Hart 20V Jigsaw Gives DIYers the Features and Performance Needed for Quality Results
The Hart 20V jigsaw is a familiar design with a feature set that promises to help beginners learn jigsawing techniques and the performance required to achieve excellent results. We’ve been cutting on wood, metal, and PVC to see if it’s a good fit for your next weekend project.
Editor’s Note: Check out our best cordless jigsaw reviews article for our top recommendations.
Pros
- 3 orbital settings plus off
- Variable speed slide and lock-on button
- Base height adjusts to expose unused blade teeth
- Highly visible blade area
- Tool-free blade changes with active ejection
- Excellent value at $54 (bare tool)
Cons
- Base height and bevel adjust requires a hex wrench
- No kit option available
Cutting with the Hart 20V Jigsaw
Cutting Speed and Orbital Modes
The two major types of operating a jigsaw include a variable speed trigger or a single-speed trigger with a variable dial or slide. The Hart 20V jigsaw goes the variable slide route to control your speed between 1300 and 3000 strokes per minute.
That’s the style that I prefer so I can concentrate on making my cut and not feathering my trigger. There’s also a lock-on button that you can engage with one hand, giving your hands a lot of freedom to work as you start making turns.
The top speed of the saw isn’t as high as professional models, but that’s okay. We still found it to have plenty of speed to cut well in all the materials we were working on. You might notice a difference on an aggressive rough cut in thicker wood, but the saw can still make the cut just fine.
Pro Tip: stick with a quality blade and replace it when the teeth dull to get the best results.
Like most cordless jigsaws, there are 3 levels of orbital action plus off. The dial is on the side of the saw and the marks are easy enough to see. If you’re eyesight has a tough time seeing them, take a fine-tip Inkzall and give them some contrast. Check out some tips on when to use the different orbital settings in this article.
The area around the blade is nice and open around the sides and the front, giving you a good view of the blade while you cut. Hart doesn’t specifically claim to have a cutline blower, but we didn’t have any issues with sawdust covering up our cutlines. There’s an LED to help your visibility as well.
If you’ve had the pleasure of using professional models, you’ll notice they feel smoother when you’re cutting. Hart’s vibration isn’t obnoxious, though, and we didn’t feel it inhibited our ability to make our normal cuts.
Bevel Adjustments
You can adjust the bevel left or right up to 45º both left and right. There are positive stops to slip into at 0º, 15º, 30º, and 45º both ways as well.
The downside is that it’s not a tool-free operation. You need to loosen the two bolts under the base using the hex wrench that stores in the back of the housing.
There’s a little bit of wiggle in each of the stops, but when you tighten the bolts back up, it holds the correct angle.
Base Height Adjustments
The Hart 20V jigsaw includes a feature we don’t see on every model – an adjustable base height. As your blade is getting dull, you can adjust the height 1/8-inch at a time and expose unused teeth to your cut.
You need the same hex wrench for adjustments. Loosen the two bolts on the side above the base and pull it to the level you want. Just keep in mind that you’re shortening the reach of your blade if you’re cutting something a bit thicker.
Blade Changes
Blade changes are pretty standard for a jigsaw. Just use your thumb to push the twist-lock toward the front. There’s an active spring ejection to push the blade out, keeping you from having to grab a hot blade.
Pricing
You can pick up the Hart 20V jigsaw at Walmart for $54 as a bare tool. There’s no kit option at the moment, so you’ll need to grab a battery and charger or have one from another Hart 20V tool.
In the DIY space, that’s a pretty good price for this jigsaw. There are some brushless models running around, mainly from Pro brands, that are much more expensive. You can also find less expensive ones. For the design, performance, and 3-year warranty that Hart offers, I think it’s worth opening your wallet a little wider to step up from the entry-level DIY models.
For more information about this and other HART Tools, click here.
The Bottom Line
The Hart 20V jigsaw has the features and performance to make your DIY projects go smoothly. It’s a beginner-friendly design that can help hone your jigsawing skills with a price that offers excellent value for what you get. At the same time, it’s not begging to be replaced as soon as you’re competent. It’s a highly functional model that is appropriate for all levels of DIY and weekend projects.
Hart 20V Jigsaw Specs
- Model: Hart HPJS01
- Battery: 20V Lithium-Ion
- Strokes Per Minute: 1,300-3,000 spm
- Orbital Action: Yes
- Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
- Price: $54 (bare tool)
Visit the Hart Tools website to learn more about the 20V line of cordless tools.
