Choosing the right blades for your reciprocating saw can be a challenging task. This is because there are several manufacturers out there who promise to offer you the best results. If you want to purchase the right reciprocating blade, you will need to assess the job first. A combination blade with a variable pitch is a good choice if you are looking for an all-purpose blade. On the other hand, specialty blades are best suited for specific jobs and are the right choice in most cases. Investing in the right blade offers users additional control, which can result in improved performance.
However, to make the right choice, you should be aware of the requirements of your project. You will find various types of blades from a variety of assorted materials. Let’s look at the best sawzall blades list.
Top 5 Best Reciprocating Saw Blades Reviews
If you want to do any kind of trimming or cutting then you will need the top rated reciprocating saw blade that is compatible with your saw. Here are the best 5.
1. Milwaukee 49-22-1129 12-Piece Sawzall Blade Set
Milwaukee is known to produce some of the best blades for reciprocating saws in the market. The reputable brand offers a diverse selection of Sawzall blades, which are ideal for reciprocating saws. The blades are often designed to cut through most types of materials whilst offering optimal efficiency and strength.
If you are in search of a quality blade set for your reciprocating saw, you cannot go wrong with the Milwaukee12-Piece Sawzall Blade Set. The kit includes all the blades necessary to get you through a big remodeling project with ease and is a good option for folks who want to undertake small projects.
Not to mention, the pouch rolls up easily so you can conveniently access its five compartments. The set includes extra-thick blades that will not distort, warp or bend even during extreme cutting applications. Additionally, the inch-wide blades bolster strength, which can fit easily into tight spaces.
Here are some notable features of the blade set:
Features
- Includes 0.42 inch and 0.62-inch thick blades for extreme applications
- Wide blades which can fit into tight spaces
- Features 1-inch height for added strength
2. DEWALT DW4898 Best Sawzall Blades for Wood
Dewalt has been in the business for several years now and is known for manufacturing some of the best reciprocating saws in the market. Dewalt has been manufacturing saws and blade accessories for many years to assist buyers with all their cutting needs.
The DEWALT DW4898 Bi-Metal Reciprocating Saw Blade Set with Case contains everything you will need for general demolition and all of your wood cutting needs. The brand has one of the most extensive repair networks around North America with over 1,000 factory owned locations.
Each Dewalt reciprocating blade is designed to produce quicker cuts while offering a longer blade life. All the blades are coated with a specially formulated anti-stick coating for smoother cuts and minimize friction. The set comes with an adjustable tough case for added convenience that you can fit in your storage bag or kit box for convenient storage.
Here are some notable features of the blade set:
Features
- Offers plenty of blades for a variety of metal and wood cutting applications
- Includes an adjustable case designed to fit inside any toolbox kit for convenient storage
- Includes a perfect combination of blades for common applications
3. DEWALT DW4856 Reciprocating Saw Blade Set
Investing in a reciprocating blade set is perfect for both commercial and DIY projects. The DEWALT DW4856 Reciprocating Saw Blade Set has everything you need to fulfill your cutting needs.
The set is compatible with most reciprocating saw brands and can be used for a range of applications. Use the reciprocating blade set for cutting wood, plastic, metal, or just about any material. The 6-piece blade set will not take up much space and will help you get the job done.
We guarantee that Dewalt is undoubtedly a brand you can trust. The brand has been around for ages and is known for manufacturing high-quality professional power tools. Over the years, Dewalt has expanded its market and now offers more than 600 hand tools, cordless power tools, and accessories.
Some notable features of this product include:
Features
- Bestseller on Amazon
- The set features multiple blades for different purposes
- Ideal for use with wood, drywall, plastic, and metal
- Includes six reciprocating saw blades that are compact and easy to carry
- Compatible with most reciprocating saw brands
- Features raker tooth design for faster cuts and increased tooth contact area
4. Freud DS0014S Reciprocating Blade for nail embedded metal and wood
The Freud DS0014S sawzall demo blade brings together two of the world’s top-selling brands: Steel Demon and Demo Demo. The 14-Piece demolition reciprocating saw blade set is specially designed to offer maximum performance for all kinds of nail-embedded metal and wood demolition/cutting applications.
Made using bi-metal technology, these blades last almost five times longer than their competitors.
The blades feature variable patented tooth technology, which results in faster cuts, and not to mention, you do not have to worry about vibration. Additionally, the steel blades feature a double tooth configuration for extra durability and small gullets for faster material removal.
The 14-Piece demolition reciprocating saw blade set is ideal for pro users and includes a free storage kit for added convenience.
Here are some notable features of the product:
Features
- Bi-metal swazall blades
- 9-inch blade length and 6-inch blade length
- Features ultra-hardened cutting edge that ensures the blade lasts five times longer compared to other blades in the market
- Includes free storage case for convenient storage
5. IRWIN Tools Blade for Sawzall
Are you searching for the best reciprocating saw blade set that won’t break the bank but will offer optimal performance? Perhaps you should consider investing in the IRWIN Tools Reciprocating Saw Blade Set. The blades are electronically welded for longer-lasting, stronger teeth. It also constitutes 8% cobalt for sharper and stronger teeth.
The bi-metal construction results in added durability and faster cutting. The blade kit is suitable for plastic, carbon steel, pipe, and stainless steel. The kit includes 11 blades that are suitable for the most common cutting applications.
Some of the most notable features of the reciprocating set include:
Features
- Cuts composite materials, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, plastic, and pipes
- Precision set teeth for smoother and faster cuts
- Bi-metal construction for added durability and strength
- Features 11 blades that are suitable for the most common cutting applications
- Electronic beam weld for sturdy and longer-lasting teeth
Types Of Blades
So, to help you make an informed decision, here are a couple of factors you should consider before investing in the best reciprocating saw blade:
- Carbide Grit Blade: This type of reciprocating saw blade is used for working with clay pipes, stone bricks, fiberglass, and plaster marble, among others.
- Metal-Cutting Blade: As the name indicates, metal cutting blades are primarily used for non-ferrous metals, structural steel, and stainless steel metals.
- Wood Cutting Blades: These blades are used for working on thick nail embedded woods.
- Heavy-Duty/ Demolition Blades: These blades can be used on different materials but are best suited for heavy-duty materials, such as stainless steel.
- Bi-directional Blades: These blades allow you to cut in both directions without any inconvenience. This kind of blade comes in handy for faster cutting.
- Tapered Black Blade: This blade is ideal for plunge cuts. You can use it to cut materials without starting on the edge directly.
Sawzall Blades Buying Guide
Investing in the correct reciprocating saw can be difficult. You must choose the right blade as opting for a dull blade can require users to apply additional pressure. This can result in serious injuries.
Additionally, avoid investing in cheap products, or else you will have to spend a lot of time buying replacement blades. Here are a couple of factors you should consider before investing in the right blade:
Material Type
To select the perfect blade, you must first examine what type of material you will be cutting. No single blade is suitable for cutting each type of material. Using the wrong blade can ruin the blade material in a few seconds or cause it to be dull.
This can also slow down your work progress, making it painfully slow. Before investing in a blade, consider reading the packaging as it will contain all the information you will need regarding the right material.
Teeth Per Inch (TPI)
The teeth per inch (TPI) of the saw blade determine how fast the power tool can cut. Blades with fewer large teeth are known to cut faster compared to blades with many small teeth. However, a blade with many teeth offers smoother results. This is because each tooth takes a smaller bite out of the material. This ensures the ridges are less pronounced.
The TPI of most reciprocating saws ranges between 3 and 18. These blades are best suited for making rough cuts in wood. 8 to 14 TPI blades are suitable for cutting woods and the occasional nail. On the other hand, blades that measure 14 to 18 TPI are ideal for metal cutting. These blades may feature slow performance but result in a smooth edge.
A blade that features different tooth density at various points along the blade is known as a variable tooth blade. This makes it possible for users to cut in various styles, be it fast cutting or fine cutting. The operator can position the saw in a way that the material makes contact with the end of the blade with optimum tooth density.
Variable tooth blades can be used, like two different blades, without needing to change the blade. If you want to avoid frequent blade changes or are in a hurry, a variable tooth blade may be your best choice.
As a rule, you can use coarse blades that have fewer teeth when cutting thick metals. If you want to run through thin metal surfaces and piping quickly, you can think about investing in a blade that has more teeth.
Blade Material
The blade material is the most important factor to consider before you purchase one. High-quality blade materials will last longer and will end up costing you more. On the other hand, poor quality blade materials may have a low price but will end up costing you more in the long run because of poor performance. Here are the three most popular blade types:
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel blades are flexible and are a good choice if you have to work in tight spaces. However, these blades are cheaper to manufacture and are weak. Because of its weak construction, the blade will dull quickly, especially if you will be working with stone or metal.
However, if you only intend on using the reciprocating saw a couple of times a year, a carbon steel blade is not a bad option.
Bi-Metal
As the name indicates, bi-metal sawzall blades are constructed using two or more types of metal. This type of blade combines the benefits of two materials, ensuring it lasts longer. The teeth are often hard while the blade is flexible.
Unfortunately, because of its complicated manufacturing process, these blades are likely to be more expensive.
High-Speed Steel
This type of steel blade is stronger as compared to the default carbon steel blades. These blades are constructed using materials that last up to five times longer compared to other materials. High-speed steel is not likely to dull any time soon and is more brittle than most carbon options. However, they are not as flexible and do not flex well.
Tooth Material
The tooth material of the saw determines the blade’s longevity and the type of materials it can cut. Here are some of the most popular tooth material types:
Metal Teeth
Most reciprocating saws’ blades are made using the same material as the teeth. This results in faster cuts. However, it does not necessarily translate to better blade quality. Metal teeth offer enhanced flexibility but may not be suitable for certain jobs.
Carbide Teeth
Some blades feature carbide teeth. Carbide is a strong and brittle material that offers a better cutting edge. This drastically improves cutting ability, especially if you are working with wood and plastic.
Because of the added strength, these blades are likely to last longer when compared to standard blades.
However, on the downside, carbide teeth can only be used to cut plastic and wood.
Carbide Grit
This type of blade features small particles of carbide or diamond grit. This allows operators to cut fiberglass, ceramic, clay, cement, and all other kinds of materials.
However, this type of blade is not suitable for cutting wood and can start a fire.
Tooth Patterns
As the name indicates, tooth patterns describe the way teeth are attached to the blade. This influences the overall speed and quality of the cut. Here are two popular tooth patterns:
Wavy Set: The wavy set teeth pattern forms a wavelength along the cutting edge of the blade. The tooth does not extend beyond the entire width of the blade shaft. This type of blade produces a finer cut but offers slower speed.
Raker Set: The raker set features a pattern that extends along the edge of the blade in an alternating fashion. This enables each tooth to make a more aggressive cut, producing faster results. However, this kind of pattern translates to a rough finish and produces more tears.
Blade Length
The blade length denotes the maximum length of cut that can be achieved with the reciprocating saw. For example, sawzall pruning blades are longer, allowing the user to remove large branches from trees conveniently without putting in too much effort or making a plunge cut.
On the other hand, metal blades used for plumbing are comparatively short, making it possible for operators to make straight and more abrasive cuts needed for a watertight joint.
The longer the blade, the easier it is for operators to bend the blade during a cut. A shorter blade often results in a cleaner, squarer cut as compared to a longer blade. Also, keep in mind that attempting a plunge cut with a long blade can cause the blade to get bent.
Blade Thickness
The blade thickness determines how well the material will resist bending. If you intend on performing heavy-duty tasks, you are likely to benefit from a thicker blade. These blades result in a squarer cut and get the job done. Avoid purchasing cheaper blades. These blades are often as thin as possible to cut down costs of materials and manufacturing.
Buying a thin blade is only a good option if you want to save money and do not intend on using the reciprocating saw on a regular basis. Most blades designed for regular use are about 0.03″ thick, but heavy-duty blades tend to be much pricier.
Gullet
The gullet is the distance between the blade’s teeth. The gullet must be deep enough for serious tasks to offer the necessary room for sufficient chip removal. Crosscutting blades are likely to have little gullets as each tooth moves less material.
Most reciprocating saw blades in the market feature a standard gullet to teeth count ratio. However, you may be able to adjust the spacing to achieve diverse behaviors.
How To Get A Straight Cut With Reciprocating Saw Blade
A reciprocating saw can be a handy tool for various projects, but cutting a straight line can be challenging for most users. This is because the reciprocating saw is thin and features a short cutting surface. The tool is specifically designed for decorative and small cutting. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the straightest cut with your reciprocating saw:
Straight Cutting A Board Or Plank Horizontally
If you want to ensure a straight cut with your reciprocating saw, consider using plank or board and lock down the clamps along the edge of the cutting material. We recommend you use c-clamps to hold the cut securely and to get a running straight edge.
Before mounting the straight edge or fence rail, ensure you have taken the foot of your saw’s measurements into account. If there is a half-inch of the reciprocating saw between the blade and the fence rail, you will need to cut out that distance from the rail into the wood. Clamp the rail firmly to prevent the surface from moving.
The cross pressure you apply whilst using the saw can cause the rail to move around. Ensure the material is secured. If the pieces start moving during the process, you may end up with an uneven cut.
The foot of the saw is the piece located at the head of the blade that rests on the cutting surface. The foot can also be used as a guide and can also be removed or interchanged.
Ensure the foot is in place and the rest of its edge is placed along the side of the fence rail when you make the cut. A flat-edged foot is ideal for keeping the surface even as you do not have to worry about the blade veering in or out.
Conclusion
If you want to purchase a reciprocating saw blade that will last for several years, consider spending extra money on a high-quality power tool. A low-quality blade is only a sensible option if you are on a tight budget and do not regularly use the power tool.
Hopefully, this buyer’s guide has offered you all the information you need regarding investing in the best reciprocating saw blade. Good luck!
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