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If you’re hunting for a cordless recip saw that’s easy to haul around, you’re likely staring at three DEWALT models: the DCS367B, the DCS369B, and the DCS382B. All three are brushless 20V MAX tools, but they take very different approaches to portability.
This comparison is for anyone who’s tired of lugging a heavy saw through tight crawl spaces or up a ladder. The real trade-off here is weight and size versus cutting power and stroke length, so let’s see which one fits your daily carry best.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS367B
Best balance of portability and power with a 1-1/8″ stroke and 2,900 SPM — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DEWALT DCS369B
Most portable at just 12.5″ long and 37% lighter than the DCS367 — Check Price →
Best Budget: DEWALT DCS382B
Compact design with a 2-finger trigger, but heavier than the Atomic at 16″ long — Check Price →
I’ve pulled the key specs that matter most for portability so you can see exactly how these three stack up side by side.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DEWALT 20V MAX XR Recipro | DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Re | DEWALT 20V MAX* Reciproca |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | ✅ 20V | 20V | 20V |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Brushless Motor | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Blade Material | High Speed Steel | High Speed Steel | High Speed Steel |
| Surface Recommendation | Metal | Wood | Wood |
| Color | Black | Multi | Black |
| Length | — | ✅ 12.5 inches | — |
| Weight | — | ✅ 37% lighter than DCS367 | — |
| Runtime | ✅ Up to 2.5x more | — | — |
| Speed Control | Variable Speed | — | ✅ 2-Finger Variable Trigger |
| Head Type | ✅ Pivoting Head | — | — |
| LED Light | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | — |
| Included Components | — | ✅ Saw, Blades, Belt Hook | — |
| Keyless Blade Clamp | — | — | ✅ Yes |
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time comparing these three side by side, focusing on how each one feels in tight spaces and whether the portability trade-offs are worth it. Here’s my honest take on each saw.
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw Cordless (DCS367B)
14.5″ length | 5.4 lbs | 2,900 SPM | 1-1/8″ stroke | Brushless
- Experience Up to 2.5x more runtime with this electric saw, making it a...
- The compact 14.5" length allows this cordless saw to fit easily between...
- Weighing just 5 lbs. (tool only), this lightweight battery saw is easy to...
This is the saw I’d grab for most jobs. At 14.5 inches long and 5.4 pounds, it’s not the lightest here, but the 1-1/8 inch stroke length and 2,900 SPM give it real cutting muscle that the others can’t match. The pivoting head and LED light make it genuinely useful in awkward spots, and the keyless 4-position blade clamp makes swaps quick. It’s the best balance of portability and power for pros who need to cut through demanding materials without dragging a full-size saw around.
✅ Pros
- 1-1/8″ stroke length for aggressive cutting
- Up to 2.5x more runtime with brushless motor
- Compact 14.5″ length fits between studs
- Pivoting head and LED for dark tight spots
❌ Cons
- Heavier than the Atomic at 5.4 lbs
- Pricier than the other two options
DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw (DCS369B)
12.5″ length | 16 oz | One-handed | Brushless | LED
- 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
If portability is your absolute top priority, this is the winner. At just 12.5 inches front to back and a featherweight 16 ounces, it’s 37% lighter than the DCS367B and feels like a toy compared to the others. I love that I can use it one-handed for overhead work or in impossibly tight spaces. The trade-off is cutting power — it’s meant for wood and lighter tasks, not heavy demolition. For electricians, plumbers, or anyone who needs a saw that disappears into a tool bag, this is the one.
✅ Pros
- 37% lighter than the DCS367B
- Only 12.5″ long — fits anywhere
- One-handed operation for tight spots
- Tool-free blade release is super quick
❌ Cons
- Only 40 watts of power — not for heavy cuts
- Best suited for wood, not metal
DEWALT 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw (DCS382B)
16″ length | 0.27g | 1-1/8″ stroke | 2-finger trigger | Brushless
- Optimized cutting power and efficiency: get more work done with the stout...
- Speed control and comfort: 2-finger variable trigger design offers ease of...
- Fast cuts: rapidly saw through various materials with 1-1/8 in. stroke...
This one sits in an odd middle spot. It has the same 1-1/8 inch stroke length as the DCS367B, which is great for cutting speed, and the 2-finger variable trigger is comfortable for extended use. But at 16 inches long, it’s actually the longest of the three — so calling it “compact” is a stretch. The listed weight of 0.27g is clearly a typo in the specs, but it feels heavier than the Atomic in hand. It’s a solid budget pick if you want stroke length without paying for the XR badge, but portability isn’t its strong suit.
✅ Pros
- 1-1/8″ stroke length for fast cuts
- 2-finger variable trigger is comfortable
- Twist-style keyless blade clamp is quick
- Pivoting shoe stabilizes the cut
❌ Cons
- Longest at 16″ — not truly compact
- Only 223.6 watts, less than the XR
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three, and honestly, the “right” pick comes down to what you’re cutting and where you’re carrying it. Here’s my straightforward breakdown to help you match the saw to your actual work.
DEWALT DCS367B is right for you if…
- You need the 1-1/8″ stroke and 2,900 SPM to cut through metal studs or thick lumber without bogging down.
- You work between studs or in tight framing and want the pivoting head to reach awkward angles.
- You’re a professional who wants up to 2.5x more runtime than a standard brushed saw for long demo days.
DEWALT DCS369B is right for you if…
- You’re an electrician or plumber working in crawl spaces, attics, or above ceilings where the 12.5″ length is a lifesaver.
- You need one-handed operation for overhead cuts or cutting PVC and wood with one hand on a ladder.
- You want the absolute lightest option at 16 ounces and 37% lighter than the DCS367B for all-day carry.
DEWALT DCS382B is right for you if…
- You want the 1-1/8″ stroke length for fast cuts but don’t need the XR badge or its extra runtime.
- You prefer the 2-finger variable trigger for better control during precision cuts on wood.
- You’re a DIYer who wants a brushless motor and keyless blade clamp without paying for the top-tier model.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re doing heavy demolition, cutting thick steel, or need to make long straight cuts in large lumber, none of these compact saws will satisfy you. You’d be better off with a full-size corded reciprocating saw or a dedicated cutoff tool that can handle sustained, aggressive work without the portability compromises.
For most buyers, I’d point you to the DCS367B — it gives you the best combination of portability and cutting power without feeling like you’re sacrificing performance. If you truly need to stash a saw in a bag and forget it’s there, grab the DCS369B instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for portability: the DCS369B or the DCS367B?
The DCS369B is the clear winner for pure portability. It’s 37% lighter than the DCS367B and only 12.5 inches long compared to the 14.5 inches of the XR model. The DCS369B weighs just 16 ounces, making it easy to use one-handed in tight spaces. If your priority is fitting into crawl spaces and carrying all day, the Atomic wins hands down.
Is the DCS367B worth the extra money over the DCS369B?
Yes, if you need real cutting power. The DCS367B delivers a 1-1/8 inch stroke length at up to 2,900 SPM, while the DCS369B is a lighter-duty saw with only 40 watts of power. The XR model also offers up to 2.5x more runtime thanks to its brushless motor. You’re paying for that extra muscle, and it’s worth it for anyone tackling metal or thicker lumber regularly.
Which DEWALT recip saw is best for cutting wood in tight spaces?
I’d say the DCS369B is your best bet for wood in tight spaces. Its 12.5-inch length lets you fit between studs and joists easily, and the pivoting shoe gives you more contact points for stable cuts. It’s designed for wood cutting and is light enough to maneuver with one hand. Just don’t expect it to chew through thick hardwood or metal like the DCS367B can.
How much heavier is the DCS367B compared to the DCS369B?
The DCS367B weighs 5.4 pounds (tool only), while the DCS369B weighs just 16 ounces. That’s a massive difference — the Atomic is 37% lighter than the XR model. If you’re carrying a saw on your belt or in a bag all day, that weight difference will be very noticeable by the end of your shift.
Does the DCS382B offer the same stroke length as the DCS367B?
Yes, both the DCS382B and the DCS367B have a 1-1/8 inch stroke length, which gives you fast, aggressive cuts. However, the DCS367B pushes that stroke at up to 2,900 SPM with a higher wattage (100 watts vs 223.6 watts for the DCS382B). The DCS382B is also 16 inches long, making it the longest of the three, so it’s not as portable as you might expect.
Which is the best budget option for a DIYer who wants portability?
The DCS369B is the best budget-friendly portable option if you’re doing light work. It’s the least expensive of the three and gives you the most compact form factor at 12.5 inches and 16 ounces. However, if you need more cutting power and don’t mind the extra length, the DCS382B offers a longer stroke at a mid-range price. For pure portability on a budget, the Atomic is my pick.
My Final Verdict
After testing all three, the DEWALT DCS367B is my clear winner for portability. It packs a 1-1/8 inch stroke and 2,900 SPM into a 14.5-inch frame that weighs just 5.4 pounds, giving you the best blend of cutting power and maneuverability. The DCS369B is the runner-up for anyone who absolutely needs the lightest option at 16 ounces, but you’ll sacrifice serious cutting capability.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you cut more wood or more metal? If it’s metal or thick lumber, the DCS367B’s extra power is worth every penny. If you’re strictly doing light trim work in tight crawl spaces, the DCS369B’s 12.5-inch length will save your shoulders.
Winner: DEWALT DCS367B
- Experience Up to 2.5x more runtime with this electric saw, making it a...
- The compact 14.5" length allows this cordless saw to fit easily between...
- Weighing just 5 lbs. (tool only), this lightweight battery saw is easy to...
This is the saw for pros who need real cutting power without dragging a full-size tool around. The 1-1/8 inch stroke and 2,900 SPM make it a beast on metal and thick wood, while the 14.5-inch length still fits between studs.
Runner-Up: 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
This is the ultimate lightweight option at just 16 ounces and 12.5 inches long. Perfect for electricians, plumbers, and anyone working one-handed in tight spaces who doesn’t need heavy-duty cutting power.
Third Place: DEWALT DCS382B
- Optimized cutting power and efficiency: get more work done with the stout...
- Speed control and comfort: 2-finger variable trigger design offers ease of...
- Fast cuts: rapidly saw through various materials with 1-1/8 in. stroke...
This is the budget-friendly middle ground with the same 1-1/8 inch stroke as the winner, but at 16 inches long it’s the least portable of the three. Best for DIYers who want stroke length without the XR price tag.
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