Ridgid
Ridgid 18V Brushless Reciprocating Saw R8647
Ridgid's brushless flagship recip pairs the class-leading spec combo of a 1-1/4 in stroke and 3,200 SPM with a switchable orbital mode, and Pro Tool Reviews clocked it cutting a nail-embedded roofing sandwich faster than Milwaukee's comparable saw (9.2/10 review score). Tool-free side-lever blade release, adjustable shoe, LED, and rafter hook are all standard, and Ridgid's Lifetime Service Agreement covers parts and service free with registration. At $169 bare it undercuts most premium-brand recips by $80-$120.
Specifications
Features
Pros
- ✓Class-leading spec sheet — 1-1/4 in stroke at 3,200 SPM is one of the best stroke/speed combos of any 18V recip saw.
- ✓Absolutely shreds wood — beat Milwaukee's comparable model through a nail-embedded roofing sandwich in Pro Tool Reviews' testing (17.4 s vs 20+ s), earning a 9.2/10.
- ✓Orbital/linear selector dial speeds up wood demolition and switches off for clean metal cuts.
- ✓Outstanding value at $169 bare — $80-$120 less than Makita, Bosch, and Milwaukee flagship recips.
- ✓Lifetime Service Agreement: free parts and service for life when registered within 90 days — unique among major brands.
- ✓Owners consistently praise the comfortable grip, easy one-lever tool-free blade changes, and front LED.
- ✓Light for a full-size brushless recip at 6.7-6.8 lbs bare, with an integrated rafter hook for ladder work.
- ✓Compatible with every Ridgid 18V battery ever made; MAX Output packs unlock its full power.
Cons
- ✗No variable speed dial — only the trigger — which makes slow, controlled starts in thick metal harder than on Bosch's flagship.
- ✗PTR found it needed trigger finesse to get carbide-tooth blades started in thick metal — wood is its strong suit, metal merely adequate.
- ✗Some Home Depot reviewers report battery overheating and long-term reliability concerns.
- ✗Needs pricier MAX Output batteries for full performance — older/basic packs blunt its edge.
- ✗Ridgid 18V is effectively a Home Depot exclusive, so battery deals and service options are limited compared to multi-retailer brands.
- ✗Ships with a single wood blade — plan on buying a blade assortment immediately.
- ✗Lifetime Service Agreement requires registration within 90 days and excludes batteries after 3 years — miss the window and coverage drops to the standard warranty.
- ✗No advanced electronics (no kickback control or adaptive speed) that newer 2025-era flagships offer.
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Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall 2821
The Gen 2 M18 Fuel Sawzall, Milwaukee's mainstream cordless recip saw since late 2020. Marketed as the fastest-cutting saw in its class and lighter than the generation it replaced. The 2822 Super Sawzall sits above it for all-day demolition with orbital action.
The only cordless super saw that also runs corded: Metabo HPT's 36V MultiVolt flagship accepts batteries or the ET36A AC adapter for unlimited runtime. In Pro Tool Reviews' February 2026 head-to-head it scored 9.8/10, finishing within hundredths of a second of Milwaukee's M18 Fuel Super Sawzall in wood while posting top-tier vibration scores from its dual-counterweight User Vibration Protection system.