Compact Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit for HVAC 20V DEWALT 2Ah

Description

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Try cutting through a stubborn PVC vent pipe in a cramped attic space with a full-size reciprocating saw, and you’ll quickly understand why HVAC techs are always hunting for more compact tools. We’ve all been there—wedged between ductwork and rafters, fighting with an oversized tool that’s technically powerful enough but practically useless when you can’t get proper leverage. That’s exactly why we put the DEWALT DCS387D1 20V compact reciprocating saw kit through its paces across multiple residential and light commercial HVAC installations over the past three months.

DEWALT has built a solid reputation in the cordless tool market, and their 20V MAX* platform is everywhere on job sites for good reason. But when they claim this compact reciprocating saw delivers “full-size performance in a compact design,” we needed to verify that ourselves. After using it for cutting copper refrigerant lines, PVC drain pipes, sheet metal ductwork, and even some demo work removing old furnace components, we’ve got a clear picture of where this tool excels and where it falls short.

The bottom line up front: this DEWALT DCS387D1 20V compact reciprocating saw kit review found a tool that genuinely solves the maneuverability problem without sacrificing as much cutting power as you’d expect. It’s not perfect—the 2-Ah battery won’t last all day on heavy jobs—but for HVAC professionals who need to work in tight spaces, this saw delivers where it matters most.

Why the DEWALT DCS387D1 20V Compact Reciprocating Saw Kit Stands Out

The first time we pulled this saw from its case, the compact size was immediately obvious—but what impressed us most was the weight distribution. At just 5.4 pounds with the battery installed, it’s noticeably lighter than the 7-8 pound full-size recip saws we typically carry. During a furnace replacement where we needed to cut through old ductwork overhead, the reduced weight meant significantly less arm fatigue over several hours of intermittent cutting.

The pivoting shoe is a feature that sounds minor on paper but proves invaluable in real-world HVAC work. We were able to flush-cut refrigerant lines against a wall and adjust the shoe angle to maximize blade life when cutting through varying materials. Most compact saws skip this feature to save space, but DEWALT included it, and it shows they understand actual trade work requirements.

Variable speed control with a 0-2,900 SPM (strokes per minute) range gives you genuine control over different materials. When cutting PVC drain lines, we could start slow to prevent the blade from walking, then ramp up speed once the cut was established. Contrast this with some budget compact saws that operate at one aggressive speed—fine for wood, terrible for plastic and metal that HVAC techs cut daily.

The 1-1/8 inch stroke length deserves mention because it’s where DEWALT made their compromise to achieve the compact size. Full-size recip saws typically offer 1-1/4 inches or more, and you do notice the difference when cutting through 4-inch PVC or thick lumber during demo. It’s not a dealbreaker, but cutting takes a few more seconds on thicker materials—a reasonable trade-off for the maneuverability you gain.

Key Features & Specifications

• Motor Power: 20V MAX* brushless motor delivering 2,900 SPM maximum speed—provides sufficient power for most HVAC cutting tasks including copper pipe, PVC, sheet metal, and wood framing
• Stroke Length: 1-1/8 inches—slightly shorter than full-size saws but adequate for materials up to 4 inches thick; you’ll make the cut but it takes marginally longer
• Weight: 5.4 lbs with battery—roughly 25-30% lighter than standard reciprocating saws, making overhead work and extended use significantly less fatiguing
• Length: 14.5 inches—the compact design fits into tight spaces between joists, behind furnaces, and in crawlspaces where full-size saws simply won’t work
• Battery: 2.0 Ah 20V MAX* lithium-ion—provides approximately 30-45 minutes of runtime under typical HVAC use (intermittent cutting); charges in about 45 minutes
• Blade Change: Lever-action keyless blade clamp—change blades in under 5 seconds without tools, even with gloves on
• Variable Speed Trigger: 0-2,900 SPM range—press lightly for slow controlled cuts, full trigger for maximum speed through easier materials
• Pivoting Shoe: 4-position adjustable—extends blade life by using fresh sections and allows flush cutting against walls and floors
• Kit Includes: DCS387 saw, DCB203 2Ah battery, DCB112 charger, and contractor bag—everything needed to start working immediately

Hands-On Performance Testing

We put this saw through typical HVAC installation and service scenarios to see how it performs beyond the spec sheet. During a furnace replacement, we needed to cut through (3) 3/4-inch copper refrigerant lines. With a quality bi-metal blade designed for metal, the saw made clean cuts in 8-12 seconds per line. The variable speed trigger let us start the cut slowly to prevent the blade from skating across the smooth copper surface—a common frustration with single-speed saws.

Cutting 2-inch PVC drain lines revealed both the saw’s strengths and the battery limitation. We completed approximately 15 cuts through schedule 40 PVC on a single 2.0 Ah battery charge before the power indicator showed we needed a swap. For a typical residential service call where you’re making 5-10 cuts, that’s more than adequate. But during new construction where you’re installing complete drain systems, you’ll definitely want a spare battery or two in your kit. The saw never bogged down during PVC cuts—the 2,900 SPM speed chewed through plastic efficiently without melting or deforming the material.

Sheet metal ductwork presented an interesting test case. We cut through 26-gauge galvanized steel using a fine-tooth metal blade, and the compact saw handled it without issue. The lighter weight actually became an advantage here—we could control the saw with one hand while steadying the duct section with the other, something noticeably harder with a heavier full-size model. Vibration was present but well-controlled compared to some compact saws we’ve tested that shake your hand numb after extended use.

The real revelation came during retrofit work in a 1950s home with limited attic space. We needed to cut through 2×6 rafters to run new ductwork, working in a space with maybe 30 inches of clearance. The 14.5-inch length of this compact saw made cuts possible that would have required a different tool—likely a multi-tool or hand saw—with a full-size reciprocating saw. We completed cuts through the 2x6s in approximately 35-45 seconds each, which is maybe 10-15 seconds slower than a full-size saw would manage, but the alternative would have been several minutes per cut with a hand saw.

We also tested the pivoting shoe feature extensively. When cutting old copper lines during a condenser replacement, we adjusted the shoe to get flush against the unit’s service valves, maximizing the usable blade length. On our fourth cut, we pivoted to a fresh shoe position, which extended the blade’s effective life. This seems like a small detail, but over dozens of cuts, you’re getting 3-4 times the life from each blade compared to fixed-shoe designs.

Temperature performance mattered during summer attic work where ambient temperatures exceeded 120°F. The saw’s motor never overheated or shut down during our testing, and the battery didn’t show the rapid discharge problems that plague some lithium-ion packs in high heat. We did notice the battery ran warm to the touch after sustained use in these conditions, but it never triggered thermal protection or stopped working.