5.0 out of 5 stars Cutting Through It All

J.S. · 24 March 2025

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } When I bought the Bosch Cordless Reciprocating Saw AdvancedRecip 18, I wasn’t exactly new to power tools. I’d had corded reciprocating saws, compact jigsaws, even one of those multi-tools with about a dozen attachments, but I never quite found the perfect blend of power, portability and comfort. Until this one. I knew I was already in the Bosch 18V ecosystem, so picking this up without a battery made total sense. What I didn’t expect was just how often I’d find reasons to reach for it—and how much I’d end up trusting it for jobs big and small.The first project I took it to was pruning thick branches from the old apple tree in our garden. With the right blade, this thing sliced through 60mm branches like butter. No cords to trip over, no faffing about with extension leads. It felt lighter than expected, and the grip—with its low-vibration design—really reduced the fatigue I usually get from repetitive cutting.Then came the shed dismantling project. Some of those nails and screws had rusted beyond recognition. The Bosch reciprocating saw let me simply cut through the wood and fixings in one go. No wrestling, no stripping screws. Just point, cut, done. I actually finished earlier than planned because of how efficient it was.I also used it to cut up pallets for firewood. Normally that’s a tiresome task, especially separating the boards from the main frame. But with this saw, I didn’t even bother trying to save the nails. I zipped through everything cleanly. One blade swap mid-way was all it took, thanks to the keyless SDS system—possibly my favourite design element.Another job where it shined was when I had to trim some old plastic guttering. I was up on a ladder, and the last thing you want when elevated is a cord getting in the way or a saw that kicks too much. This Bosch model kept steady, and the battery weight actually helped stabilise it. Clean cut, no cracks, no mess.It’s not a tool just for demolition, either. I’ve used it for more delicate tasks like modifying cabinetry. Cutting into the back of a cupboard to make room for new plumbing—a bit of a tight squeeze. This saw fit into the awkward space and gave me just enough control to avoid going through to the other side.When we installed a cat flap into a wooden door, I reached for this again. The blade made quick work of the interior panel and insulation layer. What could’ve been a messy jigsaw job became a neat cutout in about five minutes.It even helped when I was repairing some fencing. Cutting replacement planks to size on-site, without needing to haul out the circular saw and set up a workspace. Just clamp the board, mark the line, and zip through. The 100mm cutting depth on wood is no joke.The lack of included battery might be a turn-off for some, but I already had a few Bosch 18V packs lying around from my drill and hedge trimmer. Popped one in, and I was off. It makes more sense to buy it bare if you’re already invested in the system. Plus, it keeps the price reasonable.The only time it struggled slightly was with a steel pipe embedded in concrete—it managed it, but progress was slow, and the blade obviously took a hit. That’s more of a limitation of the blade than the tool itself, though. With wood, plastics, composites, and most light metals, it performs brilliantly.Noise levels are what you’d expect from a saw of this type—not silent, but far from obnoxious. I’ve used it without ear protection for short cuts, though extended use definitely warrants plugs or muffs. Vibration is impressively low, so your hands don’t feel like they’ve been in a blender after a day of use.I also rate the ergonomics. The balance of the tool is really spot-on, especially with the battery in place. It doesn’t feel front-heavy like some others I’ve tried. The soft grip zones actually do help reduce hand strain, and the placement of the trigger makes single-handed cuts (when safe) totally feasible.The build quality, being Bosch, is reassuring. It doesn’t creak or flex under pressure. The casing is solid, the buttons click with intent, and even the included blade felt decent—not a cheap throw-in.I've read some reviews where people said it doesn't have enough power for serious demolition, but I think that's a misunderstanding. This isn't a contractor-grade beast for knocking down walls daily. It's for home projects, garden tasks, emergency fixes, and DIY upgrades—and for that, it's absolutely spot on.During a plumbing emergency, I even used it to quickly trim a bit of ABS pipe behind a wall cavity. No way a handsaw would’ve fit. No need to get the oscillating tool either. This saw just made sense.It’s become my go-to for rough cuts, awkward angles, and "let's just get this trimmed" moments. It’s like the Swiss army knife of saws. Not the most powerful in the shed, but the most frequently reached for. Because it’s easy. Because it works.Honestly, this Bosch reciprocating saw fills a gap in my toolkit I didn’t even realise existed. Not flashy, not over-engineered. Just dependable, well-thought-out, and really enjoyable to use. For under £100, it's been one of the most satisfying tool purchases I’ve made in years.

5.0 out of 5 stars Ergonomic design and impressive performance

A.S. · 9 February 2024

I'm extremely impressed with its performance. The cordless feature gives me the freedom to work anywhere without being restricted by power outlets. The saw is powerful and cuts through wood and metal effortlessly. The ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use for extended periods, and the variable speed control allows for precision cutting. Overall, I highly recommend this reciprocating saw for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike.

5.0 out of 5 stars Sturdy

D.S.J.G. · 30 March 2025

Good product. Really easy to use. Nice and sturdy. Putting on and taking off a blade is extremely simple.Two provisos; you will need a battery. If you have other Bosch 18 V products, this battery is the same which makes it extremely good as a purchase. Also, the blade is cunningly hidden within the packaging. I thought I did not have one to start with!. I will look out for other Bosch tools that use the same battery.

4.0 out of 5 stars Useful tool to have.

K.G. · 9 December 2021

Used for cutting up roofing rafters and pruning trees. Good job.

5.0 out of 5 stars Cumbersome but powerful

K.P. · 12 October 2023

This is a pretty large and heavy power saw. In use, it really needs both hands for accurate cutting. That said, the lack of a mains cable means it is much easier to use in hard to reach areas, and, not having an extended cable greatly enhances speed of use.It appears well built and sturdy. Using the same 18v batteries as many other Bosch tools is a huge bonus too. I can't comment on battery life as I tend to use whatever is to hand and swap out from drills, hedge trimmers, mower, etc!There's a wide range of interchangeable blades available too. I used a metal cutting blade on an old fence support and was amazed how quickly and easily it cut through.Overall, highly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful despite being battery driven.

J.M. · 16 July 2025

Excellent buy! Used for so many purposes to date. And it shares battery with our drill and strimmer.

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Product

C.R. · 17 February 2025

Good product. Makes easy work. Good idea to have several batteries ready as gets through battery power pretty quick if lots of cutting required.

5.0 out of 5 stars Much Better Than My Old Black & Decker Scorpion

H.F. · 2 July 2023

My Black & Decker Scorpion fell apart when cutting up the branches of a plum tree I pruned right back. Although I'd had it three years it had hardly been used. Changing the blade on this is much easier and simpler that changing a blade on a Black & Decker Scorpion, and there's no trailing cable to accidentally cut through. Although it doesn't come with a battery let alone a charger my Bosch vacuum uses the same battery which as I have three I didn't have to fork out for that.If you do buy this it does come thoughts are it's value for money, it does the job and comes with a free three year warranty.

Very powerful. So easy to use. A brilliant tool!

E. · 12 September 2022

(function() { P.when('cr-A', 'ready').execute(function(A) { if(typeof A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel === 'function') { A.toggleExpanderAriaLabel('review_text_read_more', 'Read more of this review', 'Read less of this review'); } }); })(); .review-text-read-more-expander:focus-visible { outline: 2px solid #2162a1; outline-offset: 2px; border-radius: 5px; } What a brilliant power tool to have! Great price. Reliable brand. So easy to use. I love the quick blade insert/release design - pain free, safe and quick.This machine is so powerful. I used it to cut up some old outdoor roller blind metal parts (with a demolition blade for metal). It took so little time to cut them into pieces! Great for demolition for sure, especially some things are just too big or too long to put in the car to take to the council's tip, saves money on hiring skip bins as well as petrol on visiting the tip. Well worth the price paid!I also tried to cut off a tree branch (approximately 100 mm in diameter) using the wood/metal blade that came with the tool. It was like a breeze. Zoom zoom, mission completed in few seconds! Amazing!I cannot be happier with this Bosch Sabre saw! Totally satisfied. It makes my life so much easier, saves my time, and significantly increased my productivity working on small DIY tasks at home.Here is an important recommendation to handyladies (like me): do not hold the machine above your waist height unless you are a super super strong lady and have much more muscle strength in the arms. Otherwise it will be hard to hold and control the machine, would not be very safe. If needed, use a ladder :)

Una Maravilla!

S. · 27 April 2025

Funciona muy bien, facilita mucho la poda de los cipreses.

On doit sans servire à deux mains.

N.D. · 17 June 2025

Fonctionne très bien.

Quick cuts and very little vibration on the hands

c.c. · 1 October 2024

+ Cuts through Woods really well haven't had the change to cut metal yet .Very useful blade that follows the product- hard to understand instructions on how to cut properly with the tool

Bon produit. Facile à utiliser. Un peu lourd

P.A. · 31 May 2025

Efficace. Solide. Bon produit. Pourrait être un peu moins lourd