DEWALT DWE396-QS Review

Cutting through modern building blocks is not as simple as it sounds. Traditional clay bricks split predictably with a bolster and hammer, but the materials that dominate today's construction sites — aerated concrete blocks, Poroton thermally efficient bricks, hollow terracotta blocks, and lightweight aggregate blocks — demand a different approach. They are too soft and brittle for a masonry disc on an angle grinder, which generates choking clouds of fine dust. A chainsaw works but is aggressive, imprecise, and requires constant maintenance. A reciprocating saw with a single blade chatters and shakes the block as it cuts. Enter a specialist category of saw that most DIYers have never heard of but that professional bricklayers and builders reach for daily: the dual-blade alligator saw. With two long blades that oscillate in opposite directions, it cuts through aerated blocks and perforated bricks with remarkable speed, precision, and almost no vibration — the material stays still while the blades do the work. For anyone building walls, creating openings, or chasing channels in modern masonry, this is the tool that makes clean, controlled cuts where other saws struggle.

An alligator saw — sometimes called a dual-blade or twin-blade saw — is a purpose-built tool for cutting soft building materials including aerated concrete (such as Ytong, Siporex, and Thermalite), Poroton perforated clay blocks, lightweight aggregate blocks, and similar materials used in modern masonry construction. The defining feature is two long, toothed blades arranged one above the other that oscillate in opposite directions. This counter-motion means the cutting forces cancel each other out: the material does not vibrate, bounce, or chatter during the cut, which is the fundamental problem with using a single-blade reciprocating saw on brittle masonry. Motor power is critical — 1,600 watts is the professional baseline — and the blades themselves are carbide-tipped for durability against the abrasive nature of aerated and lightweight materials. Blade length determines maximum cutting depth, with 295 mm blades capable of cutting through a full-thickness block wall. Weight is typically higher than a standard reciprocating saw — around 7 to 8 kg — because the dual-blade mechanism and the robust motor needed to drive it add considerable mass, but this mass also helps the tool sit steadily on the workpiece.

This review examines DeWalt's professional-grade alligator saw, a 1,600-watt corded model purpose-designed for cutting modern building blocks on construction sites. We will assess the dual-blade cutting performance on different materials, the effectiveness of the counter-oscillating blade mechanism at eliminating vibration, the build quality and durability for daily professional use, and whether this specialised saw justifies its place in a builder's tool kit alongside more general-purpose cutting tools.

The DeWalt DWE396-QS is a 1,600-watt corded alligator saw designed specifically for cutting aerated concrete blocks, Poroton perforated clay blocks, and other modern lightweight building materials. Its defining characteristic is the dual-blade system: two long, toothed carbide blades arranged in parallel, driven by a powerful motor to oscillate in opposite directions at up to 3,000 strokes per minute. Because the blades move against each other, the cutting forces cancel out and the workpiece — the block or brick — remains stationary during the cut. There is none of the violent shaking, bouncing, or chattering that makes single-blade reciprocating saws so difficult to use on brittle masonry. The included Class 12 carbide-tipped blade set is specifically rated for Poroton blocks, and the blades are 295 mm long, giving a generous cutting depth through standard block widths. The saw is corded for unlimited runtime on site and connects to a standard 230-volt supply.

Build quality on the DWE396-QS reflects DeWalt's professional heritage. The gear housing and blade carrier are housed in a durable aluminium casing that dissipates heat from the demanding dual-blade mechanism and protects the internals from the abrasive dust generated during block cutting. The main handle is a large D-grip with a soft rubber over-mould that provides secure, comfortable control even with gloved hands. A second, forward handle gives you a two-handed grip position that lets you guide the saw precisely through the cut line — important when you are cutting openings for doors or windows and the accuracy of the cut directly affects how much making-good you need to do afterwards. The trigger switch incorporates a safety lock that must be deliberately released before the saw will start, preventing accidental activation when handling or transporting the tool. The blade-changing mechanism is tool-free and fast: a spindle lock holds the mechanism while you loosen and tighten the blade clamps with the included Allen key.

On site, the DWE396-QS is a revelation for anyone who has struggled to cut modern building blocks with the wrong tool. It cuts through aerated concrete blocks like a hot knife through butter — fast, clean, and with almost no physical effort beyond guiding the saw along the line. Poroton blocks, with their dense clay webs and hollow core structure, are more challenging but the carbide blades and powerful motor handle them confidently. The vibration level is just 4.1 m/s², which is remarkably low for a saw of this power — you can make dozens of cuts in a day without the hand numbness that a standard reciprocating saw would produce. The dual-blade design means the kerf stays open and the saw does not bind, so you can cut curves and shapes — important when creating openings for pipes, conduits, or irregular architectural features. The weight of 7.64 kg is substantial, but this is a saw you rest on the workpiece rather than hold in free space; the mass actually helps the tool stay planted and track straight through the cut.

The DWE396-QS comes with a Class 12 carbide blade set pre-installed or in the box, rated for Poroton blocks and other perforated clay materials, plus an Allen key for blade changes. Replacement blade sets are available in different grades for different materials. The saw does not include a carry case, which at this price point feels like an omission — especially since the exposed blades are sharp carbide and can be damaged in transport or damage other tools. DeWalt recommends storing and transporting the saw with the blade guard fitted. The power cable is a generous length for site use, and the overall dimensions of 107 × 21 × 23.5 cm make the saw compact enough to carry up scaffolding or fit in a tool chest. The CE certification and DeWalt's manufacturer warranty provide assurance for a tool that will see hard daily use on building sites.

Weighing 7.64 kg and measuring 107 × 21 × 23.5 cm, the DWE396-QS is a substantial professional tool. It holds a 4.2 out of 5 stars rating from 94 customer reviews on Amazon and ranks #34 in Jig Saws — though it is clearly miscategorised there, as an alligator saw has nothing in common with a jigsaw. At €329.16, it is a significant investment that positions it as a professional tool for builders, bricklayers, and demolition contractors who regularly cut modern masonry blocks. For the right user — someone cutting Poroton, Ytong, or similar blocks on a daily basis — the DWE396-QS earns its keep through speed, cut quality, and the elimination of the dust, noise, and vibration that come with using an angle grinder or standard reciprocating saw on these materials. It is a specialist tool for a specialist job, and in that role it excels.

This dual-blade alligator saw is designed for professional bricklayers, builders, and demolition contractors who regularly cut Poroton blocks, aerated concrete, and other modern lightweight building materials on construction sites.