- 1-1/8-inch stroke length and 0-3,000 rpm for faster cutting speed
- 4-position blade clamp allows for flush cutting and increased versatility
- Lever-action keyless blade clamp for quick and easy blade changes
- Anti-slip comfort grip provides increased comfort and control; pivoting adjustable shoe with open top for maximum visibility
- Tool only (battery not included)
The DeWalt DC385 is a 18V heavy-duty cordless reciprocating saw. The 18v cordless reciprocating saw provides 1 stroke length and 2900 SPM for fast cutting. Its keyless blade clamp allows for changing the blade quickly. The electric brake prevents blades from breaking. It is a compact and lightweight tool. The cordless saw has an anti-slip comfort grip, which provides increased comfort and control while operating. With the DEWALT DC385B 18-volt cordless reciprocating saw, you'll be able to cut ju
List Price: $ 197.00
Price: $ 197.00
10/06/2011
00:45
Well engineered but needs new battery chemistry!,
This is my favorite out of the 4 “sawzalls” (apologies, Milwaukee) I own/have owned. Just so you know its competition here, I have the corded version of this saw, a cordless 18V Ryobi (not bad, all things considered, but definitely not rugged enough for daily use), Makita’s LXT Li-Ion version (a real disappointment that one) and this baby. So far this one is my favorite, and, overall, I am extremely pleased with its performance.
What I like about it:
1. Well-balanced
2. Rugged
3. Good power despite being cordless
5. Not too heavy
6. The “chuck” (collet?)
What needs to be improved:
1. The batteries!
The best feature by far is the 4-position quick-release chuck/collet. It allows you to select the usual “up” and “down” blade orientations, of course, but also “left” and “right” ones. The latter two positions really come into their own when flush cutting up against another surface because they place the blade so close to the edge of the shoe/body of the saw. As far as I know, only the Type 2 version of the DC385 has this, so check carefully if buying a reconditioned or auction item.
There are a couple of features I would like to have: orbital cutting and variable stroke length. Orbital cutting allows a recip saw to zip through wood by scooping out the chips as they are cut. Being able to adjust, or at least choose between several settings of stroke length would make cutting into existing walls without binding the blade or poking through the other side much less likely.
The true Achilles’ heel of the DeWalt cordless tool line-up is their continued use of Ni-Cd batteries. Pretty much every other manufacturer of pro-grade cordless tools (well, except Hilti) have switched to Ni-MH and/or Li-ion and shown us just how long a cordless tool can run, and how powerful it can be, compared to its corded counterpart. If this tool will be used daily and/or heavily – e.g., roofing, demolition, rough framing and remodeling – then I feel the XRP batteries just won’t keep up. You’ll need at least 3 batteries to make it through one day of heavy use. If this is the sort of work you do then you’ll probably want to take a good long look at DeWalt’s 36V or Milwaukee’s V28 tools, but if you use a sawzall for a few quick cuts here and there on the job site – e.g., electrician, plumber – then it’ll probably work great for you too.
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|10/06/2011
01:33
Fast shipping,
I ordered the product on Sunday and received it on Friday. Also well packaged.
This is an update. I use this often for work, it works great. The only complaint is the blade release is kind of stiff till it worn a little. Plenty of power with four blade positions, it is hard to complain.
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|10/06/2011
02:17
Dewalt Saw,
This is the perfect saw if you don’t need the battery pack or a case. I already had an 18 volt cordless drill. I saved a lot of money by buying the saw only and it works great. I didn’t need all the tools that come in a set so this was the perfect solution.
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