Customer Reviews

Porter-Cable 9740 Tiger Claw Variable Angle 11.5 Amp Reciprocating Saw Kit

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I recently bought this saw to replace my Milwaukee Sawzall which has been giving me problems owing to the nature of my type of work, heavy duty sawing of cast iron pipes, etc. The main reason I bought the saw was because of its overall flexibility to adjust the head to many positions to enable me to cut pipes in many tight situations without the need for me to perform some of the contortions required to use existing reciprocating saws.
This feature on the saw has proved to be all that was promised as far as it's flexibility to adjust too many positions. The power is really good and I particularly like the ability to regulate the speed with the squeeze of the trigger. However, there is one drawback I was not aware of, the vibration under load. When the saw is pressed to do heavy duty work there is a lot of vibration which is transferred to the operator and can prove to be quite uncomfortable when the saw is operating at full speed. Overall, I would recommend this saw because of its flexibility and power.

I got my new Tiger Claw for Christmas and immediately took it out in my shop and chopped up some 2"X 12" white oak joists from an old building deconstruction project. The saw has more than enough power to take the cut as fast as I could force the blade into the beam. It seems to be built for extreme action and is "hell for stout" as my dad used to say. The angled gear boxes are fairly easy to adjust once you get the hang of the rather smallish recessed release buttons. What I have noticed in the few times I have used it is that it does vibrate more than the Milwaukee 11 amp sawzall, so a pair of light leather gloves help dampen it when cutting. It is also heavier, i am assuming because of all the extra gearing. I wouldn't want to spend hours at a time working with it over my head. I am going to mainly use it to trim up and dimension said white oak planks for use in furniture projects. I have lots of nails in this old lumber that are too deeply imbedded to remove, so cutting on my table saw or with a circular saw are too dangerous and damaging to the blades until I get the metal contaminated sections cut out. Perfect job for a heavy sawzall. With being able to turn the blade 90 degrees to the body, I can pull it through the lumber like a big jig saw, thus reducing the effort and fatigue a regular sawzall would cause. Other than the higher level of vibration than the Milwaukee, the only other detraction I could come up with is that the adjustable shoe has too little adjustment. I would like to see at least two more notches added to the three it currently has. This would give more options for cutting thin materials and varying where the blade wears in use. Bottom line: After all the shopping and comparing I did, and finally getting my hands on it, I would definitely recommend this saw to anyone needing a really heavy duty and flexible sawzall.

The versatility of this multi angle saw cannot be compared. I have been in construction for 30 years and can say that there have been many difficult situations where we needed a saw like this. In tight spots, this saw can do it all. It is easy to adjust, plenty powerful, good quick-lock mechanisim.

We go through our share of recip. saws in the plumbing/heating business. They don't last forever and rarely are worth repairing when they can be bought for $140. But at around $200., this is no 'disposable' unit...so I reserve judgement on durability. We will probably use 'disposables' for open field cutting and demolition. But, I will never be without a TigerClaw again.

This saw quickly spoils you with its versatility.

Fresh out of the box, I needed it to cut a 3/8" diameter steel spike. I mounted the right saw blade and set to work. The work was near the ground, so I sat, held the saw firmly, and started cutting. But then I realized that my trigger hand was in an awkward position. I thought, "Hey, I've got this variable angle saw. What am I doing flexing my wrist this way?" So I made the necessary adjustment, and finished the cut in no time.

Not only can this saw help you reach difficult places, but it even makes ordinary jobs totally painless. I'm completely spoiled.

I have owned this model saw for about three years now using it mostly for the demolition end of additions and remodels. At 11.5 amps it is extremely powerful, you really get a sense of this when you pull the trigger and feel it surge in your hands. As far as I'm concerned the articulating feature of this saw leaves it with no comparison from other manufacturer's saws, it is a whole new type of tool. It has the ability to get into tight, awkward places that you can't access with regular saws. I get to play jobsite hero every now and again when I see a plumber or someone struggling to get at their work with their regular recipro-saw. I pull out the porter-cable, twist the head this way or that, and attack the problem from a more rational angle. You can turn the head 90 degrees and run a blade perpendicular to a joist from inside the joist bay, or you can adjust it a little bit for a more ergonomic grip or cutting angle.
Sometimes I'll pull a gag on an unknowing carpenter by setting the nose off at 45 degrees from the body and telling them the saw bent in half when I dropped it off a ladder. What other tool that you own is good for that kind of laugh?

The pros I have listed above.

The cons are that it is relatively expensive, the foot should adjust a bit more in and out to utilize more of the saw blades teeth, and the quick release knurl is hard to get a grip on compared to most other saws.


I will buy this tool again when mine dies, though I might go for the factory refurb with full warranty.

Good job on some tricky engineering, Porter-Cable.

I am building my first home. I bought this saw because my yellow and black brand 24volt saw does not last long on a charge. The tiger claw has preformed with out a flaw. The features are unbelivable. Do not pass this one by.

Intereseted consumers,
The construction field is a constantly competative marketplace for all parties involved. The sub-contractor
bears the brunt of this competition and must remain as efficient and productive as possible to maintain an advantage. Proper tooling has become incresingly important to providing quality labor and superior results to clients.
The introduction of the Tiger Claw signals a tremendous leap in tooling. The articulating action of the tool possesses miriad advantages within the work environment. I have found numerous applications both within confined spaces and in the field. The cutting characteristics are phenominal in any position,this tool truly knows no limit!! It is a distinct advantage to a business to have the best equipment available, now the Tiger Claw has redefined the capabilities of the carpenter by providing tooling superior to the marketplace. For an overworked carpenter, this tool is truly a best new friend.
Sincerely,
Jeff Schmitz
Remodeler

I am a seasoned tradesman. I have been in construction since the age of 14 - I am 60. I bought this saw to do the title 14 work (dry-rot <> termite) on a home where the need to access and cut in tight places made this seem to be the perfect fit. Well. Yes it performed well - for the duration of that >>one<<>> single project<<. I have used it maybe twice since(06) using my straight recip. to save this one's unique features, and the button to release the angle front to back quickly has become non-workable. It is my opinion that this is the reason these are not available now and a new saw has taken its place. Stay clear of this saw. Hold porter cable accountable.
This was a terrible investment. I am steering clear of Porter Cable from now on. Gary

The Tiger Claw is a great innovation amongst reciprocating saws and we have tried most of them. The saw has ample power, the problem is the reciprocating shaft, we have had to replace 2 of them with in a 60 day span. We are an Auto Recycling business and yes the saw is operating under cruel curcumstances such as cutting Qtr Panels and other metal parts on cars and trucks. This is where I give the Tiger Claw well earned praise for performance. I agree with the other reviews in that a year from now Porter-Cable will have fixed the problems and will have an awsome portable reciprocating saw.

he is a professional carpenter & uses this on every job since I gave it too him 3 months ago! He's in love.