15 · Power Tools

Sawzall

Also called Reciprocating saw · Recip saw · Demo saw

A powerful back-and-forth saw that cuts wood, metal, pipe, drywall and more — the demolition workhorse.

Electric (corded)

Overview

A reciprocating saw — a Sawzall, after the Milwaukee name — drives a straight blade back and forth. It cuts roughly and fast, in places where nothing with a round blade would fit.

Demolition and tear-out, cutting nails, bolts and pipe, cutting openings in walls and floors, and pruning branches.

The blade is the tool: coarse with fewer teeth for wood, fine with more teeth for metal. The wrong one either skates across the surface or clogs solid.

Keep the shoe pressed firmly against the work. Blades bend and snap because the saw was allowed to bounce, not because the material was too hard.

Best uses

Demolition and tear-out
Cutting nails, bolts and pipe
Cutting openings in walls and floors
Pruning branches

Troubleshooting

Find a symptom

Blades bending or snapping

Checks to try, in order

Keep the shoe against the work.
Don't twist or lever the saw in the cut.
Match the blade to the material.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Blade won't release

Checks to try, in order

Unplug, then rotate or lift the blade clamp lever fully while pulling the blade out.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Tool won't switch onShared · Electric (corded)

Likely causes

Tripped GFCI or breaker
Lock-off button
Damaged cord
Dead outlet

Checks to try, in order

Check the outlet works and reset any GFCI / RCD that has tripped.
Release the lock-off button or safety switch before squeezing the trigger.
Inspect the cord and extension lead for cuts, crushed sections or damaged plugs.
If running from a generator, make sure it's running and its breaker hasn't tripped.

A damaged cord or plug means the tool is out of service. Tag it and return it — never tape a cord.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Keeps tripping the breakerShared · Electric (corded)

Likely causes

Circuit overloaded
Undersized extension cord
Blunt accessory

Checks to try, in order

Plug into a circuit with nothing else heavy running on it.
Use a shorter, heavier extension cord. Long, thin cords starve the motor and trip breakers.
Don't force the tool — a dull bit, blade or disc makes the motor draw more current.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Overheating, burning smell or heavy sparkingShared · Electric (corded)

Checks to try, in order

Stop and unplug the tool.
Check the motor vents aren't blocked with dust.
Let it cool, fit a sharp accessory and let the tool's weight do the work.

Heavy sparking from the vents or a burning smell that returns points to worn brushes or a failing motor — workshop only.

Reference draft — always follow the manufacturer’s manual.

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Safety

For electric (corded)

Inspect the cord and plug before every use. Use a GFCI/RCD outdoors or near water.
Unplug before changing blades, bits, discs or pads.
Wear eye protection, and a dust mask when cutting, grinding or sanding masonry.