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Jigsaws are powerful tools designed to cut curves, shapes, and bevels into a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and fiberglass. The tool is a go-to for many serious DIYers because it’s capable of delivering precise cuts that other power saws aren’t able to produce.
Like most power tools, jigsaws come in multiple designs that suit the needs and preferences of a variety of homeowners. To help you select the jigsaw that’s right for you, the This Old House Reviews team researched the best jigsaws on Amazon. Here are our top five selections. You can also find more tool-buying tips in our tools buying guide.
Top 5 Jigsaws
- Best Cordless: DEWALT 20-Volt Max XR Jigsaw
- Best Control: BLACK+DECKER 5.0-Amp Jigsaw
- Best Battery Life: Milwaukee D-Handle Jigsaw
- Best Design: BLACK+DECKER 20-Volt MAX Jigsaw
- Best Barrel-Grip: Bosch Variable-Speed Jigsaw
Best Cordless: DEWALT 20-Volt Max XR Jigsaw
- $183.25
- $219
- 17% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 20-volt battery
- 4.2 pounds
- D-handle
What Customers Are Saying
Positive reviews centered around the jigsaw’s easy-to-use design and adjustable speed settings. Additional positive reviews commented on the product’s solid and high-quality build. At the time of this review, this product received just a single 1-star review that explained a customer’s frustration over the jigsaw’s lack of control.
Best Control: BLACK+DECKER 5.0-Amp Jigsaw
- $32.79
- $74.73
- 57% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 5.0-amp electric motor
- 4.6 pounds
- D-handle
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers commented on the jigsaw’s ease of use, praising features like its tool-free blade change and its ergonomic handle. Other positive reviews complimented the jigsaw’s quality performance at an affordable price. Negative reviews complained about the jigsaw’s lack of a trigger lock, which stops the blade from moving when engaged.
Best Battery Life: Milwaukee D-Handle Jigsaw
- $155.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- M18 battery
- One pound
- D-handle
What Customers Are Saying
Positive reviews focused on the jigsaw’s power output, which customers explained made it both easy to use and accurate. Additional positive reviews praised the jigsaw’s battery, which is compatible with the line of Fuel products from Milwaukee. Most negative reviews came from customers who raised concerns about their purchased jigsaw being a refurbished product.
Best Design: BLACK+DECKER 20-Volt MAX Jigsaw
- $56.99
- $59.99
- 6% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 20-volt battery
- 5.5 pounds
- D-handle
What Customers Are Saying
Positive reviews centered around the product’s good value, with customers praising the product’s effectiveness and power at a competitive price. Many negative reviews focused on the jigsaw’s battery, with some saying it couldn’t hold a charge and others complaining that it died after minimal use.
Best Barrel-Grip: Bosch Variable-Speed Jigsaw
- $135
- $159
- 16% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 7.0-amp electric motor
- 5.9 pounds
- Barrel-grip
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers raved about the jigsaw’s power, which many said cut through materials with ease. Negative reviews centered around the jigsaw’s barrel-grip, which many customers said was uncomfortable and difficult to hold.
Buying Guide
Before purchasing a jigsaw, it’s important to understand the factors that influence the tool’s operation so that you can make a selection that’s right for your next project.
Cutting Speed
Owning a jigsaw with variable cutting speeds is important if you want to cut different materials. For example, wood requires a higher cutting speed, while metal requires a lower speed. Speed is measured in strokes per minute, with a higher SPM causing the jigsaw blade to oscillate with greater speed. Most jigsaws don’t specify their exact SPM settings, instead offering general variable speeds labeled low, medium, and high.
Power Source
Like most power tools, jigsaws are available in both corded and cordless options. If you’re looking for a powerful jigsaw to use daily for precise woodworking, a corded jigsaw may be a good option. However, if you want a mobile jigsaw for small projects, a battery-powered jigsaw may be a better choice.
Blade Style
Most jigsaws can use either a T- or U-shank blade. T-shank blades are the most popular choice because of their easy-lock technology that’s compatible with most jigsaw models. U-shank blades are distinguished by their “U” shape at the top of the blade. These blades are less popular because they require a tool during installation.
Grip
Jigsaws typically offer two grips—a barrel grip or D-handle—that help you guide the tool as it cuts material. Barrel grips are distinguished by their handle that’s positioned close to the material it’s cutting and the use of a thumb switch. D-handles take the shape of their name and allow the user to fully wrap their hand around the tool. A D-handle, while easy to grip, decreases your leverage and can lead to inaccurate cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a jigsaw cut a 2×4?
While jigsaws can cut through a 2×4, their small and flimsy blade will generally produce an uneven and jagged line while attempting to cut through the large lumber. In general, a circular saw is the best tool to use to power through 2x4s with accuracy.
How much does a jigsaw cost?
The price of a jigsaw depends on a number of factors, including its available cutting speeds and power source. For example, cordless jigsaws typically cost more than corded models. On average, a quality jigsaw will cost around $100.
Can a jigsaw cut through metal?
Yes. If you want to cut metal with your jigsaw, use a fine, metal cutting blade. The speed should be decreased when cutting through dense metal to prevent the blade from overheating.
Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
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