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Reciprocating saws are general purpose saws that can be used for a wide range of applications. Typical uses include demolition work, remodelling and even gardening applications such as branch cutting and pruning. These saws can cut a wide variety of materials including wood, metal, plastics, green wood and even ice. There are numerous different names for the reciprocating saw. They are also known as recip saws, shark saws, cut saws, sabre saws and sawzalls.
- Choosing your power source: The first choice is between a mains (110v or 240v) or a cordless tool. 240v tools are used with normal mains power whilst 110v tools are used on construction sites for safety reasons.
- With regards to cordless (battery powered) tools there are a variety of chemical types; Li-ion is the latest technology, prior to that it was Ni-MH and Ni-Cad was the original. The higher the Ah (Ampere hours) the longer the interval between charges; the fewer times you recharge a battery the longer it will last. Some cordless tools can also come without batteries - sometimes referred to as naked, bare units or body only. These tools are supplied without a battery or charger and more often than not without any accessories; as a result they are significantly cheaper in price.
- Most professional recip saws have a variable speed function.
- To also help you decide between reciprocating saw