10 Best Jigsaw Tools of 2024

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The Best Jigsaw Tools

The Best Jigsaw Tools
  1. Best lightweight jigsaw tool - Bosch PST 700E 500W Compact Jigsaw

  2. Best budget corded jigsaw - Black+Decker 400W Compact Jigsaw Power Tool

  3. Best budget jigsaw option - Hychika 800W Electric Jigsaw

  4. Best cordless jigsaw tool - Makita DJV180Z 18V Cordless Jig Saw

  5. Best cordless jigsaw for home use - Ryobi R18JS-0 ONE+ Jig Saw

  6. Best for quality and affordability - Makita 4329/2 450W Orbital Action Jigsaw

  7. Best for comfort and grip - DeWalt 18V XR Lithium-Ion Jig Saw

  8. Best for cutting multi materials - Evolution Power Tools RAGE 7-S Multi-Material 710W Jigsaw

  9. Best budget jigsaw option - Ginour 800W Electric Jigsaw Tool

  10. Best lightweight cordless jigsaw - Bosch Cordless Jigsaw PST 18 LI

Jigsaw Tool Reviews

Editors Choice

1. Bosch PST 700E 500W Compact Jigsaw [ SAVE 6% ]

Best lightweight jigsaw tool

best jigsaw tools Bosch PST 700E 500W Compact Jigsaw
  • If you need a lightweight jigsaw, then look no further. Less than 2 kg but with an excellent power to weight ratio, it’s a super-portable bit of kit.
  • The saw puts out an impressive maximum spm of 3,100. Compare it to the more expensive Makita DJV180Z, and it’s 500 spm faster!
  • It’s supplied with one of Bosch’s sturdy blow-moulded boxes. You can all but guarantee this saw will last longer because of it.
  • If quick change blades are your thing, you’ll love this saw. Bosch’s SDS system with its T shank blades is literally click and go.

  • Even though this is a lightweight and relatively low powered saw, it vibrates a bit. It’s not the ideal choice if you use a jigsaw all day long. Compared to the low vibration Makita 4329/2 there’s more to worry about.
  • The analogue variable speed control might not be to everyone’s taste. Some users prefer a variable speed dial and use the trigger as a simple on/off switch.
  • Some users have had trouble releasing blades from the SDS system. Although it’s designed to accept more than just T shank blades, they can get stuck.
  • The adjustable footplate for bevel cuts only secures at one end. It’s difficult to get the angle correct without a bit of fiddling around.
Power
Mains - 500W
Strokes
500-3,100spm
Max Depth - Wood
70mm
Max Depth - Steel
4mm
LED Light
No
Laser
No
Blades Supplied
1
Weight
1.7kg
Overall Score 4.5
Build Quality
4
Performance
4
Ease of use
5
Value for Money
5

Forming part of Bosch’s “green” line of DIY level tools, the PST 700 E compact jigsaw is one of my favourite bits of kit they make. Capable of cutting up to 70 mm thick materials, it’s a lightweight but powerful jigsaw.

Delivered in one of Bosch’s quality blow moulded cases, it immediately feels like a proper tool. The build quality is what you’d expect from one of the best-known brands in the industry. The nicely rubberised handle helps to keep vibrations down to a minimum.

The powerful motor sends the blade from 500 – 3,100 spm. It weighs just 1.7 kg, making it an ideal compact and lightweight jigsaw. It’s my favourite for easy handling and good manoeuvrability. You can also set the footplate to bevel to 45° on both sides.

What makes this one of the best budget jigsaws is how simple and uncomplicated it is. It’s ideal for someone who might be new to DIY. There aren’t many fancy functions or speed settings, but it saws smoothly and it’s incredibly easy to change blades.

If you want to swap out a blade, you don’t need any tools. Just pull up the SDS holder and slot in a new T shank blade. It’s easy and fuss-free. Great if you need to change blades quite often or you’re good at losing hex keys.

My favourite little feature on this jigsaw is operated by the little red slide on the body of the tool. The air blast function is a genius little tweak that makes sure there’s nothing in the way of your cut line. And it really works!

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Runner Up
  • I like how visible the cut line is on this jigsaw tool. The area around the blade is open so it’s easy to see where the blade is cutting.
  • It’s small, it’s compact, and it’s comfortable to use. It’s not designed for hard trade use, but for the average DIY project it’s ideal. You could use it for all sorts of home projects.
  • Even though this is a small, budget friendly jigsaw, the stroke rate rivals even the more professional tools on my list. 3,000 spm is ideal for making clean cuts in materials.

  • Changing the bevel angle and swapping out blades on this tool is a real pain compared with the quick release on the Bosch PST 700E. You need a screwdriver to change anything.
  • At 400 Watts, this is the least powerful corded jigsaw on my list. The 65 mm maximum cut depth in wood is pushing it a bit, I don’t know how well it will work in thick materials.
  • Compared with the Hychika jigsaw, you don’t get many accessories or spare blades with this one. Supplied with a single blade and no case, you can see where B+D saved their money.
Power
Mains - 400W
Strokes
0-3,000spm
Max Depth - Wood
65mm
Max Depth - Steel
5mm
LED Light
No
Laser
No
Blades Supplied
1
Weight
1.0kg
Overall Score 3.8
Build Quality
3
Performance
4
Ease of use
4
Value for Money
4

Still one of the biggest names in the business, Black+Decker have a huge range of just about any power tool you can think of. For the avid DIYer, the KS501-GB 400 Watt compact jigsaw tool is an essential piece of kit to have in their toolbox. Lightweight, easy to use, and more powerful than it looks, this is a decent jigsaw that won’t break the bank.

Decked out in B+Ds recognisable orange and black, the handle features a decent amount of texturised rubberised plastic. It’s well shaped to fit the hand, and the ergonomic trigger is a well-designed little feature that aids comfort and accuracy. You can lock the trigger in place during cuts as well, which goes a long way to making this a very easy tool to use.

The little motor is strong enough to cut through most sheet materials if you use the right blade. The motor exhaust is angled towards the blade as well, which blasts any chips away from the cut line. It’s a nice feature on such an affordable little jigsaw tool.  If you’re looking for a small but reliable cutting tool, this is one of the best jigsaws out there.

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Also Good

3. Hychika 800W Electric Jigsaw

Best budget jigsaw option

best jigsaw tools Hychika 800W Electric Jigsaw
  • It’s always a bonus when a tool is supplied with a hard case. It should help prevent knocks and scratches over time.
  • The maximum cutting depth of 110 mm in wood and 10 mm in steel is awesome.
  • The laser guide can be adjusted. If it gets knocked out of alignment, you can move it back.
  • For the price, you can’t fault the build quality. The jigsaw feels robust and well put together.
  • You get a decent length of power cable. It makes corded power tools a lot more useful!

  • Some users have had issues when fitting blades. You need to push the blade into the collet further than you might think.
  • The blade change box on the side of the body isn’t long enough to hold the included blades.
  • Some users have had issues with laser guide failure. It’s a shame because they’re useful for keeping on track.
Power
Mains - 800W
Strokes
800-3,000spm
Max Depth - Wood
110mm
Max Depth - Steel
10mm
LED Light
No
Laser
Yes
Blades Supplied
6
Weight
2.5kg
Overall Score 4.3
Build Quality
4
Performance
4
Ease of use
4
Value for Money
5

Hychika are one of those tool brands that make you wonder how they can produce quality power tools for such reasonable prices. The JS-100C is a powerful, feature-heavy jigsaw that punches way above its price range.

The jigsaw comes packaged in a handy carry case which should keep everything together neatly. It’s comfortable enough to use with a decent ergonomic rubberised handle. They should help keep the vibrations down to a useable level.

The chunky 800 Watt motor puts out 800 – 3,000 spm, which is plenty powerful for most DIY tasks. The six different speeds can be controlled through the selector dial. The lock-off button will keep the jigsaw running without having to hold the trigger. You can also select between three levels of oscillation for quick cuts.

For precision, there’s a laser guide to help keep you on track. Hychika have also included a parallel cut guide that fits into the front of the footplate. It can be adjusted to 45° on both sides for a wide range of cuts.

Hychika have managed to keep the weight down to a manageable 2.5 kg. They’ve also included six quick release blades to get you ready for your next big project. It’s a solid budget jigsaw for use around the home and in the workshop.

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4. Makita DJV180Z 18V Cordless Jig Saw

Best cordless jigsaw tool

best jigsaw tools Makita DJV180Z 18V Cordless Jig Saw
  • This is a truly versatile cordless jigsaw. You can cut through 135 mm in wood or even 10 mm steel. It’s capable without being too aggressive.
  • The build quality is what you’d expect from Makita. It’s excellent. You could happily take this tool on site, and it’ll last for ages.
  • I think the dust blower is one of the best features of any jigsaw. The one on the DJV180Z works well.
  • Most users have agreed that the blade tracking is excellent. It will cut straight, even through thick materials.

  • I like LED work lights that stay on for a few seconds after you release the variable speed trigger. It’s only a small thing, but for a professional tool it would make a difference.
  • Compared to the cordless DeWalt DCS331N, the stroke speed is quite low. You only get 2,600 spm compared to an impressive 3,000.
  • At 2.7 kg without the battery included. It’s not the lightest jigsaw around. If you add a high Ah battery, it becomes rather weighty.
  • Some users have complained that the jigsaw is shipped in a plain cardboard box. This is a “naked” tool, so there’s no battery, charger, or case.
Power
Battery - 18V
Strokes
0-2,600spm
Max Depth - Wood
135mm
Max Depth - Steel
10mm
LED Light
Yes
Laser
No
Blades Supplied
1
Weight
2.7kg
Overall Score 4.8
Build Quality
5
Performance
5
Ease of use
5
Value for Money
4

The Makita DJV180Z 18V Cordless Jig Saw (Body Only) has a cutting speed of up to 2,600 spm. It can easily power through wood up to 135 mm thick and steel up to 10 mm thick. This makes it the best jigsaw for the toughest jobs.

This professional jigsaw has a variable speed dial that facilitates changing the cutting speed for different materials. It also has three orbital settings and a straight-cut setting. The jigsaw blades are easy to change with a push-in lock system. The LED job light creates an easy-to-follow cutting line. The dust nozzle keeps your work free from debris that could otherwise obscure your line.

The base on this Makita jigsaw is made from heavy-duty aluminium. The tool feels sturdy to use, whilst remaining relatively light in weight. The ergonomic rubberised handle makes it comfortable to use even for long periods. The large trigger switch makes the unit easy to operate even when wearing gloves.

This product is suitable for use with Makita’s Li-Ion batteries which are powerful and quick to charge. The cordless operation makes this tool easy to use in even awkward situations. It means there are no wires trailing around your work area.

This is one of the best jigsaws for providing smooth clean cuts across a variety of materials. It’s easy to produce a perfectly straight line almost every time. The saw also comes with 5 jigsaw blades, an anti-splintering device, a dust nozzle and a cover plate.

This is a great quality professional jigsaw. It will do everything you could ever want from a jigsaw with ease.

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5. Ryobi R18JS-0 ONE+ Jig Saw[ SAVE 19% ]

Best cordless jigsaw for home use

best jigsaw tools Ryobi R18JS 0 ONE+ Jig Saw
  • I’m a big fan of Ryobi’s ONE+ battery system. If you have any of their 18V tools, you can share the battery with this jigsaw.
  • This tool compares well to corded jigsaws like the Makita 4329/2. All without the hassle of wires trailing everywhere. A variable speed of up to 3,000 spm is impressive.
  • A 25 mm stroke length is up there with the best. Add on the four orbital settings and this jigsaw will cut fast when you need it to.
  • It’s good to see a strong LED work light on this jigsaw. It illuminates the cut line well and should help you stay in a straight line when you need to.

  • Unless you opt for one of Ryobi’s 5 or even 6 Ah batteries, be prepared. Always keep a spare on charge because this jigsaw chews through them.
  • Some users have complained about the quality of components used to build the jigsaw. It’s not built to stand heavy duty, constant use.
  • Just like most Ryobi tools, this jigsaw is sold “naked”. That means no batteries, charger, or case.
  • Some users have reported that the dust blower is underpowered. It doesn’t do a good enough job of keeping the cut line clear.
Power
Battery - 18V
Strokes
1,100-3,000spm
Max Depth - Wood
101mm
Max Depth - Steel
6mm
LED Light
Yes
Laser
No
Blades Supplied
2
Weight
2.1kg
Overall Score 4.3
Build Quality
4
Performance
4
Ease of use
5
Value for Money
4

The Ryobi R18JS-0 ONE+ Jigsaw uses cordless technology for easy wire-free use. It is part of the Ryobi ONE+ System compatible with all ONE+ batteries. The Ryobi jig saw features a variable speed of up to 3,000 strokes per minute and a 4-stage pendulum action. There’s also a dust blower and LED work light.

The jigsaw tool feels lightweight yet solid in the hand and is comfortable to use. It comes with two good quality jigsaw blades. The saw produces a clean and accurate cut effortlessly in a wide range of materials. This is one of the best budget jig saws on the UK market!

Making use of Ryobi’s patented GripZone technology, the over-moulded handle is extremely comfortable. You can also make use of their SpeedMatch variable speed dial. It’s a useful feature. Simply match the job in front of you to the picture on the saw and set the speed control accordingly. It beats guessing what speed and pendulum setting to use!

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6. Makita 4329/2 450W Orbital Action Jigsaw

Best for quality and affordability

best jigsaw tools Makita 4329/2 450W Orbital Action Jigsaw
  • Makita build quality and features without the steep price tag. It’s a genuinely affordable and high performing jigsaw.
  • This jigsaw creates little vibration compared with the DeWalt DCS331N. For precision jobs, the less vibration the better.
  • You can easily connect the jigsaw up to your dust extractor to keep your workspace nice and clean.
  • The clear plastic chip deflector works to keep the dust from flying. It also helps to contain the dust for extraction.

  • Some users prefer a quick release blade system. It does save time on jobs, and you don’t need to look after a separate hex key.
  • The 450 Watt motor is pretty small. It’ll do the job, but it might be a bit underpowered.
  • The maximum cut depth of 65 mm isn’t great. In comparison with the massive 135 mm capacity of the Makita DJV180Z especially.
  • There’s no LED light or laser guide to help keep you on the cut line, unfortunately.
  • It would be nice to have a case to store the jigsaw when not in use.
Power
Mains - 450W
Strokes
500-3,100spm
Max Depth - Wood
65mm
Max Depth - Steel
6mm
LED Light
No
Laser
No
Blades Supplied
1
Weight
1.9kg
Overall Score 4.8
Build Quality
5
Performance
4
Ease of use
5
Value for Money
5

The Makita 4329/2 orbital action jigsaw is probably one of the best budget jigsaws. It’s powerful, well put together and has an effective oscillating action.

Japanese tool masters Makita have won the respect of professional tradespeople and savvy DIYers around the world. Getting hold of a Makita brand jigsaw for a low price is a bit of a steal if you ask me. The quality of this little jigsaw is excellent and blows a lot of cheap imitations out of the water.

Weighing in at less than 2 kg, you might think this is an underpowered tool. The 430 W motor puts out an impressive 500 – 3,100 strokes per minute (spm). That sort of power will help you cut through a whole range of materials. The rubberised grip is comfortable to hold, and there are six different cutting speed settings to choose from.

What makes this one of the best cheap jigsaws out there is the oscillating cutting action. Set to 0 the blade cuts up and down in a parallel line. Set it from 1 – 3 and the blade moves in an orbital pattern for a faster, more aggressive cut. It’s a feature you might expect to find only on the best jigsaws, but Makita haven’t held back.

Overall, I’d buy this jigsaw over the competition. It’s a quality, solidly built tool that comes from one of the best brands without costing you a fortune. It might not have a “quick release” blade feature, but they’re held better by a hex bolt in my opinion.

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7. DeWalt 18V XR Lithium-Ion Jig Saw [ SAVE 9% ]

Best for comfort and grip

best jigsaw tools DeWalt 18V XR Lithium Ion Jig Saw
  • Weighing just 2.3 kg without the battery installed, it’s much lighter compared to the Makita DJV180Z.
  • You can cut through serious pieces of timber or even metal with this jigsaw. If you engage the pendulum action, you lose a little neatness, but it will breeze through just about any material.
  • The grip shape is seriously comfortable. The angle, alongside the overmoulded rubberised plastic makes it supremely easy to handle.
  • The shoe has an anti-scratch cover made from plastic. It stops the workpiece encountering the sharp metal saw base. It’ll save a few surfaces!

  • Surprisingly, this model DeWalt jigsaw is supplied without an LED light. I’d become used to having one, especially on cordless power tools.
  • I would have thought there would be a laser guide if there wasn’t a work light. Unfortunately, there isn’t one of those either.
  • You might find that low Ah batteries don’t last long enough. I recommend upgrading to 4 or 5 Ah for heavy use.
  • Compared to a corded jigsaw, this is an expensive bit of kit. Unless you need cordless portability, save yourself some money!
Power
Battery - 18V
Strokes
0-3,000spm
Max Depth - Wood
135mm
Max Depth - Steel
10mm
LED Light
No
Laser
No
Blades Supplied
1
Weight
2.3kg
Overall Score 4.8
Build Quality
5
Performance
5
Ease of use
5
Value for Money
4

The DeWalt 18V XR Lithium-Ion Jig Saw (Body Only) is another cordless jig saw that works with Lithium-Ion technology. It also has a variable cutting speed of 0 – 3,000 spm. Just like the Makita DJV180Z the DeWalt jig saw can cut through wood up to 135 mm thick. It can also breeze through metal up to 10 mm in depth.

This high-quality jig saw uses XR Lithium-Ion technology for exceptional power and fast recharging. The fan-cooled motor also has replaceable brushes. The 3-position pendulum action controls the smoothness of cuts and helps provide greater cutting precision. It also helps to reduce blade wear. It also features a dust blower which keeps your line from becoming obscured by debris.  The ergonomic design and rubber-coated grip make this jigsaw tool comfortable to use.

Again, this is another one of the best jig saws on the market. It has plenty of power and precision and feels sturdy yet lightweight.

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  • Some users are big fans of laser guides on jigsaws. They can help to keep you on the cut line as they project far in front of the blade.
  • Evolution’s multi-material blades are famous for taking on just about any workpiece. You can cut through wood, plastic, or metal without needing to change blades.
  • The multi-material blades are excellent, and you get five to play with!
  • The extra weight probably comes from the metal body housing. It’s good to see such a robust and well-constructed jigsaw.

  • You can’t hide from the extra weight on this jigsaw. It’s more than double the weight compared to the Bosch PST 700 E. If you want a light saw, this isn’t it.
  • Without a dust blowing feature, you’re stuck with using lung power. Just don’t breathe in!
  • The laser guide runs on AAA batteries. I’m not sure why that’s the case in a corded power tool. It’s just another set of batteries to go flat just when you need them.
  • Some users have had problems with the blade chuck. It only secures at the top which doesn’t help with blade wobble.
Power
Mains - 710W
Strokes
0-3,000spm
Max Depth - Wood
80mm
Max Depth - Steel
8mm
LED Light
No
Laser
Yes
Blades Supplied
5
Weight
4.0kg
Overall Score 4
Build Quality
4
Performance
4
Ease of use
4
Value for Money
4

Sheffield-based Evolution Power Tools are famous for their cutting equipment. The RAGE 7-S is one of their most versatile and best jigsaws that they’ve produced.

Thanks to a powerful 710 Watt motor, this is one of the most powerful jigsaws on my list. It certainly feels like a mighty beast! Rated to cut through an impressive 80 mm wood or 8 mm steel, it should make short work of most cutting jobs. You can also set the footplate to bevel to 45° on both sides.

It features a soft-grip handle, lock-off switch, variable speed selector dial, and three oscillating cutting modes. I’m also a big fan of the air blast feature for keeping the cut line free of debris. It’s a feature-packed jigsaw for not a lot of money. If you’re worried about not staying on your mark, they’ve even included a laser guide and a pair of AA batteries to power it.

All of this helps to make up for the fact that this jigsaw weighs quite a lot more than the competition. At just under 4 kg, it’s more than twice the heft of the Bosch PST 700 E. The 710 Watt motor puts out 0 – 3,000 spm. It has an adjustable footplate with stops at 45°, 30°, and 15° to both right hand and left-hand sides, so you can forgive it for being a little heavy.

Evolution Power Tools have even thought to throw in a five-pack of multi-material blades. They’ll help get you started on your next project and there’s even a spare set of brushes for the motor.

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9. Ginour 800W Electric Jigsaw Tool

Best budget jigsaw option

best jigsaw tools Ginour 800W Electric Jigsaw Tool
  • Ginour have included six blades to get you going. Four blades for cutting wood, and two for cutting metal.
  • For the money, this is a well-appointed jigsaw. Impressive cut depths and a speed control with seven speed levels are a lot to play with.
  • Supplied with a handy hard case, there’s always somewhere to keep the saw safe.

  • The exclusion of an LED work light is a shame. Being able to light up the cut line is almost always helpful.
  • The power cord is a bit short. It’s annoying when you’re forced to get out the extension cord, even for small jobs.
  • It’s an ideal jigsaw for DIY and other rough work. There’s too much play in the blade for serious precision jobs.
  • To get the most out of this saw, you should purchase some better quality blades.
Power
Mains - 800W
Strokes
0-3,000spm
Max Depth - Wood
80mm
Max Depth - Steel
10mm
LED Light
No
Laser
Yes
Blades Supplied
6
Weight
3.1kg
Overall Score 4.3
Build Quality
4
Performance
4
Ease of use
4
Value for Money
5

Solidly built and reliably powerful, this Ginour electric jigsaw is one of the best budget jigsaws. Thanks to its powerful motor and no-nonsense, chunky construction it can keep up with the big boys.

This jigsaw has all the features you’d expect. The powerful 800 Watt motor powers it through a range of materials such as timber and thin sheet metal. Supplied in a handy carry case, you can keep the tool free of dust and safe from most knocks and drops.

The powerful motor and seven speed settings push the blade from 0 – 3,000 spm. It can cut to a depth of up 80 mm in softer materials. It’s more than powerful enough to tackle most DIY tasks you might throw at it, and you can adjust the footplate to 45° on both sides for bevelled cuts.

You can lock off the trigger for longer cuts. There’s the three-stage oscillating action when you need to make more aggressive cuts too. The laser guide will help keep you on track, as will the parallel guide that slots into the footplate.

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10. Bosch Cordless Jigsaw PST 18 LI

Best lightweight cordless jigsaw

best jigsaw tools Bosch Cordless Jigsaw PST 18 LI
  • Bosch have worked hard to make the handle as ergonomic as possible. The overmoulding fits the hand and makes it comfortable to work with.
  • I’d be surprised to find a lighter and more portable cordless jigsaw. Compared to the beastly Makita DJV180Z it’s practically a featherweight!
  • Using a jigsaw without worrying about cutting through the cable is a joy.
  • This jigsaw puts out a lot less vibration than the DeWalt DCS331N.

  • Don’t expect to cut through thick steel. Compared to the Makita DJV180Z, you can only manage 5 mm steel plate.
  • There’s no dust blower feature. I’m used to the jigsaw keeping the cut line clear, so it’s a bit disappointing.
  • It’s annoying that the jigsaw doesn’t feature a battery charge indicator. Hungry power tools like jigsaws really should have that on board.
  • Compared to the lightning fast speed of the Bosch PST 700 E, the maximum variable speed of 2,400 spm feels slow. It still cuts well, just not as quickly.
  • The CutControl guide sits quite far in front of the blade. When you get close to the end of a board, it’s hard to see where the blade is.
Power
Battery - 18V
Strokes
0-2,400spm
Max Depth - Wood
80mm
Max Depth - Steel
5mm
LED Light
Yes
Laser
No
Blades Supplied
1
Weight
1.63kg
Overall Score 4.3
Build Quality
4
Performance
4
Ease of use
5
Value for Money
4

Another entry from German tool masters Bosch, is the PST 18 LI. It’s a lightweight cordless jigsaw that forms part of Bosch’s “green” line of DIY level tools. And I’m fairly sure it’s one of the best cordless jigsaws out there.

Similar in design to the corded Bosch PST 700 E, you get one of Bosch’s comfortable “low vibration” grips. It’s made from soft-touch rubberised plastic that feels good in the hand. It does seem to keep the vibrations down, especially at higher speeds.

Making use of Bosch’s patented CutControl system, you get a good view of where the blade’s going to hit. It helps you to follow the cut line because it sticks out a good couple of centimetres in front of the blade itself.

Changing the jigsaw blades couldn’t be easier. Bosch’s SDS quick-change system is as simple as pushing the blade in until it clicks. To remove it you push up the collet and pull out the blade. There’s an LED work light above the blade collet as well.

It’s not the fastest cutting jigsaw out there. But if you’ve already bought into Bosch’s excellent range of 18V Power for All tools, it’s a solid addition to your collection.

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Harry's Smart Buying Tips

  1. The best jigsaw tool should be versatile enough to cut straight or curved lines in wood, plastic, or metal.
  2. They come cordless or corded. Cordless are safer to use and more versatile, but they are more expensive since you have to purchase the battery and charger. Corded jigsaws are cheaper and you don’t have to worry about a waning power supply.
  3. You should look for a jigsaw tool with a 60-120mm cutting depth in wood.
  4. The jigsaw tool should also feature variable speed control to manage the number of strokes per minute – typically 0-3,000 spm.
  5. Another useful jigsaw tool feature to look for is an oscillating blade action that enables the blade to swing in and out rather than just going up and down. Look for around 3 orbital settings to control this action.
  6. The best jigsaw tools should feel comfortable to hold and operate. Weight plays an important part here and 2 – 3 kg is ideal.
  7. Additional features such as LED work lights, laser guides and dust blowers all come in extremely handy to make cutting even easier.
  8. Finally, check the number of blades supplied. Some budget jigsaw tools come with six!

Compare Product Features

Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.

  • Bosch PST 700E 500W Compact Jigsaw
    best jigsaw tools Bosch PST 700E 500W Compact Jigsaw
    • 4.5
    • Mains - 500W
    • 500-3,100spm
    • 70mm
    • 4mm
    • No
    • No
    • 1
    • 1.7kg
  • Black+Decker 400W Compact Jigsaw Power Tool
    best jigsaw tools BLACK+DECKER 400W Compact Jigsaw Power Tool
    • 3.8
    • Mains - 400W
    • 0-3,000spm
    • 65mm
    • 5mm
    • No
    • No
    • 1
    • 1.0kg
  • Hychika 800W Electric Jigsaw
    best jigsaw tools Hychika 800W Electric Jigsaw
    • 4.3
    • Mains - 800W
    • 800-3,000spm
    • 110mm
    • 10mm
    • No
    • Yes
    • 6
    • 2.5kg
  • Makita DJV180Z 18V Cordless Jig Saw
    best jigsaw tools Makita DJV180Z 18V Cordless Jig Saw
    • 4.8
    • Battery - 18V
    • 0-2,600spm
    • 135mm
    • 10mm
    • Yes
    • No
    • 1
    • 2.7kg
  • Ryobi R18JS-0 ONE+ Jig Saw
    best jigsaw tools Ryobi R18JS 0 ONE+ Jig Saw
    • 4.3
    • Battery - 18V
    • 1,100-3,000spm
    • 101mm
    • 6mm
    • Yes
    • No
    • 2
    • 2.1kg
  • Makita 4329/2 450W Orbital Action Jigsaw
    best jigsaw tools Makita 4329/2 450W Orbital Action Jigsaw
    • 4.8
    • Mains - 450W
    • 500-3,100spm
    • 65mm
    • 6mm
    • No
    • No
    • 1
    • 1.9kg
  • DeWalt 18V XR Lithium-Ion Jig Saw
    best jigsaw tools DeWalt 18V XR Lithium Ion Jig Saw
    • 4.8
    • Battery - 18V
    • 0-3,000spm
    • 135mm
    • 10mm
    • No
    • No
    • 1
    • 2.3kg
  • Evolution Power Tools RAGE 7-S Multi-Material 710W Jigsaw
    best jigsaw tools Evolution Power Tools RAGE 7 S Multi Material 710W Jigsaw
    • 4
    • Mains - 710W
    • 0-3,000spm
    • 80mm
    • 8mm
    • No
    • Yes
    • 5
    • 4.0kg
  • Ginour 800W Electric Jigsaw Tool
    best jigsaw tools Ginour 800W Electric Jigsaw Tool
    • 4.3
    • Mains - 800W
    • 0-3,000spm
    • 80mm
    • 10mm
    • No
    • Yes
    • 6
    • 3.1kg
  • Bosch Cordless Jigsaw PST 18 LI
    best jigsaw tools Bosch Cordless Jigsaw PST 18 LI
    • 4.3
    • Battery - 18V
    • 0-2,400spm
    • 80mm
    • 5mm
    • Yes
    • No
    • 1
    • 1.63kg

How to Choose The Best Jigsaw Tool

A jigsaw is often one of the first proper power tools that any DIYer buys when they take on their first projects. Simple to use, relatively inexpensive and incredibly versatile, with the best jigsaw in your hand you can build just about anything.

Motor Power

The size and power of a motor are usually displayed in Watts. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the motor. But it’s not always the case that the bigger the number equals the better tool. Some of the best budget jigsaws on my list, like the amazing Makita 4329/2, have a relatively small motor but can keep up with the big boys simply because the motor is more efficient. Don’t forget that the higher the Wattage, the bigger your electricity bill!

Different Types of Blade

Jigsaws can cut through plenty of different materials, from wood to steel, but you need to use the right blade for it to work properly. Some of the best budget jigsaws come with multi-purpose blades, but most of the time you need to check that you’ve got the right blade for the job. Use a wood blade for wood and an HSS blade for steel.

Oscillating Action

Sometimes you need to be a bit more aggressive when cutting with a jigsaw. For this, tool makers have developed an orbital cutting motion that means your jigsaw blade isn’t just going up and down but also swinging in and out. This can seriously speed up your cut, but it’s a lot messier as well.

Jigsaw Tool FAQs

You might not think a jigsaw is the right tool for precise straight cuts, but with a bit of practice and a straight edge, you can. Some of the best jigsaws come with parallel fences, which work if you have a straight edge already, but for a precise cut you should clamp a straight edge to your workpiece and use the footplate on your jigsaw as a guide. Go slowly and let the blade do the work to avoid wobble.

Finding the best speed to run your jigsaw depends on the material you’re cutting and how sharp your blade is. I’d always recommend using a fresh blade if you want the cleanest cut possible and invest in good-quality blades for consistent results. Don’t push the blade into the workpiece, let the saw do the work, and work at a speed that’s comfortable to you. It’s not a race, after all.

One of the problems that novice jigsaw users will encounter is a jigsaw that jumps around or makes the workpiece vibrate. The trick is to make sure the workpiece is properly clamped down so it can’t move around, and to keep a firm grip and downward pressure on the tool while in use.

Jigsaws are versatile and useful tools, but they’re not ideal for finishing work. Because they cut on the upstroke, the rougher edge is on the top side. If you can, cut your workpiece upside down to keep the rough side down. If you can’t flip your workpiece over, get hold of a “downstroke cutting blade”. The teeth face in the other direction, so the tear-out is forced onto the bottom side. They’re more difficult to handle but essential for coated surfaces like kitchen worktops.

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