Makita Recip Saws
Makita reciprocating saws are for fast demolition cuts in timber, metal, and plastic when a grinder or circular saw won't get in.
On refurbs and strip-outs, a Makita recip saw earns its keep cutting out old pipework, trimming studs, and ripping through nails without babying it. Choose Makita reciprocating saw 18V LXT for grab-and-go, 36V for harder graft, or a Makita reciprocating saw 240V when you're on mains all day.
What Are Makita Reciprocating Saws Used For?
- Cutting out old timber and studwork on refurbs where you need a long blade to reach behind boards and you cannot get a full-size saw in.
- Chopping through metal pipe, tray, and threaded rod in plant rooms and risers, especially when you need a quick, controlled cut without sparks.
- Ripping through nails, screws, and mixed materials on strip-out jobs where a Makita sabre saw saves you swapping tools every five minutes.
- Pruning and rough cutting outside work when you are clearing back branches or trimming sleepers and you want cordless freedom over dragging leads.
- Flush cutting close to walls and floors, using the shoe to brace the tool so the blade does not chatter itself to bits.
Choosing the Right Makita Reciprocating Saw
Match the Makita reciprocating saw to the work you actually do most weeks, not the one-off horror job.
1. 18V LXT vs 36V
If you are doing regular second-fix, service work, and light demo, a Makita reciprocating saw 18V LXT is the sensible pick because it is lighter and uses the batteries you already run. If you are into heavier strip-out and thicker steel, look at a Makita reciprocating saw 36V for the extra shove and longer hard cuts.
2. Brushless vs Brushed
If the saw is out every day, go Makita reciprocating saw brushless because it runs cooler, wastes less battery, and holds its pace better when you lean on it. If it is an occasional van tool, brushed models still do the job, but expect shorter runtime and more heat on long cuts.
3. Body Only vs With Battery
If you are already on LXT, buy the Makita reciprocating saw 18V body only and put the money into decent blades. If you are starting from scratch or the lads keep borrowing batteries, a Makita reciprocating saw with battery stops you turning up to site with a dead tool.
4. Cordless vs 240V
If you are moving room to room, up ladders, or working outside, a Makita cordless reciprocating saw is the one you will actually use. If you are benching in a workshop or doing repetitive cuts all day, a Makita reciprocating saw 240V means no battery swapping and consistent power.
Makita Reciprocating Saw FAQs
What's the best Makita reciprocating saw?
The best one is the one matched to your week-to-week work. For most site lads, a Makita reciprocating saw 18V LXT is the sweet spot for weight and convenience. If you are doing heavier demo and thicker steel regularly, step up to a Makita reciprocating saw 36V, and if you are on a bench all day, a Makita reciprocating saw 240V makes sense.
Are Makita reciprocating saws good?
Yes, they are solid site tools, especially on the Makita LXT platform where batteries and spares are easy to keep in the van. The real difference comes from blade choice and how you brace the shoe, because that is what stops the saw rattling and chewing blades on mixed-material cuts.
Should I go brushless on a Makita recip saw?
If it is a daily tool, yes. A Makita reciprocating saw 18V brushless will generally run cooler and hold power better when you are cutting thicker timber or metal, and you will get more work out of each battery. If it is only for occasional cut-outs, brushed will still earn its keep.
Is a Makita reciprocating saw with battery worth it, or should I buy body only?
Buy body only if you already run Makita LXT and you have enough healthy batteries to last a shift. Go for a Makita reciprocating saw with battery if you are starting out, your packs are tired, or you need a dedicated set so the saw is always ready for call-outs.
Will one Makita reciprocating saw cut both wood and metal properly?
Yes, the tool will, but the blade is what decides the result. Keep separate blades for wood, metal, and demolition, and do not expect a wood blade to survive nails or steel. For refurbs, a demolition blade is usually the safest all-rounder.
Who Uses Makita Recip Saws on Site?
- Chippies and joiners on first fix and refurbs for quick cut-outs, trimming studs, and dealing with hidden nails without wrecking nicer saw blades.
- Plumbers and heating engineers cutting out old copper, steel, and plastic waste runs, especially in tight cupboards where a grinder is a pain.
- Sparks and fit-out teams for tray, trunking, and general strip-out, keeping a Makita cordless reciprocating saw 18V in the van for reactive jobs.
- Maintenance and facilities lads who need one tool that will cut whatever turns up, from timber repairs to metal brackets and bolts.
The Basics: How a Makita Recip Saw Works for You
A reciprocating saw Makita style is simple: it drives a blade back and forth fast, and you control the cut with the shoe and the right blade choice.
1. The Shoe Does the Controlling
Keep the shoe braced hard to the work and let the blade do the cutting, otherwise it chatters, wanders, and you burn through blades. On awkward cuts, moving the shoe position helps keep the blade supported.
2. Blade Choice Is Half the Job
Wood blades fly through studs but die fast on nails, and metal blades cut cleaner but need patience. For refurbs, a demolition blade is the safe bet because it survives mixed materials when you hit screws, nails, and old brackets.
3. 18V vs 36V in Real Terms
Makita recip saw 18V is about mobility and lighter handling, especially overhead or in cupboards. Makita reciprocating saw 36V is about keeping speed in thicker sections, so you are not nursing the cut for ages.
Recip Saw Accessories That Save Time on Strip-Out
The saw is only as good as the blade and battery you turn up with, so sort these before the job starts.
1. Demolition and Metal Cutting Blades
Keep a mix in the box because the wrong blade is what makes a Makita recip feel "weak". A proper demo blade handles nails and screws on refurbs, and a fresh metal blade stops you cooking the teeth on steel pipe and box section.
2. Spare LXT Batteries and a Fast Charger
A Makita reciprocating saw 18V with battery is fine until you are halfway through a cut-out and the pack dies. Having a second battery and a decent charger means the saw stays working while you are moving rooms or clearing waste.
3. Tool Bag or Case
Recip blades get bent and ruined when they are loose in the van. A case keeps blades straight, stops the tool getting smashed about, and makes it easier to grab the right kit for a quick call-out.
Shop Makita Reciprocating Saws at ITS
Whether you need a Makita reciprocating saw 18V LXT body, a Makita brushless reciprocating saw for daily strip-out, or a Makita reciprocating saw 240V for workshop work, we stock the range in one place. It is all held in our own warehouse, in stock and ready for next day delivery so you can get back on the tools without waiting about.
