Bosch RS325 1-Inch D-Handle Reciprocating Saw review

Bosch · current-reference corded reciprocating saw · exact model RS325

A compact body still calls for two hands

Bosch's exact U.S. page identifies the RS325 as a 1-inch D-handle reciprocating saw and describes its body as compact. The technical table lists 120 volts, 12 amps, a 0–2,800-strokes-per-minute no-load range, a 17.8-inch length and a 7-pound weight. Those values help identify this model, but they are not a cut-rate test or a promise about performance in a particular material. The RS325 remains a two-handed saw in the operating arrangement described by Bosch's manual: one hand on the handle and the other on the insulated front housing.

That distinction matters in close work. A shorter catalog length is not evidence that a person should steer the saw with one hand while holding the stock with the other. The manual says to clamp the workpiece, hold the footplate firmly against the material, select an appropriate speed and let the blade reach speed before starting the cut. Keep the cord clear of the blade, edges and footing, and check a suitable outlet and extension-cord arrangement before relying on a remote mains supply.

Its stroke and speed control are not test results

Bosch lists a 1-inch stroke and a variable-speed trigger with up to 2,800 no-load strokes per minute. The shared RS325/RS428 manual explains that trigger pressure changes the stroke rate, and names a constant-orbit mechanism for both saws. “Constant” is the key distinction: the exact documentation does not establish a switch for selecting orbital action on the RS325. Buyers who require a selectable orbit should use exact-model documentation for that separate control rather than treating the presence of constant orbit as a match.

These are published design specifications, not comparative cut-speed findings. No workpiece, blade, cut orientation or test protocol is specified in the product listing, and no independent test was conducted for this assessment. The right blade, stable stock, foot contact and safe corded power plan remain necessary regardless of the no-load number.

Fixed foot versus the RS428's three-position adjustment

The RS325 product page calls its foot fixed. The linked manual makes an important family distinction: the footplate tilts so its face can remain in contact with a work surface, but the release button and three locked projection positions are specifically marked for RS428. In this guide, the adjustable-shoe filter is for documented repositioning of the foot, not ordinary pivoting contact; the RS325 is therefore not counted as an adjustable-shoe match. Do not carry the RS428 feature over simply because the two models share a manual.

Bosch lists a footplate adjustment wrench in the RS325 package. That included tool does not overturn the fixed-foot description or prove that the RS325 has RS428's sliding three-position feature. The exact page and manual should be read together: surface tilt, projection adjustment and a fixed shoe are related but different claims. In every case, the manual says to keep the footplate firmly on the supported workpiece. It is not a clamp, depth stop or substitute for securing the stock.

What the exact RS325 package lists

The Bosch RS325 page's Includes list names one saw, one wood-with-nails reciprocating-saw blade, one footplate adjustment wrench and one carrying bag. It does not list a battery or charger; this is a corded mains model. The matching RS428 page lists a wood-with-nails blade and bag but does not list that wrench. These are two separately identified Bosch products, not package suffixes for one model: the RS325 part number is 3601F4E110, while RS428 is 3601F4E210. Verify the product number and written box contents in any offer instead of relying on a shared family description or image.

The RS325's listed 7 lb weight is a saw-page specification, not a bagged shipping weight. It is a useful figure for comparing maker-listed tool weights, but it is not a complete carry estimate once blade, wrench and bag are added. Bosch's technical-data block does not call this field “shipping weight”; don't compare it with a courier/package mass or a cordless saw's battery-installed figure.

Blade changes and safe setup

The shared manual describes a collar-operated blade holder. With the saw unplugged, the operator turns the collar, seats the blade fully, releases the spring-loaded holder and pushes and pulls the blade to confirm that the retaining pin is engaged. This is tool-free blade changing, not a reason to leave mains power connected. The included blade is described for wood with nails; the manual cautions that different materials need appropriately designed blades and that a blade must remain beyond the footplate and work through the stroke. An overly short or angled blade can jam or break.

For cutting, Bosch directs the user to clamp the work, keep the saw's foot against the material and avoid forcing the blade. The manual also warns that extended continuous use can heat the gearbox. These instructions are more useful than assuming an included accessory proves suitability for an unexamined material or cut.

Where RS325 fits—and where to keep looking

The RS325 is a plausible paper fit for a buyer who needs a corded, two-handed Bosch reciprocating saw with a 1-inch stroke, variable trigger, stated 12-amp input and a known 7-pound page weight. It is the lower listed-weight, shorter-stroke choice compared with RS428. RS428 has a 1-1/8-inch stroke, three-position foot and vibration-control features, while RS325's exact page calls its foot fixed and adds a footplate adjustment wrench to the package.

Choose another format if the worksite cannot support a corded plan, if the requirement is one-handed cutting, or if a selectable orbital control is essential. The current-reference label means Bosch presents a current exact U.S. model page and category card; it does not establish retailer availability. No hands-on use, cut, vibration, runtime or durability test was performed, and no price or stock claim is made. Confirm the exact RS325 suffix, product part number, nameplate, cord condition, blade and safe work support before buying.