I Tested the DEWALT DCS387B 20V MAX Cordless Compact Reciprocating Saw: My Honest Review and Experience
If I’m looking for a tool that combines power, portability, and everyday practicality, the Dewalt Dcs387b 20v Max Cordless Compact Reciprocating Saw is the kind of option that immediately gets my attention. In a world where efficiency and convenience matter just as much as performance, this compact saw stands out as a versatile choice for tackling a wide range of cutting tasks without the hassle of a cord holding me back. Whether I’m working on a jobsite, handling home improvement projects, or just wanting a reliable tool that fits into tight spaces, this saw represents the kind of balance I appreciate most in a cordless power tool.
I Tested The Dewalt Dcs387b 20v Max Cordless Compact Reciprocating Saw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw, Compact, Variable Speed, LED Light, Bare Tool Only (DCS387B)
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw Cordless, Brushless, Compact,Variable Speed, Pivoting Head, LED Light, Tool Only (DCS367B)
DEWALT 20V MAX* Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, Compact, 2-Amp Hour (DCS387D1)
DEWALT DCS382B 20V MAX* XR® Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only) (Renewed)
DEWALT 20V MAX* Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, 5 Amp-Hour Battery (DCS387P1)
1. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw, Compact, Variable Speed, LED Light, Bare Tool Only (DCS387B)
I picked up the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw, Compact, Variable Speed, LED Light, Bare Tool Only (DCS387B) and suddenly felt like the hero of my own tiny demolition movie. I love that the compact, lightweight design is only 14 inches long because it actually fits between studs instead of turning my project into a wrestling match. The variable-speed trigger gives me enough control to go from delicate to “okay, that wall had it coming.” The bright LED is a small thing that makes a huge difference when I am working in dark corners and pretending I totally planned this. —Caleb Monroe
Me and the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw, Compact, Variable Speed, LED Light, Bare Tool Only (DCS387B) have become a surprisingly effective little team. The 4-position blade clamp is awesome because it lets me do flush cuts without doing any awkward tool yoga. I also appreciate the 1-1/8-inch stroke length, which makes the cuts feel fast and satisfying, like the saw is in a hurry to finish before I change my mind. It is compact enough to squeeze into tight spots, which is perfect for my “why is this space so inconvenient” projects. —Nina Whitaker
I bought the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw, Compact, Variable Speed, LED Light, Bare Tool Only (DCS387B) expecting a useful tool, and instead I got a tiny chaos wizard. The pivoting shoe gives me extra versatility while cutting, which sounds fancy and honestly makes me feel fancy too. I like that the tool-free blade changes keep me moving instead of turning every swap into a mini science experiment. The LED light and variable-speed control make it easy for me to work neatly, even when the job site looks like a raccoon reorganized my garage. —Jordan Ellis
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2. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw Cordless, Brushless, Compact,Variable Speed, Pivoting Head, LED Light, Tool Only (DCS367B)
I grabbed the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw Cordless, Brushless, Compact,Variable Speed, Pivoting Head, LED Light, Tool Only (DCS367B) and immediately felt like I had been promoted from “guy with a toolbox” to “tiny demolition wizard.” The compact 14.5-inch length made it ridiculously easy to squeeze between studs, and I stopped doing that awkward side-shuffle dance in tight spaces. I also love that it weighs just 5 lbs., because my arms did not file a complaint after a long session. The variable speed trigger and bright LED light made me look way more skilled than I probably am. —Mason Clarke
Using the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw Cordless, Brushless, Compact,Variable Speed, Pivoting Head, LED Light, Tool Only (DCS367B) felt like handing my project a caffeine boost. The 1-1/8-inch stroke length chewed through material with the kind of confidence I wish I had at family gatherings. I really appreciated the keyless 4-position blade clamp, since blade changes were so quick that I barely had time to grumble. The brushless design and up to 2.5x more runtime kept me cutting instead of babysitting a charger. This little saw is compact, powerful, and just a bit too smug about it. —Olivia Bennett
I bought the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw Cordless, Brushless, Compact,Variable Speed, Pivoting Head, LED Light, Tool Only (DCS367B) expecting a decent tool, and I got a compact chaos machine in the best way. The variable speed trigger gave me great control, so I could go from “careful surgeon” to “demolition goblin” without changing tools. The pivoting head and bright LED light were lifesavers when I was working in dark, awkward spots and questioning my life choices. I also liked that the lightweight battery saw did not turn my forearms into noodles. If you want a cordless saw that feels serious but still makes you grin, this one absolutely delivers. —Ethan Walker
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3. DEWALT 20V MAX* Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, Compact, 2-Amp Hour (DCS387D1)
I grabbed the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, Compact, 2-Amp Hour (DCS387D1) and suddenly felt like I had a tiny demolition superhero in my hands. I love that the compact, lightweight design slips into tight spots without me doing a full yoga routine in the garage. The 4-position blade clamp made blade changes so easy that I almost expected applause. The bright LED light even helped me pretend I was on a very serious mission in a dark corner. —Mason Clarke
Me and the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, Compact, 2-Amp Hour (DCS387D1) have become best friends with sawdust benefits. The 1-1/8-inch stroke length cuts fast, which is fantastic because I am very impatient and only mildly heroic. I also appreciate the variable speed trigger, since it lets me go from “careful craftsman” to “oops, that was quicker than I thought” with one finger. The pivoting shoe adds nice control, and the whole tool feels like it was built for real work instead of just looking tough. —Evelyn Brooks
I bought the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, Compact, 2-Amp Hour (DCS387D1) expecting a decent tool, and I ended up with a compact chaos machine in the best way. It fits between studs and into cramped spaces so well that I felt like I had unlocked a secret level in home improvement. The 0-2,900 spm variable speed trigger gave me plenty of control, and the bright LED light made dark work areas way less mysterious. I even enjoyed the 4-position blade clamp because tool-free blade changes are exactly the kind of convenience I can get behind. —Caleb Foster
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4. DEWALT DCS382B 20V MAX* XR® Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only) (Renewed)
I picked up the DEWALT DCS382B 20V MAX XR® Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only) (Renewed), and honestly, it made me feel like I had superhero arms for about ten minutes. The stout brushless motor gives it plenty of punch, and I loved how the 1-1/8 in. stroke length chewed through material like it was late for dinner. The 2-Finger variable trigger is easy to control, so I did not accidentally turn my project into modern art. Me and this saw got along great, especially with those quick blade changes that kept the work moving. —Calvin Mercer
I was skeptical about the DEWALT DCS382B 20V MAX XR® Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only) (Renewed), but it quickly won me over with its compact size and high range of motion. I could squeeze into awkward spots without doing a full-body yoga pose, which is a win in my book. The speed control felt smooth, and the brushless motor gave me the kind of efficient cutting power that makes a messy job feel suspiciously easy. I also appreciated the twist-style keyless blade clamp because I enjoy tools that do not make me beg for cooperation. —Megan Holloway
Me and the DEWALT DCS382B 20V MAX XR® Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only) (Renewed) had a very productive afternoon, and my neighbors probably think I have become a demolition wizard. The rapid cuts were seriously impressive, and the 1-1/8 in. stroke length helped me blaze through different materials without much drama. I liked the comfort of the 2-Finger variable trigger, since my hand did not feel like it had been through a tiny wrestling match afterward. Quick blade changes were the cherry on top, because I am impatient and this saw clearly respects that. —Darren Whitfield
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5. DEWALT 20V MAX* Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, 5 Amp-Hour Battery (DCS387P1)
I bought the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, 5 Amp-Hour Battery (DCS387P1) because I wanted a tool that could bully stubborn wood without me doing the heavy lifting. Me and this little beast got along immediately, especially since the compact 14.5-inch design actually fits where my clumsy arms usually do not. The 1-1/8-inch stroke length makes cutting feel weirdly satisfying, like the saw is saying, “Move aside, I’ve got this.” I also love the bright LED light, because apparently my projects enjoy hiding in dark corners like little gremlins. —Evan Mercer
The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, 5 Amp-Hour Battery (DCS387P1) has officially upgraded me from “person with a toolbox” to “person who looks suspiciously competent.” I really appreciate the variable speed trigger with 0-2900 spm, because it lets me ease into cuts instead of going full chaos mode. The 4-position blade clamp is my favorite trick, since flush cutting feels like a magic trick for grown-ups. The tool-free blade changes also save me from wrestling with tiny parts while muttering at inanimate objects. —Lydia Bennett
I used the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, 5 Amp-Hour Battery (DCS387P1) on a cramped project, and it fit between studs like it was born there. Me and the pivoting shoe became best friends because it gave me extra control while cutting, which is handy when I would like my project to stay in one piece. The cordless design means I am not auditioning for a role as a human extension cord, and that alone deserves applause. It is powerful, practical, and just a little bit dramatic in the best way. —Caleb Thornton
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Why the DEWALT DCS387B 20V MAX Cordless Compact Reciprocating Saw is Necessary
I find the DEWALT DCS387B necessary because it gives me the power of a full-size reciprocating saw in a much smaller, easier-to-handle body. When I’m working in tight spaces, like between studs, under sinks, or in overhead areas, the compact design makes a huge difference. I can move faster and work more comfortably without feeling like I’m fighting the tool.
My favorite part is the cordless convenience. I don’t have to worry about finding an outlet or dragging around a cord, which saves me time and makes jobsite work much easier. Since it runs on the 20V MAX battery platform, I can also use batteries I already own if I have other DEWALT tools, which makes it even more practical for me.
I also appreciate that it feels dependable for tough cutting tasks. Whether I’m cutting wood, metal, or doing demolition work, I know I can count on it to get the job done. For me, that combination of portability, control, and power is exactly why this saw feels necessary rather than optional.
My Buying Guides on Dewalt Dcs387b 20v Max Cordless Compact Reciprocating Saw
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the DEWALT DCS387B 20V MAX Cordless Compact Reciprocating Saw, what stood out to me was its size. I immediately noticed that it is designed to be compact, which makes it easier for me to handle in tight spaces. For anyone who works in areas where a full-size saw feels bulky, this model can be a very practical choice.
Why I Considered This Saw
I wanted a reciprocating saw that could give me good cutting power without feeling too heavy or awkward. The DCS387B caught my attention because it is part of DEWALT’s 20V MAX line, which means I can use it with batteries I may already own if I have other DEWALT tools. That made it a more convenient option for me.
Build and Design
One thing I appreciate about this saw is the compact body. It feels easier for me to control, especially when I’m working overhead or in narrow spots. The grip also feels comfortable in my hand, which matters a lot when I’m using a tool for longer periods. Since it is a bare tool model, I like that I can buy it without paying for extra batteries if I already have compatible ones.
Performance That Matters to Me
In my experience, a reciprocating saw should be strong enough to handle wood, metal, and general demolition tasks. The DCS387B is built for that kind of work, and I like that it offers the kind of cutting performance I need for everyday jobsite or home projects. I also value the variable speed control because it gives me better control depending on the material I’m cutting.
What I Like Most
- I like the compact size for tight work areas.
- I appreciate that it is cordless, which gives me more freedom to move.
- I find the 20V MAX platform useful if I already own DEWALT batteries.
- I like having a tool that feels easier to maneuver than larger reciprocating saws.
Things I Think About Before Buying
Before I buy this saw, I always think about whether I already have the battery and charger. Since this is typically sold as a bare tool, I may need to purchase those separately if I don’t already own them. I also consider the type of work I’ll be doing. If I need something for heavy-duty, all-day demolition, I might compare it with larger models. But for portability and convenience, this one makes a lot of sense to me.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I would recommend this saw to people who want a compact cordless reciprocating saw for light to medium cutting tasks. It seems especially useful for DIY users, remodelers, and anyone who needs a tool that can fit into tighter spaces. If someone already uses DEWALT 20V MAX batteries, I think this tool becomes even more attractive.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a compact reciprocating saw, the DEWALT DCS387B would be on my shortlist because it offers portability, compatibility, and solid cutting capability. I like that it is easy for me to handle and practical for a wide range of projects. My advice is to buy it if you want a reliable cordless saw and already have, or plan to invest in, the DEWALT 20V MAX battery system.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the DEWALT DCS387B 20V MAX Cordless Compact Reciprocating Saw stands out as a practical choice for anyone who wants solid cutting power in a small, easy-to-handle tool. I like that it balances portability with performance, making it useful for tight spaces and a variety of jobsite tasks. My takeaway is that if you want a dependable cordless recip saw without extra bulk, this model is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m Julian Foster, an Editorial Project Manager based in Asheville, North Carolina, with a background in English and Publishing. Years spent moving creative projects from rough drafts to finished work taught me that good ideas often need space more than pressure.
Outside work, I browse secondhand bookshops, experiment with linocut printing, collect postcards I rarely send, and take short train trips whenever I can.
At Retreat & Create, I write about notebooks, work bags, creative tools, portable tech, and practical products that can make focused work calmer, easier, and a little more enjoyable.
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