12 Best Reciprocating Saws for Demolition (October 2026)

If you have ever taken a wall apart, pulled a pallet apart, or cut through a stud that had a hidden nail inside it, you already know the one tool that makes that work bearable. The best reciprocating saws for demolition are the machines built for exactly that job: a fast push-pull stroke, a shoe that stays planted against lumber, and enough control to keep the blade from binding when it hits something you could not see.

Demolition is different from finish carpentry. You are not chasing a clean line, you are trying to remove material fast without destroying the saw, your arm, or the structure you still need standing. That changes what matters in a saw. Stroke length decides how much material goes per pass. Strokes per minute decide how fast it comes apart. Vibration control decides whether you can still feel your fingers after the third hour of overhead work.

We spent 2026 putting twelve of the strongest reciprocating saws on the market through the same questions, mixing corded and cordless models across the DEWALT, Makita, Milwaukee, SKIL, BLACK+DECKER, CRAFTSMAN, and RYOBI line-ups. What follows covers every one of them, plus the blade and platform decisions that matter more than the label on the case. If you are still sorting corded against cordless, our cordless versus corded guide covers the same reasoning for another saw family.

Top 3 Picks for the Best Reciprocating Saws for Demolition in 2026

Our top pick is the DEWALT DCS367B, a compact brushless saw with the strongest combination of rating and review volume in this group. One-handed control belongs to the DEWALT ATOMIC DCS369B for overhead and in-cavity work, and the third slot goes to the DEWALT DCS387B, which pairs the same 2,900 SPM output with a 14-inch body that disappears between studs.

Best Reciprocating Saws for Demolition in 2026 at a Glance

All twelve saws below use the same universal 1/2-inch shank, so blade choice stays open no matter which tool you land on. Read the key features column as a quick filter for stroke length, output speed, and how the saw handles blade changes.

1. DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCS367B Review: Our Best Reciprocating Saw for Demolition Overall

This is the saw we keep reaching for on residential demo, and the reason is simple balance. The DCS367B is short enough to work inside a wall cavity and light enough at 5.4 pounds for overhead cuts, yet the brushless motor still moves the blade at up to 2,900 SPM. Nothing about it feels like a compromise pick.

Owners consistently point to the same two things: runtime and the keyless four-position clamp. Owners report the clamp handles swaps without a hex key, which matters when you are changing from a wood blade to a metal blade halfway through a takeout.

Reviewers also like that the pivoting shoe gives the blade more contact points than a fixed shoe, which reduces kickback when the blade finds a nail. That shoe is the difference between a controlled cut and a saw jumping out of your hands.

The spec sheet lists a 1-1/8 inch stroke, which is the middle of the range rather than the top of it. On thick structural lumber you will feel that compared with a 1-1/4 inch saw, and on everything else, from 2x lumber to drywall to pallet stacks, the difference rarely matters.

Why it works well for whole-house teardowns

This is the saw for jobs that move room to room. Because the body is only 14.5 inches long, you can get the whole tool into a stud bay or between joists without fighting the housing. That single dimension unlocks cuts that block bigger saws.

The LED is bright enough to light the cut line inside a dark cavity, and the variable speed trigger lets you feather into a cut instead of hitting full output on the first stroke. Both features are small on paper and large when you are cutting out a bathroom wall in the evening.

Where it falls short

It is a bare tool, so the battery and charger are separate purchases unless you already run the 20V MAX platform. Reviewers who already own 20V MAX packs treat that as a non-issue; first-time buyers should budget for it.

If your work is mostly two-by-twelve lumber or stacked dimensional, look at a 1-1/4 inch stroke model instead. For trim-out, plumbing cutouts, and interior demo, the DCS367B is hard to argue with.

2. DEWALT ATOMIC DCS369B Review: Best Reciprocating Saw for One-Handed Demo

Everything about this saw is arranged around a single idea: letting one hand do the work. At 12.5 inches front to back it is the shortest body in this group, and the balance point sits where your palm naturally wraps the grip.

That makes it the right choice for cutting a branch over your head, slicing drywall in an awkward corner, or making a cut in a space where you physically cannot get two hands on a tool. The included belt hook lets you hang it while you reposition.

Reviewers highlight the tool-free blade release and the pivoting shoe with more contact points than a fixed design. On a light cut that matters more than on a heavy one, because you are controlling the tool with one grip instead of two.

There is a real tradeoff here. The listed weight of 16 ounces understates what the tool feels like with a battery installed, closer to 3 pounds in use, and that extra weight shows up on thick material. Bigger cuts still want two hands.

Best for overhead and single-grip jobs

Ceiling work is where this saw separates itself. A one-handed format means you can hold a piece of scrap in your other hand or steady the cut line, something that is genuinely awkward with a full-size recip saw. The LED also helps in shaded soffits and garage corners.

It also handles the saw-within-a-saw case: cutting the saw off a rotten branch or trimming a stubborn shrub limb without setting anything down. Landscaping and light demo are where owners get the most out of it.

Where it is the wrong choice

The blade can only be installed in one orientation, which means no cutting teeth pointing up on an overhead cut. It is a small limitation, but it is a real one on ladder work.

Heavy structural demolition is out of scope. If your project list includes stacked dimensional lumber, rebar, or thick roofing sandwich, step up to a full-stroke saw like the DCS367B or a 1-1/4 inch model.

3. Makita XRJ04Z Review: Best Long-Stroke Reciprocating Saw for Thick Lumber

The Makita XRJ04Z is the pick when stroke length matters more than weight. At 1-1/4 inches it travels further per pass than the DEWALT models in this group, and on thick dimensional lumber that translates into fewer passes and a faster bite through the material.

Output tops out at 2,800 SPM, slightly below the brushless saws here, but the longer stroke compensates on wood. On metal, the higher tooth-count blades do more of the work anyway.

Owners committed to the 18V LXT platform rate the tool-less blade change as a real productivity gain. The rubber-overmold grip also earns mentions, particularly on longer sessions, where grip texture is what stops blisters.

At 8.3 pounds with a battery, this is a two-handed saw in every practical sense. That is fine for a ground-level framing cut and less fine for ceiling work or one-handed plumbing cutouts.

Why this is the framing saw to beat on thickness

Stroke length is the number that decides whether a saw feels like it is chewing or bulldozing through a 2×12. A longer stroke pulls more teeth through the cut per cycle, and that is why contractors working on old framing often choose it despite the weight.

Old houses also mean nail-embedded lumber, which is where blade quality and stroke length work together. This saw has the push to drive a demolition blade through a joist full of hidden fasteners without stalling.

Where it is not the answer

The motor is brushed, so it makes more heat and noise under sustained load than the brushless alternatives here. If you are running the saw continuously for hours, a brushless model will stay cooler and last longer.

Weight is the second limit. For overhead work, single-grip control, or cuts in a cavity where you need to reposition constantly, a compact saw serves you better.

4. Makita XRJ05Z Review: Best Brushless Makita for Fast Material Removal

The XRJ05Z is the brushless version of the Makita above, and the difference shows up under load. Two speeds, 0-2,300 on low and 3,000 on high, let you set the tool up for fine work or push it into full demolition output.

It keeps the 1-1/4 inch stroke, so nothing is lost in cutting aggression. What you gain is efficiency: more cutting per battery charge and less heat build-up on long takeouts.

Owners mention the included 6 inch 6TPI blade as a nice touch, since most bare tools arrive without one. That blade handles the wood and nail-embedded lumber you will hit first on a demo job, so you can start cutting immediately.

The body is 17-1/4 inches long, which is shorter than the XRJ04Z. That is useful in tight spots even though the saw still weighs in around 8 pounds with a battery.

Where the two-speed range pays off

Low speed is not a decorative setting. Starting a cut at 2,300 SPM keeps the blade from walking when the teeth land on metal or a nail head, and high speed clears the cut once you are through the surface.

That range makes one saw cover more job types. Plumbing cutouts in wall cavities, framing removal in the open, and sheet metal teardowns all benefit from having a controlled low range rather than a single fixed speed.

Where it falls short

It is a bare tool, so plan on batteries and a charger if you are not already on the 18V LXT platform. Buyers who already own LXT packs will find the whole decision much simpler.

Be careful with the published box dimensions, which are listed generously. Judge the size by the 17-1/4 inch tool length instead, since that is what determines whether it fits your work area.

5. Milwaukee 2625-20 Hackzall Review: Best for Overhead Work and Tight Cuts

The Milwaukee Hackzall is the compact one-handed entry in the M18 line, and it earns its place for overhead and in-wall work. At 4 pounds and 13.39 inches long, it is easy to hold up with a single hand while the other hand steadies the material.

The anti-vibration handle is the feature owners mention most. On a ceiling demo where you are holding your arm above your head, cutting vibration out of the tool has a direct effect on how long you can work before your forearm gives out.

The QUIK-LOK clamp takes Sawzall and Hackzall blades and swaps them without tools. On a job where you move from wood to drywall to a metal stud, that is the difference between keeping momentum and stopping to find a hex key.

It works with both M18 XC high capacity packs and the smaller M18 compact batteries. That flexibility matters for overhead work, where a lighter pack is easier on the shoulder than maximum capacity.

Why the anti-vibration handle matters on ceiling work

Vibration fatigue is cumulative and mostly invisible until it lands. Cut for four hours with a heavy saw above your head and your grip strength drops long before you notice anything else. Dampening systems exist to slow that decline.

The on-board LED also removes a common complaint about cavity work. When the cut line sits in shadow behind a stud, you can see the tooth entry point instead of guessing, and you avoid kicking the saw off center.

Where it is the wrong pick

Shorter stroke and a smaller body limit it on thick structural lumber compared with a full-size Sawzall. This is a trim, overhead, and plumbing saw rather than a framing-buster.

It is also a bare tool. The 5 year tool warranty is the strongest in this group, which tells you something about how the brand expects it to be used and abused.

6. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2821-20 Review: Best for Structural Demolition

The 2821-20 is the M18 answer for full structural work, and its 3,000 SPM brushless motor is built for sustained demolition rather than intermittent repair cuts. That combination of stroke rate and efficiency is what makes it a full-day tool.

Owners consistently report that it cuts through a range of demo material without bogging down. On nail-embedded lumber, stacked dimensional, and roofing sandwich, the extra output translates directly into less time per cut.

The lever-actuated blade clamp is worth calling out. Pull the lever, drop the blade, push the lever. On a teardown where you change blades dozens of times, a clamp that does not fight you changes the whole pace of the job.

The metal reinforced battery connection is a durability detail you notice over years, not days. It improves retention of the battery connection over the life of the tool, which matters when the same saw is used every week.

Why brushless output changes the pace of a teardown

Brushed motors make heat, and heat is the enemy of long sessions. A brushless motor runs cooler and more efficiently, so the saw holds its speed longer in hard material instead of slowing as the internal temperature climbs.

That stability is what lets you keep the trigger down through a joist rather than pulsing. For anyone cutting framing all day, consistency beats peak numbers.

Where it falls short

It is a bare tool. Anyone already running M18 packs is in the ideal position, while first-time buyers need to account for the platform before committing.

One published spec figure for this listing overstates the electrical rating, so ignore the wattage number entirely. The useful numbers are the 3,000 SPM output and the FUEL brushless motor designation.

7. SKIL 13 Amp SPT44A-00 Review: Best Corded Reciprocating Saw for Low Vibration

If you are tearing out a whole building with a cord running to the panel, the corded category still has a place, and this is the strongest corded option here. The 13 amp motor is the higher-amp of the two corded saws in this group and gives you power without a battery in sight.

BUZZKILL is the headline feature. SKIL claims it suppresses vibration up to 35 percent better than competing saws, and owners single it out as the reason they replaced noisier older saws.

The variable speed trigger lets you control speed for specialized materials, and the oversize trigger is usable in several positions. Both matter when you are cutting in an awkward orientation rather than standing square to the work.

There is no runtime ceiling. Some trades run corded saws all day because a battery that dies mid-teardown costs more time than the cord saves.

Why vibration control is a real feature, not marketing

Hand-arm vibration is cumulative. It shows up as tingling fingers, then numbness, and it is the reason experienced demo crews trade saws upward rather than buying blades. A dampening system slows that decline noticeably over a full day.

For plumbing and electrical cutouts, where the saw runs constantly at arm height, this is arguably the most valuable feature in the whole package.

Where it gets in the way

Nine pounds is heavy. Overhead and single-grip work on this saw is tiring, and a lighter compact saw serves those tasks better with less strain.

The blade lock does not stay open for one-handed changes, which can be awkward with sweaty gloves or bare hands. The 1 year limited warranty is also among the shortest here, worth factoring in for a tool that will see hard use.

8. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX BDCR20C Review: Best Value Reciprocating Saw Kit for Demolition

The BDCR20C is the starter kit option here, and the practical advantage is obvious: the saw, a blade, a battery, and a charger all arrive together. No platform math, no second purchase, no waiting on a battery to charge before your first cut.

At 4.5 pounds with a 15.62 inch body, it handles interior demo comfortably. The tool-free blade change and pivoting shoe cover the two features that matter most on small teardowns.

Owners bought this as a value purchase and rate it accordingly, with a large review base and a slightly lower average than the brushless saws here. The five-star share is also lower, which is a fair signal that durability takes a back seat to price.

For weekend demos, rental cleanouts, and a first home renovation, it does the job. Occasional users get more than enough capability from it.

Why a complete kit changes the decision

Platform lock-in is the hidden cost in cordless tools. If you already own 20V MAX packs, a bare tool is the smarter buy, and the reverse is true if you own nothing at all.

That makes kit pricing a genuine factor for first-time buyers. If you factor in the batteries and charger you would need for a bare tool, the gap between the two options narrows considerably.

Where it falls short

Build quality sits at the entry level. Owners doing heavy continuous demolition report occasional durability concerns, and the ratings reflect that more than the brushless saws.

The 20V MAX lithium platform here is not interchangeable with 18V class tools, so plan your purchases around this one ecosystem. That matters if you are building a whole tool collection over time.

9. SKIL 7.5 Amp 9206-02 Review: Best Budget Corded Saw for Occasional Demo

The 9206-02 is the low-cost entry into corded reciprocating saws, and it punches above the very cheapest tier. A 7.5 amp motor delivers more power than most budget saws in the same bracket, and the heavy-duty metal gear housing takes rough handling well.

The counter balance system reduces vibration and arm strain, which is a bigger deal than it sounds at this level. Owners use it for property clearing, stump work, pipe, and sheet metal.

Tool-less blade change keeps the blade swap simple, and the pivoting foot adds stability on tough material. There is also no battery to manage, which removes an entire category of job-site friction.

Its durability relative to very cheap alternatives is the most common theme in reviews. People who expected a throwaway tool report it still working years later.

Good for occasional demo work and property clearing

If demolition is a weekend activity rather than a career, this is enough saw. The counter balance keeps the vibration tolerable in longer sessions, and the cord never dies at the worst moment.

It suits brush and small tree work as well as lumber, which makes it useful beyond interior teardown if you handle property maintenance.

Where it is limited

Seven and a half amps is a real constraint on thick structural lumber compared with a 13 amp saw. That is where the output gap shows up as a slower cut and more trigger fatigue.

The blade also runs hot during sustained cutting and needs cooling time, the weight makes one-handed control difficult, and the permanently attached cord means a damaged cable requires service rather than a quick swap.

10. RYOBI ONE+ 18V PCL515B Review: Best High-Stroke-Speed Cordless Saw

The RYOBI PCL515B posts the highest stroke rate among the cordless saws here that publish an SPM figure, at 3,400. High stroke rate does not mean high stroke length, but in soft material like pine and drywall it moves a surprising amount of waste per minute.

Weight is the other headline. At 4.24 pounds, this is one of the lightest saws in the group, which makes it a solid pick for overhead work and long sessions.

The ONE+ platform is the real value story. Anyone with Ryobi batteries for other tools can run this saw without buying into a second system, and the range of ONE+ tools makes that ecosystem a genuine consideration.

Owners report it handling multi-day demolition projects without failure, treating it as a dependable occasional-use tool rather than a premium one.

Where stroke rate pays and where stroke length matters more

Stroke rate is how fast the blade moves back and forth. Stroke length is how far it travels each time. High SPM helps with light, fast material removal; long stroke helps with thick, dense material.

That distinction matters when you are choosing a saw. If your demo work is trim-out, drywall, and light lumber, rate is the more useful number.

Where it falls short

At 1 inch, the stroke is among the shortest in this group, so thick structural lumber is a slower cut than the 1-1/8 and 1-1/4 inch models offer.

The trigger pull is stiff, which tires your finger across a long job, and the included blade is small enough that many owners replace it immediately. It also draws high current, so a smaller battery will disappoint.

11. CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCS300B Review: Best for Homeowners Starting Out

The CRAFTSMAN CMCS300B is a sensible first demolition saw for a homeowner who already owns V20 batteries. It is compact at 14.5 inches, has a tool-free blade release, and includes a 6 inch blade so you can start on a project the same day it arrives.

The full variable speed trigger from 0 to 3,000 RPM gives real control across materials. That matters more for a beginner than it does for a pro, because it is how you avoid walking the blade when it lands on a nail head.

Owners describe it as good value for non-professional and light trade work, with several reporting daily pool-service use where the saw lives in a truck and gets used in small increments.

The contoured overmolded rubber handle stays comfortable on longer cuts, and the 3 year limited warranty is longer than several competitors offer at this level.

Why variable speed matters most for beginners

Most saw kickback events come from starting a cut at full speed on a surface with a fastener under it. The variable trigger gives you a slow entry, then power once the blade is seated.

The tool-free blade release also lowers the barrier for someone who has never changed a reciprocating saw blade, which removes a common reason people avoid buying one at all.

Where it will not keep up

Owners are consistent that it is slower than DEWALT and Milwaukee on heavy, continuous demolition. Treat it as a capable remodel saw rather than a teardown saw.

The 1 inch stroke is shorter than the premium models, and the published item weight on the listing is a data error rather than a usable figure. Judge it by the 14.5 inch length instead.

12. DEWALT 20V MAX DCS387B Review: Best Compact Saw Between Studs

The DCS387B is a compact DEWALT with a 1-1/8 inch stroke, and that combination is unusual in a body this short. A 14-inch total length gets between studs, and the longer stroke means each pass still removes real material.

The 4-position blade clamp supports flush cutting, which is exactly what you need when the blade has to sit level with the shoe to get into a tight corner or cut a piece flush with a surface.

Owners value the balance of compact size and cutting power, and they cite the LED, the pivoting shoe, and the clamp as the practical job-site features they notice daily.

The variable trigger runs to 2,900 SPM, matching the brushless DCS367B’s output ceiling. In practice the older brushed platform shows up in heat and noise rather than top-end speed.

Why the 4-position clamp is worth looking for

Blade orientation decides what you can cut. A multi-position clamp lets you install the blade in different rotations so the teeth face the direction you need, and lets you cut flush where a fixed mount would leave the shoe in the way.

Combined with the 14-inch body, it makes this saw a strong pick for in-wall plumbing and electrical cutouts where access is measured in inches.

Where it falls short

This runs on an older brushed motor platform compared with the brushless DCS367B in the same family. It will work, but a brushless saw stays cooler under a long session.

The listed weight is heavier than the compact marketing suggests, around 5 pounds, and it is a bare tool, so the battery and charger sit outside this purchase unless you already run 20V MAX.

Corded vs Cordless Reciprocating Saws for Demolition: How to Decide

The honest answer is that corded saws win on uninterrupted power and cordless saws win on everything else. A 13 amp corded model runs all day at consistent output with no battery to change, and for a crew tearing out a full building near a panel, that predictability is worth real money.

Cordless wins on mobility, overhead access, and single-hand control. There is no extension cord to trip over, no searching for an outlet in a gutted bathroom, and the compact saws here weigh 4 to 5.5 pounds instead of 7 to 9.

The deciding variable for most people is platform, not power. If you already own batteries from one of these ecosystems, that choice is usually made for you. Our battery compatibility guide covers the same platform logic for another tool category.

Choose corded when the work stays near power

Kitchen gut-outs, basement demos, and shop work with an outlet nearby are all reasonable corded territory. The saws in this group run cool under sustained load because there is no battery limiting the duty cycle.

Just account for the cord. A permanently attached cable that gets cut means a service visit, so keep the saw away from areas where you are cutting metal all day.

Choose cordless when you move around

Crawl spaces, attic demos, upstairs rooms, and any job without a clean power source go to cordless. The lighter weight and the LED both help in spaces where you are holding the saw at awkward angles.

One warning from owner reports: battery capacity matters more than people expect. Running a small pack on a high-output saw produces short bursts, so budget for higher-capacity packs if you plan long sessions.

Reciprocating Saw Blades for Demolition: A Decision Guide

Every saw in this group uses the same universal 1/2-inch shank, so your blade options do not change when you change saws. What changes is the tooth pattern and the material it is built for.

Nail-embedded lumber

This is the classic demolition cut, and it is where carbide-tipped or bi-metal demolition blades earn their price. A 6 to 9 TPI carbide blade survives fasteners that would snap a plain wood blade, and owners report carbide blades lasting several times longer in this material.

The tradeoff is that carbide is brittle. Owners report snapped carbide teeth when forcing a blade through hardened steel, so use the right blade rather than pushing the wrong one harder.

Structural lumber and demolition timber

A 5 to 7 TPI bi-metal wood blade handles clean lumber and pallets quickly. Add more teeth per inch and you trade speed for a finer finish, which demolition work rarely needs.

For framing teardown, a long demolition blade lets you cut a whole stud bay in one pass rather than three short ones, which is where blade length pairs with stroke length.

Metal pipe, EMT, and rebar

Eighteen TPI is the common answer for thin metal such as EMT and pipe, and 24 TPI suits sheet metal and thin-gauge material where you want a cleaner edge. Both need a metal-rated blade, not a wood blade.

Rebar and other hardened steel is a special case. Most blades will do it eventually, but carbide-tipped metal blades hold an edge far longer in that material. If rebar is more than an occasional surprise, buy the carbide blade first.

Pruning

For pruning, higher tooth counts such as 8 to 10 TPI reduce the chance of tearing bark as the blade exits. A pruning blade cuts cleaner in green wood than a demolition blade, which is built to rip through.

Our pole saw picks for trimming trees cover the larger cutting jobs in that category.

Key Buying Factors for a Demolition Reciprocating Saw

1. Stroke length

Stroke length is how far the blade travels each cycle. A 1-1/8 to 1-1/4 inch stroke covers most framing work well, while 1 inch saws move less material per pass and lean toward trim-out. Longer strokes also help drive a blade through nail-embedded lumber.

2. Strokes per minute

SPM is cutting speed. Cordless saws in this group range from 2,800 to 3,400 SPM at the top end, and corded saws hold steady output without a battery ceiling. More SPM helps with soft material and short passes.

3. Motor type

Brushless motors run cooler, quieter, and more efficiently than brushed motors, which matters on long sessions where heat slows a brushed saw down. If two saws price and spec out similarly, the brushless one is the better buy.

4. Vibration control

Anti-vibration handles and counter balance systems exist because hand-arm vibration accumulates across a day. On overhead or constant-use work, a dampened saw extends how long you can work before fatigue sets in.

5. Blade clamp and shoe

A tool-free or keyless clamp speeds up changes during a takeout, and a multi-position clamp gives you more blade orientations. A pivoting shoe with more contact points than a fixed shoe keeps the saw planted and reduces kickback.

6. Battery platform

The platform decides your long-term cost more than the saw does. M18, 20V MAX, 18V LXT, ONE+, and V20 batteries do not interchange, so choose the ecosystem you can grow into.

7. Weight and balance

Weight matters by task rather than in general. Under 5 pounds suits overhead and one-hand work, while 8 to 9 pounds belongs on ground-level framing where the push force helps you cut.

8. Lighting and handling details

An on-board LED is close to essential for cavity and demo work. A belt or rafter hook, a rubber overmold grip, and a variable speed trigger are smaller details that add up across a long day.

Safety Habits That Matter on Demo Days

Reciprocating saws run loud enough that hearing protection belongs in your kit from the first cut. Sawzalls are among the loudest handheld tools in the shop, and the damage from one unprotected session is permanent.

Check that the blade is fully seated and the clamp is locked before every trigger pull. A loose blade that throws itself out of a cut line is the most common cause of the kickback injuries we hear about, and a two-second check prevents it.

Let the blade do the work. Pushing a saw harder through a fastener dulls teeth and can snap carbide, which is why manufacturers design carbide blades to be fed into the cut rather than forced through it.

Finally, keep both hands on the tool for anything thicker than a branch. The one-handed saws in this group are useful and safe, but the models with a 1-1/8 inch or longer stroke need the second hand for control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: The Best Reciprocating Saws for Demolition in 2026

The DEWALT DCS367B takes our Editor’s Choice for a reason: brushless power, a 1-1/8 inch stroke, and a body short enough for in-wall work, backed by the largest review base in this group. For overhead and one-hand jobs, the DEWALT ATOMIC DCS369B is the right-sized answer, and for structural teardown the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2821-20 or the Makita XRJ05Z give you brushless output without the battery ceiling.

Match the platform before you match the specs, then buy a carbide demolition blade and a bi-metal wood blade in the same afternoon. Whatever saw you choose among these twelve, that pairing does more for demo work than any other single purchase.