I’ve got good news and bad news – Dewalt’s new Atomic-series 20V Max compact cordless DCS369B reciprocating saw is now available, but in very limited supplies.
I snagged one at my local Home Depot, where it was unfortunately not eligible for any current promos. Buy any of the other Atomic-series cordless power tools, and you get a free 2.0Ah battery.
What’s so special about the Dewalt Atomic brushless reciprocating saw? Well, this is Dewalt’s first one-handed 20V Max model.
Dewalt has a compact 12V Max compact reciprocating saw, with pivoting handle, but there’s nothing like that in the 20V Max lineup.
Dewalt does also have a compact brushless 20V Max reciprocating saw, but it also requires a two-handed grip.
The new Dewalt Atomic reciprocating saw fits in with the character and branding of the Atomic-series, if that makes sense. It’s the kind of tool I would expect to be part of the “Atomic” lineup.
The Dewalt Atomic cordless reciprocating saw features a quick-change chuck, variable speed trigger, pivoting shoe, and brushless motor.
There’s also an LED worklight.
I couldn’t resist the impulse to get one in my hands ASAP, and picked one up for testing and review. I also picked up a couple of fresh packs of Diablo reciprocating saw blades.
I have small 4″ blades around here somewhere, but figured that 6″ blades would work well on a tool this size. If this was a smaller 12V-class tool, I’d dig out those 4″ blades.
Initial testing will likely involve some branch pruning, some light cutting of construction lumber, plastic pipes, and maybe also copper tubing. A compact recip saw like this is best suited for lighter cutting tasks.
I really like Milwaukee’s Hackzall cordless reciprocating saws, for their compactness, light weight, and reasonable performance. It’ll be curious to see if and how Dewalt’s Atomic-series one-handed cordless reciprocating saw will compare.
While larger saws can handle light work too, they can be fatiguing especially when used overhead, or cumbersome in tighter spaces.
Price: $129 for the bare tool (DCS369B)
Home Depot’s website is reporting that the saw is pretty much out of stock everywhere, and I’m also seeing a $149 price. I paid $129.
I found mine on top of a tool box display near the PRO desk.
If this is something you want to get your hands on ASAP, happy hunting. If you can wait, I’m sure availability will improve soon.
