A reciprocating saw is one power tool that everyone should own or have access to. It's a reliable helping hand for people of every skill level providing the average homeowner to the gung ho craftsman with the ability to cut or demolish everything from backyard branches to industrial metals. It's not always easy to know which recipro saw is best for you and your needs, here however, are a few quick steps to help you define your search for the ultimate reciprocating saw.

Consider what you plan to do with the tool. It's always wise to allow your degree and type of use to determine the tool that will best suit you. If you use the tool rarely and only to trim your hedges or for other small maintenance operations, you likely don't need a too extravagant saw, however, if you find yourself always cutting branches or demolishing other household spoils for disposal you probably require a more industrial tool. For heavy-users and tradesman cutting through everything from thick studs to metal pipes, you'll certainly want a recipro saw with a bit of gusto behind it.

Determine your preference between a cordless and a corded saw. Being free to roam where ever you might go, a cordless power tool offers substantially more mobility; this is especially helpful in a recipro saw where much of its use occurs in the great outdoors. Corded tools, on the other hand, have a constant stream of high power without relying on a battery. They also tend to be a bit lighter. With the constant improvement in battery technology, however, this weight difference is becoming more and more negligible. In the end, it's more a choice of preference - I tend to gravitate towards cordless in the reciprocating world.

Preferring one brand to another can help you drastically reduce your option pool. However, before you jump at the first brand you recognize, or, perhaps even one you know well, you should do a bit of cross-comparing to ensure you are getting exactly what you need at a price you can stomach. It's important to note that not all tools are built alike and each manufacturer usually has something they do best. For the most exceptional recipro saws, I always look to Milwaukee and Makita.

To make sure you don't spend too much (or too little), be sure to set a budget. Being familiar with pricing and with your own price range helps ensure you make the best investment. It's also important to keep in mind that an inexpensive saw is usually inexpensively made and might not be worth your hard earned money. Similarly, an expensive tool is usually so for being meticulously manufactured.

You should also consider the importance of a good warranty. Ensuring you're investing in a quality, trusted product, having a good warranty is a great thing to keep in your tool box. Most industrial brands include a one year warranty on corded tools, around three years on cordless tools, and one year on batteries and chargers.

If possible, it's also good to hold and tinker a bit with a recipro saw before you make your purchase. Of course, this isn't always a possibility, and that's okay, it just helps ensure the tool feels good in your hands and comfortable under your operation. Like reaching for your most comfortable pair of jeans, it's always important to find a good, comfortable fit in a power tool; having a good fit with your tool is, in my opinion, nearly as important as wearing the right prescription.

In the long run, finding the best tool is a bit of a process, but it's one you certainly won't regret undertaking. The right recipro saw is out there for you somewhere and with a bit of homework, it's as good as in your capable hands.