Best Metabo HPT Reciprocating Saws for Demolition and DIY
First, an important clarification: Metabo and Metabo HPT are two different tool lines. Metabo HPT is the brand formerly sold in the US as Hitachi Power Tools, while Metabo is the German brand. Both sit under the same parent company (Koki Holdings), but their tools and batteries are separate systems. Almost every "Metabo reciprocating saw" sold on Amazon.com is a Metabo HPT saw, so that is what this guide covers. We compared published specs, platform compatibility, and warranty terms across the current lineup.
Quick answer
For most users the Metabo HPT CR36DA is the best overall pick: a 36V MultiVolt brushless saw with a 1-1/4 in stroke for fast demolition cuts. If you want a corded saw for continuous use, the 12 Amp CR13VBY is the one to get. If you want cordless without the 36V price, the 18V brushless CR18DA is the value option.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Specs checked against manufacturer data (volts, amps, stroke, SPM)
- Battery platform and compatibility compared
- Corded vs cordless matched to the job
- Warranty terms read, not assumed
- Brand and platform reliability
- No fake hands-on claims, no invented ratings
Research updated August 2026.
Metabo HPT CR36DA
Full-size demolition power with a long stroke and tool-less blade change.
| Product | Best For | Power | Cord / Cordless | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metabo HPT CR36DA (kit) | Overall best | 36V MultiVolt brushless | Cordless | $$$ |
| Metabo HPT CR13VBY | Continuous corded use | 12 Amp, 120V | Corded | $$ |
| Metabo HPT CR18DA | Lighter cordless work | 18V brushless | Cordless | $$ |
| Metabo HPT CR36DA (tool only) | Existing MultiVolt owners | 36V MultiVolt brushless | Cordless | $$ |
| Metabo HPT CR18DA kit | Starter cordless kit | 18V brushless | Cordless | $$ |
Metabo HPT CR36DA
Best OverallPros
- Brushless 36V motor for full-size demolition cuts
- Long 1-1/4 in stroke clears material fast
- Tool-less blade change and adjustable shoe
Cons
- Heavy once a MultiVolt battery is fitted (around 10 lb)
- MultiVolt batteries are expensive to buy into
The Metabo HPT CR36DA runs on the MultiVolt platform, so the same battery powers this saw at 36V and the brand's 18V tools at 18V. That flexibility is the main reason to buy into it. The brushless motor plus the 1-1/4 in stroke gives it the aggression you need for nail-embedded lumber, conduit, and framing teardown.
It is not a light saw. With a MultiVolt pack fitted you are holding roughly 10 lb, which is normal for this class but noticeable overhead. Check the specific listing before you buy, because Metabo HPT sells this saw as a kit and as a bare tool under similar part numbers.
Metabo HPT CR13VBY
Best CordedPros
- Unlimited runtime, no battery investment
- Orbital swing action speeds up rough wood cuts
- Low-vibration handle design
Cons
- Tethered to an outlet or extension cord
- Around 10 lb, so it is a two-hand tool
This is the corded saw in the Metabo HPT lineup, and it is the model to buy if your work is stationary demolition or a shop bench rather than a roof or a crawlspace. The 12 Amp motor holds speed under load without the runtime ceiling of a battery, and the orbital swing setting can be switched off for cleaner metal cuts.
One point that trips buyers up: the CR13VBY is the corded saw in this range. The CR18DA and CR36DA are cordless battery tools, so if a listing describes either of those as a 120V corded saw, the listing is wrong.
Metabo HPT CR18DA
Best Lighter CordlessPros
- Lighter and easier to control than the 36V saw
- Runs on standard 18V slide packs and MultiVolt packs
- Brushless motor for better runtime per charge
Cons
- Less aggressive than the CR36DA in thick material
- Bare-tool listings do not include a battery or charger
The CR18DA is the sensible cordless choice for remodel work, plumbing cut-ins, and general site trimming, where you are reaching into joist bays and cutting overhead rather than tearing out a whole wall. It is easier on the wrists than a 36V saw and still handles PVC, conduit, and dimensional lumber comfortably.
If you already own Metabo HPT 18V slide-pack batteries, the bare tool is the cheapest way into the brand. If you do not, price the kit instead before deciding, because a battery and charger bought separately usually costs more.
Metabo HPT CR36DA (Tool Only)
Best for DemolitionPros
- Same motor and stroke as the kit at a lower entry price
- Variable-speed trigger for controlled starts
- Lifetime warranty on the tool
Cons
- No battery or charger included
- Poor value if you are not already on MultiVolt
The bare-tool version exists for people already running Metabo HPT MultiVolt batteries. Mechanically it is the kit saw without the case, pack, and charger, so the cutting performance is identical: the same brushless motor and the same 1-1/4 in stroke that makes it comfortable in nail-embedded lumber and metal pipe.
Cutting speed with any reciprocating saw depends heavily on blade choice. Pair it with a coarse 6 TPI demolition blade for wood and a bi-metal 14 to 18 TPI blade for metal rather than expecting one blade to do both well.
Metabo HPT CR18DA Kit
Best Starter KitPros
- Everything needed to start cutting in one box
- Battery also fits other Metabo HPT 18V tools
- Lower upfront cost than the 36V kit
Cons
- Less power than the 36V models in heavy tear-out
- Kit contents differ between sellers, so read the listing
If you are new to the brand, the kit is the honest starting point. You get the saw, a battery, and a charger, and that battery then serves the rest of the Metabo HPT 18V range as you add tools. For homeowners cutting branches, old fence posts, drywall, and pipe, this is enough saw.
Kit configurations change often. Some listings ship one battery, some two, and case inclusion varies, so confirm the contents on the product page rather than assuming.
What to check before buying a Metabo HPT reciprocating saw
Start with cord versus cordless. Corded saws like the CR13VBY never run out of power and cost less per unit of performance, but they need an outlet. Cordless saws win anywhere you are moving between cuts, up a ladder, or working outdoors.
Then check the platform. Metabo HPT's MultiVolt batteries run 36V tools like the CR36DA and also drop into 18V slide-pack tools such as the CR18DA, so the platform decision matters more than the individual saw. Stroke length is the other spec that changes how the saw feels: a 1-1/4 in stroke removes material faster, while shorter-stroke compact saws are easier to control in tight spaces.
Metabo vs Metabo HPT: do not mix them up
If you specifically want the German Metabo brand, its cordless reciprocating saws are sold under the SSE naming (for example the 18V SSE 18 LTX BL and the compact 12V PowerMaxx SSE 12 BL). These run on Metabo's own 18V and 12V battery packs, which are not interchangeable with Metabo HPT or Hitachi packs. Check the brand on the listing before you buy a battery for either system.
Mistakes to avoid
Do not buy a bare tool if you do not already own compatible batteries and a charger. The savings usually disappear once you add a pack. Do not choose on weight alone either, because a lighter saw often lacks the stroke and motor for real demolition.
Finally, do not ignore blades. Blade choice affects cutting speed more than the saw does. Use coarse-tooth demolition blades for wood and nail-embedded lumber, and fine-tooth bi-metal or carbide blades for metal.
FAQs
Are Metabo and Metabo HPT the same brand?
No. Metabo HPT is the US rebrand of Hitachi Power Tools, and Metabo is the German brand. Both belong to Koki Holdings, but they are separate product lines and their batteries do not fit each other.
What is the best Metabo HPT reciprocating saw for heavy demolition?
The CR36DA. Its 36V brushless motor and 1-1/4 in stroke give it the most aggressive cut in the cordless lineup.
Which Metabo HPT reciprocating saw is corded?
The CR13VBY is the 12 Amp corded model. The CR18DA and CR36DA are both cordless, despite what some listings and roundups imply.
Do Metabo HPT reciprocating saws come with a case?
Kits often include a case, but not always. Bare-tool listings normally do not. Check the contents on the specific listing.
Can I use Metabo HPT batteries with older Hitachi tools?
Generally yes for 18V slide-style packs, since Metabo HPT kept the Hitachi 18V slide interface, and MultiVolt packs also work in those 18V tools. Older 14.4V and non-slide packs are not compatible.
What is the warranty on Metabo HPT reciprocating saws?
Metabo HPT advertises a lifetime tool warranty on its professional-grade tools, with a shorter separate term on batteries and chargers. Register the tool and confirm the current terms on the product page.
Are Metabo HPT saws good for pruning trees?
They work for light pruning with a coarse pruning blade. The lighter 18V CR18DA is easier to hold overhead than the 36V model, but a dedicated pruning saw or small chainsaw is better for regular yard work.
How do I change the blade on a Metabo HPT reciprocating saw?
These models use a tool-less blade clamp: twist the collar, insert or remove the blade, then release the collar and tug the blade to confirm it is locked.
What is the difference between the 18V and 36V models?
The 36V CR36DA cuts faster in thick material and runs longer per charge on a MultiVolt pack. The 18V CR18DA is lighter and cheaper, which suits overhead and confined-space work.
Can I cut metal with a Metabo HPT reciprocating saw?
Yes, with a bi-metal or carbide-tipped blade in roughly the 14 to 18 TPI range. Slow the trigger down and turn off any orbital setting for metal.
Do I need a brushless motor in a reciprocating saw?
Brushless motors are more efficient, run longer per charge, and need less maintenance. On a corded saw it matters far less, since runtime is not a constraint.
Our verdict
The Metabo HPT CR36DA is the best overall reciprocating saw in this lineup for anyone doing real demolition, and it makes the most sense if you plan to build out the MultiVolt platform. If your work stays near an outlet, the 12 Amp corded CR13VBY does the same job for less money and never needs charging. For homeowners, the 18V CR18DA kit is the sensible entry point.