Intro
Some cutting jobs are simply not built for a circular saw, a jigsaw, or a handsaw. When you need to cut through a pipe in a cramped under-sink cabinet, slice out a section of damaged floorboard between joists, or prune thick tree branches at awkward angles, what you really need is a tool that reaches in, grips tight, and cuts hard without requiring a clear approach path or a stable workpiece. A reciprocating saw — with its long, narrow body and exposed blade plunging back and forth — is the demolition and rough-cutting specialist that solves these awkward-access problems. It does not demand precision or finesse; it demands power, reach, and the ability to cut through mixed materials without complaining. For renovators, plumbers, gardeners, and anyone who has ever faced a cutting task in an impossible position, a good reciprocating saw is the tool that turns a frustrating impasse into a job already done.
Generalities
Reciprocating saws — sometimes called sabre saws or recip saws — are the go-to tool for demolition, rough cutting, and any job where access is tight and the material is unforgiving. Bosch's green Home and Garden line has long included capable reciprocating saws aimed at DIY users and light trade work, and the PSA 700 E is one of their most popular models. With a 710-watt motor, a 150 mm cutting capacity in wood, and a 3,422-review track record averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars, it has clearly earned the trust of thousands of users across Europe.
In this review, we test the PSA 700 E on the kinds of jobs it was built for — cutting through old floorboards, slicing copper and steel pipe, pruning thick branches, and demolishing timber structures. We look at power delivery, blade change convenience, vibration control, and whether this Bosch sabre saw represents good value for the DIY renovator and occasional trade user.
Description
Powering the PSA 700 E is a 710-watt corded motor that drives the blade at a variable stroke speed of up to 1.5 metres per second, controlled progressively through the trigger. Cutting capacity is rated at 150 mm in wood and 10 mm in steel — figures that cover the vast majority of renovation and demolition tasks, from slicing through stud timber and floorboards to cutting copper water pipes and thin steel conduit. The tool uses standard reciprocating saw blades with a universal shank, meaning it is compatible with the enormous range of aftermarket blades available for every material from green wood to carbide-grit for cast iron.
The defining design feature is the stirrup-style rear handle — a closed-loop grip that wraps around the back of the tool, giving the user a secure hold from any angle. This matters because reciprocating saws are often used overhead, at arm's reach, or in positions where a standard pistol grip would feel precarious. The front grip area is generously sized for a two-handed stance, and the overall dimensions — 573 mm long, 119 mm wide, and 253 mm tall — make the tool substantial enough for control but not so large that it becomes unwieldy in tight spaces. The green Bosch housing follows the familiar Home and Garden design language.
In daily use, the PSA 700 E delivers exactly what a reciprocating saw should: raw, vibration-heavy cutting power that gets through material quickly. The variable-speed trigger provides good modulation — squeeze lightly for a slow start when the blade needs to bite without jumping, then pull fully for rapid cutting once the kerf is established. The blade change mechanism uses a keyed system rather than the tool-free clamp found on premium models — you need an Allen key (supplied) to swap blades, which is slower than the one-handed lever systems on professional-grade saws. The shoe plate is fixed rather than adjustable, so you cannot vary the depth of the blade exposed for plunge-cutting control.
The saw comes with a single S 2345 X bi-metal blade suitable for wood and metal — enough to start cutting immediately but only a starting point. Serious users will want to build a blade collection covering different materials and tooth pitches: coarse teeth for fast wood cutting, fine teeth for metal, and specialised blades for pruning green wood. The universal shank means any standard reciprocating saw blade from Bosch, DEWALT, Makita, or third-party manufacturers will fit. The saw is supplied in cardboard packaging rather than a storage case — a plastic carry case is available as an optional accessory.
At 3.2 kg, the PSA 700 E has noticeable heft — it is not the lightest reciprocating saw on the market, and extended overhead use will test your arm strength. The product holds an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars rating from over 3,400 customer reviews, and ranks #7 in Reciprocating Saws on Amazon — evidence of genuine user satisfaction at scale. Bosch provides a 24-month manufacturer warranty, and spare parts including blade clamps, carbon brushes, and shoe plates are available through Bosch's European service network for at least two years. The saw is manufactured in China to Bosch's specifications.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 3,400 reviews — one of the highest-rated tools in its category, reflecting consistent performance and reliability across thousands of user experiences
- 710-watt motor with progressive variable-speed trigger — start slow for controlled entry cuts, then ramp up to full speed for rapid demolition work
- 150 mm wood cutting capacity and 10 mm steel capacity — handles floorboards, stud timber, copper pipe, and thin steel conduit, covering most renovation and plumbing tasks
- Stirrup rear handle provides secure grip from any angle — essential for overhead cutting and one-handed operation in awkward positions where a standard pistol grip would feel unsafe
- Universal blade shank accepts the vast ecosystem of reciprocating saw blades from all major manufacturers — not locked into a proprietary blade format
- 24-month manufacturer warranty and two-year spare parts availability through Bosch's European service network — reassuring for a tool that faces tough working conditions
- #7 bestseller in Reciprocating Saws and #8,435 overall in DIY and Tools — strong market validation from thousands of buyers
Cons
- Keyed blade change requires an Allen key — slower and less convenient than the tool-free lever systems found on professional-grade reciprocating saws, especially when switching blades frequently during a job
- At 3.2 kg, the saw is relatively heavy — overhead cutting and extended one-handed use become fatiguing faster than with lighter competitors
- Fixed shoe plate with no depth adjustment — you cannot control how much blade is exposed, limiting precision on plunge cuts where you want to avoid cutting through what lies behind the workpiece
- No orbital action — the blade moves in a straight reciprocating line, which is slower for aggressive wood cutting than saws with an orbital mode that rocks the blade forward on the cutting stroke
- Cardboard packaging rather than a carry case — the saw and its accessories need alternative storage, and a plastic case is an additional expense
Use cases
Best suited for DIY renovators, plumbers, gardeners, and light-trade users who need a reliable corded reciprocating saw for demolition, pipe cutting, pruning, and awkward-access cutting tasks at a competitive price.
Demolition and Room Strip-Out
Removing old stud walls, cutting out damaged floorboards, and slicing through nailed timber during a renovation — these are the tasks where a reciprocating saw earns its keep. Fit a coarse wood-cutting blade and the PSA 700 E powers through timber including embedded nails, far faster than a handsaw and in spaces where a circular saw cannot follow a straight line.
Cutting Copper and Steel Pipes in Confined Spaces
Under sinks, behind toilets, and inside service cupboards, plumbing pipes often need cutting where a pipe cutter or hacksaw cannot physically fit. The long, narrow body of the reciprocating saw reaches into these spaces, and a fine-tooth metal blade cuts through copper and thin steel cleanly. The variable-speed trigger lets you start slowly to avoid denting the pipe.
Pruning Thick Branches and Small Trees
For branches over 40 mm in diameter that are too thick for loppers and too awkward for a chainsaw, a reciprocating saw with a pruning blade makes quick work. The 150 mm cutting capacity handles most ornamental and fruit tree branches. The corded format means unlimited runtime — no battery to run flat halfway through a large pruning session.
Removing Old Windows and Door Frames
Replacing windows and external doors often means cutting through the fixing nails or screws that hold the old frame in place, rather than trying to pry it out intact. Slide a metal-cutting blade between the frame and the wall opening, cut the fixings, and the frame lifts out cleanly with minimal damage to the surrounding brickwork or plaster.
Cutting PVC Conduit, Waste Pipes, and Plastic Profiles
Electrical conduit, waste pipes, guttering, and plastic trim profiles all cut cleanly with a fine-tooth blade in a reciprocating saw. The tool's ability to make cuts without needing the workpiece clamped in a vice is particularly useful when working on installed pipework or trimming lengths of guttering on-site.