Makita 18V Reciprocating Saw - What's the best for you?
Posted by Katy | Toolstop on 8th Apr 2021
This Toolstop Blog demonstrates 3 Makita Reciprocating Saws 18V explaining the main features and benefits of each. These 18V Makita Reciprocating Saws are the ideal addition to any tradesmans kit
Reciprocating Saws are popularly used across many jobsites worldwide. This Toolstop Blog demonstrates 3 Makita Reciprocating Saws 18V explaining the main features and benefits of each. These 18V Makita Reciprocating Saws are the ideal addition to every tradesmans kit, but keep reading to find out which one is most suited to you.
Which is the Best Makita 18V Reciprocating Saw?
Sometimes cordless power tools fall into the “ruthless power” category. These are the types of tools where we don’t need or expect any finesse, we just need a tool that’ll blast through the job in front of us reliably and dependable.
Reciprocating (sabre) saws probably fall squarely into that category. Ideal for rough demolition work such as cutting out windows or door frames, packing a cordless tool of this sort in your kit makes a lot of sense.
In this guide, we’ll look at what Makita has on the market in 2020 and give you the pointers you need to choose the RIGHT cordless reciprocating saw for you.
Makita DJR186 18V Recip Saw – Shop Here
Squarely in the category of ruthless, cordless power tool sits the DJR186. It’s available body-only, allowing you to save on the price while using the LXT 18V batteries and charger you already own.
In terms of cutting capacities, it offers a very respectable 255mm into wood and 130mm into mild steel via the 32mm stroke length. The motor gives you up to 2,300spm on the variable speed trigger. Changing the blade is quick and easy thanks to the tool-free system, and hand/arm vibration is kept to a safe minimum via the big rubber boot-style grip, which also helps to protect the saw from lumps and bumps while you work.
Watch our demo video on Toolstop TV here:
18V Makita Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Makita DJR187 18V Recip Saw – Shop Here
While offering you the raw grunt you need from your cordless recip saw, the DJR187 adds a little finesse into the mix due to its brushless motor. Weighing just 3.7kg as a result, and offering longer runtimes per battery, this is perhaps a nimbler recip saw in the hand.
The same rubber grip is in place, as is the tool-free, “drop-in” style blade change found on the DJR186. But the addition of a joist hook and a lock-off lever on the shoe gives you more flexibility while you work.
Whether it’s the ability to hang the saw on the scaffolding or on a joist, or set the angle and depth of the cut, the DJR187 does it all. In addition, you’ve got more control over the aggressiveness of the cut due to the electronic 2-speed selector, allowing you to choose a low speed of 0-2,300spm or crank it up in high speed with 0-3,000spm.
Cutting capacities and stroke length are identical to the DJR186. Watch our demo video on Toolstop TV here:
Makita Reciprocating Saw 18V Comparison
Makita DJR360 Recip Saw – Shop Here
And finally, for that all-day runtime, how about Makita’s 36V recip saw? Powered by two 18V LXT batteries running in tandem, once again we have a brushless motor providing 32mm of stroke length. The cutting capacities are identical to the DJR186 and DJR187, and like the DJR187 it includes a joist hook and the ability to adjust the length of the stroke.
The two-speed electronic speed selector is also present, giving you the choice between working at high and low speeds, adjusting the strokes per minute via the variable speed trigger accordingly.
Watch our demo on Toolstop TV here:
All of these recip saw are compatible with Makita BL1830, BL1840 and BL1850batteries. Finally, if these offer a bit too much grunt for you, take a look at our guide to Makita’s 10.8V CXT battery powered version here.
What do you use your recip saw for?