This is a review of several Dewalt tools I have used regularly in the past eight years. They belonged to one 5 piece set and two 3 piece sets of cordless tool as well as two corded ones.

18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw

18 v Dewalt XRP cordless hammerdrill: amazing tool. The first one went after 5 years due to trigger malfunctioning, second one going strong. The new Lithium batteries are significantly lighter and have a linear performance (full power till completely dead - versus getting weaker as they discharge) which is great except that you can't tell when the battery is about to die.

18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw

18v Dewalt cordless sawzall: do not abuse. Went through two sets - and they don't come cheap. Second one lasted a little over one year of heavy duty and made me switch to a corded Milwaukee and I never looked back. Also the blade locking mechanism jams after a while.

18v Dewalt cordless lamp: handle with care. Flimsy contacts between flexible neck and battery base eventually break lose and unit becomes dysfunctional.

18v Dewalt cordless circular saw: use patiently or it will bog down easily.

18v Dewalt cordless impact drill: amazing. Compact, lightweight, built in light - in two words: little monster. In practical applications easily out torques the bigger XRP. One of those tools you are skeptic about until you try it and then you can't live without it.

Dewalt standard corded drill: torquey enough for mixing small quantities of mortar! A good backup tool in case the XRP dies.

Dewalt jigsaw: pretty good tool if used with proper blade for the material. Sturdy feel, worth the money.

Conclusion: This review reflects solely my experience and should not be generalized. Upon extended use of the above tools, I would highly recommend the Dewalt corded tools and the excellent cordless drills, but for heavy use and abuse I would think twice about purchasing the cordless combo sets - unless the sale price of the set is almost the price of the XRP gun - which I have seen happen.

As for the weekend warrior, any combo set will perform well and the XRP drill and impact gun alone will justify the set price as well as the bragging rights.

Dewalt Cordless Tool Set Review - Steak Or Sizzle?

18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Special Price!!! Bare-Tool Makita BJR181Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only, No Battery)

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>> Click here to update Cheapest prices for Bare-Tool Makita BJR181Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only, No Battery) <<

Bare-Tool Makita BJR181Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only, No Battery) Feature

Makita-built variable speed D35 high torque motor that delivers 0-2,900 strokes per minute is combined with a 1-1/8-Inch length stoke for faster cutting and maximum productivity
Compact design at 19-5/8 inches long and weighs only 8.1 lbs. for reduced operator fatigue
Includes features such as a large 2-finger trigger, a built-in L.E.D. light to illuminate the work area, and a large retractable tool hook
Makita LXT Lithium-Ion battery and Energy Star rated 30-Minute Rapid Optimum Charger produces 430% total lifetime work with 2.5X more cycles
3-year warranty on tool

Bare-Tool Makita BJR181Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only, No Battery) Overview

Maximum Cutting Capacity of Pipe: 5-1/8 Inches and Wood (w/12 Inch Blade): 10 Inches. Length of Stroke: 1-1/8 Inches. Strokes Per Minute: 0-2,900 SPM. Watt Hours: 54.0. Overall Length: 19-5/8 Inches. Net weight: 8.1 Pounds. Shipping Weight: 12.00 lbs. (Bare Tool - No Battery - No Charger)

Bare-Tool Makita BJR181Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only, No Battery) Specifications

Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw delivers faster cutting and demolition performance to the jobsite. The BJR181Z has a high-torque motor with a 1-1/8-inch stroke that is engineered for a range of cutting and demolition tasks. The LXT Lithium-Ion Battery (sold separately) makes this reciprocating saw perfect for remote use, where running a cord is not an option.

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BJR181Z Features

SPEED - 50% faster cutting from 2,900 SPM (1-1/8" stroke)

CONVENIENCE - "Tool-less" blade change and shoe adjustments plus tool hook and L.E.D. light

PERFORMANCE - LXT Li-Ion batteries charge in 30 minutes, run longer and deliver 2.5X more cycles

COMFORT - Less weight with comfortable ergonomic grip

Battery and charger not included

Tool Specifications

Length of stroke	1-1/8"
Max. cutting depth	Pipe (5-1/8"), Wood (10")
Strokes per minute	0-2,900 SPM
Battery	18V LXT Lithium-Ion
Overall length	19-5/8"
Net weight	8.1 lbs. (w/battery)

Makita-Built Motor Engineered for Versatile Power
The BJR181Z features a Makita-built high-torque motor with a 1-1/8-inch stroke that cuts 0-2,900 strokes per minute (SPM) for faster cutting. The BJR181Z has a maximum cutting depth of 5-1/8 inches for pipe, and 10 inches into wood (using a 12-inch blade). Productivity features include an electric brake, and a "tool-less-inch blade change.

Ergonomic Design in a Compact Size
The BJR181Z weighs just 8.1 pounds (with battery, sold separately) with a more compact design at 19-5/8 inches long and an ergonomic shape that fits like a glove for reduced operator fatigue. In addition, the BJR181Z has a built-in L.E.D. light to illuminate the work area, and a retractable hook so the tool remains close by but never in the way.

Versatile Design for a Range of Applications
The BJR181Z is engineered for the pro that wants more features, and is perfect for a range of applications including plumbing, flooring, electrical, demolition, and for general contractors who require a best-in-class engineered cordless reciprocating saw. The BJR181Z is just another example of Makita's commitment to innovative technology and best-in-class engineering.

About Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool Series
As one of the pioneers driving the cordless tool revolution, Makita changed the game with its breakthrough 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Series. Three years after its debut, Makita's LXT Series has grown from seven to over 35 tools, providing a wide range of cordless solutions for professional tradesmen. Makita also added 18V Compact Lithium-Ion for cordless power in a more compact size.

About Makita
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools, and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to produce tools that are stronger, lighter, more powerful and easier to use. Makita USA, Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit the website at makitatools.com. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.

Warranty
Every Makita Lithium-Ion tool is backed by Makita's 3-Year Warranty that covers repair due to defects in materials or workmanship up to three years from the date of original purchase. Makita Lithium-Ion batteries and chargers have a limited 1-year warranty. Please see makitatools.com for complete details.