Harbor Freight Reciprocating Saw Review

Tool review of the saw Item #65570 come with allen wrench and extra brushes for the motor.

[@masterxiong7368]

Great review. I just bought one for $19.99 at harbor freight. Great tool for a great price. Got my project done. Can't beat it.

[@johnabalos1455]

Dear backyard woodworking. I bought the same saw about two yrs ago , an i used One before several times , but never had one of my own.I like to fix an repair my own stufft too. It’s a great tool for the price!!!! Thanx for the video.

[@jimschultz9465]

Just bought one of these for a plumbing job. First drain pipe it cut like cheese. the 2nd drain pipe the blade kept coming out. Checked each time by hand if it was secure but it still came out. Have you had that problem?

[@dpelcherjr]

My son bought one about two years ago. He was working a job and his (I think it was a Craftsman) broke. He ran down to Harbor Freight and got one for the same $20.00. He still uses it today. Nice review, Happy Holidays to you. Dave

[@BackyardWoodworking]

Thanks and have a good New Year.

[@StreetersGarage]

I bought the same one about 2 years ago. I love it. For what I do, it works great. Agree on the blades, get some good blades and you will be fine. The blades that are included are junk.

[@SteveFrenchWoodNStuff]

Hey man, I don't think I knew you had a channel. I just subscribed. I bought one of these about 3 years ago. They were on sale for $15. I didn't have very high expectations for it but it did a fine job. I used it on part of my gazebo that I built. I've also used out for several other jobs, such as fitting some steel gate parts and, again, I was happy with the performance. So I agree with your assessment; it's a great tool for the money.

[@steinie44]

Good review. I got the same one last Christmas. The one I had before that, I burned out cutting roots on tree stumps, to remove them.

[@BackyardWoodworking]

I had an old Black and Decker professional model from the 1980's. The motor still works but all the switches and wiring inside are shot. Thanks for the comment Jim

[@steinie44]

You can remove the motor and make a tool that uses it. Like a grinder or something, if the motor is good.

[@BackyardWoodworking]

Good idea I still have it. Didn't throw it out.

[@bradsoddsandends733]

I have the same exact one and it works really well. your right the blade is one of the big things. some people don't realize that.

[@ghostses]

Right on! I used Milwaukee in the trades years ago, and have a Porter Cable now. I bought the PC before I discovered HF as a source for decent tools. You will pay more for a set of good blades than you did for the saw itself. Good review, G.

[@BackyardWoodworking]

Thanks for sharing

[@geoffhada2900]

I just got one of these and cut tree stumps and branches for the last half hour. Worked amazing for the $19 i just paid. I love HF tools for the odd jobs i have.

[@travisskelton9500]

I am on my second saw now but as for the longevity I got nearly 6 years out of my first one. I've used it to cut car frames truck hitches things like that numbers upon numbers of times with no real issue. Only thing I've ever had an issue with is the end stop safety deal coming loose and having to pul out an Allen wrench to adjust and tighten it back up. Not a bad saw at all really

[@MrAluminox]

I have one. I bought it almost 2 years ago for pruning, a lot. I even cut small trees and big branches until 6-7 inches. Works very well even with the very hard and sticky sappy tropical trees, you have simply to go smoothly It does not vibrate and it is far safer than a chainsaw. I use transmission oil for maintenance and for keeping the pruning blade always well oiled, that helps a lot as the fresh sap does not stick on the blade.

[@wingmanalive]

Been buying HF tools for over a decade. Yes they aren't built for the professional or every day heavy duty use but you will NEVER find a better value for the $. Bought cordless drills, drill presses, miter saws, lathes, hand tools, ect. As long as you don't make your living off your tools HF can't be beat.

[@jacquig1939]

I was debating getting this saw but I know nothing about amps, this was a great help.

[@knecht105]

Roland !!! ... it appears like you are spending all your Christmas money on new tools at Harbor Freight. Sounds like fun to me :) Colin

[@BackyardWoodworking]

Your wrong the wife did LOL

[@Ratsinameatsuit]

I just bought this on sale for 19.99. I’m happy with it. Was going to get the Dewalt brushless but for what I need it wasn’t necessary. Thanks for the review!

[@IamTheGoatstroker]

I'm just a homeowner trying to get some projects done so for me, Harbor Freight is exactly right. I was just not sure if upgrading to the 7.5 or even the 9 amp model was worth it, but I think the 6 amp model for $30 will be just fine for leveling my fence posts. Don't need fancy names here, just the job done. Thanks for the review.

[@BackyardWoodworking]

***** I paid $21 for mine still going strong. Thanks for watching.

[@Coste1072]

Good job. Touched on all important points for guys like me that won't be using the tool every day. Now all I have to do is see how I can buy it for $20. Lists for more on the ad.

[@MikeyMack303]

Great review! I've had mine for about 7 years and it still performs flawlessly! I bought it thinking this tool was so inexpensive that it was disposable! Well, to my surprise, it is a great saw, for the money! I think the rotating head is a major feature!

[@gl7011]

michael mccartin its on sale today for $18.99 price can't be beat.

[@MikeyMack303]

Thanks for the info, Eric. I get their emails all the time too! I might get one as a backup, or maybe as a Christmas gift!

[@old64goat]

That is good to know, they are opening a H.F. store 10 miles from me, I will check them out. I never bought anything fro H.F. before, but I don't need the reciprocating saw as I have a Craftsman. Thanks for yorr reviews on H.F. tools. Bill

[@BackyardWoodworking]

Thanks for watching

[@w8lvradio]

I have one of these. I agree it's a very good tool for the money, and the famous Beer City one's blades do fit on this model. Really, I like it better than a circular saw. Get spare blades you will need them, and be glad you did.

[@bobluhrs]

How to fix a reciprocating saw that won't accept blades. You can find them at thrift stores for a few bucks, plug them in and they seem to work great. Mine cost only 9.99. But when I got it home and tried to put blades in it, they wouldn't go in.The reason is the blade clamp, a spring-loaded collar on the front of the saw, has rusted or jammed with sap to where the little pin inside that fits into the little hole on the base of the saw blade has frozen and cannot move.I was able to take it apart, clean it out, and the saw then worked fine. There's usually a circlip or spiralock clip on the very nose of the blade clamp that, when removed, allows you to slip the clamp apart. On the Chicago brand saws, the clamp is not replaceable since they don't seem to sell any parts for them. Milwaukee does for their saws, but they cost a lot more than Chicago's, usually found at Harbor Freight tools.When I got it apart I found it all rusty inside and the pin was frozen into place too hard to remove it. So I got out a blowtorch (bernzomatic) and heated the end of the shaft where the pin goes in, for about 5 minutes, then clamped it in a vise, and used a flat screwdriver I had ground into a sharp chisel-point. After a lot of hard hammering it began to come out. Once out, I noticed a small spring wrapped around it, which I carefully removed and cleaned up. I used steel wool on the pin and a drill which fit pretty close to the hole which was rusted also. After a full cleanup I applied some high quality grease to all the parts and put them together again, and the saw now works fine. So, I saved 50 bucks for about an hour's work. Not a lot, but I like to NOT throw away things that really only need cleaning. The lesson is when you finish with a reciprocating saw always clean off and oil the blade clamp or be ready to buy a whole new saw! eek. Like Comment Share

[@OldJoe212]

I need a saws-all to do my exhaust pipe and I've been wanting (not really needing) one for a while so I decided to get your opinion. It looks like you sold me. Good video.

[@stonelark]

Thanks for the review ... I need a new saw, and we have a Harbor Freight nearby!

[@cameragirlish]

Thanks for the review of this tool. Was lucky to just find it on CL New for $15 included the brushes and allen wrench and two blades. Hopefully no problems with it as no receipt or return possible. Been wanting one for a while but not bad enough to spend a bunch of money so this did the trick.

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Thanks for your review. I agree with your opinion of Harbor Freight tools. I have found that if you get their higher quality tools, you can not go wrong. Have a merry Christmas.

[@BackyardWoodworking]

Thanks, you too

[@Loganeffecto]

Thanks for the video. Some come with replacement brushes, mine didn't. Mine works better than expected. There isn't another $19 power tool I can think of. These are great for work or places where tools disappear. If it breaks in a year, I would buy another.

[@Tain950]

I've had extremely good luck with HF Chicago products. If you're thinking of buying one of their products I would encourage you to buy can't go wrong for the price. Great Review

[@russmeister2853]

My Chicago recip just stopped on me like it had no power. I loosened the black screw cap on the case to see the brush. I got a small buzz a shock from it but the brush is curved on the bottom. So I assume it's the brush I need? What size is it ? I don't have the Manual anymore. Good lil saw for the price just tighten all the Allen bolts before using.

[@russmeister2853]

Target has a B&D recip for $21. I liked the HF one I think I just got a dud. It started falling apart on first use.

[@yoyodyne33]

This HF saw is my first experience with a sawsall. Is the chuck supposed to have some play on it. I can actually put my finger on it and move it around a bit.

[@thomasdorcy2411]

Very helpful. The point about the blades being about 90 percent of value is one that most people don't think about. I know I didn't.

[@BrentBoere]

Thomas Dorcy dewalt blades are great for the money and are about the cheapest I would go on blades. I've bought some blades that were on sale for .50 cents at true value, and they weren't even worth that. Dewalt is the bare minimum

[@davidnollmusic363]

Thanks so much for the review. It was very helpful.

[@artactical]

I agree.........I was gonna buy a Dewalt.........but bought the one you got in-store for $20. along with a pack of blades for $7........I don't see how they do it! Good video BYWW

[@BackyardWoodworking]

Thanks

[@fromthebackofmymind]

Sir, do you think they put enough grease in it?

[@ProfitOfDoom420]

I got this with a coupon from the store for under $22.00 out the door and even got some free items with other coupons! Sure,I bet a $100+ saw is better quality and if you use them daily for a living,Maybe you might be better off getting a higher end saw,but even then I would still recommend giving this a try,Its 20 bux! and I think pretty damn good quality too. For someone like myself that just uses it a handful of times a year,You cant go wrong with this saw!, Great Review!

[@BackyardWoodworking]

Thanks I could not of said it better. Roland

[@jhmstagg9104]

thank you. , what about sawing with changed position.

[@BackyardWoodworking]

Works well in any position. Thanks for the comment.

[@bessiefunk2037]

Nice review, thanks for taking the time to do it!

[@billk5061]

Roland, I also have one of these, as well as a Ryobi battery model. It has come in really handy more than once, great for the money seems to me. Also, I paid what seemed like a small amount for a replacement warranty, but I never got to use it because it is still going and I think the warranty has just expired! Sometimes when I am using this, the vibration seems like it will take my arm off. I'm not very experience using recip saws, so don't know if that is normal. It usually starts smooth enough, but about 1/2 way through the wood, or an inch or so in, the vibration starts and WOW! It can actually be painful. Even if I have the brace solid against the wood, doesn't seem to matter. Do you think this is the saw, or the blades bought at HF? Or just me not knowing what I am doing? Thanks! Bill

[@BackyardWoodworking]

Hi thanks for commenting. You might be using the saw wrong push the saw tight against the cut. that will stop the material from vibrating back and forth with the blade. Thanks and keep watching. Roland

[@billk5061]

Backyard Woodworking OK, Thx! I'll pay more attention to that!

[@joewrasman2841]

One time I was looking at a catalog in the reciprocated saw sold for $300 from Milwaukee

[@BackyardWoodworking]

Yes they make a great tool but if you need a saw for a few jobs around the house that's too much money for me.my saw is still like new for $20.00 Thanks for watching

[@creepybunny255]

Backyard Woodworking I love these little tools man. From the drills to these saws, not had much problems out of them! People don't give them enough credit I don't think.

[@fifftygunz8777]

Appreciate this review...been wondering about HF tools.

[@Jimboo0825]

The only problem with that sawzall is that it won't last, and it's kinda poor guilty. I mean what's Chicago electric? It's Some foreign brand. I have a Milwaukee super sawzall and it's great. Had it for so long, and still works as good as the day I got it

[@loafer8422]

Enjoy your videos. Happy Holidays

[@BackyardWoodworking]

Thanks and Happy New Year

[@santossaldana8535]

I believe in HFT value. I have a garage full of quality stuff and HFT has its place. I bought the HFT recip-saw that has the quick-attach, it is better than the saw that uses an allen wrench to attach the blade.

[@BKamm]

Nice review. For the small amount of usage it will get, I think it will be right for me. It's currently $19.99 with coupon.

[@EGGreen101]

I bought one of these 6 amp recip saws for myself, got it home, and I cann't get the chuck to open so I can install a blade. Any help available??

[@BackyardWoodworking]

Gale Green Hey if it's defective take it back for a new one or refund. Make sure your working it right.

[@EGGreen101]

Backyard Woodworking Make sure I'm working it right?? And what would that be?? I said I tried everything. EVERYTHING. Lifted the yellow lever over and over, tried to insert the blade over and over. . . . what other suggestion might you have?? And, take it back--you did read that I'm over a 2 hr drive away, didn't you?

[@ronaldbusby3964]

Gale Green I just picked up the 9 amp version of this saw and am having similar problems. The blade is inserted as far as it will go and can not be pulled out by hand but when I start cutting the blade falls out. I've tried different blades but they all do the same. It looks like the quick release pin might not be fully engaging but I see no way to adjust that. It's going back to Harbor Freight

[@creepybunny255]

***** I've never liked the idea about quick release for things such as BLADES, lol. If I were to accept a quick release on a rig like this, I'd make sure it's on a higher end model.

[@BackyardWoodworking]

Allen Howe I have a friend that has a expensive saw and his blade does the same falls out . My blades stay in fine, I use a little WD-40 on it now and then.

[@danr1920]

I'd spend a few more bucks on good blades. I don't use mine much and got some DeWalt blades on clearance, what a difference it made.

[@trollmomjo]

I know I love mine and it makes it so easy because I love a good deal and works Great! You do great video's Thanks!

[@Alexlivingloud]

I think I'm going to go buy one of this puppies soon.. I just need it for a one time use, and I don't know anyone that has a reciprocating saw:-/... And renting one will be almost be the same price as buying a hf saw. Anyways good excuse to try this one out. :-).. So far I have had good experience with hf tools

[@BackyardWoodworking]

Thanks for watching My HF Saw is still going strong. It's a good buy.

[@jackmaravola2496]

I have the same saw. Plenty of power.

[@tjsotelo7527]

Will this saw cut up to a 1/4" of metal?

[@creepybunny255]

TJ Sotelo Yes, with a good metal bit, do not use destruction blades or obviously blades for wood. Finer the teeth the better and depending on how long of a cut you're making, give it a break if it's a cheaper blade.

[@dungeonsdragons1900]

how is it holding up?

[@BackyardWoodworking]

Very well thanks

[@WitchdoktahArms]

great video, to the point. inexpensive, does what it is supposed to do, not for heavy use, and buy quality blades. will subscribe

[@bluecaker]

I m going to buy two.

[@wolf68514]

not all that good you talked mostly about the price I don't know about most people but myself I'd rather see it being used you can have a low cost good looking tool but at the end of the day will it do its job

[@highplains7777]

Good...for the money. I agree.

[@redzilla399]

Dude you are awesome

[@WickedG5150]

Makita makes the best sawzall known to real men.

[@johnfabian5464]

Thanks

[@ricksa2786]

Mine broke in less than 5 minutes cutting a fiberglass panel.

[@scicero1]

Why does no one show them cutting pressing a button is obvious

[@BackyardWoodworking]

Good point but it cut like any other saw just cheaper and not for evveryday construction where you use it all day,

[@pdid44569]

Friend has one of these suckers. You ought to see the sparks that shoot out of it😂

[@rtbboatt6863]

it needs brushes

[@ExpatPhil]

Thanks great review...Call me a cheapskate but the advice I received at an early age was to buy cheap and replace if necessary, otherwise as you say, spend your money on other things...Bosch! Dewalt! who are they? :)

[@BackyardWoodworking]

I have to agree money don't grow on trees at my house i try to save where I can. Thanks for the comment.

[@CANDYPAINTJAYOHIO]

Twist near blade and install.

[@wisestudent1463]

I am totally retired and know I won't be around many more years so why buy the top of the line in some tools !!

[@kennethslaughenhaupt1681]

I cut a tree root out. The damn thing fell apart. I'll never buy another chicago product in my life. Waiting for my jigsaw to fall apart.

[@fromthebackofmymind]

Ken, I got one today. Sounds dry, not enough grease inside. Lube it up.

[@kennethslaughenhaupt1681]

@@fromthebackofmymind thank you, to late it was in the trash a long time ago. No the allen bolts that hold the blade platform fell out, and the motor smoked. I tried to resurrect it. The motor fried. Bolts fell out. The. Platform desintegrated. The blade plate or whatever you call it.

[@wisestudent1463]

Put it through its paces....Give it a good work out, then talk !!! I buy some things from Harbour Freight..But I also believe in the addage; you get what you pay for !!1

[@BackyardWoodworking]

I have used this tool on the job and it works well no problems so far I think it is as good as the more expensive tools.

[@gl7011]

use the tool next time.

[@kennethslaughenhaupt1681]

I mean fell apart. It fell the fuck apart. Screws, bolts yah.

[@MeHomer]

Not a Sawzall.. Harbor crap .. 6 amp is weak. Go to Home depot.

[@bornfree2237]

Loves product, made in China, votes Trump....