Abstract: The invention relates to a powered reciprocating saw. To simplify use of the saw, a clamping mechanism is provided which holds an object in position while it is sawn. The clamping mechanism is mounted at the front of the housing of the saw near the saw blade. The clamping mechanism comprises: a slide element for sliding movement in the cutting direction, a supporting member, and a clamping arm rotatably mounted on the slide element by a one way clutch to clamp an object therebetween in a clamping position below the saw blade. When the saw is in use, it vibrates. Since the clamping arm has a moment of inertia with respect to the axis of rotation of the one way clutch, the oscillating movement is transformed into a progressive rotational movement of the clamping arm to clamp an object.