How loud is a reciprocating saw?
DeWALT declares an emission sound pressure level of 84 dB(A) for its DCS386 cordless reciprocating (sabre) saw at the operator position in the EN 62841-2-11 test, with a sound power level of 95 dB(A) and an unusually wide stated uncertainty of 5 dB(A).
- Level
- 84 dBAA-weighted sound level
- Daily limit
- No daily limitNIOSH, at the loud end
- Versus conversation
- 141× energyabout 4.4× as loud
What the numbers mean
How it was measured. DeWALT-declared emission sound pressure level (LpA) for its DCS386 cordless reciprocating sabre saw, tested to EN 62841-2-11; stated uncertainty 5 dB(A).
The DCS386 manual lists LpA 84 dB(A), LWA 95 dB(A) and K 5 dB(A). The larger uncertainty reflects how much a reciprocating saw's noise depends on the blade and material; demolition cuts through nail-embedded timber or metal pipe will not match the test condition.
How long is safe?
Below 85 dBA, the level NIOSH allows for a full 8-hour day.
| Level | NIOSH limit (85 dBA, 3 dB rule) | OSHA limit (90 dBA, 5 dB rule) | UK/EU 80 dB(A) action value reached after | UK/EU 85 dB(A) action value reached after |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84 dBA | No limit | No limit | 3 h 11 min | Not reached in 24 h |
Times are for a whole day’s exposure, with the rest of the day quiet. The workplace limits were written for adults at work, not for children. Work out a mixed day with the noise dose calculator.
Protecting your hearing
Wear hearing protection for demolition work, where cutting metal and long cuts are common, and use the correct blade so the saw cuts rather than chatters.
Earplug and earmuff ratings (NRR in the US, SNR in the UK and EU) are lab figures; real-world protection is usually lower. How to read the ratings.
Compared with sounds nearby
Using midpoints of each range. Energy multiplies by 10 every 10 dB; perceived loudness roughly doubles (why).
- Garbage disposal (67–93 dBA): this has about 2.5× its sound energy and sounds about 1.3× as loud.
- Motorcycle (80 dBA): this has about 2.5× its sound energy and sounds about 1.3× as loud.
- Amusement arcade (83–89.4 dBA): it has about 1.7× the sound energy of this and sounds about 1.2× as loud.
- Hammer drill (86–89 dBA): it has about 2.2× the sound energy of this and sounds about 1.3× as loud.
- Normal conversation (55–70 dBA): this has about 141× its energy and sounds about 4.4× as loud.
Questions
How loud is a reciprocating saw?
DeWALT declares 84 dB(A) at the operator for its DCS386 cordless sabre saw, with an uncertainty of 5 dB(A).
Sources
- DeWALT DCS386 cordless reciprocating sabre saw instruction manual, DeWALT (manufacturer). Supports: dB_low/high: LpA 84 dB(A).
(emission sound pressure level) dB(A) 84
Checked 2026-11-03. - DeWALT DCS386 cordless reciprocating sabre saw instruction manual, DeWALT (manufacturer). Supports: body: LWA 95 dB(A).
(sound power level) dB(A) 95
Checked 2026-11-03. - DeWALT DCS386 cordless reciprocating sabre saw instruction manual, DeWALT (manufacturer). Supports: body: declared level reflects main applications.
The declared vibration and/or noise emission level represents the main applications of the tool
Checked 2026-11-03.
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have ringing in your ears, muffled hearing or any change in your hearing, see an audiologist or your doctor.