Taking down a timber partition, cutting a pipe, breaking up a pallet full of nails or pruning a low branch: the reciprocating saw (sabre saw) is the tool for awkward cuts. Often described as an electric hand saw, it reproduces the back-and-forth motion of a hand saw with the power of a motor. Looking for a reciprocating saw in Morocco and want to compare the price of a cordless reciprocating saw with a corded model? This guide explains what it is for, how to choose one, which blades to use and how to work safely.
Contents
What is a reciprocating saw?
A reciprocating saw is an electric saw with a back-and-forth action: a straight blade fitted to the end of the tool moves forwards and backwards at high speed. A shoe rests against the workpiece to steady the cut. Its long shape lets it reach places where a circular saw or a jigsaw cannot go: flush with a wall, between two studs, overhead.
It does not replace other saws, though. A jigsaw is more precise for cuts in a board lying flat, and a circular saw gives clean, straight cuts. The reciprocating saw excels at fast, rough cutting. To compare these tools, read our guide circular saw, jigsaw or mitre saw: which saw for wood?
Demolition, pruning, cutting: what is it used for?
Demolition and renovation
This is where it shines: taking down a timber partition or floor, removing an old door frame, cutting up pallets or reclaimed wood full of nails. With a suitable bi-metal blade, it cuts through wood and nails without stopping.
Pruning and garden work
For low branches, overgrown shrubs or dead wood, a reciprocating saw fitted with a coarse wood blade cuts quickly and effortlessly. According to their spec sheets, the TOTAL models sold at Brico MIM cut up to 115 mm in wood. For large trunks and felling, a chainsaw remains the right tool: see our guide choosing and using a chainsaw.
Plumbing and metal
With a metal blade, it cuts tubes, profiles, threaded rods or pipes, even in place, where a grinder would be dangerous or impossible to handle. The models shown here cut up to 8 mm in steel.
Corded or cordless reciprocating saw: which one?
| TOTAL model | Power source | Speed | Wood / steel cut | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 750 W reciprocating saw TS100806 | Corded, 750 W | 3300 rpm | 115 mm / 8 mm | 745 DH |
| Cordless reciprocating saw TRSLI1152 | 20 V, no battery or charger (2.0 kg) | 0 to 2800/min | 115 mm / 8 mm | 645 DH |
| Cordless reciprocating saw TRSLI1152-1B | 20 V, with battery, charger and 2 blades (2.0 kg) | 0 to 2800/min | 115 mm / 8 mm | 945 DH |
The corded reciprocating saw
Plugged into the mains, it delivers its power continuously with no battery to recharge. The TOTAL TS100806 reciprocating saw and its 750 W motor are well suited to long demolition sessions or workshop use, wherever a socket is available.
The cordless reciprocating saw
With no cable, it becomes the ideal tool for the garden, open land, the loft or a site with no power. At 2 kg, the TOTAL TRSLI1152-1B is easy to handle; it comes with the TFBLI20011 battery, the TFCLI2001 charger and two blades (wood and metal). If you already own TOTAL 20V tools, the bare-tool version TRSLI1152 is compatible with 2.0 Ah and 4.0 Ah batteries, such as the TFBLI20021 20 V 4.0 Ah battery (495 DH); the TFCLI2001 charger is available at 200 DH.
To learn more about battery platforms, see our article cordless tools: 18V, 20V and Ah capacity and our guide to cordless combo tool kits.
Brico MIM tip: for occasional use in the garden and for renovation, the cordless version with battery is the most versatile. If you spend whole days on demolition near a socket, the 750 W corded model saves you from managing battery life.
Choosing the right reciprocating saw blades
The blade matters as much as the machine. Two criteria count: the material and the tooth pitch, expressed in TPI (teeth per inch). Fewer teeth give a fast but rough cut; more teeth give a slower, cleaner cut suited to metal.
| Material to cut | Blade type | Example at Brico MIM |
|---|---|---|
| Wood, branches, MDF, plywood | HCS wood blade, coarse teeth | 150 mm wood blades TAC52644D (6 TPI, 2 pieces, 15 DH) |
| Wood with nails (demolition, pallets) | Bi-metal blade, coarse teeth | 225 mm wood and nail blades TRSB1111DF (6 TPI, pack of 5, 125 DH) |
| Tubes, profiles, sheet metal | Metal blade, fine teeth | Metal blade supplied with the TRSLI1152-1B |
| PVC and plastics | Wood or general-purpose blade | TAC52644D blades are listed as suitable for plastic |
Choose the right length too: the blade must be longer than the thickness being cut, so that it always sticks out of the workpiece throughout its stroke. Finally, check that the blade shank fits your saw. Find blades and machines in our saws and woodworking collection.
Step-by-step instructions
- Prepare the area: before cutting into a partition or floor, switch off the power at the consumer unit and locate any cables and water or gas pipes.
- Fit the blade with the tool unplugged or the battery removed, and check that it is properly locked.
- Secure the workpiece: trestles, clamps or a vice. A piece that moves makes the blade vibrate and jam.
- Press the shoe against the workpiece before starting, then hold the tool firmly with both hands.
- Start slowly using the variable-speed trigger, then increase speed once the blade has bitten.
- Let the blade do the work without forcing it. If it heats up, smokes or vibrates abnormally, it is probably worn or unsuitable.
- When pruning, cut large branches into several sections, starting from the tip, and stand out of the line of fall.
- After cutting, wait until the tool has stopped completely before putting it down. The blade is hot: only touch it with gloves.
Safety: the rules to follow
- Protective equipment: safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, dust mask and closed shoes.
- Stable footing: never cut above shoulder height or from an unstable ladder. For high branches, use a pole pruner or call a professional.
- Watch for jamming: if the blade binds, the tool can kick violently. Release the trigger and free the blade with the tool switched off.
- What is behind the cut: the blade sticks out beyond the workpiece. Make sure no cable, pipe, person or part of your body is in its path.
- Corded tool: keep the cable behind you, away from the blade, and use an extension lead in good condition.
- Maintenance: unplug or remove the battery before any blade change or cleaning, and keep the tool out of reach of children.
If you are planning a full renovation, our home renovation checklist helps you organise the work in the right order.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a reciprocating saw and a jigsaw?
A jigsaw works on a piece lying flat and allows precise cuts, including curves. A reciprocating saw is held like a hand saw and is mainly used for rough cuts, in demolition, pruning or hard-to-reach places.
Can a reciprocating saw replace a chainsaw?
For small and medium branches, yes: the TOTAL models cut up to 115 mm in wood. For large trunks or felling, a chainsaw is still needed. Also explore our tree care tools.
How much does a cordless reciprocating saw cost in Morocco?
At Brico MIM, the TOTAL 20V cordless reciprocating saw starts from 645 DH without a battery, and costs 945 DH with battery, charger and two blades. The 750 W corded model is 745 DH.
Do you deliver everywhere in Morocco?
Yes, Brico MIM delivers to every city in Morocco, with cash on delivery.
Find your reciprocating saw
Corded or cordless, with the right blades for wood, metal or demolition: delivery anywhere in Morocco and cash on delivery.
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