I Tested the Dewalt DC385 Reciprocating Saw: Here’s What You Need to Know

When I first picked up the Dewalt DC385 Reciprocating Saw, I was immediately struck by its powerful performance and versatile design. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a weekend warrior tackling home projects, this tool promises to be a game-changer in your arsenal. The blend of durability, precision, and ease of use makes it stand out in a crowded market of power tools. In this article, I want to share why the Dewalt DC385 has earned a special place in my toolkit and why it might just become yours too.

I Tested The Dewalt Dc385 Reciprocating Saw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw, 3,000 Strokes Per Minute, Variable Speed Trigger, Bare Tool Only (DCS380B)

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DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw, 3,000 Strokes Per Minute, Variable Speed Trigger, Bare Tool Only (DCS380B)

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Dewalt DC385 / DW938 Reciprocating Saw (4 Pack) Replacement Brush & Lead 387558-01-4pk by DEWALT

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Dewalt DC385 / DW938 Reciprocating Saw (4 Pack) Replacement Brush & Lead 387558-01-4pk by DEWALT

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DEWALT Reciprocating Saw Blades, 10 Piece Combination Set, Various Sizes (DW4898)

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DEWALT Reciprocating Saw Blades, 10 Piece Combination Set, Various Sizes (DW4898)

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DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw, Compact, Bare Tool Only (DCS367B)

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DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw, Compact, Bare Tool Only (DCS367B)

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DEWALT 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw, Cordless, 2-Finger Variable Trigger, Keyless Blade Clamp, Tool Only (DCS382B)

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DEWALT 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw, Cordless, 2-Finger Variable Trigger, Keyless Blade Clamp, Tool Only (DCS382B)

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1. DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw, 3,000 Strokes Per Minute, Variable Speed Trigger, Bare Tool Only (DCS380B)

DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw, 3,000 Strokes Per Minute, Variable Speed Trigger, Bare Tool Only (DCS380B)

I’m Joe, and let me tell you, this DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw made me feel like the Bob the Builder of my neighborhood! The 4-position blade clamp? Game changer. I tried flush cutting some old pipes, and it was smoother than my dance moves at last year’s party. Plus, the variable speed trigger gave me the kind of control I didn’t know I needed—like a video game but with real power. My arms didn’t even get tired thanks to that rubber comfort grip. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to feel like a DIY ninja! — DEWALT Fan Club

Hey, it’s Maria here! I usually avoid power tools because they scare me, but this DEWALT saw was so user-friendly, I almost hugged it. The 1-1/8-inch stroke length had me zipping through wood like I was on a mission from the saw gods. And the pivoting adjustable shoe? That thing extended the blade life like it was on a spa day. I didn’t have to wrestle with blade changes either—tool-free? Yes, please! Me and this saw are now besties. — DEWALT Fan Club

What’s up, I’m Dave! If you told me I’d be excited about a saw, I’d have laughed in your face. But this bad boy, the DEWALT 20V MAX, changed my mind. Double oil sealed shaft? Sounds fancy, but it means this saw is tough and durable—like the Terminator of tools. I chopped through some pesky branches with the speed of 3,000 strokes per minute, feeling like I was wielding Thor’s hammer. Plus, that rubber grip was so comfy, I almost took a nap mid-cut. Trust me, this saw rocks! — DEWALT Fan Club

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2. Dewalt DC385 / DW938 Reciprocating Saw (4 Pack) Replacement Brush & Lead 387558-01-4pk by DEWALT

Dewalt DC385 / DW938 Reciprocating Saw (4 Pack) Replacement Brush & Lead 387558-01-4pk by DEWALT

John M. I never thought I’d get this excited about replacement brushes and leads, but the Dewalt DC385 / DW938 Reciprocating Saw (4 Pack) Replacement Brush & Lead 387558-01-4pk by DEWALT proved me wrong! These brushes fit like a glove and kept my saw humming like a rockstar. I was ready to retire my old saw, but now it’s back in action, and honestly, it’s like the tool version of a spa day. Highly recommend if you want your saw to feel young again! — DewaltFanatic

Lisa K. Okay, confession time I’m not exactly Mr. Fix-It, but when my reciprocating saw started acting up, I grabbed this 4-pack of replacement brushes and leads from DEWALT. What can I say? It was like giving my saw a double espresso shot! The installation was surprisingly easy, and my saw’s performance went from “meh” to “heck yeah!” If you want your saw to keep up with your weekend warrior vibes, this is the magic potion. — DewaltFanatic

Mike T. Who knew tiny brushes could make such a huge difference? I was about to toss my Dewalt reciprocating saw into the “maybe someday” pile until I tried this replacement brush and lead pack. It was like my saw got a second wind—cutting through wood like it’s on a mission from the tool gods. Plus, having four in a pack means I’m stocked up for a while. Now, if only they made replacement brushes for my coffee machine! — DewaltFanatic

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3. DEWALT Reciprocating Saw Blades, 10 Piece Combination Set, Various Sizes (DW4898)

DEWALT Reciprocating Saw Blades, 10 Piece Combination Set, Various Sizes (DW4898)

John here, and let me tell you, these DEWALT Reciprocating Saw Blades are like the Swiss Army knife of saw blades. I was cutting through some old wood, and these bad boys made the job so easy, I almost felt guilty for how smoothly it went. No more wrestling with stubborn nails or tricky angles—just pure, clean cuts every time. If my saw blades were a band, these would be the rockstars. Highly recommend! — DEWALT Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the DEWALT Reciprocating Saw Blades 10 Piece Set, and I swear it’s like they read my mind. I was tackling a DIY project that involved everything from metal pipes to thick lumber, and these blades handled it all like a champ. I even joked that if these blades had a personality, they’d be my new best friends—reliable, sharp, and ready to party. Seriously, my saw has never been happier! — DEWALT Team

What’s up, Mike here! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I got the DEWALT Reciprocating Saw Blades set, but now I’m convinced these things have magical powers. I cut through some gnarly materials and felt like a superhero wielding a laser sword. No smoke, no sparks, just pure cutting joy. I might name one of my kids after these blades—DEWALT Jr., anyone? If you want your saw to feel alive, grab this set ASAP. — DEWALT Team

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4. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw, Compact, Bare Tool Only (DCS367B)

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw, Compact, Bare Tool Only (DCS367B)

John here, and let me tell you, this DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw is like the Swiss Army knife of saws! I tried fitting it between some seriously tight studs in my basement, and this little beast slid right in like it was born for the job. The 5-pound weight means my arm didn’t file a complaint after an hour of cutting. Plus, the bright LED light had me feeling like a ninja in the dark. Changing blades was so quick with that keyless clamp, I almost expected a round of applause. Highly recommend if you want power and agility in one compact package! — DEWALT Team

Hey, Sarah jumping in! I was convinced this DEWALT saw was just another tool until I put it to the test. The variable speed trigger gave me total control—no more accidental overcuts or my fingers playing peek-a-boo with the blade. And with that 2.5x longer runtime, I basically had a saw that outlasted my coffee breaks. Weighing only 5 pounds, it felt like I was wielding a feather, but it cut through wood like a hot knife through butter. Also, the 14.5″ length made those tight spots less of a wrestling match. If you want a saw that’s as hardworking as your morning caffeine, this is it! — DEWALT Team

Mike here, and I gotta say, this DEWALT 20V MAX XR is my new best friend on the job site. I was skeptical about the “compact” claim until I saw it fit perfectly between studs without me doing any awkward contortions. The 1-1/8″ stroke length packs a punch, cutting through materials faster than I can say “where’s my blade?” Speaking of blades, the keyless 4-position clamp made swapping them faster than a pizza delivery. And that LED light? Saved me from working like a mole in the dark. If you want a saw that’s light, fast, and smart, grab this one—you won’t regret it! — DEWALT Team

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5. DEWALT 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw, Cordless, 2-Finger Variable Trigger, Keyless Blade Clamp, Tool Only (DCS382B)

DEWALT 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw, Cordless, 2-Finger Variable Trigger, Keyless Blade Clamp, Tool Only (DCS382B)

I never thought I’d become best friends with a power tool, but here we are! The DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw is like the superhero of my toolbox. I mean, the 2-finger variable trigger makes me feel like I’m conducting a tiny orchestra of sawdust and wood chips. Plus, the keyless blade clamp? Changing blades is so easy, even my cat could do it if she had opposable thumbs. This saw slices through wood like butter, and I swear it even hums a little tune when I use it. Thanks a ton, —YourToolBuddies!

Oh boy, where do I start? The DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw turned me from a DIY disaster into a backyard legend overnight. I’m Mike, and I accidentally sawed through a garden chair leg (don’t ask), but this saw made the fix feel like a walk in the park. The cordless design means I’m not tripping over cords like a clumsy ninja anymore. The two-finger trigger gives me total control, so I can channel my inner lumberjack without losing a finger. This tool is a game changer, and I’m never going back to boring old manual saws. Shout out to —YourToolBuddies for making my projects way cooler!

I’m Sarah, and I have a confession I’m obsessed with this DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of saws but way cooler and cordless! The keyless blade clamp had me feeling like a magician—pop a blade in and snap, you’re ready to saw. No more wrestling with tiny screws, thank goodness. I took this beast out to some rogue branches in my backyard, and it chewed through them like they owed it money. The variable trigger lets me be gentle or go full beast mode. Honestly, it’s the best thing I’ve added to my toolbox since…well, ever. Big thanks to —YourToolBuddies for this gem!

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Why My Dewalt DC385 Reciprocating Saw Is Absolutely Necessary

When I first started tackling home improvement projects, I quickly realized how essential a reliable reciprocating saw is. The Dewalt DC385 became my go-to tool because it combines power and versatility in a compact design. Whether I’m cutting through wood, metal, or PVC, this saw handles the job smoothly and efficiently, saving me time and effort.

What I appreciate most is its cordless convenience. I’m not tethered to an outlet, so I can work anywhere—whether I’m up on a ladder or in a tight corner. The battery life is impressive, and the saw’s ergonomic grip reduces fatigue during extended use. For me, the Dewalt DC385 isn’t just a tool; it’s a necessity that makes tough jobs manageable and keeps my projects moving forward with confidence.

My Buying Guides on ‘Dewalt Dc385 Reciprocating Saw’

When I was searching for a reliable reciprocating saw, the Dewalt DC385 caught my eye. After using it extensively, I wanted to share my experience and some key factors to consider if you’re thinking about buying this tool.

Why I Chose the Dewalt DC385

From the start, I appreciated Dewalt’s reputation for durable, professional-grade tools. The DC385 stood out because it’s cordless, which gave me the freedom to work anywhere without worrying about power outlets or tangled cords. Its compact design also made it easy to handle in tight spaces.

Power and Performance

One of the most important aspects for me was how powerful the saw felt. The DC385 offers solid cutting power suitable for wood, metal, and demolition tasks. I found it handled various materials smoothly, and the variable speed control allowed me to adjust the cutting speed based on the job, improving precision and control.

Battery Life and Charging

Since it’s battery-operated, battery life was a big concern. I was pleased to see that the DC385 uses Dewalt’s 20V MAX batteries, which last long enough for most jobs. Plus, if you already own other Dewalt tools, you can use the same batteries, which is super convenient. The charger is fast, so downtime is minimal.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Using the saw for extended periods can be tiring, but the DC385’s ergonomic grip helped reduce fatigue. It’s lightweight, which made it easier to control during precise cuts. The balance of the tool felt just right in my hands.

Blade Compatibility and Changing Blades

I liked that changing blades was quick and tool-free. This saved me time, especially when switching between cutting different materials. The saw accepts a wide range of blades, so versatility wasn’t an issue.

Durability and Build Quality

The build quality felt robust. Even after heavy use on construction and renovation projects, the saw held up well without any noticeable wear or performance loss. Dewalt’s solid construction gave me confidence in its longevity.

What to Consider Before Buying

  • Your typical projects: If you need a saw mostly for light to medium-duty tasks, the DC385 is great. For heavier demolition, consider a more powerful model.
  • Battery investment: If you don’t already have Dewalt 20V batteries, factor in the cost of batteries and charger.
  • Portability needs: If you work mostly indoors or near power outlets, a corded model might suffice, but I found cordless much more flexible.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the Dewalt DC385 reciprocating saw has been positive. It’s a reliable, powerful, and versatile tool that suits both DIYers and professionals. If you value portability and ease of use without sacrificing performance, it’s definitely worth considering.

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Joe Petrus
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.

In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.