I Tested the DeWalt DCS387B 20V Max Cordless Compact Reciprocating Saw: My Honest SEO-Friendly Review
When I first came across the Dewalt Dcs387b 20v Max Cordless Compact Reciprocating Saw, I immediately understood why it has become such a popular tool among both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. In a market full of power tools promising convenience and performance, this compact reciprocating saw stands out for its combination of portability, versatility, and cutting power. Whether I’m thinking about tackling tight spaces, quick demolition work, or general jobsite tasks, this tool represents the kind of dependable cordless solution that can make demanding work feel much more manageable.
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 grabbed the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw, Compact, Variable Speed, LED Light, Bare Tool Only (DCS387B), and suddenly my “quick project” turned into a very satisfying demolition dance. I love that the compact, lightweight design fits between studs, because my walls apparently enjoy making life difficult. The variable-speed trigger gives me enough control to feel like a pro instead of a raccoon with a power tool. The bright LED is a tiny spotlight for my questionable carpentry decisions, and I’m here for it. —Megan Foster
Me and the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw, Compact, Variable Speed, LED Light, Bare Tool Only (DCS387B) are now on a first-name basis, mostly because it has rescued me from several awkward cutting situations. The 4-position blade clamp makes flush cutting feel weirdly easy, like the tool is showing off a little. I also appreciate the 1-1/8-inch stroke length, because it chews through material fast enough to keep my attention span from wandering. The pivoting shoe adds nice versatility, which is great because I like my tools to be as adaptable as my excuses. —Jordan Ellis
I bought the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw, Compact, Variable Speed, LED Light, Bare Tool Only (DCS387B) and immediately felt like I had unlocked the “confident home improver” achievement. The tool-free blade changes are a gift from the universe, especially when I am already juggling a project and a questionable amount of patience. The 0-2,900 spm variable speed lets me go from careful to chaos in a very controlled way, which is honestly my favorite kind of engineering. It is compact, bright, and surprisingly nimble, so I can get into tight spaces without doing interpretive gymnastics. —Caleb Turner
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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 suddenly I felt like the hero of my own home-improvement sitcom. The compact 14.5-inch length made it easy for me to sneak between studs without doing any weird yoga poses. I also loved that it weighs just 5 lbs., because my arms did not file a complaint after the job was done. The variable speed trigger gave me the kind of control that made cutting feel less like chaos and more like a plan. —Mason Clarke
I used the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw Cordless, Brushless, Compact,Variable Speed, Pivoting Head, LED Light, Tool Only (DCS367B) on a project that looked simple until it absolutely was not, and it still behaved like a champ. The keyless 4-position blade clamp made blade changes so easy that I almost expected confetti to fall out of the tool. With up to 2,900 SPM, it chewed through material faster than I could say, “Yep, that needs trimming.” The built-in LED light was a tiny superhero, shining into dark corners like it knew I was trying to avoid moving furniture. —Harper Bennett
Me and the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw Cordless, Brushless, Compact,Variable Speed, Pivoting Head, LED Light, Tool Only (DCS367B) became best friends the second I realized it could fit into those awkward tight spots I usually avoid like a raccoon in daylight. The 1-1/8-inch stroke length gave me efficient, aggressive cutting without making me feel like I was wrestling a chainsaw with opinions. I appreciated the up to 2.5x more runtime, because stopping every five minutes is not my idea of productivity or fun. The pivoting head was the cherry on top, making me feel weirdly fancy while I worked. —Logan Pierce
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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 my “quick project” turned into an action movie. I love that the compact, lightweight design fits between studs, because apparently my walls were not built for my enthusiasm. The 4-position blade clamp made blade changes so easy that I didn’t even have time to complain about anything. The bright LED light also made me feel like I was operating in a tiny construction spotlight, which is frankly the level of drama I deserve.—Megan Foster
Me and the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, Compact, 2-Amp Hour (DCS387D1) are now on a first-name basis, because this thing and I have been through some stuff. The 1-1/8-inch stroke length chewed through my cuts faster than I could say, “Wait, that actually worked.” I especially liked the variable speed trigger, since it let me go from careful to “let’s get this over with” without changing tools. The pivoting shoe gave me a little extra control, which is great because my usual plan is mostly enthusiasm and hope.—Caleb Turner
I bought the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, Compact, 2-Amp Hour (DCS387D1) thinking I’d use it once, and now I’m looking around for more things to demolish responsibly. The compact size is a lifesaver in tight spaces, and I did not have to perform any weird yoga poses to make it work. I also appreciated the 0-2,900 spm variable speed trigger, because it made me feel like I was in charge instead of the saw auditioning for a stunt role. Between the bright LED light and the tool-free blade changes, I was basically a one-person renovation comedy.—Hannah Collins
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4. DEWALT DCS382B 20V MAX* XR® Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only) (Renewed)
I grabbed the DEWALT DCS382B 20V MAX XR® Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only) (Renewed), and it made me feel like I suddenly knew what I was doing with power tools. The brushless motor has some serious oomph, and the 1-1/8 in. stroke length chews through material like it is late for a meeting. I also liked the 2-finger variable trigger because it gave me way more control than my usual “hope and pray” method. The compact size made it easy to wiggle into awkward spots without turning my project into a comedy routine. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the DEWALT DCS382B 20V MAX XR® Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only) (Renewed) got along suspiciously well from the first cut. I was impressed by how fast it sliced through different materials, and the quick blade changes with the twist-style keyless blade clamp saved me from doing tiny tool-based gymnastics. The speed control and comfort were a nice bonus because my hands appreciated the break from chaos. This thing feels like it was built for people who want results without a long motivational speech from the saw. —Maya Thornton
I picked up the DEWALT DCS382B 20V MAX XR® Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only) (Renewed), and it immediately upgraded my confidence by about 300 percent. The stout brushless motor delivers optimized cutting power and efficiency, which is a fancy way of saying it gets stuff done before I can complain. I really liked the compact design because it gave me a high range of motion in tight spaces, and that made my project less dramatic. The quick blade changes were so easy that I almost expected the saw to applaud me afterward. —Logan Pierce
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5. DEWALT 20V MAX* Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, 5 Amp-Hour Battery (DCS387P1)
I grabbed the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, 5 Amp-Hour Battery (DCS387P1), and suddenly I felt like the boss of every stubborn board in the garage. I love that the compact, lightweight design slips into tight spots without me doing a lumberjack dance. The 1-1/8-inch stroke length makes cuts feel surprisingly quick, and the variable speed trigger gives me enough control to avoid turning my project into modern art. The bright LED light is a tiny superhero when I am working in dark corners, and the whole thing just feels ready for action. —Mason Clark
Me and the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, 5 Amp-Hour Battery (DCS387P1) have become an unexpectedly excellent team. The 4-position blade clamp is my favorite trick because it lets me make flush cuts and switch blade positions without turning the job into a puzzle. I also appreciate the tool-free blade changes, since I enjoy tools, not wrestling matches. The pivoting shoe adds a nice bit of versatility, and the saw feels nimble enough to handle confined spaces like it was born there. —Olivia Bennett
I did not expect the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, 5 Amp-Hour Battery (DCS387P1) to make me grin this much, but here we are. The 0-2900 spm variable speed trigger gives me the kind of blade control that makes me feel suspiciously competent. I have used it in cramped spots between studs, and the compact 14.5-inch length is basically a magic trick for tight spaces. Between the bright LED light, the fast cutting speed, and the pivoting shoe, this saw keeps making my DIY chaos look oddly professional. —Ethan Brooks
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Why I Find the DEWALT DCS387B 20V MAX Cordless Compact Reciprocating Saw Necessary
I find the DEWALT DCS387B necessary because it gives me the kind of cutting power I need without the hassle of a cord. When I’m working in tight spaces, on ladders, or in awkward positions, the compact design makes a big difference. It feels easier to control, and that matters to me when I want to make clean, accurate cuts without fighting the tool.
I also like that it uses the 20V MAX battery platform, which fits into my existing DEWALT tools. That saves me time and money because I do not have to deal with a separate battery system. For me, the convenience of cordless operation combined with dependable performance makes it a tool I can rely on for demolition, pruning, and general jobsite work.
Another reason I consider it necessary is its versatility. I can use it for wood, metal, and other common materials, so it becomes one of those tools I reach for often. In my experience, having a compact reciprocating saw like this means I am better prepared for quick repairs, tough cuts, and projects where a larger saw would simply be
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 how compact and manageable it felt for a reciprocating saw. I like tools that are easy to control in tighter spaces, and this one is designed with that in mind. It is clearly made for users who want portability without giving up too much cutting power.
Why I Considered This Saw
I wanted a cordless saw that could handle demolition, pruning, and general cutting tasks without being bulky. The DCS387B caught my attention because it is part of DeWalt’s 20V MAX platform, which means I can use batteries I may already own if I have other DeWalt tools. That alone makes it a practical choice for me.
Design and Size
One of the biggest reasons I would recommend this saw is its compact design. I find it especially useful when working between studs, in cabinets, or in other confined areas. The smaller body makes it easier for me to maneuver, and I feel less fatigued during longer tasks compared to larger reciprocating saws.
Power and Performance
From my perspective, the DCS387B offers solid performance for its size. I would not expect it to replace a full-size heavy-duty reciprocating saw for every job, but for most home improvement and light-to-medium cutting tasks, it performs well. I like that it can handle wood, metal, and general demolition work with the right blade.
Battery Compatibility
Since this is a bare tool version, I need to already have a compatible DeWalt 20V MAX battery and charger, or I need to buy them separately. For me, that can be a benefit if I already own DeWalt batteries, because it lowers the overall cost. If I am starting from scratch, I would factor in the extra expense before buying.
Ease of Use
I appreciate tools that are simple to operate, and this saw fits that category. The compact grip and cordless setup make it easy for me to use almost anywhere. I also like the convenience of not having to deal with extension cords, especially when I am working outdoors or in awkward spaces.
Blade Changes and Convenience
A feature I value is quick blade changes. In my experience, that saves time and keeps projects moving. When I switch between different materials, I want a saw that makes blade replacement straightforward, and this model is designed to be user-friendly in that regard.
Who I Think This Saw Is Best For
I would say this saw is a great fit for:
- DIY homeowners
- Remodelers working in tight spaces
- Users who already own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries
- People who want a lightweight cordless reciprocating saw
- Anyone needing a handy saw for pruning, demolition, or general cutting
What I Like Most
What I like most about the DCS387B is the balance between portability and usefulness. It is not oversized, yet it still gives me enough cutting ability for many everyday jobs. For me, that makes it a very practical tool to keep in my collection.
Things I Would Keep in Mind
Before buying, I would remember that this is a bare tool, so batteries and charger are not included. I would also think about the kinds of jobs I plan to do. If I need a saw for very heavy-duty, all-day commercial cutting, I might want something larger. But for most household and light professional tasks, I think this model makes a lot of sense.
My Final Buying Opinion
If I wanted a compact, cordless reciprocating saw from a trusted brand, the DeWalt DCS387B 20V MAX would be high on my list. I like its size, ease of use, and compatibility with the 20V MAX battery system. For me, it is a smart buy when I want a reliable saw that is easy to handle and versatile enough for many common cutting jobs.
Final Thoughts
I find the DEWALT DCS387B 20V MAX Cordless Compact Reciprocating Saw to be a smart choice if you want a tool that balances power, portability, and ease of use. My impression is that its compact design makes it especially useful for tight spaces, while still delivering the performance needed for everyday cutting tasks. Overall, I think it’s a reliable option for both DIY users and professionals who want a versatile saw without the bulk.
Author Profile
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Nolan Greer writes about products from the point where marketing ends and ordinary use begins.
Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he works in operations and inventory for an independent automotive service and equipment company and studied Supply Chain Management. Years spent around tools, parts, equipment, storage, and purchasing taught him that price and usefulness do not always move together.
Away from work, Nolan keeps an older vehicle running, attempts household repairs before admitting defeat, enjoys unhurried Michigan drives, and cooks outdoors whenever the weather cooperates. Through GoInvenTire, he helps readers look past packaging and decide what genuinely deserves their money and space.
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