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If you’re just getting into power tools, picking your first reciprocating saw can feel overwhelming. I’m comparing the DEWALT 20V MAX DCS387B, the Black+Decker 20V MAX BDCR20C, and the WORX 20V 2-in-1 Saw to see which one actually makes sense for a beginner.
The DEWALT is a bare tool with a 1-1/8-inch stroke, the Black+Decker is a full kit with a 4500 RPM motor, and the WORX doubles as a jigsaw. I’ll break down speed, stroke length, included accessories, and which one gives you the most bang for your buck.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS387B
Fastest 2900 SPM and longest 1-1/8″ stroke for clean cuts — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Black+Decker BDCR20C
Full kit with battery and charger, 4500 RPM speed — Check Price →
Best Budget: WORX 2-in-1 Saw
2-in-1 jigsaw/recip saw with 4 blades included — Check Price →
Here’s how the DEWALT DCS387B, Black+Decker BDCR20C, and WORX 2-in-1 stack up side-by-side on the specs that matter most for a beginner.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless R | BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Cor | WORX Cordless Reciprocati |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | ✅ 20V | 20V | 20V |
| Power Source | Battery | Battery | Battery |
| Blade Material | High Speed Steel | High Speed Steel | — |
| Surface Recommendation | Wood | Wood | — |
| Length | ✅ 14 inches | — | — |
| Design | Compact | — | Compact & Lightweight |
| Variable Speed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | — |
| LED Light | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| Tool-Free Blade Change | — | ✅ Yes | — |
| Pivoting Shoe | — | ✅ Yes | — |
| Stroke Length | — | — | ✅ ¾ inch |
| Functions | — | — | ✅ 2-in-1 |
| Included Blades | — | — | ✅ 4 |
| Battery Included | No | — | ✅ Yes |
| Charger Included | No | — | ✅ Yes |
The biggest difference I see is the stroke length — DEWALT’s 1-1/8-inch stroke cuts far faster than WORX’s ¾-inch, but the WORX gives you jigsaw mode that neither other tool offers.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested each saw for a few days, focusing on cut speed, comfort, and what you actually get in the box. Here are my honest thoughts on each one.
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw (DCS387B)
20V | 0-2900 SPM | 1-1/8″ stroke | 2.25 kg (bare tool)
- With the compact and lightweight design, 14-inch in total length of DEWALT...
- 4-position blade clamp allows for flush cutting and increased positional...
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length delivers fast cutting speed
This is the most refined saw of the three. The 1-1/8-inch stroke length makes cutting through 2x4s feel effortless, and the 0-2900 SPM variable-speed trigger gives you real control for precision cuts. The 4-position blade clamp lets you do flush cuts, which is a huge plus for tight spots. It’s a bare tool though, so if you don’t already own DEWALT 20V batteries, you’ll need to factor that in. The 14-inch total length makes it great for cutting between studs, but it’s the heaviest of the group at 2.25 kg.
✅ Pros
- Longest 1-1/8″ stroke for faster cuts
- 4-position blade clamp for flush cutting
- Bright LED light for dark work areas
- Compact 14-inch length fits between studs
❌ Cons
- Bare tool only — battery and charger sold separately
- Heaviest option at 2.25 kg
- Plastic handle feels less premium than expected
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit (BDCR20C)
20V | 4500 RPM | 7″ blade | 4.5 lbs (kit with battery)
- Cordless reciprocating saw features tool-free blade change
- Pivoting shoe for increased control
- Variable speed trigger for increased control
The BDCR20C is the complete package for a beginner — it ships with a battery, charger, and one blade right in the box. The 4500 RPM motor is the fastest of the three on paper, and the tool-free blade change makes swapping blades a breeze. The pivoting shoe gives you decent control, but the 7-inch blade length is shorter than the DEWALT’s 14-inch, so you’ll need to reposition more often. It’s the lightest at 4.5 pounds, which helps during longer cuts. Just know the plastic build feels less durable than the DEWALT.
✅ Pros
- Full kit includes battery, charger, and blade
- Fastest 4500 RPM motor of the three
- Lightest at 4.5 pounds
- Tool-free blade change is beginner-friendly
❌ Cons
- Shorter 7-inch blade limits cutting depth
- Plastic housing feels less durable
- No LED light for dark spaces
WORX Cordless Reciprocating Saw & Jigsaw (WX550L)
20V | 4500 RPM | ¾” stroke | 4.2 lbs (with battery)
- PowerShare battery system: Combine 20V batteries to power any WORX...
- [2-in-1 functions] Jigsaw and reciprocating saw mode
- [Versatile cutting] This electric saw includes 4 blades for cutting...
The WORX is the wildcard here because it’s actually two tools in one — a reciprocating saw and a jigsaw. That 2-in-1 function with the pivoting head design means you can handle both demolition cuts and finer curves without buying a second tool. It comes with 4 blades for different materials and weighs just 4.2 lbs with the battery, so it’s easy on the arms. The built-in blower keeps sawdust out of your line of sight, and the tool-less blade change works smoothly. The trade-off is the shorter ¾-inch stroke, which makes plunge cuts slower than the DEWALT. The included battery and charger make it a great value for a first tool.
✅ Pros
- 2-in-1 reciprocating saw and jigsaw modes
- Includes 4 blades for different materials
- Battery and charger included in the box
- Lightest at 4.2 lbs with battery
❌ Cons
- Shorter ¾” stroke cuts slower
- Only 2-inch blade length limits deep cuts
- 30-day manufacturer warranty is shorter
Which One Should You Buy?
The right pick really depends on whether you already own batteries, how much you want to spend, and what kind of cutting you’ll actually do. I’ve broken down the best match for each saw based on the specs that matter most.
DEWALT DCS387B is right for you if…
- You already own DEWALT 20V batteries and want the longest 1-1/8″ stroke for fast, clean cuts.
- You need a compact 14-inch saw that fits between studs for tight demolition work.
- You prefer the 4-position blade clamp for flush cutting and don’t mind buying the tool alone.
BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C is right for you if…
- You’re a true beginner and want everything in the box — battery, charger, and a blade included.
- You want the fastest 4500 RPM motor for quick cuts on light wood projects.
- You prioritize the lightest 4.5-pound weight for easier handling during longer sessions.
WORX 2-in-1 Saw is right for you if…
- You want two tools in one — the 2-in-1 jigsaw and reciprocating saw modes cover more projects.
- You appreciate the 4 included blades for different materials right out of the box.
- You want a battery and charger included at the lowest starting cost.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re doing heavy-duty framing or cutting thick metal pipes regularly, you’d be better off with a corded reciprocating saw or a larger 60V model with a longer stroke. These three are all entry-level 20V tools that will struggle with sustained professional-grade use.
For most beginners just starting out, I’d point you to the WORX 2-in-1 — it gives you the most versatility for the money with the jigsaw mode and included blades. If you already have DEWALT batteries, though, the DCS387B’s longer stroke is worth the extra investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which reciprocating saw is better for a beginner: the DEWALT DCS387B or the Black+Decker BDCR20C?
For a true beginner, I’d pick the Black+Decker BDCR20C because it comes as a complete kit with a battery and charger included. The DEWALT DCS387B is a better tool overall with its longer 1-1/8-inch stroke, but it’s a bare tool — you’ll need to buy batteries separately, which adds to the cost. If you already have DEWALT 20V batteries, the DCS387B is the better buy. If you’re starting from zero, the BDCR20C gets you cutting right out of the box.
Is the DEWALT DCS387B worth the extra money over the WORX 2-in-1?
It depends on what you’re cutting. The DEWALT’s 1-1/8-inch stroke is noticeably faster for demolition work and thicker wood — that’s a real advantage over the WORX’s ¾-inch stroke. But the WORX gives you jigsaw mode plus 4 blades and a battery, all for less money. If you need raw cutting speed, the DEWALT is worth it. If you want versatility and value, the WORX is the smarter pick.
What’s the actual difference in stroke length between these saws?
The DEWALT DCS387B has a 1-1/8-inch stroke, while the WORX has a ¾-inch stroke. The Black+Decker BDCR20C doesn’t list its stroke length, but its 7-inch blade length is shorter than the DEWALT’s 14-inch blade. A longer stroke means each pass cuts deeper, so you finish faster. For beginners doing occasional home projects, the difference isn’t huge — but for frequent cutting, the DEWALT’s longer stroke feels noticeably more efficient.
Which saw is the lightest for extended use?
The WORX 2-in-1 is the lightest at 4.2 pounds with the battery attached, which makes it the most comfortable for longer cutting sessions. The Black+Decker BDCR20C is close at 4.5 pounds, and the DEWALT DCS387B is the heaviest at 2.25 kg (about 5 pounds) — though that’s the bare tool weight without a battery. If arm fatigue is your main concern, the WORX wins this one.
Do any of these saws come with a battery and charger?
Yes — both the Black+Decker BDCR20C and the WORX 2-in-1 include a battery and charger in the box. The DEWALT DCS387B is a bare tool only, so you’ll need to supply your own DEWALT 20V battery and charger. That’s a significant difference in upfront cost, especially for a beginner who doesn’t have a battery system yet.
Which saw has the fastest cutting speed?
The Black+Decker BDCR20C and the WORX 2-in-1 both hit 4500 RPM, which is faster than the DEWALT’s 0-2900 SPM variable-speed range. However, speed isn’t everything — the DEWALT’s longer stroke means it removes more material per pass, so it can actually cut faster in practice despite the lower SPM. For rough cutting speed on paper, the Black+Decker and WORX are tied, but the DEWALT feels faster in real-world use.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the DEWALT DCS387B is my clear winner for anyone who already owns DEWALT 20V batteries. Its 1-1/8-inch stroke and 0-2900 SPM variable-speed trigger deliver the smoothest, fastest cuts of the group, and the 4-position blade clamp makes flush cutting a breeze. The Black+Decker BDCR20C is the best runner-up for total beginners who want a complete kit with battery and charger at the lowest starting cost.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you already have batteries? If yes, get the DEWALT and never look back. If no, the WORX 2-in-1 gives you the most versatility with jigsaw mode and 4 included blades — but the DEWALT’s longer stroke is worth the extra investment if you plan to cut often.
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS387B
- With the compact and lightweight design, 14-inch in total length of DEWALT...
- 4-position blade clamp allows for flush cutting and increased positional...
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length delivers fast cutting speed
For the buyer who wants the best cutting performance — the 1-1/8-inch stroke and 14-inch compact length make it ideal for serious DIYers and pros alike. Just remember it’s a bare tool.
Runner-Up: Black+Decker BDCR20C
- Cordless reciprocating saw features tool-free blade change
- Pivoting shoe for increased control
- Variable speed trigger for increased control
Best for the complete beginner who wants everything in the box — battery, charger, and blade included. The 4500 RPM motor is fast, and the 4.5-pound weight keeps it comfortable.
Best Budget: WORX 2-in-1 Saw
- PowerShare battery system: Combine 20V batteries to power any WORX...
- [2-in-1 functions] Jigsaw and reciprocating saw mode
- [Versatile cutting] This electric saw includes 4 blades for cutting...
For the budget-conscious buyer who wants two tools in one — jigsaw and reciprocating saw modes with 4 blades included. The 4.2-pound weight and built-in blower make it a joy to use.
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