Black and Decker Reciprocating Saw BDCR20C Review
The Black and Decker Reciprocating Saw (BDCR20C) is a cordless tool designed for home improvement enthusiasts and DIYers looking for a compact, lightweight and versatile saw. With its easy to handle design and user friendly features, it is particularly appealing for those who need a reliable tool for light to moderate cutting tasks.
In this review, we’ll look at it’s features, performance, pros and cons along with how it stacks up against similar reciprocating saws in the market.
Key Features
Cordless Convenience: The BDCR20C is powered by a 20V MAX lithium-ion battery, which is part of Black and Decker’s popular 20V MAX system. This allows you to interchange batteries with other tools in the series, enhancing versatility and convenience.
Compact and Lightweight Design: Weighing just around 4 pounds, this reciprocating saw is extremely portable and easy to maneuver, making it ideal for cutting in tight spaces or overhead.
Variable Speed Trigger: The saw features a variable speed trigger that allows you to control the cutting speed depending on the material. This gives you precision and flexibility when working on different projects.
Tool Free Blade Change: Changing blades on the BDCR20C is hassle free, thanks to the tool free blade change feature. This quick and easy system allows you to swap out blades without the need for additional tools, saving you time and effort.
Pivoting Shoe: The saw comes with a pivoting shoe that provides added stability while cutting, ensuring that the blade remains in contact with the material throughout the cut.
Stroke Speed: It offers up to 3,000 strokes per minute, making it capable of cutting through wood, metal, plastic and other materials with relative ease.
Performance
The Black and Decker BDCR20C Reciprocating Saw is a reliable performer for light to medium duty cutting tasks, powered by a 20V MAX lithium-ion battery that provides consistent power, albeit with some limitations on battery life during extended use.
Its capability of delivering up to 3,000 strokes per minute makes it versatile enough to handle pruning, cutting through wood, metal and plastic. The variable speed trigger offers good control and the tool free blade change enhances user convenience.
While it may not be the most powerful saw on the market, its lightweight and compact design, coupled with its ease of use, make it an excellent choice for home projects and occasional DIY tasks.
Pros
Affordability: One of the standout features of the BDCR20C is its affordability. For a cordless reciprocating saw, it is competitively priced, making it an attractive option for budget conscious consumers.
Portability: Thanks to its lightweight design, this saw is easy to carry around, especially for extended periods of work. It’s a great choice for tasks that require you to move frequently or work in awkward positions.
Ease of Use: The tool free blade change and variable speed trigger make this saw user friendly, even for beginners. You don’t need to be an expert to get the most out of it.
Battery Compatibility: Being part of the 20V MAX system means you can use the same battery for other Black and Decker tools, which adds value to your purchase if you already own or plan to buy more tools from this line.
Decent Cutting Power: Despite being a budget tool, the BDCR20C offers sufficient power for most light to medium duty cutting tasks. It can easily handle pruning, cutting through PVC, or dismantling pallets.
Cons
Battery Life: While the 20V battery provides decent power, its life is somewhat limited, especially for more extended or demanding tasks. Users working on larger projects may find themselves needing to recharge or swap out batteries more frequently.
Lack of Advanced Features: Compared to more expensive reciprocating saws, the BDCR20C lacks some advanced features like an adjustable shoe or orbital action, which are available on higher-end models.
Vibration: Users may find a noticeable amount of vibration during use, which can lead to fatigue over time, particularly during prolonged cutting sessions.
Speed Limitation: Although the variable speed trigger is a useful feature, the maximum speed and stroke length might not be sufficient for heavy duty applications. If you need a saw for more intensive tasks, this might not be the best choice.
Comparison
When comparing the Black and Decker BDCR20C to other reciprocating saws in the market, it stands out primarily for its price and portability. However, there are a few other models worth considering depending on your specific needs:
DeWalt DCS367B 20V MAX XR Compact Reciprocating Saw
DeWalt’s offering is a more premium tool, with features like a brushless motor, a more compact design and better vibration control. However, it comes at a significantly higher price point. If you are looking for a tool with more power and durability for professional use, the DeWalt might be worth the extra investment.
Ryobi P514 18V Cordless One+ Reciprocating Saw
The Ryobi P514 is a direct competitor to the BDCR20C, especially in terms of price and performance. It also offers a tool free blade change and variable speed trigger but runs on an 18V battery. Ryobi’s One+ system is similarly versatile, with a wide range of compatible tools.
Milwaukee M18 2621-20 Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Milwaukee’s M18 series is known for its durability and performance. The M18 2621-20 is a more robust tool than the BDCR20C, with better battery life, power and a more comfortable design for heavy duty use. However, it’s also heavier and more expensive, making it better suited for professional contractors.
Conclusion
The Black and Decker BDCR20C Reciprocating Saw is an excellent choice for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who need a reliable, budget friendly tool for light to medium duty cutting tasks. Its portability, ease of use and compatibility with the 20V MAX system make it a versatile addition to any tool collection.
However, if you require a saw for more intensive or professional grade applications, you might want to consider more powerful and feature rich options available from brands like DeWalt or Milwaukee.
For its target audience, the BDCR20C delivers solid performance at a price point that’s hard to beat. It’s an ideal tool for those occasional projects around the house, such as pruning, cutting through various materials, or even dismantling old furniture.
While it may not be the most powerful or feature packed saw on the market, it certainly offers good value for money and stands as a reliable option for everyday use.
