How We Research
Every guide on TrueTumbler starts with one question: will this product work for the person who is shopping for it? For our reciprocating saw and multi-tool guides, that means the jobs you have, the battery system you already own and how much tool you want to hold.
Here is how we answer it.
1. We start with your job and your batteries
Cutting a pipe, trimming a door jamb and clearing a fallen limb each call for a different tool. A saw that suits demolition can be too big for tight spots under a sink.
We also check which battery system a tool uses, since many DeWalt, Milwaukee and Makita tools are sold as bare tools without a battery or charger. When a pick is bare, we say so.
2. We compare specs and features
We look at voltage, brushless or brushed motor, stroke length, strokes per minute, orbital action, weight, one-hand or two-hand design, blade-change style and work light. For multi-tools we also look at oscillation speed, the accessory system and vibration control.
DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Ryobi and BLACK+DECKER describe their motors and speeds in their own words, so we name the brand for every claim. We also note the warranty terms the maker lists.
3. We look at buyer feedback
We read through what buyers report after using a saw or multi-tool. We look for patterns, like battery fit problems, loose blade clamps, heavy vibration or a tool that bogs down in thick material.
One angry review doesn't sink a product. A pattern does.
4. We score each product
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. A saw that's great for demolition may score lower in a guide written for light trim work.
Scores spread out on purpose. A 10 is rare.
5. We keep pages up to date
Products change, and some disappear from stores. DeWalt, Milwaukee and Makita sell look-alike models with similar names, so we check each model number and whether it ships as a bare tool or a kit, and we only link new units.
When we update a guide, the "Updated on" date at the top changes with it.
What our picks are not
Our picks are research, not lab tests. We don't claim to have used every saw or multi-tool we cover.
These tools can kick back, bind and throw debris. Follow the maker's manual, wear eye, ear and dust protection, and check what's behind a wall before you cut into it.
Cutting old flooring, tile, grout or drywall can raise dust and may disturb old materials, so have them checked first. We don't promise that any tool will cut any material.