Makita DJR186Z Reciprocating Saw, 18 V ,Blue

This is a barebones tool (indicated by the Z on the model number) - you get nothing apart from the tool, a cardboard box, plus 2 different Makita blades. So if you're already tied into the Makita LXT ecosystem, you're in business immediately once you clip a battery in. Great price for the tool, and the destructive power is, well, amazing for not having to worry about a power cord. Great convenience. I've mainly used to destroy and shorten lots of wood to scrap, but also used it effectively when removing stud walls. I'm always finding an excuse to use it often. It is heavy, you'll need a sturdy 2-hand operation, but there is just something so satisfying about using it. I've not tried alternative brands but why would I when I'm tied into Makita - I simply check their tool catalog and find what suits, and buy it barebone. It just so happens that I'm using one of the best, as confirmed by many trade people that I meet on sites - most of them have had or used one and not had any complaints with it's power. It does chew through batteries but when the tool arrived I expected this. I have the dual charger and a big supply of 5Ah Makita batteries so this isn't a concern! But if you only have 1 battery and need continuity, I'd recommend getting a second battery and charging/using in tandem. Non-issue for trade people as I think they're all likely to have plenty of batteries up-front.

Good price for quality tool.

This is a good tool to have and is very well priced and from a reputable brand. If 'bare bones' is all you need then this is a great value deal. What is does not say is it comes with TWO blades included so all you need is the battery to get using. There is NO case as expected in a 'bare bones' tool. A Makita MAK PAK Case is ideal for this however you will need to remove the Blade to put it in as this tool is quite long but better value than the 'Mini' Saw version as it has more cutting range! so consider that when you choose the one you want. And 'NO' is does not come with a battery or charger! Why do people keep asking the same questions? It says 'Bare Bones', reading reviews that ask the obvious! PLEASE READ and UNDERSTAND before you post. It is not waterproof or Dishwasher safe! waiting for that one to appear! So basically a good tool, comes in a carboard box, has two blades included, No battery, No charger and No case, hence the bargain price! Good luck in your purchase choice!

Early days yet. But from handling it on day one I could tell it was going to do well. I struggled for about 10 seconds trying to get the release clip to move so I could put the blade in only to realise it's already primed to take the blade and locks over when you push the bayonet end home. When you realise just remember to click it into locked open and putting another blade in is a doddle. I cut up a hard wood chair as a test with the wood blade provided and i was pleased with how well it operated. update . I was given a job of cutting up a fallen limb from a willow tree as it was blocking the carpark. i had 11 batteries to had and i think i got through them almost twice, i still cut up all the branches ranging from 30mm to 100mm with no real struggle, i think push the boat out and had a go at the main branch that was about 450mm across, it took a bit of effort but it did the job, i wouldn't recommend cutting this size regularly but i just wanted to see what it could do, it will be on hand for what i had planned to use it for, forced door entry when i have to cut a dead lock out

This has had many hours of use - mostly in the garden tackling trees and larger bamboo, but also cutting through old heating pipes in our renovation project house. If you let the saw do the work it is easy to use, just remember to stay close to the object you’re cutting. The only let down were the blades which weren’t as durable as the DeWalt blades I bought as replacements. The machine itself is great. It goes through batteries fairly quickly but that’s because it’s working hard for you!

If you have a makita set this is a no-brainer. Great value and extremely useful, plenty of power. Have used TCT blades from amazon which are much bigger than the ones it came with and it'll go through anything. Very pleased with it

Arrived in good condition without a battery. I just need to test it.

Recently purchased the DJR186Z reciprocating saw with some Saxton Wood Blades (R1021L) and Bosch metal blades (S1122BF) to help with a fence replacement project and in preparing usable wood for the wood burner. The Makita and the blades make a fantastic combination. I have cut through 100mm oak fence posts, large lleylandi branches and a whole bunch of generic wood with ease. The saw is absolutely brilliant, but it will drain a 5Ah battery in about 30 minutes of constant cutting, so make sure you've also got high capacity batteries and a rapid charger. Its far more convenient than a corded reciprocating saw and a lot quieter than a chainsaw for preparing firewood and it doesn't need all the safety leggings and the like so you can get cutting quicker. The chainsaw is faster to cut though, so I'd probably still use the chainsaw for larger volumes of wood. Add in a Spear & Jackson Razorsharp Advance Heavy Duty Telescopic Ratchet Anvil Lopper to deal with the medium size branches and you are set up for cutting anything in the garden and garage.