TikTok Shows Us How DEWALT Reciprocating Saws Stack Up Against Competition
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If you are a fan of doing DIY projects at home, you know that having the right tool on hand is a key part of getting a good result. The right tools increase the efficiency of the person doing the work and make it safer. When you aren't quite sure which tool is perfect for a particular cutting job, though, you may want to opt for versatility over perfection. A power reciprocating saw uses a straight blade that almost resembles a knife blade. It moves back and forth quickly, sawing through all kinds of materials, such as wood, metal, PVC plastic, or masonry, depending on the blade in use. It even works as a tool to remove an established shrub.
A handheld reciprocating saw that runs from a battery is an especially handy tool, as you can take it anywhere. You simply want to ensure you have the proper battery power to handle the work. Comparing different brands of reciprocating saws on your own can be challenging, which is why TikTok user Lees Tool Review put some of them to the test.
The test showed that a SKIL-branded 12V reciprocating saw cut through PVC in about 19.56 seconds versus about 21.86 seconds for a DeWalt 12V reciprocating saw. A Hercules brand needed 30.27 seconds. The video proved that the SKIL brand was a little faster, but the DeWalt tool was a close second.
Is the reciprocating saw comparison in TikTok a good measure of its power?
A reciprocating saw works for a wide range of tasks, including cutting through nails or PVC pipe. Most people want to make cuts fast when using reciprocating saws rather than creating a precise cut for sizing a two-by-four or making furniture. That's why these tools generally work best for demolition work or in areas where the cuts won't be easily seen. Consequently, measuring the effectiveness of these tools by measuring the speed of the cut is an effective option.
In the TikTok video, Lees Tool Review claimed to place a fresh blade in each reciprocating saw model before using it for the test. The video shows a stopwatch in the frame and a person cutting through the 4-inch diameter PVC pipe. Each tool had a weight attached to the front to ensure that the force applied during the cut remained consistent for each test. All three reciprocating saws in the test were cordless 12-volt models that run from a battery. Lees Tool Review held the PVC pipe in place with a clamp to ensure it remained steady throughout the test.
The video is sped up to allow all three tests to fit in a 47-second TikTok segment. However, as long as you take the video's creators at their word, it seems like a legitimate test of cutting speed.
What if I need more power than the DeWalt 12V reciprocating saw provides?
Although the TikTok video focused on 12V reciprocating saws, you do have an option for generating more power with a DeWalt reciprocating saw by selecting a 20V model with a battery included, available for $309 at Home Depot, or a 60V model with a battery included, available for $339 at Home Depot. The 12V model with a battery included costs $189 at Amazon.
Power tools of all brands will generate more power when they have batteries with a greater voltage. The 12V tools have less power than what's found with 20V. As you might suspect, 20V batteries have less run time and power than 60V batteries. So, if you want to boost the cutting speed of your DeWalt reciprocating saw versus what's shown in the TikTok video, you could consider upgrading to a tool with a larger battery.
Ultimately, you may wonder whether DeWalt power tools are worth the price. DeWalt is considered one of the top tool brands when creating products aimed at consumers and professionals. Many DeWalt tools are made in the United States or have materials sourced from the United States. Most DeWalt tools have a limited three-year warranty, so you can trust the longevity, as well as the fact that the company stands behind its products.