Imagine you need to cut a curved line in wood for a craft project, or maybe you need to make a quick hole in a countertop. What tool comes to mind? For many, it’s the jig saw. But what if you didn’t have to be tethered to a wall outlet? That’s where the magic of a cordless jig saw comes in!
Choosing a cordless jig saw can feel like navigating a maze. There are so many brands, battery types, and features to consider. Will it have enough power for your projects? Is the battery life good enough? These questions can make even experienced DIYers pause. But don’t let the choices overwhelm you. A good cordless jig saw can be a real game-changer for your toolbox, giving you freedom and flexibility.
In this post, we’re going to cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes a cordless jig saw great and help you understand the key things to look for. By the end, you’ll feel more confident about picking the perfect one for your needs, so you can get started on your projects with power and precision. Let’s dive in and see what makes these tools so handy!
Our Top 5 Cordless Jig Saw Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* POWERCONNECT Cordless Jig Saw (BDCJS20C) | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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SEESII Cordless Jig Saw 21V | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Jig Saw (Tool Only) 18 VOLT | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Cordless Jig Saw Detailed Reviews
1. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw
Rating: 9.0/10
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw is a powerful and versatile tool for any DIYer or professional. It’s cordless, meaning you can take it anywhere. This saw has a brushless motor that makes it work better and last longer. It’s also small and easy to hold, giving you great control. You can easily see your cutting line thanks to the bright LED light. Changing blades is super fast with the all-metal, keyless blade change. It even blows dust away as you cut!
What We Like:
- The brushless motor makes it efficient and gives you more runtime.
- Its compact size makes it easy to grip and control.
- A bright LED light helps you see clearly when working in dim areas.
- You can change the speed with a trigger and dial for precise cuts.
- Changing T-shank blades is quick and easy with the all-metal, lever-action system.
- The integrated dust blower keeps your cutting line clear.
- Four orbital settings let you control how the cut looks and how fast it goes.
- The all-metal shoe bevels easily with stops at common angles.
- A no-mar shoe cover protects your work surface from scratches.
- It accepts T-shank blades for strong holding and professional results.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a “bare tool only” purchase, meaning you’ll need to buy the battery and charger separately.
- The dust blower is helpful, but it won’t catch all the dust.
This DEWALT jig saw offers excellent performance and user-friendly features for a variety of cutting tasks. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable cordless jigsaw.
2. DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw
Rating: 8.7/10
The DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw (DCS331B) is a powerful and versatile tool for any DIYer or professional. It’s designed to make your cutting jobs easier and more precise. This saw can handle a variety of materials, from wood to metal, making it a go-to for many projects.
What We Like:
- Changing the blade is super fast and simple thanks to the all-metal, lever-action, keyless blade change.
- You can easily cut at different angles with the all-metal shoe bevel, which locks securely at 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees.
- The 4-position orbital action lets you control how the saw cuts, giving you more power or a smoother finish.
- An adjustable dust blower keeps your cutting line clear of sawdust, so you can see exactly where you’re cutting.
- The variable speed control, from 0 to 3,000 cuts per minute, means you can cut different materials at the right speed.
- The anti-slip comfort grip makes the saw feel good in your hand and gives you better control.
- It accepts T-shank jig saw blades, which hold on tighter for better results.
What Could Be Improved:
- This model is sold as “Tool Only,” meaning you need to buy the battery and charger separately.
- While versatile, some users might prefer a model with a built-in LED light to illuminate the cutting area.
Overall, the DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw is a robust and user-friendly tool that offers excellent performance for a wide range of cutting tasks.
3. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* POWERCONNECT Cordless Jig Saw (BDCJS20C)
Rating: 9.3/10
The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* POWERCONNECT Cordless Jig Saw (BDCJS20C) is a handy tool for many projects. It lets you cut different shapes and is easy to control. This jig saw is great for both beginners and people who have used tools before.
What We Like:
- It’s super versatile, letting you make straight, curved, and angled cuts. You can even do detailed work with it.
- The variable-speed trigger gives you great control over how fast you cut, up to 2,500 rpm.
- Changing blades is a breeze thanks to the tool-free system. It works with both U and T shank blades.
- You can easily make angled cuts in both directions with the 45-degree bevel shoe.
- The wire guard keeps your view clear, so you can make precise cuts.
- A built-in dust blower keeps your work area clean, making it easier to see what you’re doing.
- It’s part of the POWERCONNECT battery system, meaning one battery can power many BLACK+DECKER tools.
- The package includes everything you need to get started: the jig saw, one blade, a battery, and a charger.
What Could Be Improved:
- While powerful, it might not be the best choice for very tough or heavy-duty cutting jobs that require a lot of power.
- For extended projects, having only one battery might mean you need to wait for it to recharge.
This jig saw is a solid choice for DIYers. It offers good control and features that make cutting easier.
4. SEESII Cordless Jig Saw 21V
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the SEESII Cordless Jig Saw 21V, your new best friend for all your cutting projects. This electric jigsaw is powerful and easy to use. It comes with two batteries, so you can work longer. You can cut wood, plastic, and even metal with the included blades. It’s perfect for both beginners and experienced DIYers.
What We Like:
- Cordless freedom means you can cut anywhere.
- Comes with 9 different blades for various materials.
- Variable speed and orbital settings give you control for straight and curved cuts.
- The LED light helps you see your cutting line clearly.
- Quick blade changes save you time and hassle.
- Easily adjust the base for bevel cuts up to 45 degrees.
- It’s lightweight and powerful, making it great for all your tasks.
- The complete kit includes everything you need to start working right away.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 2.0Ah batteries might require frequent charging for very long projects.
- While versatile, it might not be the most powerful option for extremely thick or dense materials.
The SEESII Cordless Jig Saw is a fantastic tool that offers great versatility and ease of use. It’s a reliable choice for anyone looking to tackle DIY projects with confidence.
5. RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Jig Saw (Tool Only) 18 VOLT
Rating: 8.8/10
The RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Jig Saw, model PCL525B in a vibrant green, is your go-to tool for making curved and straight cuts in wood, metal, and plastic. It’s part of the RYOBI ONE+ system, meaning you can use the same battery with many other RYOBI tools. This saw is designed for both beginners and experienced DIYers, offering a good balance of power and control for various projects around the house.
What We Like:
- It has four different orbital settings. This lets you change the saw’s power to fit the job.
- A non-marring shoe is included. This part protects your wood or other materials from scratches.
- The variable speed trigger gives you precise control over how fast the blade cuts.
- You can tilt the base from 0 to 45 degrees in either direction. This makes angled cuts easy to achieve.
- Changing the blade is quick and simple thanks to the tool-free blade release.
- It cuts fast, up to 3,000 strokes per minute (SPM). This means precise and speedy cuts.
- An LED worklight is built in. It lights up your cutting line so you can see better.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a “tool only” purchase, so you’ll need to buy a battery and charger separately if you don’t already own them.
- While good for general use, it might not be powerful enough for very thick or hard materials compared to corded or higher-voltage jigsaws.
Overall, the RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Jig Saw is a versatile and user-friendly tool. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to add a reliable jigsaw to their RYOBI ONE+ collection for home improvement tasks.
Choosing the Best Cordless Jig Saw: Your Guide to Easy Cutting
What is a Cordless Jig Saw?
A cordless jig saw is a power tool that cuts shapes and curves in wood, metal, and plastic. It uses a reciprocating blade that moves up and down quickly. Because it’s cordless, you don’t need to worry about a power cord getting in your way. This makes it great for moving around your project or working in places without outlets.
Key Features to Look For
Power and Speed
- Voltage (V): Higher voltage usually means more power. Look for 18V or 20V for most jobs.
- Variable Speed Control: This lets you adjust how fast the blade moves. It helps you cut different materials smoothly. Some have a dial, others have a trigger you can squeeze lightly or hard.
Cutting Performance
- Orbital Action: This feature makes the blade move forward slightly as it cuts. It helps you cut faster, especially in wood. Some jigs saws have multiple orbital settings.
- Blade Clamp System: A tool-free blade clamp makes changing blades quick and easy. This saves you time and frustration.
Comfort and Control
- Ergonomic Design: A comfortable grip and balanced weight make the saw easier to control and use for longer periods.
- LED Light: A built-in light shines on your cutting line, making it easier to see what you’re doing, especially in dim light.
- Dust Blower/Collection: Some saws blow sawdust away from the cutting line. Others have a port to connect a vacuum cleaner for dust control.
Important Materials
The body of a good cordless jig saw is usually made of strong plastic. This keeps it light but tough. The base plate, which rests on your material, is often metal. This metal plate helps the saw glide smoothly and keeps the cut straight. The blades themselves are made of hardened steel. Different types of steel are used for cutting wood, metal, or tough plastics.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Jig Saw Better?
- Good Battery Life: A battery that lasts a long time means you can finish your project without stopping to recharge.
- Smooth Operation: A jig saw that doesn’t vibrate too much is easier to control and feels better to use.
- Durable Construction: A well-built jig saw will last longer.
What Can Make a Jig Saw Less Good?
- Weak Motor: A motor that struggles with thicker materials will be frustrating.
- Poor Balance: A jig saw that feels awkward or heavy can be hard to handle.
- Cheap Blades: Blades that dull quickly or break easily will slow you down.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who Uses Cordless Jig Saws?
These saws are popular with DIYers, woodworkers, and hobbyists. They are useful for many projects.
What Can You Do With a Cordless Jig Saw?
- Cutting Curves: Make wavy lines or circles in wood for decorative projects.
- Making Shapes: Cut out intricate shapes for signs or crafts.
- Cutting Different Materials: With the right blade, you can cut through plywood, particle board, thin metal, and even some plastics.
- Home Projects: Install flooring, cut holes for sinks, or make repairs around the house.
The ease of use and portability of a cordless jig saw make it a valuable tool for anyone who likes to build or fix things.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a cordless and corded jig saw?
A: The main difference is power source. Cordless saws use batteries, giving you freedom to move. Corded saws need to be plugged into an outlet.
Q: What kind of blades should I use?
A: Blades are made for different materials. Use wood blades for wood, metal blades for metal, and a general-purpose blade for plastics. Always check the blade’s teeth per inch (TPI) for the best cut.
Q: Can I cut straight lines with a jig saw?
A: Yes, but it can be tricky. Using a guide, like a straight edge clamped to your wood, can help you cut straighter lines.
Q: How do I change the blade?
A: Most modern jig saws have a tool-free blade clamp. You usually push a lever or twist a ring to release the old blade and insert the new one.
Q: What does “orbital action” do?
A: Orbital action adds a slight forward movement to the blade’s up-and-down motion. This helps the saw cut faster, especially in wood.
Q: How long do the batteries usually last?
A: Battery life varies by brand, battery size (measured in Amp-hours or Ah), and how hard you’re using the saw. A good battery might last 30 minutes to over an hour of continuous use.
Q: Is a cordless jig saw good for beginners?
A: Yes, they are generally user-friendly. The lack of a cord makes them safer and easier to manage for those new to power tools.
Q: What is the most important safety tip?
A: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from sawdust and debris. Also, keep your fingers away from the blade.
Q: Can I use a jig saw to cut metal?
A: Yes, but you need to use a blade specifically designed for metal and often at a slower speed setting.
Q: How much do cordless jig saws typically cost?
A: Prices can range from about $50 for basic models to over $200 for professional-grade saws with advanced features and multiple batteries.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!