In any home renovation project, there’s always a point at which you realize that a good ol’ circular saw isn’t cutting it (pun intended), but neither is breaking out big guns, i.e., a bona fide chainsaw. Welcome to Demolition Gray Area. You’re going to cut through some wood framing, some drywall, possibly a few nails here and there, but you don’t want to rig out major piece of equipment for 10 minutes of work.
Enter the reciprocating saw. It are the Swiss Army knife of demo tools, designed to eat through things that lesser blades will merely gum up on. For consumers, Worx found an entry point against the big guys by offering affordable, often cordless, alternatives at value prices.
Reviewing The Worx Reciprocating Saw Performance
What is a Reciprocating Saw
Greenworks‘ ecosystem is attractive for homeowners doing their own home improvement projects rather then working on a construction crew. However, you get what you pay for when it comes to power, battery life, and durability. How does it holds up to the abuse that’s dished out on a reciprocating saw?
The Worx reciprocating saw is slick looking and comes with a cheaper price tag than most of the competition. So you’re tempted to grab it off the shelf at the big box store before you realize you should of know how it’s going to perform and where it’s going to let you down. To help you decide if this tool belongs in your garage, we’ll examine how it feels to use, the available blade, and the motor performance.
We will see if this tool deserve a home or stays on the shelf. When you pull the trigger, you’ll notice the power output right away. Their higher-end units typically includes a brushless motor, and that’s a good thing for efficiency.
Motor Power and Performance
But battery voltage and amp rating tend to be lower then pro brands like DeWalt or Milwaukee. Why does this matter? Because if the motor is not up to snuff, your saw will bog down on tough materials.
Whether it’s metal conduit or green lumber, you’ll find yourself having to realy push the saw to get the blade moving again. That translate to painful pressure on your wrists. It’s more than enough for drywall demo or some light pruning work.
For big jobs where you’re removing framing, this one will give you trouble. The blade system is also important. Because Worx tools has a common shank design, you can purchase generic and inexpensive blades at most store.
Blade Compatibility and Costs
That’s a big cost savings over time. You do not need to purchase brand-specific parts. You will find multiple tooth configurations available in both wood, metal and masonry.
On the job site, you can change out blades in seconds without searching for this or that brand. It works because it make sense. Most folks want options when it comes to their consumable products.
If opting for the cordless model, battery life become another issue. Greenworks uses proprietary Worx batteries in their line. That’s good if you have an existing collection of Greenworks tools.
Battery Life Limitations
Otherwise, you’re buying into a single ecosystem from scratch. The batteries themselves will also limit what you can do. Cutting through 2x4s requires a lot of juice and will run down much quicker than you think.
Expect to swap out your pack more frequently than expected. It’s not a problem if you are doing quick jobs. But if you’re doing all-day demolition, consider investing in a bigger battery or using a corded option instead.
The price point does make itself known when it comes to durability. Pro tools is designed to withstand all kinds of abuse including getting kicked by a stubborn nail or dropped on concrete. Worx tools are design for that DIY’er working within a controlled environment.
Durability and Build Quality
The plastic housing certainly makes it feel lighter and less tiring to use, but also less durable. Use it like a rent-a-tool on a jobsite and it’ll be beat up. Use it once a year to clean out the ol’ shed and it should lasts a long time.
Know how you’re using it. Is it something you should purchase? For those who own their homes and do some repairs around the house, yes, the Worx reciprocating saw are a good investment.
Who Should Buy This Tool
It’s inexpensive, simple to operate, and will perform well on light- to moderate-duty projects. You’ll also save money in the long run with the ability to swap out common blades. But if you’re a die-hard weekend warrior or a contractor working on large-scale remodeling projects, nope, pass.
A pro line is what you want. Durability and torque are most important here. When you’re up against a deadline, the pain of a motor that stall isn’t worth saving a few bucks upfront.
Get the tool appropriate to your workload, not necessarily your wallet.