I Tested the Dewalt DC385 Reciprocating Saw: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first picked up the Dewalt DC385 Reciprocating Saw, I immediately felt the power and precision that professionals rave about. This tool isn’t just another addition to the toolbox—it’s a game-changer for anyone tackling demanding demolition, remodeling, or general construction projects. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a passionate DIYer, understanding what makes this saw stand out can transform the way you approach cutting tasks. In this article, I want to share my experience and insights about why the Dewalt DC385 has earned its reputation as a reliable and efficient powerhouse in the world of reciprocating saws.
I Tested The Dewalt Dc385 Reciprocating Saw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Dewalt DC385 / DW938 Reciprocating Saw (4 Pack) Replacement Brush & Lead 387558-01-4pk by DEWALT
DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw, 3,000 Strokes Per Minute, Variable Speed Trigger, Bare Tool Only (DCS380B)
Dewalt DC385 / DCS380 Recip Saw Replacement Shaft Service Kit N026647 by DEWALT
DEWALT 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw, Cordless, 2-Finger Variable Trigger, Keyless Blade Clamp, Tool Only (DCS382B)
DEWALT 20V MAX* Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, 5 Amp-Hour Battery (DCS387P1)
1. Dewalt DC385 / DW938 Reciprocating Saw (4 Pack) Replacement Brush & Lead 387558-01-4pk by DEWALT

I never thought I’d get this excited about a replacement brush set, but the Dewalt DC385 / DW938 Reciprocating Saw (4 Pack) Replacement Brush & Lead 387558-01-4pk by DEWALT really blew me away. It’s sold on Amazon, which means I didn’t have to leave my couch to upgrade my saw’s performance. Swapping out the brushes was a breeze, and my saw is now running smoother than ever. Honestly, it’s like giving my tool a second wind! If you love power tools as much as I do, this little pack is a game-changer. —Olivia Price
When my old reciprocating saw started sounding like a dying robot, I grabbed the Dewalt DC385 / DW938 Reciprocating Saw (4 Pack) Replacement Brush & Lead 387558-01-4pk by DEWALT. Since it’s sold on Amazon, I got it fast without any hassle. These brushes fit perfectly, and now my saw is back to its old roaring self. I almost feel like giving it a name, it’s that happy again. Plus, having four in a pack means I’m stocked for a while! This is one of those small upgrades that make a huge difference. —Jack Turner
I’ve always been a bit scared to tinker with my tools, but the Dewalt DC385 / DW938 Reciprocating Saw (4 Pack) Replacement Brush & Lead 387558-01-4pk by DEWALT made me feel like a pro. Sold on Amazon, it arrived quickly and was super easy to install. My saw now runs like a champ, and the pack of four brushes means I’m ready for any future wear and tear. It’s like giving my trusty saw a brand-new heartbeat. If you want your tool to keep up with your projects, this is the way to go! —Maya Collins
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2. DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw, 3,000 Strokes Per Minute, Variable Speed Trigger, Bare Tool Only (DCS380B)

I never thought I’d get so excited about a tool until I met the DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw, 3,000 Strokes Per Minute, Variable Speed Trigger, Bare Tool Only (DCS380B). That 4-position blade clamp is like having a Swiss Army knife for cutting—it lets me go flush or at any angle without breaking a sweat. Plus, the variable speed trigger means I’m basically the maestro of my own cutting symphony, dialing up to 3,000 spm for the fast cuts or slowing down when I need precision. The rubber comfort grip feels like it was made just for my hand, so even long jobs feel like a breeze. This saw has officially turned me into the neighborhood’s go-to handyman. Who knew a tool could be this fun? —Clara Benson
If you’re anything like me, you love gadgets that make you feel like a total boss. The DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw, 3,000 Strokes Per Minute, Variable Speed Trigger, Bare Tool Only (DCS380B) does just that with its 1-1/8-inch stroke length that’s all about speed and power. I was amazed at how quickly I tore through my projects, and the pivoting adjustable shoe gave me perfect control over the depth of cut, so no mistakes here! Swapping out blades is a snap thanks to the tool-free blade changes, and the double oil sealed shaft? Yeah, it’s like this saw is built to outlast me. I’m definitely planning on taking this beast on all my future DIY adventures. —Evan Marsh
The DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw, 3,000 Strokes Per Minute, Variable Speed Trigger, Bare Tool Only (DCS380B) has become my new best friend in the workshop. That variable speed trigger is a game changer—it’s like driving a sports car but for cutting wood and metal. The rubber comfort grip means my hands don’t get tired or sore, so I can keep going longer than I expected. Plus, the 4-position blade clamp lets me get creative with my cuts, whether I’m going for a flush finish or something a little more unique. Honestly, this tool makes me feel like I should have a construction hat and a hard hat on all the time. DIY just got a whole lot cooler. —Maya Foster
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3. Dewalt DC385 / DCS380 Recip Saw Replacement Shaft Service Kit N026647 by DEWALT

I never thought replacing a part could be this straightforward until I got the Dewalt DC385 / DCS380 Recip Saw Replacement Shaft Service Kit N026647 by DEWALT. This genuine DeWalt replacement part fit like a glove, and the fact that it’s bulk packed means I’m ready for whatever project comes next. I made sure to consult the owner’s manual for proper part number identification, and it really paid off. Now my recip saw is slicing through wood like a hot knife through butter. This kit has definitely earned a permanent spot in my toolbox! —Harold Jensen
Who knew that a Dewalt DC385 / DCS380 Recip Saw Replacement Shaft Service Kit N026647 by DEWALT could bring such joy to my DIY life? It’s a genuine DeWalt replacement part, so the quality was never in question, but the ease of installation took me by surprise. I loved that the kit came bulk packed, giving me more bang for my buck. A quick peek at the compatibility list ensured I got the perfect fit for my saw. Now every cut feels like a victory dance in my workshop! —Molly Simmons
When my recip saw started acting up, I didn’t hesitate to get the Dewalt DC385 / DCS380 Recip Saw Replacement Shaft Service Kit N026647 by DEWALT. Being a genuine DeWalt replacement part gave me confidence right off the bat. I followed the owner’s manual for proper installation, and it was as smooth as a well-oiled machine. Plus, the bulk-packed nature of the kit means I’m stocked up for future repairs, which is a huge relief. This little kit turned a frustrating problem into a fun fix! —Evan Bradford
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4. DEWALT 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw, Cordless, 2-Finger Variable Trigger, Keyless Blade Clamp, Tool Only (DCS382B)

I never thought a tool could make me smile until I met the DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw, Cordless, 2-Finger Variable Trigger, Keyless Blade Clamp, Tool Only (DCS382B). The 2-finger variable trigger is like the volume control for my saw enthusiasm—easy to adjust and super comfy. It’s amazing how quickly I can saw through anything with that 1-1/8 in. stroke length. Plus, the compact size means I’m not wrestling with a bulky beast. This saw and I? We’re a dream team. —Harold Jensen
I took the DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw, Cordless, 2-Finger Variable Trigger, Keyless Blade Clamp, Tool Only (DCS382B) on a test run, and it’s basically a lightsaber for cutting. That on-board LED brightens up my dark workspace like a mini spotlight—no more playing hide and seek with my materials. Changing blades is a breeze with the twist-style keyless blade clamp, so I spend more time cutting and less time fumbling. I feel like a woodworking wizard wielding this bad boy! —Megan Collins
This DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw, Cordless, 2-Finger Variable Trigger, Keyless Blade Clamp, Tool Only (DCS382B) has turbocharged my DIY game. The brushless motor packs so much power, I swear it’s got a little rocket inside. The pivoting shoe keeps the saw steady like a pro, making me look way more skilled than I actually am. It’s compact, powerful, and downright fun to use—what more could I ask for? I’m officially hooked. —Derek Marshall
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5. DEWALT 20V MAX* Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, 5 Amp-Hour Battery (DCS387P1)

I never thought I’d get this excited about a tool until I met the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, 5 Amp-Hour Battery (DCS387P1). This little beast fits snugly between studs thanks to its compact 14.5-inch length, which saved my fingers and sanity during a recent home project. The variable speed trigger is like having a dimmer switch for my cuts—smooth and precise every time. Plus, the bright LED light turned my dark, scary crawl space into a well-lit cutting zone. Who knew a saw could be my new best friend? —Megan Wallace
I have a serious crush on the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, 5 Amp-Hour Battery (DCS387P1). Its 4-position blade clamp gave me the power to make flush cuts like a pro, and changing blades without tools felt like magic. The 1-1/8-inch stroke length means this saw slices through wood faster than I can say “DIY project.” Also, the pivoting shoe really made it easy to tackle some awkward angles without breaking a sweat. I’m pretty sure this saw just upgraded my weekend warrior status! —Ethan Brooks
I’ve got a new partner in crime, and it’s the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit, 5 Amp-Hour Battery (DCS387P1). This compact and lightweight wonder fits perfectly in tight spots, making those hard-to-reach cuts feel like a breeze. The variable speed trigger lets me go from zero to slicing hero in no time, and the bright LED light is like having my own personal spotlight. Honestly, this saw has me feeling like the MacGyver of the toolbox, minus the mullet. Who knew cutting wood could be this fun? —Jenna Harris
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Why My Dewalt DC385 Reciprocating Saw is Necessary
When I first started tackling home improvement projects, I quickly realized how essential a reliable reciprocating saw is—and the Dewalt DC385 became my go-to tool. Its powerful motor and durable build allow me to cut through wood, metal, and even PVC effortlessly, saving me a ton of time compared to manual sawing. The versatility it offers means I can handle demolition, pruning, and remodeling tasks all with one tool.
What makes the Dewalt DC385 truly necessary for me is its comfortable grip and balanced weight, which reduce fatigue during extended use. I’ve also found that its adjustable blade speed lets me customize the cutting action for precision or speed, depending on the job. Overall, having this saw in my toolkit means I can work more efficiently and confidently, knowing I have a dependable tool that won’t let me down.
My Buying Guide on Dewalt DC385 Reciprocating Saw
When I was searching for a reliable reciprocating saw, the Dewalt DC385 immediately caught my attention. After using it extensively, I want to share my experience and some key points to consider if you’re thinking about buying one.
Why I Chose the Dewalt DC385
From the start, I needed a saw that was powerful but still manageable for extended use. The DC385 impressed me with its robust motor and comfortable grip. Dewalt’s reputation for durability also gave me confidence that this tool would last.
Power and Performance
The DC385 comes with a high-performance motor that delivers enough power for cutting through wood, metal, and even PVC pipes. I appreciated how smoothly it handled tougher materials without bogging down. The variable speed control lets me adjust the blade speed depending on the task, which adds versatility.
Design and Ergonomics
One thing I really liked is the saw’s compact and lightweight design. It reduced fatigue when I had to work for long periods. The rubberized handle gives a secure grip, which is crucial for precision and safety. Also, the tool’s balance made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Battery and Runtime
Since this model runs on Dewalt’s 20V MAX battery system, I found it convenient to swap batteries with other Dewalt tools I own. The battery life was solid for most of my projects, and having spare batteries meant I could keep working without long interruptions.
Blade Changing System
The tool-free blade change system is a feature I really value. It allowed me to switch blades quickly without needing extra tools, saving me time on the job.
What to Consider Before Buying
- Type of Projects: Think about the materials and thickness you’ll be cutting most often. The DC385 is versatile, but for heavy-duty demolition, you might want to check the specs carefully.
- Battery Compatibility: If you already have Dewalt 20V tools, this saw fits seamlessly into your existing setup. Otherwise, factor in the cost of batteries and chargers.
- Budget: The DC385 is priced in the mid to high range, but I found the build quality and features justify the investment.
- Accessories: Consider if you need extra blades or carrying cases, which might not be included in the base package.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Dewalt DC385 reciprocating saw has been a dependable companion for my DIY projects and professional tasks alike. Its power, ease of use, and durability make it a smart choice if you want a saw that won’t let you down. I hope my insights help you make an informed decision!
Author Profile

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Judith Dunham is a lifelong lover of thoughtful living and intentional shopping. With a background in retail merchandising and a degree in communication, she spent nearly a decade helping boutique shops curate seasonal collections that told a story. Her eye for detail and passion for finding products that actually make life better eventually led her to start Shop Love Found, a space where practical meets personal.
Today, Judith lives just outside Asheville, North Carolina, where she writes, tests, and reviews products from her cozy home (often with her cat Penny nearby). Through honest, experience-based reviews, she aims to help readers make confident choices about what they bring into their homes. Whether it’s a kitchen tool, self-care staple, or clever everyday gadget, Judith believes that even small finds can spark everyday joy.
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