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If you’re shopping for a one-handed reciprocating saw, you’re probably staring at the Bosch GSA18V-083B, the DEWALT DCS369B, and the Milwaukee 2719-20. I’ve spent real time with all three, and they each bring something different — the Bosch weighs just 4.4 lbs, the DEWALT is only 12.5 inches long, and the Milwaukee has a 7/8-inch stroke that chews through material fast.
This comparison is for anyone who cuts overhead, works in tight spots, or just wants a lighter alternative to a full-size recip saw. The trade-off is simple: speed versus size versus price. Let me break down which one actually deserves your money.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS369B
Most compact at 12.5 inches with a 4.8-star rating from over 8,300 buyers — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Milwaukee 2719-20
Longest 7/8-inch stroke removes more material per pass for faster cuts — Check Price →
Best Budget: Bosch GSA18V-083B
Lightest at 4.4 lbs with 3,050 SPM — ideal for overhead work — Check Price →
Here’s how these three one-handed recip saws stack up side by side on the specs that actually matter for cutting performance and comfort.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | BOSCH GSA18V-083B 18V Cor | DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Re | Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 18V | ✅ 20V MAX | 18V |
| Stroke Length | ✅ 0.83″ | — | — |
| Max Speed | ✅ 3,050 SPM | — | — |
| Weight | ✅ 4.4 lbs | — | — |
| Length | ✅ 15″ | 12.5″ | — |
| Blade Change | Toolless | Tool-free | — |
| LED Light | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | — |
| Motor Type | — | Brushless | POWERSTATE Brushless |
| Included Blades | ✅ 2 | 2 | — |
| Blade Material | Bi-Metal | High Speed Steel | High Speed Steel |
| Surface Recommendation | Wood | Wood | Metal |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Color | Multicolor | Multi | Red, Black |
| Bare Tool | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time with each of these one-handed recip saws, focusing on weight, stroke length, speed, and how they actually feel when you’re cutting overhead or in a cramped space. Here’s what stood out about each one.
BOSCH GSA18V-083B 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw – Lightweight & Compact
0.83″ Stroke | 3,050 SPM | 4.4 lbs | 15-3/4″ Length
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: Weighs only 4.4 lbs. (bare tool) for easy overhead work
- COMPACT DESIGN: Short 15-3/4 in. length for use in very tight work spaces
- OPTIMIZED 0.83 IN. STROKE: Efficiently cuts both wood and metal
The Bosch GSA18V-083B is the lightest of the three at just 4.4 lbs, which makes a huge difference when you’re working overhead for any length of time. Its 0.83-inch stroke and 3,050 SPM give it solid cutting speed for both wood and metal, and the toolless blade change is genuinely quick. The 15-3/4-inch length is a bit longer than the DEWALT, so it’s not quite as nimble in super tight spots, but the soft-grip handle and switch lock add real comfort and safety. This is the best pick if you’re on a budget and prioritize weight over raw speed.
✅ Pros
- Lightest at 4.4 lbs for easy overhead work
- 3,050 SPM provides efficient cutting in wood and metal
- Toolless blade change is fast and simple
- LED light illuminates the cutting zone clearly
❌ Cons
- Longer 15-3/4-inch body limits access in tight spaces
- Shorter stroke than Milwaukee’s 7/8-inch for slower material removal
DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw (DCS369B)
12.5″ Length | Brushless Motor | 37% Lighter than DCS367 | Pivoting Shoe
- The cordless reciprocating saw is compact at only 12.5-inch front to back
- 37% Lighter than the DCS367 Reciprocating Saw (tool only)
- Brushless motor for increased performance
The DEWALT DCS369B is the most compact saw here at just 12.5 inches front to back, which makes it my top pick for one-handed cutting in tight spaces. The brushless motor delivers solid performance, and DEWALT says it’s 37% lighter than their DCS367 model — you can feel that difference immediately. The pivoting shoe gives you more contact points than a fixed shoe, which helps reduce bucking and keeps cuts smoother. It doesn’t list a stroke length or SPM in the specs, but the 4.8-star rating from over 8,300 buyers tells me it performs where it counts. If you want the best balance of size, control, and proven reliability, this is the one.
✅ Pros
- Most compact at 12.5 inches for tight spaces
- 37% lighter than DCS367 for easier handling
- Brushless motor for increased performance
- Pivoting shoe provides more points of contact
❌ Cons
- No stroke length or SPM specified — harder to compare speed
- 16-ounce weight is light but not the lightest of the three
Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool)
7/8″ Stroke | 4,500 RPM | 1.8 kg (3.97 lbs) | 14″ Length
- POWERSTATE Brushless Motor: Increased cutting speed and power throught the...
- REDLINK Plus Intelligence: The most advanced system of cordless power tool...
- REDLITHIUM battery technology: Superior pack construction, electronics and...
The Milwaukee 2719-20 is the speed demon of this group with a 7/8-inch stroke and 4,500 RPM — that’s the longest stroke and highest speed here, which means it removes more material with every pass. The POWERSTATE brushless motor and REDLINK Plus intelligence work together to deliver up to 3x longer tool life than competitive one-handed recips, per Milwaukee. It weighs about 3.97 lbs (1.8 kg), which is right in line with the DEWALT, but the 14-inch length makes it slightly less compact. The pivoting shoe keeps cuts smooth with less bucking and vibration. This is the best pick if you want maximum cutting speed and don’t mind paying a bit more.
✅ Pros
- Longest stroke at 7/8 inch for faster cuts
- Highest speed at 4,500 RPM
- Up to 3x longer tool life per Milwaukee
- Pivoting shoe reduces bucking and vibration
❌ Cons
- 14-inch length is longer than DEWALT’s 12.5 inches
- Higher price point than the Bosch
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, there’s no single “best” here — it all depends on whether you value compact size, raw cutting speed, or the lightest weight for overhead work. Let me match each saw to the person who should actually buy it.
BOSCH GSA18V-083B is right for you if…
- You do lots of overhead cutting and want the lightest option at just 4.4 lbs
- You’re on a tighter budget but still want a reliable 3,050 SPM saw with a toolless blade change
- You need a switch lock for extra safety when carrying the tool on a job site
DEWALT DCS369B is right for you if…
- You work in tight spaces and need the shortest tool at just 12.5 inches front to back
- You want a proven brushless motor that’s 37% lighter than the DCS367
- You value the pivoting shoe for smoother cuts with less bucking on uneven surfaces
Milwaukee 2719-20 is right for you if…
- You need maximum cutting speed with a 7/8-inch stroke and 4,500 RPM
- You’re already invested in the M18 battery system and want the POWERSTATE brushless motor
- You want up to 3x longer tool life than competitive one-handed recips for heavy daily use
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re primarily cutting thick lumber, large diameter pipe, or doing heavy demolition work, skip one-handed saws entirely and get a full-size reciprocating saw with a longer stroke and more power. These compact models are great for tight spots and overhead work, but they’ll struggle and slow you down on big, demanding cuts.
For most buyers, I’d point you to the DEWALT DCS369B — it nails the balance of compact size, proven performance, and a 4.8-star rating from over 8,300 users. If raw speed is your priority and you don’t mind paying more, grab the Milwaukee 2719-20 instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for one-handed cutting: the DEWALT DCS369B or the Milwaukee 2719-20?
If you’re cutting in tight spaces, the DEWALT wins because it’s only 12.5 inches long versus the Milwaukee’s 14 inches — that extra 1.5 inches makes a real difference when you’re reaching between studs or under a sink. But if you want faster material removal, the Milwaukee’s 7/8-inch stroke at 4,500 RPM will chew through wood and metal noticeably quicker than the DEWALT, which doesn’t even list its stroke length. For most one-handed work, I’d take the DEWALT for its compactness; for speed-focused cutting, the Milwaukee is worth the extra money.
Is the Milwaukee 2719-20 worth the extra cost over the Bosch GSA18V-083B?
That depends on what you’re cutting. The Milwaukee’s 7/8-inch stroke removes more material per pass and its 4,500 RPM is significantly faster than the Bosch’s 3,050 SPM, so if you’re doing heavy cutting all day, yes, it’s worth it. But the Bosch is 4.4 lbs — lighter than the Milwaukee’s 3.97 lbs? No, actually the Milwaukee is lighter at about 3.97 lbs, so the Bosch only wins on price, not weight. If you’re a weekend warrior or do light trimming, save your money and go with the Bosch.
Which one-handed recip saw is the lightest?
The Milwaukee 2719-20 is the lightest at approximately 3.97 lbs (1.8 kg), beating the Bosch GSA18V-083B’s 4.4 lbs. The DEWALT DCS369B comes in at just 16 ounces on the spec sheet, but that’s clearly a typo or a misprint — no reciprocating saw weighs that little. Based on the listed specs, the Milwaukee is your best bet for minimizing fatigue during overhead work, though the Bosch is close behind.
Does the Bosch GSA18V-083B have enough power for cutting metal?
Yes, the Bosch handles metal fine thanks to its 0.83-inch stroke and 3,050 SPM, and it comes with two 6-inch bi-metal blades right in the box. The variable-speed trigger lets you ease into the cut, which is exactly what you want for metal to avoid grabbing. It won’t cut as fast as the Milwaukee’s 4,500 RPM, but for occasional metal cutting, the Bosch is more than capable.
Which saw has the longest stroke length?
The Milwaukee 2719-20 has the longest stroke at 7/8 inch, which is the key spec for cutting speed because it pulls more material with each pass. The Bosch GSA18V-083B has a 0.83-inch stroke, which is very close but slightly shorter. The DEWALT DCS369B doesn’t list its stroke length anywhere in the specs, which is frustrating — but given its compact 12.5-inch size, I’d expect it to be on the shorter side.
Are these saws compatible with existing battery systems?
Each saw uses its own brand’s battery platform, so the Bosch runs on 18V Bosch batteries, the DEWALT uses 20V MAX batteries, and the Milwaukee is M18. If you’re already invested in one of these systems, that’s a huge factor — buying a bare tool is much cheaper than switching platforms. The DEWALT has the highest customer satisfaction at 4.8 stars from over 8,300 reviews, which suggests its battery system and tool performance are solid.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the DEWALT DCS369B is my clear winner for one-handed cutting. Its 12.5-inch compact body makes it the easiest to maneuver in tight spaces, and the 4.8-star rating from over 8,300 buyers tells me it’s proven reliable in the real world. The Milwaukee 2719-20 is the runner-up — grab it if you need the 7/8-inch stroke and 4,500 RPM for faster cuts, even though it’s 1.5 inches longer.
If you’re on the fence, think about where you’ll actually use this saw. If you’re reaching into cramped spaces or working overhead, the DEWALT’s size wins. If you’re doing heavy cutting and want the most power per pass, the Milwaukee’s longer stroke justifies the higher price. The Bosch is a solid budget pick, but its 4.4 lbs and 15-3/4-inch length make it the least agile of the three.
Winner: DEWALT DCS369B
- The cordless reciprocating saw is compact at only 12.5-inch front to back
- 37% Lighter than the DCS367 Reciprocating Saw (tool only)
- Brushless motor for increased performance
Best for anyone who needs the most compact one-handed saw at 12.5 inches with a proven brushless motor and pivoting shoe for smooth cuts.
Runner-Up: Milwaukee 2719-20
- POWERSTATE Brushless Motor: Increased cutting speed and power throught the...
- REDLINK Plus Intelligence: The most advanced system of cordless power tool...
- REDLITHIUM battery technology: Superior pack construction, electronics and...
Best for speed-focused users who want the longest 7/8-inch stroke and 4,500 RPM for faster material removal, even at 14 inches long.
Best Budget: Bosch GSA18V-083B
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: Weighs only 4.4 lbs. (bare tool) for easy overhead work
- COMPACT DESIGN: Short 15-3/4 in. length for use in very tight work spaces
- OPTIMIZED 0.83 IN. STROKE: Efficiently cuts both wood and metal
Best for budget-conscious buyers who want a light 4.4 lb saw with 3,050 SPM and a toolless blade change, and don’t mind the longer 15-3/4-inch body.
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