Whether you need a reciprocating saw for demolition work—or for projects around the house—the DeWalt DC385K 18-Volt Ni-Cad Cordless Reciprocating Saw is an invaluable tool that’s perfect for all sorts of cutting projects. From metal to wood to plastic, the DC385K is as useful for the hardcore framer as it is for the average weekend woodworker. And the great thing about this reciprocating saw is that it’s cordless, which allows you to access really tight spots that would be extremely cumbersome with a corded saw. In short, it makes cutting easy and fast.
Salient Features of DeWalt Reciprocating Saw
A battery pack is a lot more user friendly than having to drag a power cord around. But just because a reciprocating saw is battery powered doesn’t mean it’s going to be a good tool. No matter what size, shape or brand of reciprocating saw you plan on buying, I find that the following features are a must. Let’s see how the DC385K stacks up.
- Blade Clamp with Multiple Positions
- Keyless Blade Change
- Variable Speed Settings
- Comfortable Design
- Long Lasting Battery Power
- Excellent Warranty
DC385K Features At A Glance
| Voltage | 18 |
| Keyless Blade Clamp | Yes |
| Strokes/Min | 0-3,000spm |
| Stroke Length | 1-1/8″ |
| Electric Brake | Yes |
| Tool Weight | 8.2lbs |
| Amazon.com | Buy Now |
Multiple Blade Positions Translates Into More Cutting Applications
It can be tough to cut something with a reciprocating saw when the blade sits in the tool facing only one direction. More often than not, the handle gets in the way of the cut and you’ll need to flip the blade upside down to get to the cut. That works well enough—until you’ve got to turn the blade sideways and the handle gets in the way again.
What I really like about the DeWalt DC385K cordless reciprocating saw is that the blade has four positions for cutting, so even if the saw is facing handle up you can turn the blade around to face the project at multiple angles, ensuring you get the best cut possible without damaging the blade clamp or the shoe. The shoe also adjusts to three positions so you can move it out of the way easily when you need to get in those tight places.
Quick and Painless Blade Changes Saves Time
I can remember a time when you needed an Allen wrench to remove the blade from a reciprocating saw. It took forever, didn’t always stay tight and was tough to access when the blade chuck was hiding behind the shoe. Nowadays you don’t need tools for most reciprocating saws; just a flick of the lever and the blade comes out easily for replacement.
This DeWalt reciprocating saw offers users a quick-release keyless blade chuck on the side of the tool so that when it comes time to replace a blade, you just flip the lever, tip the saw on end and the blade easily falls from the chuck. That makes it super easy to remove broken or damaged blades too.
Variable Speed Settings Make Cutting a Breeze
I’ll never buy a reciprocating saw that doesn’t feature a variable speed setting switch. Earlier, I used some cordless chainsaw with such functions. Sometimes you need slow and steady blade action to make precision cuts, while other times you need a fast and powerful action to cut through the tough stuff—that’s what makes a variable speed switch so essential. The DeWalt DC385K cordless reciprocating saw has a variable speed dial that delivers between 0 and 3,000 strokes per minute, so no matter what you’re cutting, the blade speed can be set to match the materials with a scroll of your thumb.
Ergonomic Grip Prevents User Fatigue
It’s important to have a well-balanced reciprocating saw simply because it’s easier to use for longer periods of time. Not only does it prevent user fatigue, but it also makes cutting easier and more accurate. I like that it only weighs 8.2 pounds and is easy to handle—even when you’re using it above your head.
I also like how the trigger is set high up on the handle, making it easy to control while you’re gripping it really hard. And with a soft textured anti-slip grip, you can easily hold onto it with a hand full of sawdust and sweat. You can be sure that you’ll be able to use this tool all day without wearing yourself out.
Plenty Of Power Without Continuously Recharging
No matter how useful a reciprocating saw is; it’s nothing unless it runs long enough to get the job done. That’s why I like this tool—and all of the DeWalt tools that use the 18-volt XRP extended runtime battery pack.
You’ll not only get enough battery power to cut through the toughest of materials, but it will also last long enough to do all the cutting your heart desires. And when the battery does run low, you’ll be able to charge it in about one hour with the included quick charger.
Excellent Warranty = Excellent Tools
With a long warranty, you can rest assured in knowing that no matter how hard you use the DeWalt reciprocating saw, it’s going to last for years to come. And with a three-year limited warranty, a 90-day money back guarantee and free one-year service contract on maintenance and service repairs, you’ll be able to make sure your DeWalt DC385K doesn’t stop working once you get it out of the box and put it to work.
What’s It Going To Cost Me?
Although the features of the DeWalt DC385K make it well worth the money, it’s not going to cost you an arm and a leg to buy it. In my experience, I’ve found that Amazon has some of the best deals on tools. You can find this tool on Amazon for under $180, and they offer free shipping. That’s a much better price than most in-store retailers.
What’s In The Box?
Besides the DeWalt DC385K 18-volt Ni-Cad cordless reciprocating saw, it comes with a one hour Ni-Cad quick charger, an 18-volt XRP battery pack and a hard plastic kit box to store all of your blades and accessories.
What Are The Complaints?
As with any tool, this reciprocating saw has its limitations. One of the biggest complaints is that the battery pack tends to get hot after extended use. That means you’ll have to let the battery cool for a few minutes before it can recharge. However, you can get around this problem by purchasing an additional battery pack. That way you’ll have a fully charged spare while the spent one cools down.
What Are Other Owners Saying?
One of the reasons I really like buying my tools from Amazon is that they have an awesome review section written by owners. After you read a few of these reviews, it will be easy to see whether the DeWalt DC385K reciprocating saw is right for you. Here’s what some people have been saying about this great cordless reciprocating saw:
- “Along with more power this saw has a longer stroke than the cheaper 18 volt saw. If you reposition the shoe out some you can often get more use from a blade by using fresh unused teeth. This saw worked great for cutting a large bush off at the trunk. This saw has been money well spent.”
-RSL1 - “I cut through nails in a 2×4 frame too and it is FAST. Another thing is that the battery lasts forever. I cut for a good 4 hours and had the same battery when I went home. If you’re cutting more than that you can just put an extra battery in the oversized case they supply. It holds the saw, the charger, and two batteries PLUS a handful of blades and a few sticks of jerky.”
-maxGamer - “I am a woman who builds alot of stuff and works in the woods alot. I hate handling a big ol’ chainsaw and this bad boy helps to cut down branches and trees up to 5in diameter for me when working on an outdoor project with no electricity available!! WOW!”
-J. Kempiak - “Most used power tool I own. Great for landscaping projects. Cordless tools provides greater flexibility but you really need a spare battery which is not cheap, but well worth the investment and can be used with other cordless DeWalt power tools. This saw is well made and takes a beating.”
-Phil ‘P’
Where Can You Buy The DeWalt DC385K?
Considering their low price and free shipping option, Amazon is the best place to buy this exceptional reciprocating saw.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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