I Tested the One Handed Recip Saw: My Honest Review and Experience

I’ve always been fascinated by tools that combine power and precision in a compact design, and the one handed recip saw is a perfect example of just that. This handy tool has completely changed the way I approach cutting tasks, offering flexibility and control that larger saws simply can’t match. Whether you’re tackling tight spaces or quick demolition jobs, the one handed recip saw brings a level of convenience and efficiency that’s hard to beat. Let me share why this tool has become such an essential part of my kit and why it might just be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.

I Tested The One Handed Recip Saw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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RYOBI 18V ONE+ One-Handed Pruning Reciprocating Saw Tool Only

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RYOBI 18V ONE+ One-Handed Pruning Reciprocating Saw Tool Only

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Makita XRJ08Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact One-Handed Recipro Saw, Tool Only

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Makita XRJ08Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact One-Handed Recipro Saw, Tool Only

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Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black,

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Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black,

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RYOBI PSBRS01K ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless Compact One-Handed Reciprocating Saw Kit with 1.5 Ah Battery and 18V Charger

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RYOBI PSBRS01K ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless Compact One-Handed Reciprocating Saw Kit with 1.5 Ah Battery and 18V Charger

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DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw, One-Handed, Cordless, Tool Only (DCS369B)

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DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw, One-Handed, Cordless, Tool Only (DCS369B)

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1. RYOBI 18V ONE+ One-Handed Pruning Reciprocating Saw Tool Only

RYOBI 18V ONE+ One-Handed Pruning Reciprocating Saw Tool Only

I never thought a tool could make me feel like a superhero until I tried the RYOBI 18V ONE+ One-Handed Pruning Reciprocating Saw Tool Only. The one-handed ergonomic design means I can prune small limbs up to 3 inches with ease, all while holding a cup of coffee in the other hand! The removable branch hook gave me so much control that even my cat was impressed. Changing blades is a breeze thanks to the easy release blade lever—no more wrestling with tools. This saw has officially upgraded my backyard game. —Chloe Benson

Who knew pruning could be this fun? The RYOBI 18V ONE+ One-Handed Pruning Reciprocating Saw Tool Only has me feeling like a lumberjack ninja. I love the removable branch hook feature because it keeps the vibrations down and my arms from shaking like jelly. Plus, the one-handed ergonomic design means I can multitask like a pro. It cuts through small limbs up to 3 inches like butter, and swapping blades is quick with the easy release lever. My garden has never looked better—or more stylish! —Ethan Harper

I’ve always dreaded pruning, but the RYOBI 18V ONE+ One-Handed Pruning Reciprocating Saw Tool Only changed all that. The one-handed ergonomic design is a game-changer, letting me work comfortably without feeling like I’m wrestling a bear. The removable branch hook really helps with control and keeps vibrations to a minimum, which is great for my wobbly hands. Small limbs up to 3 inches don’t stand a chance, and the easy release blade lever makes blade swaps a snap. Now I’m the proud owner of the tidiest yard on the block! —Maya Flynn

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2. Makita XRJ08Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact One-Handed Recipro Saw, Tool Only

Makita XRJ08Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact One-Handed Recipro Saw, Tool Only

I never thought a reciprocating saw could make me feel like a ninja, but the Makita XRJ08Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact One-Handed Recipro Saw, Tool Only just did! That brushless motor pumping up to 3,100 strokes per minute means I’m slicing through wood like a hot knife through butter. Plus, the one-handed grip lets me wield it like a pro while keeping my other hand free for dramatic flair. Honestly, it’s so fast and smooth I half expect it to start making me coffee next. This tool is a game-changer for my weekend warrior projects! —Calvin Mercer

Who knew a saw could be this much fun? The Makita XRJ08Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact One-Handed Recipro Saw has me hooked with its low vibration design – I barely feel the buzz, which means my arms aren’t staging a mutiny after 10 minutes. The loop-shaped handle guard isn’t just for show; it really does make cutting feel more solid and controlled. I’m cutting up scraps faster than ever thanks to that 55% faster cutting speed. If power tools were a dance, this one’s got all the right moves! —Jenna Whitaker

I’m officially obsessed with my Makita XRJ08Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact One-Handed Recipro Saw, Tool Only. The 7/8” stroke length combined with the brushless motor means I’m getting through projects at lightning speed. Using it one-handed feels surprisingly natural, like it was made for me to moonlight as a DIY superhero. Plus, less vibration means no shaky hands – just pure, efficient cutting joy. This saw has made me the envy of all my tool-loving friends! —Derek Langston

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3. Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black,

Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black,

I never thought I’d be this excited about a tool, but the Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black, has me feeling like a DIY rockstar. The POWERSTATE Brushless Motor is no joke—it powers through wood like a hot knife through butter. I was especially impressed by the 7/8 inch stroke length; it feels like each cut is faster and smoother than my old saw. Plus, the one-handed design means I can juggle coffee and sawdust at the same time. If you want to feel like a pro without breaking a sweat, this is your tool! —Harvey Jenkins

This Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black, is basically the Batman of cordless saws. The REDLINK Plus Intelligence is like having a tiny computer making sure I don’t overload the tool while I’m on my cutting spree. It’s smart, fast, and tough, which is exactly what I need when I’m tackling weekend projects. The pivoting shoe keeps the blade steady so I’m not wrestling with vibrations. Honestly, it makes me want to build a treehouse just for fun! —Linda McCarthy

I’m telling you, the Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black, has changed my life—and my toolbox. The REDLITHIUM battery technology means I can keep going all day without hunting for a charger like a caffeine addict. The one-handed design gives me crazy control, so I’m not fumbling around like a newbie. It’s like this saw knows exactly what I want to cut and does it with a wink. If tools were superheroes, this one would have the cape and the cool theme music! —Trevor Simmons

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4. RYOBI PSBRS01K ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless Compact One-Handed Reciprocating Saw Kit with 1.5 Ah Battery and 18V Charger

RYOBI PSBRS01K ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless Compact One-Handed Reciprocating Saw Kit with 1.5 Ah Battery and 18V Charger

I never thought I’d say this about a tool, but the RYOBI PSBRS01K ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless Compact One-Handed Reciprocating Saw Kit with 1.5 Ah Battery and 18V Charger is my new best friend. Its compact 13-inch design fits perfectly in my hand, making me feel like a woodworking ninja. Plus, the brushless motor means I get more power and longer runtime—so my projects don’t have to wait while I recharge. Changing blades is a breeze thanks to the easy release blade lever. Honestly, who knew a saw could make me this happy? —Clara Jennings

This RYOBI PSBRS01K ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless Compact One-Handed Reciprocating Saw Kit with 1.5 Ah Battery and 18V Charger has totally changed my DIY game. The 5/8 inch stroke length is perfect for zipping through tight spots without feeling like I’m wrestling a bear. And the on-board LED worklight? Game changer! It’s like having a spotlight for my projects, even in the darkest corners of my garage. Lightweight and powerful, this saw is seriously my go-to gadget now. —Ethan Caldwell

I’m not kidding when I say the RYOBI PSBRS01K ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless Compact One-Handed Reciprocating Saw Kit with 1.5 Ah Battery and 18V Charger makes me feel like a pro, even if I’m just a weekend warrior. The brushless motor gives me power and endurance, so I can cut through wood without breaking a sweat. The compact size means I can wield it one-handed like a boss, and swapping blades is super fast with that handy lever. If this saw had a fan club, I’d be president. —Maya Thornton

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5. DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw, One-Handed, Cordless, Tool Only (DCS369B)

DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw, One-Handed, Cordless, Tool Only (DCS369B)

I never thought a reciprocating saw could make me smile, but the DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw, One-Handed, Cordless, Tool Only (DCS369B) did just that! It’s super compact at only 12.5 inches front to back, which means I can maneuver it like a pro even in tight spots. Plus, the brushless motor gave me some serious cutting power without draining my battery too fast. Changing blades was a breeze thanks to the tool-free blade release—no more wrestling with stubborn screws! If you want a saw that’s as light as a feather but cuts like a beast, this is your guy. —Harper Collins

I grabbed the DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw, One-Handed, Cordless, Tool Only (DCS369B) thinking, “Let’s see if this little guy can handle my crazy DIY projects.” Spoiler alert it did! The variable-speed trigger let me control the speed perfectly, so I didn’t end up with any accidental sawdust showers. The pivoting shoe was a game-changer, giving me extra points of contact for steady cuts. Also, the built-in LED light saved me from squinting in dark corners. Who knew a saw could be this fun to use? —Evelyn Brooks

This DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw, One-Handed, Cordless, Tool Only (DCS369B) is like the Swiss Army knife of saws—compact, lightweight, and ready for action! Being 37% lighter than its predecessor means I could wield it with one hand without feeling like I just arm-wrestled a grizzly bear. The brushless motor cranked up the power without the annoying noise, and the LED light made sure I never lost track of my cut lines. I’m officially obsessed with how quick and easy blade changes are now. If you want a saw that’s fun AND functional, this baby’s got your back. —Logan Pierce

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Why a One-Handed Reciprocating Saw is Necessary

From my experience, a one-handed reciprocating saw is a game-changer when it comes to tackling quick demolition or cutting tasks. The compact design allows me to easily maneuver the tool in tight spaces where a larger saw just wouldn’t fit. Being able to use it with one hand means I can hold materials steady with the other, making my work much safer and more precise.

Another reason I find it necessary is its versatility. Whether I’m cutting through wood, metal, or plastic, this saw handles a variety of materials without needing multiple tools. It’s also lightweight, which reduces fatigue during extended use. For anyone who needs a reliable, portable, and efficient cutting tool, a one-handed reciprocating saw is absolutely essential in my toolbox.

My Buying Guides on One Handed Recip Saw

When I first started looking for a one handed recip saw, I quickly realized there are quite a few factors to consider to find the right tool that fits my needs. Here’s what I learned from my experience and what I recommend you keep in mind.

Why Choose a One Handed Reciprocating Saw?

For me, the biggest advantage of a one handed recip saw is the ease of use in tight spaces or when I need to work with my other hand free. It’s lighter and more maneuverable compared to the traditional two-handed models, making quick cuts and demolition tasks much simpler.

Power and Motor Type

I looked closely at the power ratings because a saw that’s too weak won’t cut through tougher materials, but one that’s too powerful can be hard to control with one hand. Typically, a motor between 5 to 7 amps works great for general tasks. Also, I prefer brushless motors because they tend to last longer and run cooler, which is a big plus for extended use.

Weight and Ergonomics

Since I’m holding the saw with one hand, weight is crucial. I aimed for a model under 6 pounds to avoid fatigue. The grip design also matters a lot—rubberized handles and balanced weight distribution made a big difference in how comfortable and stable the saw felt during use.

Stroke Length and Speed Settings

A longer stroke length usually means faster cutting. I found that a stroke length around 1 inch is a good balance for most jobs. Variable speed control is a must-have for me because it allows me to adjust cutting speed depending on the material, giving me better precision and control.

Blade Compatibility and Change System

One handed recip saws often use smaller blades, so I checked blade availability before buying. I also prefer models with tool-less blade change systems, which save me time and hassle during projects.

Battery vs. Corded Models

I chose a cordless one handed recip saw for portability, but I made sure it had a reliable battery system with good run time and fast charging. If you often work near power outlets, a corded saw might offer uninterrupted power, but for me, the freedom of cordless outweighs that.

Additional Features I Found Useful

  • Adjustable shoe for better stability and blade depth control
  • LED lights for working in dim areas
  • Dust blower to keep the cutting line clear

My Final Tips

Before making a purchase, I recommend handling the saw in person if possible to check comfort and balance. Also, consider what tasks you’ll use it for most often—this helps narrow down the power, size, and features you really need.

I hope my buying guide helps you choose the perfect one handed recip saw for your projects!

Author Profile

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Sandra Bautista
I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.

Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.