How to Buy a Reciprocating Saw as a Gift

This handy tool is ideal for cutting shapes and holes in drywall, wood and plaster, and for cutting pipe. For the do-it-yourselfer, this is an excellent gift that will get a lot of use.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Reciprocating Saw Blades
• Reciprocating Saws

1. Choose a trusted brand. Bosch, Dewalt, Milwaukee and Makita are top-end brands; Skil is a very popular manufacturer.

2. Look for a saw with variable speeds of 0 to 2,000 strokes per minute (spm), and consider one of the cordless types.

3. Expect to pay at least $120 for a good reciprocating saw.

4. Watch for sales. Sears and most large hardware stores will carry reciprocating saws. You can buy one online from the manufacturer or at many places that sell power tools for home use.

5. Ask your salesperson about the store's return policy and available warranties.

6. Compare prices on the Web if you are thinking of buying one online.

7. Allow at least two weeks for delivery if you are buying the product online or mail-ordering it. And if you're considering shipping this tool, remember that it weighs about 8 pounds.

Tips & Warnings

• Suggest that other people shopping for the same recipient buy saw blades to go with the saw. (Blades come in a variety of lengths and thicknesses according to the material to be cut, including pruning blades and ones that cut nails.)
• Stuff a stocking with accessories. Make sure they are compatible with the brand of saw you buy.

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on 11/11/2006 This article is a retailer's ad, disguised as an article.

on 11/22/2005 Stroke length will determine how much a material that is being cut will vibrate (move back and forth as you are cutting it). It will also determine where the blade will wear out the most, shorter the stroke, the shorter the area on the blade that wears out, but it also means you have to move the saw as you cut or get a replacement blade.

on 11/22/2005 They come with a 3/4 inch or 1-1/8 inch or 1-1/4 inch stroke length. I haven't been able to figure out which one is best.

on 11/22/2005 Look for a saw that makes it easy to replace the blade. Many saws out there still use an allen wrench to replace the blade; a model that allows you to change the blade without using a wrench is a lot more user friendly.