Tool Ratings

There are many who would never want to use a cordless reciprocating saw. Often, this is because some simply do not trust them to have the power to get the job done. Even those hold-outs, though, would not turn down a cordless unit if the job absolutely required such flexibility. In that situation, such people would be very likely to turn to DeWalt and, when they did, they would find themselves a very good surrogate for their regular companion. The DeWalt DC385K 18-Volt NiCad Cordless XRP Reciprocating Saw does quite well compared to a corded model and it is capable of satisfying, or even significantly exceeding, the abilities of that which it displaces.

Going straight to the very things which the potential buyer will look for immediately when first picking up the DeWalt DC385K cordless reciprocating saw, the basic measures are: a variable-speed control for 0 to 3,000 strokes-per-minute (SPM) control and a stroke length of 1-1/8 inches. The second concern can be answered with 18 volts of XRP power, a DeWALT technology which provides more power and longer battery life, and that is accompanied by a one-hour quick-charger for fast turnaround. Should the DC385 18-volt cordless saw finish its cut and need to stop in a hurry, the built-in DeWALT electric brake seizes the blade quick every time.

Since the DC385 runs without a cord, it has the ability to be nearly infinitely flexible. The battery, though it allows this most useful feature, also may make the reciprocating saw heavy, ungainly and unbalanced, right? Nothing out of balance with this reciprocating saw design. The engineers shaved weight – without compromising durability – and located the rubber-coated, textured and anti-slip grip is perfectly to balance the 8.2 pound tool. Since it is likely that any user of this saw will need to switch out blades often, DeWALT has even thought to integrate their standard fast and keyless blade changing system into the DC385K for the quickest replacement in the industry.

Wielding the DeWALT DC385 reciprocating saw is far easier due to its ideal balance, and quickly and accurately completing the job at hand is this tool’s forte. The variable speed of its cutting end does contribute to this sense of control and adds to the balance factor. Its 3,000 RPM power stuns people not accustomed to modern cordless tools, and the length of its cut is right in line with any competitor with a tail. In fact, this tool, with a good supply of extra batteries, could be a daily grinder for a professional. The battery does last far longer than those of old, but it can be worn down quickly with constant but highly differentiated use (such as variously hard and then soft materials, long periods of non-use between cuts, etc.); just get a spare battery. However, once you use the DeWALT DC385, you will know it is a serious saw meant for serious work.

Buying the DeWALT DC385 reciprocating saw nets more than only the tool. Included in the kit are the one-hour quick charger, the all-too-necessary 18-volt XRP battery and a very handsome and handy carrying box with which to transport the new tool – and, hopefully, also makes it easier to keep the DC385 clean and running perfectly.

Suggested retail price for the DeWALT DC385 Reciprocating Saw Kit is supposed to be around US$376, but it is not unusual to find it for just over half that amount. This saw’s feature set is rich at either price; once you own the DeWALT DC385 reciprocating saw, you’ll never run out of ways to use it.