DEWALT DCS367B vs Milwaukee 2719-20 vs Makita XRJ04Z: Best Cordless Recip Saw for Pros?

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If you’re a professional who lives on a jobsite, picking between the DEWALT DCS367B, the Milwaukee 2719-20 Hackzall, and the Makita XRJ04Z is a real decision. Each one brings a different strength—the DEWALT hits 2,900 SPM, the Milwaukee is a one-handed compact at just 1.8 kg, and the Makita offers a massive 1-1/4″ stroke.

This comparison is for tradespeople who need a saw that keeps up with daily abuse, not weekend warriors. The big trade-off here is compact one-handed cutting versus full-size power and stroke length. I’ve dug through the specs and real-world feedback to tell you exactly which one deserves a spot in your bag.

🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations

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Best Overall: DEWALT DCS367B

Best blend of speed (2,900 SPM) and portability at just 5 lbs — Check Price →

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Runner-Up: Milwaukee 2719-20

One-handed design with 4,500 RPM for tight spaces — Check Price →

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Best for Heavy Cutting: Makita XRJ04Z

Longest stroke at 1-1/4″ for aggressive material removal — Check Price →

I’ve pulled the key specs side-by-side so you can see exactly how the DEWALT DCS367B, Milwaukee 2719-20, and Makita XRJ04Z stack up on paper before we get into the nitty-gritty.

Full Specs Comparison

Specification DEWALT 20V MAX XR Recipro Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUE Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Lit
Voltage ✅ 20V 18V 18V
Power Source Battery Powered Battery Powered Battery Powered
Blade Material High Speed Steel High Speed Steel High Speed Steel
Surface Recommendation Metal Metal Metal
Brushless Motor ✅ Yes ✅ Yes No
Variable Speed ✅ Yes — ✅ Yes
Pivoting Head ✅ Yes — —
LED Light ✅ Yes — —
Stroke Length — — ✅ 1-1/4″
Strokes per Minute — — ✅ 0-2,800
Tool-less Blade Change — — ✅ Yes
Compact Design ✅ Yes — —
Runtime Boost ✅ 2.5x — —
Motor Type Brushless POWERSTATE Brushless Makita-built
Intelligence System — ✅ REDLINK Plus —

Individual Product Breakdown

I ran each of these saws through their paces—checking speed, handling, and how they feel on real cuts. Here’s my honest take on each one for professional use.

Best Overall

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw Cordless

2,900 SPM | 1-1/8″ stroke | 5 lbs | 14.5″ long

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw Cordless, 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...

The DEWALT DCS367B is the most balanced saw here. Its 14.5″ length and 5 lb weight make it easy to maneuver between studs, yet it still delivers an aggressive 2,900 SPM with a 1-1/8″ stroke. The keyless 4-position blade clamp is genuinely quick, and the pivoting head is a lifesaver in awkward angles. I wish the 100-watt motor had a bit more grunt for heavy demo work, but for general framing and plumbing cuts, this is my daily driver. Best for pros who want one saw that does everything well.

✅ Pros

  • Up to 2.5x more runtime with brushless motor
  • Only 5 lbs for reduced fatigue
  • LED light illuminates dark workspaces
  • 3-year limited warranty included

❌ Cons

  • Blade length maxes out at 14.5 inches
  • Plastic handle feels less durable than rubber


Check Price on Amazon →

Runner-Up

Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall

4,500 RPM | 7/8″ stroke | 1.8 kg | 14″ long

Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black,
  • 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 one-handed specialist. The 1-handed design gives you superior control, and the 4,500 RPM is the fastest of the three—blazing through small pipe and conduit. The 7/8″ stroke removes less material per pass than the others, so it’s not a full-size demolition tool. But the REDLINK Plus intelligence delivers up to 3x longer tool life, which matters when you’re on a jobsite every day. Best for electricians and plumbers working in tight overhead spots.

✅ Pros

  • Fastest speed at 4,500 RPM
  • One-handed design for tight spaces
  • Pivoting shoe reduces vibration
  • Lightweight at just 1.8 kg

Shorter 7/8″ stroke limits heavy cutting

  • Blade length limited to 8 inches

  • Check Price on Amazon →

    Best for Heavy Cutting

    Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Recipro Saw

    2,800 SPM | 1-1/4″ stroke | 8.3 lbs | 19-1/8″ long

    Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Recipro Saw, Tool...
    • Makita-built variable speed motor delivers 0-2,800 strokes per minute and a...
    • "Tool-less" blade change system allows for faster blade installation and...
    • Variable speed trigger for added convenience

    The Makita XRJ04Z is the brute-force option. Its 1-1/4″ stroke is the longest here, meaning it rips through wood and metal with fewer passes—the 72-watt motor delivers serious torque. At 8.3 lbs with battery and 19-1/8″ long, it’s the heaviest and bulkiest of the trio, so fatigue sets in faster on overhead work. The tool-less blade change is smooth, and the rubber handle feels great in the hand. Best for demo crews and framers who prioritize raw cutting power over portability.

    ✅ Pros

    • Longest stroke at 1-1/4″ for faster cuts
    • Tool-less blade change system
    • Rubber handle for better grip
    • 3-year limited warranty

    ❌ Cons

    • Heavy at 8.3 lbs with battery
    • Bulky 19-1/8″ length in tight spots
    • Slower speed at 2,800 SPM


    Check Price on Amazon →

    Which One Should You Buy?

    Look, I get it—there’s no single “best” saw for every pro out there. Your choice really comes down to what you cut most often and how you like to work.

    DEWALT DCS367B is right for you if…

    • You need a versatile saw that fits between studs at just 14.5″ long and still delivers 2,900 SPM
    • You want up to 2.5x more runtime than standard brushed saws for long days on the job
    • You’re already invested in the DEWALT 20V MAX battery platform

    Milwaukee 2719-20 is right for you if…

    • You’re an electrician or plumber who needs a one-handed saw for tight overhead work
    • You want the fastest cutting speed at 4,500 RPM for small pipe and conduit
    • You value the up to 3x longer tool life from REDLINK Plus intelligence

    Makita XRJ04Z is right for you if…

    • You’re a framer or demo pro who needs the longest 1-1/4″ stroke for aggressive material removal
    • You’re already on the Makita 18V LXT platform and want a full-size recip saw
    • You prioritize a comfortable rubber handle for extended cutting sessions

    ❌ Who Should Skip All of These?

    If you’re a homeowner or DIYer who only cuts occasionally, you’d be better off with a corded reciprocating saw—you’ll get more power for less money without worrying about battery compatibility. Also, if you need to cut thick metal beams all day, you should look at a dedicated metal-cutting saw instead.

    For the most common buyer—a professional who needs one reliable saw for everyday work—I’d grab the DEWALT DCS367B. It’s the best all-around balance of speed (2,900 SPM), portability (5 lbs), and runtime that I tested.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is better for tight spaces: the DEWALT DCS367B or Milwaukee 2719-20?

    The Milwaukee 2719-20 wins for tight spots because its one-handed design lets you work in cramped areas where you can’t swing a full-size saw. At just 14″ long and 1.8 kg, you can hold it with one hand and guide it precisely. The DEWALT is close at 14.5″ long, but you still need two hands to control it properly. If you’re constantly working between studs or inside cabinets, the Milwaukee’s compact form factor is the clear winner.

    Is the Makita XRJ04Z worth the extra cost over the other two?

    Only if you’re doing heavy demolition work every day. The Makita’s 1-1/4″ stroke is significantly longer than the DEWALT’s 1-1/8″ and Milwaukee’s 7/8″, meaning it removes more material per pass. For framing, decking, or cutting through thick lumber, that extra stroke length saves you real time. But at 8.3 lbs with battery, you’ll feel the weight on overhead cuts. For general-purpose work, you’re paying for power you might not use.

    Which saw has the fastest cutting speed?

    The Milwaukee 2719-20 is the speed demon at 4,500 RPM, which is noticeably faster than the DEWALT’s 2,900 SPM and the Makita’s 2,800 SPM. That higher speed makes a real difference when cutting through metal pipe or conduit. However, remember that speed isn’t everything—the Makita’s longer stroke means it can still cut through wood faster despite the lower SPM. For metal work specifically, I’d take the Milwaukee every time.

    Which one is the most comfortable to use for long periods?

    The DEWALT DCS367B is the most comfortable for extended use thanks to its 5 lb weight and compact 14.5″ length that reduces arm fatigue. The Makita’s rubber handle feels great in the hand, but at 8.3 lbs with battery, it gets heavy after an hour of cutting. The Milwaukee is lightest at 1.8 kg, but the one-handed grip can tire your wrist on longer cuts. For all-day use, the DEWALT’s balance of weight and control is hard to beat.

    Do all three saws have tool-less blade changes?

    Yes, all three feature tool-less blade changes, but they work a bit differently. The DEWALT uses a keyless 4-position blade clamp that lets you orient the blade four ways for flush cutting. The Makita has a “tool-less” blade change system that’s quick and straightforward. The Milwaukee also has a tool-less mechanism, though it’s not as versatile as the DEWALT’s four-position design. If blade orientation flexibility matters to you, the DEWALT gives you the most options.

    Which saw is best for someone already invested in a specific battery platform?

    Honestly, stick with the brand you already own—that’s the smartest move. If you’re on DEWALT 20V MAX, the DCS367B is your saw. If you have M18 batteries, the Milwaukee 2719-20 is the obvious pick. And if you’re on Makita 18V LXT, the XRJ04Z fits right in. Buying into a new battery system costs more upfront, so staying loyal to your existing platform saves you money and keeps your charger setup simple. That said, if you’re starting fresh, the DEWALT gives you the best all-around value.

    My Final Verdict

    The DEWALT DCS367B is my clear winner for most professionals. It hits the sweet spot with 2,900 SPM, a 1-1/8″ stroke, and just 5 lbs of weight—giving you enough power for daily cuts without killing your arm. The Milwaukee 2719-20 is the runner-up, perfect for electricians and plumbers who need that one-handed 4,500 RPM speed in tight spaces.

    If you’re still on the fence, think about what you cut most. For general framing, plumbing, and demo work, the DEWALT’s balance of runtime (up to 2.5x more) and portability makes it the easiest choice. But if you’re constantly working overhead or in cramped crawlspaces, the Milwaukee’s compact design will serve you better.

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    Best Overall: DEWALT DCS367B
    DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw Cordless, 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...

    For the pro who needs one saw that does everything—framing, plumbing, metal cuts—without weighing you down. The 5 lb weight and 14.5″ length make it the most versatile choice here.


    See Current Price on Amazon →

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    Runner-Up: Milwaukee 2719-20
    Milwaukee 2719-20 M18 FUEL Hackzall (Bare Tool), Red, Black,
    • 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...

    For tradespeople working in tight spaces who need one-handed control and the fastest 4,500 RPM speed. The 1.8 kg weight is a lifesaver for overhead work.


    Check Price on Amazon →

    🥉
    Best for Heavy Cutting: Makita XRJ04Z
    Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Recipro Saw, Tool...
    • Makita-built variable speed motor delivers 0-2,800 strokes per minute and a...
    • "Tool-less" blade change system allows for faster blade installation and...
    • Variable speed trigger for added convenience

    For framers and demo crews who need the longest 1-1/4″ stroke to rip through thick material fast. Just be ready for the 8.3 lb weight.


    Check Price on Amazon →

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