Reciprocating saws are one of the most versatile tools available. Part of that versatility comes from the vast array of blades available for cutting through a wide range of materials. With the right blade, your sawzall can cut through wood, nails, fiberglass, branches, plaster, masonry, and metals including aluminum, cast iron, steel, and even high-strength alloys. But how do you choose the proper blade for the material you need to cut?
There are many blade characteristics to consider. In general, this includes the blade material, length, width, thickness, and teeth-per-inch (TPI). For specific cut types, blade shape, tooth shape, kerf-width, gullet, and tooth pattern can be selected. Even though there are many options, choosing the right reciprocating saw blade is easy once you know the basics.
Carbon steel blades are the most inexpensive type, and also the most common. They are the softest of the blade materials and tend to be more flexible to allow bending without breaking in the proper application. That also makes them the least durable. They are good for cutting softer wood, particle board, and plastics. However, they quickly become dull when used on hard woods, metal, and other hard materials.
High-speed steel blades are subjected to a tempering process that makes them more heat-resistant and durable than their carbon steel counterparts. They last up to 5 times longer than carbon steel. That hardness makes them less flexible and thus more prone to breaking when bent. It also allows them to cut hardwoods, aluminum, and non-ferrous metal without excessive wear, dulling, and tooth breakage.
Bi-metal blades combine a high-carbon steel body for flexibility and break-resistance, and high-speed steel teeth for heat-resistance, hardness, and durability. On average, Bi-metal recip blades will last 10 times longer than a carbon steel blade. While the cost slightly more than HSS or HCS blades, they offer the versatility and toughness for more demanding applications. This makes them the most popular blade type among people in the trades, auto yards, and other professions where sawzalls see frequent or daily use. We also recommend bi-metal blades for DIY projects and occasional use because of their durability and long life.
Other bi-metal blades use a cobalt-steel alloy cutting edge. This provides even greater heat-resistance, wear-resistance, and overall longer blade life. These blades are suitable for a range of jobs including demolition (nail-embedded wood), auto dismantling, sheet metal and pipe cutting, as well as standard wood cutting.
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Carbide tipped sawzall blades are also bi-metal blades, but with a carbide (tungsten carbide or titanium carbide) tip at the end of each tooth. These carbide materials are extremely hard, heat-resistant, and impact-resistant. They also offer 20 times the cutting life of a standard bi-metal blade. The can cut thicker pieces of metal including cast iron, stainless steel, and high-strength alloys. This makes them ideal for cutting metals that would almost immediately destroy a HCS, HSS, or traditional bi-metal blade, such as grade 8 bolts and boron reinforced auto pillars.
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Carbide grit blades (typically tungsten carbide) don't have teeth like a traditional sawzall blade. They have an abrasive strip that is used for cutting dense materials such as ceramic tile, cement, brick, marble, other stone and masonry, harder metals like cast iron, and fiberglass. The hardness of the carbide grit allows it to cut these materials without damaging them or wearing out prematurely.
Diamond blades are also abrasive, but use diamonds instead of carbide. These are the most expensive reciprocating saw blades. They are used to cut concrete, glass, fiberglass, and ceramic, and can also cut fiber cement, cast iron, and masonry. The hardness of diamonds and fineness of the abrasive grit is necessary to cut brittle material like glass (that would be destroyed by a toothed blade) and very hard and dense material like concrete (that would destroy a toothed blade). Due to the hardness of diamonds, diamond grit blades have a much faster cut than carbide grit and last 5 to 20 times longer.
Reciprocating saw blade lengths range from 3" - 12". Standard lengths are 4”, 6”, 8”, 9” & 12”, with 6" and 9" being the most commonly sold. Short blades are more rigid and therefore more aggressive. That rigidity give you a straighter, more square cut, making them ideal for plunge cutting, copper pipe, and thinner metals. Longer blades are more flexible and can dissipate more heat since they have more surface area. Jobs like demolition, pruning, auto-dismantling, and rescue call for a longer blade. This flexibility also allows you to bend the blade when a flush cut is required.
The blade length you choose should always be slightly longer than the thickness of the material you are cutting. This reduces slipping and binding, and allows you some freedom of movement. If you get a blade that is too long the end can wobble, sometimes violently. This causes intense vibration, slowing down your cut, and can ultimately damage your work and lead to a bent blade.
Wider blades offer more stability. They resist bending and vibration to provide straighter, more aggressive cuts. That extra support makes wider blades better for heavy duty applications such as demolition (nail-embedded wood), auto-dismantling, and fire & rescue. 3/4" - 1" are considered wide blades.
Blades with a lower width provide more flexibility for general purpose use or finer cutting. These typically fall within the 1/2" - 3/4" range. Very low widths are less than 1/2" thick and are typically used for scroll cutting - curved shapes and detail work in wood, metal, and plastic.
The blade's shape also makes a difference. Sloped shaped blades are better for plunge cutting. Straight blades are for edge cutting. Many blades have a notched or sloped tip, or a semi-tapered back, to make them able to perform both tasks adequately.
Standard reciprocating saw blade thicknesses:
Thicker blades are more durable and resist bending and vibration. They also allow a heavier feed pressure for tougher jobs. Heavy duty thicknesses of 0.050" - 0.062" are best for demolition through nail-embedded wood, auto-dismantling, fire & rescue, and cutting thicker or denser metals. Heavy duty blades are rigid and have a larger kerf width, so they are not recommended for applications where fine cutting or flexibility are required.
General purpose blades are typically 0.035" and are suitable for most applications. They are more flexible and provide a faster cut. They also tend to cost less because less material is used in their construction.
Reciprocating saw blades range from 3 - 24 TPI. The number of teeth per inch determines the cut speed and roughness of the cut.
Lower TPI blades cut fast but leave rougher edges. Blades in the 3 - 11 TPI range are typically best for wood and demolition work. Pruning blades tend to be at the low end, and demolition/nail-eating blades tend to be around 8-11 TPI. General purpose wood cutting blades are in the middle, often around 6 TPI, and can also cut nails.
Blades with higher TPI remove smaller amounts of material with each pass. Therefore they cut slower and leave a much smoother edge. Blades 12-18 TPI are typically used for metal and denser materials as well as finish cuts in wood. The 18-24 TPI range is almost always used for metal cutting.
Combination blades have a variable TPI and are often used for both wood and metal cutting, and demolition. Different areas of the blade have different TPI, allowing the user to change the cut based on how they position the blade. For example, a 10/14 TPI blade has alternating sections of 10 TPI and 14 TPI for cutting wood and metal. A variable 14/18 TPI blade is designed to chew through metal.
As discussed before, reciprocating saws are one of the most useful and essential tools in the world of DIY and construction. However, the true efficacy of this tool lies not just in its motor or design but in the blade it wields. From slicing through sturdy hardwoods to effortlessly demolishing concrete structures, reciprocating saw blades are the unsung heroes behind every successful cut. In this comprehensive guide, we delve deep into the intricacies of reciprocating saw blades, exploring their types, materials, and applications. join us on a journey to uncover the secrets behind selecting, using, and maintaining the perfect blade for every cutting work.
So, you’re in the market for reciprocating saw blades, but where do you begin? Fear not, fellow DIY enthusiast, because we’ve got you covered! Choosing the right reciprocating saw blade boils down to two key considerations: Performance and Safety. But what factors contribute to these? Let’s break it down for you:
piece of wood
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When it’s time to tame those tree branches and limbs, you’ll want a reciprocating saw blade that’s as tough as the job itself! There are reciprocating saw blades that are designed with features tailored specifically for cutting through trees efficiently. For example, durable materials like Carbon steel blades can handle the resilience of wood without losing their edge too quickly, and they are flexible enough to bend without breaking.
Another thing to look for are blades with an aggressive tooth design, strategically spaced to effortlessly bite into wood fibers, making your cutting tasks a breeze. The ideal TPI for cutting through trees and pruning branches is generally around 6, but a variable teeth per inch (TPI) range gives you the flexibility to adjust cutting speed based on branch thickness, while longer blades reach higher branches and wider ones tackle larger limbs.
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Don’t forget an anti-corrosion coating to keep your blade in top shape through all seasons. With these features in mind, you’ll be well-equipped with the best reciprocating saw blades for pruning to trim, prune, and shape your trees with ease, ensuring they stay healthy and beautiful all year round!
Whether it’s hardwood or softwood, you need your blade to have certain characteristics that make it ideal for this task. So, what makes the best reciprocating saw blades for wood?
Look for blades crafted from high-quality materials like bi-metal, but only if you are working with rather small pieces and not large tree logs. Their tooth design also needs to grip onto wood fibers, giving you smooth cuts without the hassle of splintering. Plus, the TPI needs to be in the range of 24 to 30, since it gives you smoother cuts and helps you with spot-on cuts in every task.
And the best part? These blades work like a charm with a wide range of reciprocating saw models, so you can focus on your craft without missing a beat. Say goodbye to rough edges and finishes. With the best reciprocating saw blades for wood, precision and perfection are just a cut away!
When it comes to demolition work, reciprocating saws aren’t typically the first tool that comes to mind. However, with the right blades, they can be surprisingly effective in tackling demolition tasks head-on. The best reciprocating saw blades for demolition are usually bi-metal, to have durability and resilience in the face of tough materials.
Look for blades with a lower teeth per inch (TPI) count, typically around 6 TPI, which are specifically designed to power through thick materials like wood, nails, and metal pieces you commonly come across in demolition projects. These blades feature an aggressive tooth design that bites into materials with ease, making quick work of even the toughest demolition jobs. So, while reciprocating saws may not be the conventional choice for demolition, when equipped with the right blades, they become essential allies in the teardown process, offering efficiency and versatility in equal measure.
Read More: Best Reciprocating Saws of + Buying Guide for Every Taste
Alright, let’s talk about cutting through tough cast iron; it’s not exactly a walk in the park, right? That’s where carbide grit blades come in. You need your reliable reciprocating saw paired up with a metal-cutting or carbide-grit blade, ready to take on the challenge. Sure, it might not be the quickest route, but it gets the job done, and that’s what matters.
Here’s the catch though: cast iron can be a real blade destroyer, so you need something tough and durable to stand up to the challenge. That’s where durability becomes your best friend. Now, when it comes to harder materials like metal, you want a TPI count between 14 and 36 for smoother, more efficient cuts. With these specialized blades in your corner, you’ll be slicing through cast iron like a pro in no time.
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Concrete-cutting, where the choice of blade can truly make or break your project. When it comes to slicing through concrete with precision and finesse, diamond saw blades are your go-to. These blades represent the pinnacle of cutting technology, with their steel disc and rim embedded with industrial-grade diamonds – a testament to engineering ingenuity. The diamonds, famous for their exceptional hardness and durability, serve as the cutting agents, effortlessly slicing through concrete and other tough materials with unmatched ease.
But why didn’t we explore diamond blades in the article? Well, the truth lies in their specialized nature. While diamond blades offer amazing performance in concrete cutting, they are not as commonly used as their counterparts. One of the primary reasons for their limited use is their higher cost compared to standard blades. Investing in diamond blades requires a more significant financial commitment upfront, making them a harder choice for professionals and enthusiasts seeking the highest precision and efficiency in their concrete cutting activities.
However, despite their higher price tag, diamond blades are the certain choice for those seeking to achieve deep, precise, and longer cuts in concrete. Their ability to deliver clean, smooth cuts with minimal effort makes them essential tools in industries ranging from construction and renovation to plumbing and landscaping.
Read more: The Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw
When it’s time to tackle PVC pipes and plastic materials, choosing the right blade can make a difference. The best reciprocating saw blades for PVC come with a 10-14 TPI (teeth per inch) configuration, offering a nice balance between cutting efficiency and precision. Unlike metal-cutting blades, there’s no need for a specialized PVC blade; these versatile blades are adept at handling PVC and plastic materials without issue.
However, it’s crucial to proceed with caution during cutting to avoid melting the plastic and inhaling potentially harmful fumes. By maintaining a slower cutting pace, you can ensure cleaner cuts and minimize the risk of material distortion. With their thoughtful design and practical functionality, these blades simplify PVC cutting tasks, delivering smooth and precise results for plumbing, electrical, and DIY projects alike.
The process of choosing the best reciprocating saw for metal is all about matching the blade to the specific metal and thickness you’re working with. For starters, 18-24 TPI (teeth per inch) bi-metal blades are ideal for thinner metals, offering precision cuts for materials like sheet metal or thin tubing. If you’re tackling thicker metals such as steel pipe or angle irons, opt for 14-18 TPI bi-metal blades to power through with ease.
But here’s the kicker: when it comes to aluminum, you’ll want to reach for an 8-10 TPI blade for optimal results. These blades are specially designed to handle the softer nature of aluminum while still delivering clean, accurate cuts. With their versatile configurations and specialized designs, these blades make metal cutting tasks a breeze, whether you’re a professional welder or a DIY enthusiast. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to precision cutting with the best reciprocating saw blades for metal in your toolkit!
When it’s time to tackle plaster walls and ceilings, you’ll want the right tools for the job, and that includes the best reciprocating saw blades for plaster. These precision blades are crafted with a specialized 6 TPI (teeth per inch) configuration, perfect for navigating through plaster with ease. Featuring a durable bi-metal construction, these blades offer the strength and resilience needed to handle the demands of cutting through plaster without dulling or bending.
Whether you’re renovating, repairing, or constructing, these blades provide smooth and accurate cuts, minimizing mess and maximizing efficiency. With their reliable performance and user-friendly design, they’re the top choice for professionals and DIYers alike. Say goodbye to jagged edges and hello to seamless cutting with the best reciprocating saw blades for plaster in your toolkit!
Despite chainsaws seeming like a tempting option for cutting foam materials due to their power and efficiency, they present significant safety risks when used around foam and cloth. The high-speed rotating chains and sharp teeth of chainsaws can easily catch and tear foam and cloth, leading to unpredictable movements and potential accidents. Therefore, while chainsaws may appear to offer superior cutting capabilities, they are not safe enough for use with foam and cloth materials. Instead, choose safer alternatives such as thin-blade reciprocating saws or box cutters to minimize accidents and ensure controlled cutting. For cutting low to medium-density foams, V-Tooth blades stand out as the most popular choice due to their efficiency. While these blades are more aggressive than Knife Edge blades and may produce some dust during cutting, they remain preferred for their effectiveness. Whether you’re working on fabric, insulation, or crafting projects, using the appropriate tools and blades guarantees safe and precise cuts while reducing the risk of accidents or material damage.
As discussed previously in the article, Diamond Grit blades stand out as specialized tools optimized for cutting abrasives, brick, block, concrete, and stone. While standard reciprocating saw blades for brick are robustly engineered to handle masonry materials effectively, Diamond Grit blades offer enhanced cutting capabilities for particularly tough and abrasive substances.
These blades feature a unique composition with diamond particles embedded along the cutting edge, providing exceptional durability and precision when tackling brick and masonry projects. Whether you opt for standard reciprocating saw blades or Diamond Grit blades depends on the specific requirements of your project and the materials being cut. With their specialized design and functionality, both options offer reliable solutions for masonry cutting tasks, ensuring clean and accurate cuts with minimal effort. Choose the blade that best suits your needs and enjoy effortless precision in your brick-cutting endeavors!
FAQs
Who Makes the Best Reciprocating Saw Blades?
Some reputable brands known for producing high-quality reciprocating saw blades include DEWALT, Bosch, Milwaukee, Diablo, Lenox, and Ronix.
Do Reciprocating Saw Blades Fit All Saws?
Reciprocating saw blades come in various sizes and configurations, so compatibility with different saws depends on factors like blade type, shank design, and saw specifications. It’s essential to ensure that the blade you choose is compatible with your specific
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