Customer Reviews

Bosch RS20 13-amp Reciprocating Saw

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I love my Bosch RS20CX.

Pro's:

* Well formed grips for comfortable, easy and secure handling.
* Two speeds (Lo/Hi). I use the low speed for more precise cutting of drywall. The Hi speed tears through anything and everything (even double studs - no problem).
* Powerful 13 amp motor (compare to less expensive 10/11 amp)
* The joist handle is very handy indeed. I've hung the saw on my toolbelt and ladders, but not yet a joist.
* The cord connection is super tight to ensure a snug fit. Also, it has an additional cord thingy (for lack of technical term) that the cord clips into to ensure the saw does not come unplugged if there is tension on the cord.

So far, no signifigant cons. It does have a tiny LED headlight I noticed, but I haven't benefited from it yet. And, enlarging the case to fit the power cord would be helpful. However, chances are good the power cord will services three tools at any given time through the project.

I generally like Bosch equipment but this saw is one to stay away from. I am a general contractor and have used this saw for many different applications. It does work well enough in the beginning but I'm now sending it back for the second time to be serviced. Luckily Bosch has an absolutely fantastic warrantee program. But I probably only have about 8-12 hours on the saw. Here are my opinions:
Pros: comfortable, good ergonomics, built-in joist hanger is nice, detachable cord a good idea (but not well designed).
Cons: powercord hoop/hook on saw a pain to get the cable into and out of, trigger had to be replaced in first year and after about another 2hrs of use has stopped working again. The service center guys said that the internal switches are too complex to withstand all the vibration and have been a chronic problem.
I'd recommend going with another saw until Bosch comes out with a new model.

This saw has been great to me. I've used it now for about 3 years with no issues. Granted, I'm not in construction, but I've undertaken some very ambitious remodeling tasks during that time. The vibration from this saw is intense, and the power is amazing. The tool collar is and excellent design.

Also, it's MADE IN THE USA!!!

I've read some of these other reviews and, as a DIY'er with a major home reno mostly under my belt, wonder if I'm on crack for liking this saw. Tired of laying on my back in the 110° attic, a wasp dive-bombing my face, feeling around for *another* spare battery to hurry up and finish up my cuts, or cutting through old 4" cast iron pipe in a confined wall space at a lethargic pace, this Bosch was a welcome addition to my tool box. But, yeah, admittedly comparing this recip saw to one from Ryobi is bound to put a smile on anyone's face. For ripping old construction to shreds -- quickly -- this saw has been invaluable. And for me, it doesn't vibrate *too much*, it's certainly been reliable, and with the right blade it's eaten through everything I've thrown it at.

I purchased mine at OSH on sale (still over a hundred), and it came without a cord. As another poster pointed out, a 12ga extension cord ain't cheap, and connecting/disconnecting this thing all the time is no fun. But once the cord is connected and looped, it's secure, so I tend to leave mine connected (though, as also mentioned in another review, it won't fit it the carrying case this way).

Twist-to-eject / click-in blade changes are awesome. About every other time, blade insertion needs a helpful jiggle or twist from my free hand, but it's no big deal. The blade inserts upside-down if needed, which has come in handy on a few instances.

The pushbutton-to-adjust, removable shoe is great for limiting depth of cut, or hitting a flush cut at an awkward angle.

The LED headlights are a tiny bit gimmicky. I don't find them throwing much light on the work surface, but I sure notice them when I'm looking for the tool. And they stay on as long as the saw is plugged in to a live outlet, so it's made for a decent nightlight when I'm tripping my way out of my dark work area a the end of the day.

The closest thing I've attempted to do as a finish cut with this saw is square, clean edges on plastic pipe. For drywall and anything else, I've got more appropriate tools to pick from. And being a do-it-yourselfer, I've got the time to waste, unlike a pro who's on the clock. Just so I'm coloring this review with the right perspective.

The other reviews have me wondering what a "smooth," vibration-free saw feels like by comparison, but truth be told, this Bosch hasn't left me wanting for something more, and I wouldn't be looking to trade it in. Sure, if I was starting over from buying new, I'd be looking at the competition, and hopefully you're checking the Milwaukees and Porter-Cables referenced as preferable tools to this one. But if you happen to come across this saw at a price that seems right to you, it's a tool worth owning.

I'm a framing carpenter and I make my living with my tools so I was pretty pissed off when my brand new sawsall stopped working after only a few min. of use I talked to bosch and they said they'll replace it for free but I don't have high hopes for it in the future

had this saw for over a year and was happy to pull it out of the case every time i needed it. i did not find anything wrong or about it. the only thing: make sure you buy it with a cord otherwise you will have to get the cord separately. the case is to small to fit the entire power cord, so my solution to that was to get this small cord adapter that i left permanently inside the saw (otherwise there is a possibility of braking the plug in power pin and then the saw will be useless). the led lights are very handy, i am working in tight and often dark places. the metal hook on top is just great idea i wonder why not every tool has this thing (i would hang it on 2by4's, ladder and what not.
this saw broke down after i gave it to my helper and he broke it while the saw sustained a great deal of abuse for a whole day of work.
now i am about to buy a new saw and it will be bosch rs20 again unless i see something extremely much more appealing.

Here is a e-mail I just sent to bosch.

I needed a new Reciprocating saw to replace my favorite bosch with the orbital action. I was reluctant to buy the new RS20 because it did not have the orbital action. In fact I first bought a Hitachi instead and returned it for the bosch RS20 the next day. The bosch rep. assured me the RS20 did not need the orbital action and would out cut any Reciprocating saw on the market. Although the RS20 has many great features it is far from the Reciprocating saw Bosch use to make with the orbital action. In fact the Hitachi will cut faster but not near as fast as your old model. Also, after one day of use, my RS20's motor makes a weird squeaking noise when the trigger is released. I used to own a Milwaukee Reciprocating saw with the orbital action it was a great saw, but your old Reciprocating saw with orbital action would put it to shame. The bottom line is, I have no choice but to take advantage of your 30 day money back guarantee and shearch for another saw.
Disapointed in Kentucky