Bosch RS20 13-amp Reciprocating Saw

by Bosch

Product Description

Amazon.com

These recips saws keep getting better and better. Here's one from Bosch that incorporates some really nice user-friendly features into a powerful, precise machine. We like the Direct Connect system rather than a dangling cord; you just plug a 12AWG cord right into the tool. Spring clips keep it secure, and you loop the cord through a slot in the handle and press it into a molded channel for added staying power. The foot design earns points from us: Just push a button and slide the foot mechanism into one of three detents, where it clicks soundly into place. (You'll know you extended too far if you actually see a notch.) The footplate itself is a great design, pivoting to keep its surface on your workpiece. Plunge cuts are simple enough, and Bosch suggests that for better control on plunge cuts, you insert the blade with the teeth up and use the tool upside down. It really does handle better this way. (Just remember to flip the blade over when you're done with this cut.) Changing the blade is an easy two-second, one-handed affair with this LockJaw system—the old blade ejects with just a twist of the locking collar. We found the built-in work light to be bright enough, and there's a handy blade storage device on the tool. The variable speed trigger is smooth and easy on the hand, and two gear settings give you a wide range of speeds for all kinds of materials, from low speeds for metal to 2,800 strokes per minute for softer materials like wallboard and wood. Bosch has always paid attention to ergonomics, and you feel that when you pick up this saw, from the soft grip on the comfortably curved handle to the nice arc design of the tool's body all the way through the rubber boot. It's Brute-drive tough and a heck of a saw.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 22.5 x 4 x 8.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0002EVH9W
• Item model number: RS20
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #141,480 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars So far so good, October 25, 2004

By 

Douglas S. Gulick "dgulick" (Littleton, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bosch RS20 13-amp Reciprocating Saw (Tools & Home Improvement)

I went through 2 Milwaukee Super Sawzall's in a year, which I loved until they both experienced the same demise: the motor whirred, but the blade didn't move (I have a review there). I read some good reviews of Bosch's previous bulky recip, so I decided to try this new design. Except ergonomics (this saw is nicely designed) I'm not sure they improved on their previous design much, this saw vibrates a lot (I can't find any mention of an antivibrate feature like their previous design had and the Super Sawzall has), it's pretty big and heavy, but has plenty of power. There is no 'orbital' feature, but it seems to cut very well, and it has a slick toolless blade change feature -- turning a collar ejects the old blade (nice since it is often toasty) the collar locks open until you insert a new blade, a small push and click, your ready to go. The trigger allows great control over cutting speed, nice when starting a plunge cut (frankly, they don't need the 2 speed switch). There are 2 lights pointing at the cutting area, they are on all the time and seem kind of gimmicky, though I'm sure to appreciate them next time I'm in a crawl space. The hook is very nice, allows you to hang the saw on a joist or rafter so you can use both hands to crawl around while you're framing. I also like that it takes any extension cord, though when pricing, keep in mind you'll need to buy one. The case is cheap plastic (just some internal dividers) and doesn't have enough storage for blades (the Sawzall has a nice formed plastic case with an internal compartment that snapped shut that could fit a bunch of blades up to 12") and you can't fit a 25' cord in it, nor will you feel much like taking the cord off since it is looped through a clip, a bag would have been better.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful and well thought out, September 19, 2004

By 

Marcin K. Porwit (Bellevue, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bosch RS20 13-amp Reciprocating Saw (Tools & Home Improvement)

I have just embarked on a remodel of part of my house, and decided I needed a reciprocating saw to help with the demolition of the old. I got the RS20 since I've always been very happy with Bosch tools.

I really like the quick blade change mechanism, and I think the LEDs that are mounted on either side of the blade do a good job of lighting up the target area. The saw has lots of power and is very well designed from an ergonomics standpoint. All the buttons are in exactly the right spot and do exactly the right thing. I like the longer stroke length too. Very handy, and makes short work of anything. The saw is very comfortable to hold, and I like the fact that you can just plug an extension cord directly into it rather than into a power cable dongle.

22 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Fatal Flaw, January 17, 2005

By 

Love My Tools (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bosch RS20 13-amp Reciprocating Saw (Tools & Home Improvement)

I am a huge Bosch fan but in this case I am extremely disappointed.

Pros:
+ Good ergonomics
+ Power
+ I like the concept of a detachable power cord. The loop-lock feature on this saw ensures that the plug will not be disconnected until you want it to be.
+ The cord that Bosch includes with this saw is awesome. It is wonderfully flexible and I like the lighted female end that indicates that power is on.
+ The blade release is excellent. You will never need to touch a hot blade again, they just pop right out - literally - with a simple twist on the chuck. Inserting a new blade just requires you to firmly push it in until it clicks.
+ The foldout hanger will let you put it down without worring about it falling to the ground.
+ The foot is easily adjustable with the push of a button.

Cons:
- This tool has an insane amount of vibration. After 30 seconds of use my fingers begin to swell. This problem outweighs all of the good points mentioned above.
- The illuminating lights seem like a good idea, but they are not that bright. Don't use the lights as a deciding factor. They certainly don't hurt, but they are more of a gimick than a useful feature.
- The case is too small and has no storage for a cord. The only space available for blades is awkwardly divided to the point of being worthless.
- You will need to buy a tool bag for this one. The cord is a pain to disconnect. So you will probably want to leave it attached to the tool - which means you can't store it in the original case.

Take a serious look at saws from Porter-Cable or Milwaukee before buying this one.