Flex 24V One-Hand Reciprocating Saw Targets Top-Level Performance
Electricians and plumbers know the pains of working in tight spaces, especially when that work includes a saw. More and more Pros are turning to compact alternatives that afford them better access when space is limited. The FLEX one-hand reciprocating saw is one of their latest offerings on the 24V line and its potential looks very promising!
Pros
- Low vibration
- Fast cutting speed
- Very well balanced with a 5.0Ah battery
- Dual LED lights light up work areas better than single LEDs
- Pivoting shoe
Cons
- The shoe length is not adjustable
- Heavier than some options
Flex 24V One-Hand Reciprocating Saw Performance
Making the Cut
We made a series of cuts in the PVC and EMT that you’re likely to encounter in plumbing and electrical and they are no match for the confidence of this saw’s brushless motor. You’re far more likely to feather the trigger when you’re working under a cabinet than wish you had more speed.
We prefer not to cut wood with most one-hand saws, but even cutting through 2×4, the saw was strong and cut quickly.
The longer-than-average 1-inch stroke length combined with a 3000 SPM stroke rate let you fly through materials that leave most of the one-hand competition in the dust. There’s also an always-on orbital action that helps when you’re cutting wood. It’s not as aggressive as a full-size saw, but it is something to be aware of when you’re cutting metal. Make sure you’re keeping the shoe in contact with the material to smooth out the cuts.
So between models such as the slower, lighter DeWalt Atomic and the faster, larger Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hackzall, where does it fit? In both size and performance, it’s a top-tier performer in the same class as the M18 Fuel Hackzall. In fact, it was faster than Milwaukee in our tests.
Vibration Control
Flex’s vibration control really impressed us. It’s important because you’re frequently cutting with one hand on the material and the other controlling the saw. Poor vibration control not only leaves your hands prematurely fatigued but also makes cutting more difficult. Even though you still have to deal with a heftier tool than some, the balance and vibration control of Flex’s design helps the saw work with you well.
Flex 24V One-Hand Reciprocating Saw Design Notes
- The rubber overmold grip has more texture than most, offering a better grip than most when your hands are sweaty and/or greasy
- Spring-loaded blade clamp actively ejects the blade and locks in the open position until you insert a new blade and it snaps back in place
- Two top and bottom oriented LEDs light up your work space better than single light designs
- Pivoting shoe makes keeping contact with round material easier
- No shoe length adjustment
- 4.19 pounds bare, 5.81 pounds with a 5.0Ah battery
Flex 24V One-Hand Reciprocating Saw Price
This Flex one-hand reciprocating saw retails for $159.99 as a bare tool and $199.99 as a kit with a 2.5Ah battery, fast charger, and a carrying tote. The saw has a 5-year warranty, but if you register the tool within 30-days of purchase now through 12/31/22, you’re eligible for the Flex Founders Limited Lifetime Warranty.
The Bottom Line
Flex’s 24V brushless one-hand reciprocating saw proved to us it belongs in the conversation as one of the highest-performing models available. Plus, it’s far more capable of wood cutting than most one-hand models. Like we see with other professional-grade models, it’s larger and heavier to make room for the internals that give it such high performance.
To explore the entire Flex lineup, click here.
Flex One-Hand Reciprocating Saw Specifications
- Model: Flex FX2241
- Power Source: Flex 24V battery
- No-Load Speed: 3000 SPM
- Stroke Length: 1 in.
- Motor type: Brushless
- Weight: 4.19 lbs.(bare), 5.81 lbs. (with 5.0Ah battery)
- Warranty: 5-year
- Price: $159.99 (bare), $199.99 (kit)
