number of features. It includes an LED worklight, a battery status indicator, and can use both compact and standard size blades.
The BOSCH PS60 is a close second and keeps up with the MILWAUKEE is every way with the exception of the blades it uses.
DEWALT’s DCS312 is a very capable smaller reciprocating saw, but it lacks the compactness and features we’d like to see from a pocket reciprocating saw.
DEWALT DCS312
The DCS312 represents the smallest reciprocating saw made by DEWALT, although it’s the largest of the three saws reviewed here. It’s a part of the 12V MAX system which has proven very reliable and popular among the woodworking crowd in recent years.
The brushless motor extends tool life and decreases maintenence cycles. The motor provides better torque than similar motors with brushes.
The DCS312 is markedly a one-handed tool, but it has enough area behind the blade for a firm second grip if needed. This is useful whenever tougher materials like copper need to be cut and extra leverage would be helpful.
An LED light keeps the workpiece illuminated for maximum visibility. We wish there were additional LED battery status lights like there are on competing models.
Unlike other models, the flat bases on the batteries allow for the tool to be stood on end between uses. Opinions vary but some people prefer to keep the business end of their tools off of surfaces that could damage bits and blades.
BOSCH PS60
The durability and quality we love about BOSCH tools continues with the PS60. It’s a part of the 12-Volt Max system (not to be confused with the similarly names line from DEWALT). We were surprised how long the battery lasted given its small size.
The saw is very compact at under a foot long, but still maintains an above-average stroke of 5/8″. This ensures that the PS60 can fit in the smallest of spaces while still performing as well as larger competitors.
BOSCH has molded the grip on the PS60 is a way that felt very natural in our average-sized hands. Everyone will have different opinions but we really liked the way the unit fit in our hands. There’s just enough area behind the blade to add a second handhold if needed, but this is primarily a one-handed tool.
Bright LED lights are very useful for working in dimly-lit spaces like closets or in crawl spaces. Another set of LED lights show the status of the battery charge. We like this feature usually found on larger tools that BOSCH also thought to include on the PS60.
MILWAUKEE 2420
MILWAUKEE’s 2420 also represents the smallest reciprocating saw in the MILWAUKEE stable. At 11″ and around 2.5 lbs, it’s certainly a nimble and maneuverable tool.
The grip is rubberized and felt comfortable in our hands. The top of the tool also includes a rubber shield that protects the tool and offers placement for a second hand when needed for tougher cuts. Additionally, a forward rubber grip allows for an alternative second-hand placement just behind the blade. It’s not a large section though; the 2420 is definitely a one-handed tool.
Blade changes are easy with the QUIK-LOK blade system. While most pocket reciprocating saws can only accept a specific type of smaller blade, the 2420 can accept the HACKZALL blades made for the pocket saw as well as SAWZALL blades made for the larger reciprocating saws. This helps cut down on costs when two sizes of tools can share the same blades.
An LED worklight shines on the workpiece and increased visibility tremendously. Also, a set of battery status lights kept us informed regarding how much juice was left in the tank before a battery swap was needed.
So Which Pocket Reciprocating Saw Is Best?
We’ve summarized the strengths and weaknesses of each saw above. We’ll continue to pit them against each other below to determine which is the best pocket saw for your home and workshop. Beyond these summaries, full reviews for each tool can be found here:
Scoring will be based on each saw’s performance in four categories. Also, units can score equally if deserved in a particular category (e.g. a first, second, third, etc isn’t forced). For this comparison, the max score possible is set at 100 and the minimum score is 20.
Which Pocket Reciprocating Saw has the Best Ergonomics?
Exemplary = 25 points
Satisfactory = 15 points
Below Average = 5 points
The defining feature of this saw class is its decreased size and increased maneuverability.
BOSCH and MILWAUKEE are identical in size and nearly the same in weight (around 2.5 pounds). The DEWALT is slightly larger in both metrics so it doesn’t score as well as the other two saws.
DEWALT earns 15 points. MILWAUKEE and BOSCH earn 25 points.
Which Saw has the Most Power?
Exemplary = 25 points
Satisfactory = 15 points
Below Average = 5 points
Each reciprocating saw belongs to a larger tool family with a wide offering of battery sizes. Power for each saw will largely be determined by the size of battery you decide to arm it with.
BOSCH, MILWAUKEE, and DEWALT have compiled a standard kit for each saw that includes the tool, battery, charger, and bag. We’ll evaluate this category based on the battery that ships with the standard kit.
DEWALT includes the largest battery of the bunch at 3.0Ah. BOSCH and MIILWAUKEE include smaller batteries that are comparable in charge (2.0Ah and 1.5Ah, respectively).
All of these batteries will suffice for smaller jobs, but the extra charge from the larger DEWALT will keep cutting for longer working sessions than the other two.
DEWALT earns 25 points. BOSCH and MILWAUKEE earn 15 points.
Which Reciprocating Saw has the Most Features?
Exemplary = 25 points
Satisfactory = 15 points
Below Average = 5 points
MILWAUKEE wins this category because it includes an LED worklight, a battery charge indicator, and the ability to use multiple sizes of blades.
BOSCH is next with its LED worklight and battery status lights.
DEWALT only includes the standard LED worklight.
MILWAUKEE earns 25 points, BOSCH earns 15 points, and DEWALT earns 5 points.
Which Pocket Reciprocating Saw is the Most Affordable?
Exemplary = 25 points
Satisfactory = 15 points
Below Average = 5 points
Ultra-portability usually comes with lower cost so we expect these saws to come with aggressive price tags.
BOSCH and MILWAUKEE are usually priced about average for this saw class.
DEWALT comes in a little higher than the other two so it’s not quite at the same price point. It’s a bit pricey for a compact, portable reciprocating saw.
BOSCH and MILWAUKEE earn 15 points. DEWALT earns 5 points.
Final Results
MILWAUKEE scores the highest in our comparison with BOSCH as a close second.
The DEWALT scored lower from the perspective of an ultra-portable reciprocating saw. To be fair, it’s a half-class above the rest given its power and price point.
Even still, we recommend the MILWAUKEE or BOSCH if you’re looking for the best pocket reciprocating saw for your home, apartment, or workshop.
A caveat is your existing tool lineup. The economic benefits to sticking with your brand of choice can’t be ignored due to the savings from shared battery systems. Give a serious consideration if you have already collected tools from one of these three brands.