Flex 24V Brushless One-Hand Reciprocating Saw Review

Flex 24V One-Hand Reciprocating Saw Targets Top-Level Performance

Electricians and plumbers know the pains of working in tight spaces, especially when that work includes a saw. More and more Pros are turning to compact alternatives that afford them better access when space is limited. The FLEX one-hand reciprocating saw is one of their latest offerings on the 24V line and its potential looks very promising!

Pros

Low vibration
Fast cutting speed
Very well balanced with a 5.0Ah battery
Dual LED lights light up work areas better than single LEDs
Pivoting shoe

Cons

The shoe length is not adjustable
Heavier than some options

Flex 24V One-Hand Reciprocating Saw Performance

Making the Cut

We made a series of cuts in the PVC and EMT that you’re likely to encounter in plumbing and electrical and they are no match for the confidence of this saw’s brushless motor. You’re far more likely to feather the trigger when you’re working under a cabinet than wish you had more speed.

We prefer not to cut wood with most one-hand saws, but even cutting through 2×4, the saw was strong and cut quickly.

Flex 24V Brushless One-Hand Reciprocating Saw Review

The longer-than-average 1-inch stroke length combined with a 3000 SPM stroke rate let you fly through materials that leave most of the one-hand competition in the dust. There’s also an always-on orbital action that helps when you’re cutting wood. It’s not as aggressive as a full-size saw, but it is something to be aware of when you’re cutting metal. Make sure you’re keeping the shoe in contact with the material to smooth out the cuts.

So between models such as the slower, lighter DeWalt Atomic and the faster, larger Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hackzall, where does it fit? In both size and performance, it’s a top-tier performer in the same class as the M18 Fuel Hackzall. In fact, it was faster than Milwaukee in our tests.

Vibration Control

Flex’s vibration control really impressed us. It’s important because you’re frequently cutting with one hand on the material and the other controlling the saw. Poor vibration control not only leaves your hands prematurely fatigued but also makes cutting more difficult. Even though you still have to deal with a heftier tool than some, the balance and vibration control of Flex’s design helps the saw work with you well.

Flex 24V One-Hand Reciprocating Saw Design Notes

The rubber overmold grip has more texture than most, offering a better grip than most when your hands are sweaty and/or greasy
Spring-loaded blade clamp actively ejects the blade and locks in the open position until you insert a new blade and it snaps back in place
Two top and bottom oriented LEDs light up your work space better than single light designs
Pivoting shoe makes keeping contact with round material easier
No shoe length adjustment
4.19 pounds bare, 5.81 pounds with a 5.0Ah battery

Flex 24V One-Hand Reciprocating Saw Price

This Flex one-hand reciprocating saw retails for $159.99 as a bare tool and $199.99 as a kit with a 2.5Ah battery, fast charger, and a carrying tote. The saw has a 5-year warranty, but if you register the tool within 30-days of purchase now through 12/31/22, you’re eligible for the Flex Founders Limited Lifetime Warranty.

The Bottom Line

Flex’s 24V brushless one-hand reciprocating saw proved to us it belongs in the conversation as one of the highest-performing models available. Plus, it’s far more capable of wood cutting than most one-hand models. Like we see with other professional-grade models, it’s larger and heavier to make room for the internals that give it such high performance.

Shop at Lowe’s

To explore the entire Flex lineup, click here.