Kobalt 24V Max Brushless Reciprocating Saw: A Capable New-Generation Cutting Tool

Introduction

Kobalt’s 24V Max cordless platform has been expanding again at Lowe’s, and the new generation of brushless tools arrives with meaningful changes across the line. The brand says these tools are 30 percent more compact, charge up to 35 percent faster, and continue Kobalt’s guarantee of power and performance. Among the new releases are six core tools, two combination kits, and two chargers, and the reciprocating saw is one of the standouts worth a closer look.

This saw promises a variable speed trigger with high and low speed settings, up to 3,200 strokes per minute, an adjustable shoe, toolless blade changes, and a 1-1/4 inch blade stroke length that matches some of the best competition in this class. On paper, that is a strong spec sheet for a mid-priced platform. In use, it largely lives up to it.

Design and Handling

The first thing you notice is the compact size. The saw feels good in a gloved hand, and the newly designed grip with soft over-mold makes long cutting sessions more comfortable. Kobalt claims 45 percent lower vibration compared with the previous generation, and even before cutting, the tool feels smooth and controlled.

There is a built-in LED work light positioned so it shines off the shoe, which is genuinely useful. If you have a cut line marked on your material, you can line up your marks with the shoe using the light, even when working away from direct illumination. A multi-position rafter hook adds convenience when you need to set the tool down between cuts.

The toolless blade change is straightforward: twist the collar back, insert the blade, and release. It saves time compared with hex-key systems, and it works as advertised.

Two-Speed Control and the Adjustable Shoe

The two-speed switch is one of the more interesting features here. Speed one imposes a clear limit on strokes per minute, which is useful for controlled starts and more precise cuts, while speed two unlocks the full stroke rate for aggressive demolition work. The audible difference between the two is obvious the moment you pull the trigger.

The adjustable shoe is operated by pressing a button, letting the shoe slide in and out to reposition the blade contact point. Notably, the shoe is not removable. That is a design choice worth appreciating: removable shoes tend to disappear on busy job sites, forcing you to buy replacement parts for other saws. Keeping it fixed means the feature is always there when you need it, and repositioning the shoe lets you get more use out of longer blades and helps prevent blade bending during flush cuts.

Cutting Performance: 6x6 Timbers

Kobalt includes a 6 TPI bi-metal blade in the box, and for the first test, a demolition wood-with-nails blade went into a six by six timber. The cuts were quick. Vibration was minimal, and more importantly, the cut was very aggressive, chewing through the 6x6 without hesitation.

Repeated cuts across the timber, moving to a fresh section each time, did nothing to slow the saw down. For a compact, mid-weight tool, the cutting speed through dense wood is genuinely impressive and suggests the brushless motor and 1-1/4 inch stroke are doing real work.

Batteries and Run Time

The test used Kobalt’s standard 4 amp hour battery, and the results were remarkable. After cutting through a 6x6 timber and then moving on to repeated aggressive cuts, the battery still showed two bars remaining. For a single-battery session of demanding demolition cuts, that is excellent endurance.

Kobalt also offers 24V Max ultimate output batteries built on newer 21700 cylindrical cells rather than the 18650 cells in the standard packs. These deliver more current at once, like a bigger pipe for power delivery, along with longer run times. The ultimate output line is now available in larger sizes, including an 8 amp hour version. For heavier, more sustained demolition work, stepping up to a larger battery is a sensible option, though the standard 4Ah pack proved surprisingly capable on its own.

Cutting Performance: Tougher Materials

To push the saw harder, a heavy metal extreme demolition blade rated for steel and cast iron was swapped in, an 8 TPI blade designed for the most demanding cuts. As cuts get more aggressive, battery output matters, which is where the ultimate output packs earn their place, but the saw itself showed no signs of struggling with the change in workload.

The combination of the two-speed transmission, adjustable shoe, and strong stroke length gives this saw flexibility that cheaper single-speed tools lack. Whether you are trimming stud walls in place, cutting nails embedded in lumber, or working through thick timbers, the tool adapts well to the task.

Who Should Buy It

This saw suits DIYers and professionals who want serious cutting performance without paying flagship-brand prices. If you already own Kobalt 24V Max batteries, it is an easy addition to the platform. If you are starting fresh, the expanding tool line, new combination kits, and faster-charging chargers make the platform easier to commit to than it was before.

The guaranteed power and performance backing, the LED work light, the rafter hook, and the fixed adjustable shoe all point to a tool designed with working users in mind, not just weekend projects.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The standard 4Ah battery handled the test workload well, but sustained heavy metal cutting would benefit from a larger ultimate output pack, which is an extra cost to factor in. The blade selection you choose matters as much as the saw itself, so budget for quality blades matched to your materials.

Buying Advice

If your work involves a mix of wood demolition and occasional metal cuts, this saw covers both comfortably with the right blades. Pair it with the standard 4Ah battery for general use, and consider the 8Ah ultimate output battery if you run long demolition sessions. Either way, the compact size, low vibration, and strong cut speed make it an easy recommendation within the Kobalt 24V Max lineup.

Conclusion

Kobalt’s new-generation 24V Max brushless reciprocating saw delivers on its spec sheet: a 1-1/4 inch stroke length, 3,200 strokes per minute, two-speed control, and noticeably lower vibration, all in a compact body. Its ability to power through 6x6 timbers with battery to spare says a lot about where the Kobalt platform is headed, and the expanded tool line should give buyers more confidence that the ecosystem will keep growing.