{"id":1259,"date":"2021-10-29T13:07:14","date_gmt":"2021-10-29T17:07:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/?p=1259"},"modified":"2022-04-01T16:14:58","modified_gmt":"2022-04-01T20:14:58","slug":"reciprocating-saw-vs-circular-saw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/reciprocating-saw-vs-circular-saw\/","title":{"rendered":"Reciprocating Saw vs Circular Saw"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to the most versatile tool to have around the house, job site, or DIY project, you\u2019ll have a tough time choosing between the reciprocating saw vs the circular saw. Without a doubt, both powered saws have their place in your arsenal, and each one comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses.<!--more--><\/p>\n<p>A circular saw gives you the ability to make precise rip and crosscuts in a variety of materials while remaining portable enough to take with you nearly anywhere. It\u2019s the ideal saw for most woodworking and DIY projects, striking the right balance between functionality, ease of use, and portability.<\/p>\n<p>If the circular saw is the Swiss army knife of powered saws, then the reciprocating saw is more like the crowbar. It\u2019s ideally suited for demolition, yard work, and renovation projects that need power and speed but don\u2019t require precision cutting.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a lot more to both these saws than that, so let\u2019s take a closer look at the differences between them, as well as which tasks each is best suited for.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_61 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Jump To:<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662de75f6b07c\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-662de75f6b07c\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/reciprocating-saw-vs-circular-saw\/#Reciprocating_Saw_vs_Circular_Saw_%E2%80%93_Basics\" title=\"Reciprocating Saw vs Circular Saw \u2013 Basics \">Reciprocating Saw vs Circular Saw \u2013 Basics <\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/reciprocating-saw-vs-circular-saw\/#Reciprocating_Saw\" title=\"Reciprocating Saw\">Reciprocating Saw<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/reciprocating-saw-vs-circular-saw\/#Circular_Saw\" title=\"Circular Saw \">Circular Saw <\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/reciprocating-saw-vs-circular-saw\/#So_What_are_the_Differences\" title=\"So What are the Differences?\">So What are the Differences?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/reciprocating-saw-vs-circular-saw\/#Blades\" title=\"Blades\">Blades<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/reciprocating-saw-vs-circular-saw\/#Cutting_Capability\" title=\"Cutting Capability \">Cutting Capability <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/reciprocating-saw-vs-circular-saw\/#Usage\" title=\"Usage \">Usage <\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/reciprocating-saw-vs-circular-saw\/#Which_Saw_Should_you_Choose\" title=\"Which Saw Should you Choose?\">Which Saw Should you Choose?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reciprocating_Saw_vs_Circular_Saw_%E2%80%93_Basics\"><\/span><strong>Reciprocating Saw vs Circular Saw \u2013 Basics <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Before we can evaluate the differences between these two saws, it makes sense to take a quick look at each saw in more detail.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reciprocating_Saw\"><\/span><strong>Reciprocating Saw<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A reciprocating saw (sometimes called a <a href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/hackzall-vs-sawzall\/\"><em>Sawzall<\/em><\/a>) is a powered saw which uses a push-and-pull \u201creciprocating\u201d cutting motion to cut through a given material. It accomplishes this using an exposed knife-like blade which makes cutting in tight spaces more practical than other saw types.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1266\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1266\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1266 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/reciprocating-saw-cutting-lumber-e1635526914966.jpg?resize=800%2C514&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"reciprocating saw\" width=\"800\" height=\"514\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/reciprocating-saw-cutting-lumber-e1635526914966.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/reciprocating-saw-cutting-lumber-e1635526914966.jpg?resize=300%2C193&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/reciprocating-saw-cutting-lumber-e1635526914966.jpg?resize=768%2C493&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1266\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Reciprocating saw in action. [<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/toolstop\/4887722246\/in\/photolist-8rURxd-4StKVS-8rRLkV-8rURvS-8rURKs-8rRLtt-8rURLU-2kLKZE9-2iBDQg7-9Kyw8t-nmgiWh-nkWN68-2iRMDmf-nmdN3e-2kF8h84-nmdPGM-nnZxLR-nnZg2D-nmgcy7-nme1Ki-nmdHGR-nmep8K-nmgbrs-2kF8hpm-8rRLnM-8rURAG-8rURym-4StKWm-bQuFzv-9HYcG1-PZAJ2X-nkWS37-nkWvDS-C7Gp5m-L8mTAX-5gPVrU-xkaMk-23D4e3D-abZ97Y-9NMcgk-9NPZK5-GZB8JZ-2dMgwPj-SVY7wc-o5tCHu-c9NLzJ-9DmMkj-6TjzZC-J15zcn-4cawD\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source<\/a>]<\/figcaption><\/figure>Because reciprocating saws don\u2019t feature any blade guard they are useful for getting into constricted spaces and can make cuts that other saw types can\u2019t reach. Think of pruning trees, making cuts around windows, or in confined spaces while working on plumbing.<\/p>\n<p>The design of the saw makes it easy to hold overhead or while standing on a ladder, allowing you to make cuts that would be difficult or unsafe with a circular saw.<\/p>\n<p>Changing the blade type on a reciprocating saw allows you to rapidly change its functionality, so you can swap from a wood cutting blade to a metal cutting blade in a matter of seconds.<\/p>\n<p>When it comes to making precise cuts, reciprocating saws lack the smooth operation needed to accomplish this. They are more geared towards quickly <a href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-use-a-reciprocating-saw\/\">cutting through a variety of rough materials<\/a>, similar to what you would find on a demolition site.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Circular_Saw\"><\/span><strong>Circular Saw <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A circular saw is a powered saw that uses a toothed disc blade to cut through various materials using a rotary motion spinning around an arbor. Typically when we refer to a \u2018circular saw\u2019, we are referring to the portable hand-held variety, although technically speaking miter saws and table saws are also types of circular saws.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1264 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/circular-saw.jpg?resize=800%2C450&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"circular saw cutting lumber\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/circular-saw.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/circular-saw.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/circular-saw.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Circular saws are highly versatile, allowing you to <a href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-make-a-plunge-cut-with-a-circular-saw\/\">make plunge cuts<\/a>, rip cuts, and crosscuts in an accurate and efficient manner. This makes them ideal saws for DIY and woodworking projects, where precision and versatility are important.<\/p>\n<p>The other outstanding feature of circular saws is their portability. While miter saws and table saws can be used for many of the same cutting tasks, none offer the level of portability and simplicity as the circular saw.<\/p>\n<p>Circular saws can also be used to make mitered or beveled cuts, so they can be used for more complex, intricate tasks like fine carpentry work.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"So_What_are_the_Differences\"><\/span><strong>So What are the Differences?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Now that you have a basic understanding of these two saws, let\u2019s take a closer look at some of the differences between the two.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Blades\"><\/span><strong>Blades<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>As you can easily spot by glancing at them, each saw has significantly different blade types.<\/p>\n<p>Reciprocating saws feature flat knife-like blades that can cut through a variety of materials, including wood, metal, PVC, and wood embedded with nails. These blades are typically cheap and disposable and are not indented for precision cutting.<\/p>\n<p>Circular saw blades are disc-shaped blades built for precision cutting. Unlike reciprocating saw blades, these blades are typically designed for cutting a specific material and aren\u2019t made for rough-cutting.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cutting_Capability\"><\/span><strong>Cutting Capability <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you were to use both saws for the same cutting task, you\u2019d quickly notice the distinctions between their cutting capabilities.<\/p>\n<p>Reciprocating saws are able to rapidly cut through materials but sacrifice the ability to make precision cuts. The back-and-forth cutting motion is great at hacking its way through tough materials, but cannot cut a flush edge no matter how hard you try.<\/p>\n<p>Conversely, a circular saw will cut through the same material slower while leaving a smooth finished edge. You\u2019ll be limited to a smaller <a href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-adjust-height-circular-saw\/\">cutting depth<\/a> with a circular saw, so deep cutting isn\u2019t really possible.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Usage\"><\/span><strong>Usage <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When it comes to practical usage, there are a few things to be aware of when comparing these two saws.<\/p>\n<p>Cutting with a reciprocating saw is a bit like trying to ride a wild horse. It will kick back on you eventually, and you should be prepared for this before you start cutting anything. Always use both hands when making a cut, and keep the saw braced whenever possible.<\/p>\n<p>On the flip side, using a circular saw has a lot more refined feel, and the risk of kickbacks is significantly less. You should still use both hands whenever cutting with a circular saw.<\/p>\n<p>If you spend significant time using a reciprocating saw, you\u2019ll probably run into issues with the blades bending. Because these blades are thin and meant to be flexible, they have a tendency to bend when the saw kicks back significantly.<\/p>\n<p>Luckily, you can fix this easily by bending or hammering them flat.<\/p>\n<p>Lastly, because reciprocating saws don\u2019t have any type of blade guard, they can be hazardous if you\u2019re not prepared. \u00a0Circular saws typically feature a spring-loaded retracting blade guard, which automatically shields the blade when you finish making a cut.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Saw_Should_you_Choose\"><\/span><strong>Which Saw Should you Choose?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Now for the million-dollar question \u2013 reciprocating saw vs circular saw \u2013 which saw should you choose?<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_1268\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1268\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1268 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/circular-saw-vs-reciprocating-saw.jpg?resize=800%2C486&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"circular saw and reciprocating saw \" width=\"800\" height=\"486\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/circular-saw-vs-reciprocating-saw.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/circular-saw-vs-reciprocating-saw.jpg?resize=300%2C182&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/homeimprovementscout.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/circular-saw-vs-reciprocating-saw.jpg?resize=768%2C467&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-1268\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Both the circular saw and the reciprocating saw deserve thier spot in your arsenal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In my opinion, both a reciprocating saw and a circular saw deserve a place in your workshop. Each saw is so distinct that they don\u2019t have much overlap between them.<\/p>\n<p>For woodworking and DIY projects, a circular saw offers more precision and versatility. It\u2019ll give you the ability to make rip, crosscut, and plunge cuts in a variety of materials.<\/p>\n<p>For demolition and renovation projects, nothing comes close to a good reciprocating saw. It gives you the ability to quickly saw through just about any material, and its long thin blades can make cuts that would be impossible with other saw types.<\/p>\n<p>There are also some jobs that will benefit from having both saws, like cutting through 6&#215;6 posts or <a href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/how-to-make-a-half-lap-joint\/\">making half-lap joints<\/a> in 4x4s.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When it comes to the most versatile tool to have around the house, job site, or DIY project, you\u2019ll have a tough time choosing between the reciprocating saw vs the circular saw. Without a doubt, both powered saws have their place in your arsenal, and each one comes with its own set of strengths and &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"Reciprocating Saw vs Circular Saw\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/homeimprovementscout.com\/reciprocating-saw-vs-circular-saw\/#more-1259\" aria-label=\"More on Reciprocating Saw vs Circular Saw\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1262,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Reciprocating Saw vs Circular Saw - Home Improvement Scout<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"When it comes to the most versatile tool to have around the house, job site, or DIY project, you\u2019ll have a tough time choosing between the reciprocating saw vs the circular saw. 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(3 Simple Methods)","author":"Denis Gardner","date":"November 29, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"A half lap joint may not be the prettiest joint in woodworking, but that doesn\u2019t make it any less useful. These simple overlapping joints are extraordinarily strong in their ability to resist shearing forces, making them useful for all manner of interior and exterior applications. 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