DEWALT DCS387B 20-volt MAX Compact Reciprocating Saw with Tool

• Compact and lightweight design
• fits between studs and allows users to make cuts in confined spaces
• 4-Position Blade Clamp allows for flush cutting
• 1-1/8" stroke length delivers faster cutting 

The DEWALT DCS387B 20V MAX Compact Reciprocating Saw boasts of a compact and lightweight design at only 14.5" in total length; fits between studs and allows users to make cuts in confined spaces. It features a 4-position blade clamp that allows for flush cutting and increased positional versatility with tool free blade changes. The 1-1/8" stroke length delivers faster cutting speed, and a variable speed trigger with 0-2,900 spm provides increased blade control for precision cuts. The pivoting shoe provides increased versatility while cutting. It also offers a bright LED light illuminates dark work areas for better visibility. This is a baretool item - battery sold separately.

                                   

By Joshua D. Murrah

This tool is identical in functionality to the DCS380 reciprocating saw, but the motor has been relocated to a diagonal position just in front of the trigger, shortening the tool. It's also the cordless equivalent to the, similarly redesigned, corded DWE357.

The tool DOES have the better 4-way head with quick-release latch like the DCS380, as compared to the 2-way head the lesser/cheaper DCS385 cordless saw has. It does NOT have a extending shoe of the DCS380 though due to its' compact nature. It does swivel but doesn't extend.

I can't attach photos to this review or item at the moment but check out the bare tool here on amazon (search for DCS387B), I uploaded a few photos of the 387 versus 380..

My impression so far is that this saw handles/performs just like the DCS380, and you should probably just compare prices, or pick this one if that few inches of compactness is a huge deal to you. Also, if you're buying the DCS380P1 kit, the "P" means a 5.0aH battery, while the DCS380 usually comes in a "L" kit (3.0aH) or "M" kit (4.0 aH).

Hope that helps!

edit 10/28/14: as a commenter mentioned (and I forgot to!), this tool has the LED lighting with delayed turn-off, it's located just below the moving head of the tool, and shines through the inside of the shoe's cutout for the head. Most of my Dewalt 20V tools have this feature, and you don't know how much you're missing out until you try it. The DCS380 does not have this LED light.

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By StevenM

Super Dewalt quality. Looking at the unique design, I wondered about how this saw would feel when in use. Let me say, this saw is a pleasure to use, I feel I have more control compared to the traditional design. But, there are times when the longer type of saw gives you that "extra" bit of reach. Conclusion, if I needed to buy one again, I would choose this one. And, by the way, these Dewalt 20 volt lithium batteries are great, very good, with a long run time. I have the 2, 3 and 4 ah for all the different tools. 2ah is adequate for the drills, for this saw I use the 3 or 4 ah. Please remember, lithium batteries should NOT be run down all the way. When the fuel gauge only has one led lit, let the battery cool down, charge it, let it rest a while, then put it back to work. Of course the extra smart Dewalt charger won't charge a hot battery, until it cools down.

By Rebecca B

What a Great saw, built in LED (as shown in picture) feels nice in your hands, its remarkably short as well. Strap on a 4 AH battery and you're good to go for the day.

  

By NSG_AMZ

I love this tool, it handy, efficient and powerful, I used this one with my existing 20V batteries to cut the tuff suspension bolts on my car, if placed and operated in the right spot, it can cut through heavy gauge metal like a hot knife in the butter.
Awesome addition to my 20V tools stack.

By Apple_Pie

When have you used a tool like this and not needed a work light? The light built into this tool is very handy. The blade not only reciprocates faster than any saw I have ever used, but it has an up and down action as well. The circular motion just grubs through nails and 2 X's like they're nothing. The sideways blade option allows for cutting studs off bottom plates with ease. Big 20V batteries work longer then it takes to charge the next one. I bought mine as part of a kit that came with big batteries a charger and a killer tool box. (like a Pelican box) I'm a general contractor, over the years me and my guys have put our fair share of Sawzalls in the grave. Since the time they were first invented, until this writing, probably 30, or so. All brands by the way. This tool is awesome, period. As the current group continues to slip into decline I will replace them, one by one with this tool. DeWalt blade release still not re-engineered. As the old ones aged the blade shaft gets sloppy and removal of the blades gets more difficult. I expect the same thing with this tool. The blade release problem has not happened with this new tool, I just expect it will. Having said that, I strongly suggest this tool. I would however, hold out for the version that comes with the batteries, charger and killer box

By Gary Griswold

Awesome! This compact saw has all the power you'll ever need. When you pull the trigger you better hold on dude because it is going to do what it was purposed to do. I really liked the option that you can insert the blade cutting side up, down, left or right. Oh, and the 25 dollars off for the month of December helped me purchase two compact 20v batteries. I like this compact stuff. Way to go Dewalt!

By Ryan P.

Wow! This is one serious cutting machine! This thing has nice heft, which tells you that it is heavy duty. And it cuts like it. Love the 4 position blade chuck too. Easily fits between 16" on center studs and has a very powerful motor and the light is just perfect for seeing where the blade is going. Nice!

By J. Alden

Just Wow! I finally gave up my Makita "Sawzall" and thought to add to my 20V Max set by adding this amazing saw. It has all the power I need and a nifty LED like most new modern wireless power tools. The blades can be inserted in any direction and needs no tool to insert. Just lift the lever and slide the blade in. This is as important as any of the tools I've been using lately. GREAT investment, especially if you already have Dewalt 20v Max stuff.

By Amazon Customer

Another great DeWalt tool for my toolbox. The short body makes it easy to fit where it needs to. Another reviewer said the vibration was horrible. But there is no more vibration from this reciprocating saw than any other brand I have used. It's my belief that guy was running the saw too slow. It can really jerk around if you run it too slow or feed it too fast, that's just the nature if a reciprocating saw. The LED light is placed well and the variable speed trigger is easy to control. It was everything I expected.

By Alex R

I feel like a deity with this thing even with only a 1.5A battery. Holy sweet nectar of the cutting gods! I devoured four 5" solid kitchen table legs in mere moments.

This little demon is not for the faint of heart. The first blade I put in was extra long not knowing the power of this thing I hit the trigger with the blade perpendicular to me and that saber tooth pruning blade wobbled almost 45 degrees in both directions towards and away from my face.

I always wear glasses, but make sure you don't have anything loose around the blade before you hit the trigger.

It has a half-pull LED light that works even with the lock on. This thing is so much safer than its wired counterpart. Not only is their a tool-less blade mechanism, you can set the lock, and pull the battery ensuring when you do actually touch the blade that there is no possible way the thing is going to move.

Do I even have to mention it fits between a 16" joist?