If you are looking for a powerful saw that can cut through a variety of objects, you are in the right place. Reciprocating saw or hognose, popularly known as recip saw, is a strong and sturdy tool, designed for the purpose of cutting materials. As their application involves cutting various objects, they are not only used by woodworkers and contractors, but also by those who are hobbyists.
However, you need to be informed before choosing a blade for your recip saw. The first tip is to select the blade based on the object you want to cut. Take, for example, you want to grind something, but if you select the wrong reciprocating blade, your grinder will prove useless. So, finding the exact and efficient reciprocating saw blade is paramount.
For that, you must have a working knowledge of how the tool works, its teeth, the types of blades it uses, and their size. Mind it, reciprocating saw blades come in all shapes and sizes!
After having an in-depth knowledge of these features, you will be ready to choose an accurate blade for your receip saw with confidence. But know that there are countless manufacturers with various and sundry reciprocating blades in the market.
Choosing one blade out of a number of brands can be a hectic job. Hence, follow our guide to find your very own recip saw blade.
All you need to do is to read the guidelines carefully before beginning your next shopping. We are certain that your new choice of blade lies in the description below. So, take your time and make an informed decision.
Top 10 Reciprocating Saw Blades Comparison Table
Image | Product Name | Manufacturer | Material | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cell | Milwaukee 49-22-1129 | Milwaukee | Metal | |
Cell | PORTER-CABLE PC760RBosch RP125 | PORTER-CABLE | High carbon steel | |
Cell | Bosch RP125 | Bosch | Carbide | |
Cell | DEWALT DW4856 | DEWALT | N/A | |
Cell | SKIL 94100-05 | SKIL | High carbon steel | |
Cell | WORKPRO W000501A | WORKPRO | Bi- Material | |
Cell | Caliastro 9-Inch | Caliastro | High Carbon Steel | |
Cell | DEWALT DW4892 | DEWALT | N/A | |
Cell | Makita 723086-A-A | Makita | Bi-Metal | |
Cell | Diablo DS0908CF | Diablo by Freud | Blend |
Why Finding the Right Blade is Important?
Needless to say, reciprocating saws come with a multitude of blades. You can fit a variety of blades into the saw based on the material you want to cut. Besides these, many blades are multipurpose that can cut through different sorts of materials.
If you want to have a clean-cut, choose the right blade. This is imperative. If you select a blade exclusively used for cutting logs, you cannot expect to get a good result. Therefore, you need to learn that particular objects require particular blades.
As you have learned this by now, you are one step ahead of others already! With this knowledge, you are guaranteed to get your work done perfectly and precisely.
The blade is the most important aspect of a recip saw. Without it, the saw is useless. Works such as cutting, destroying, trimming, and many more, can be done by this tool. So, you better know which one is the finest blade for your respective material.
We would suggest you to go for the larger blades if you are looking for a powerful tool to use it in a bigger project. As for the smaller projects like household chores, chose those that are light and easy to carry.
From among a heap of companies with their lucrative offers, we have jotted down top 10 reciprocating saw blades to ease your experience.
10 Best Reciprocating Saw Blades Reviews:
Finding the best blade for your Reciprocating saw can be hectic as there are so many options available in the market. To ease your task, we have decided to review the top 10 blades for your saw which are currently available in the market in 2022.
1. Milwaukee Electric Tool 49-22-1129 Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Blade Set
This set of twelve blades are the top-notch multipurpose blades in the market. They come in various sizes. Their blades are strong enough to withhold pressure. In Milwaukee 12-Piece Blade Set, there are blades that are six inches long and can be used for breaking, cutting, and chopping down.
There are blades for wreckage as there are axe blades. Due to their thickness between .042” to .062”, they don’t bend if exposed to pressure or cutting hard objects. To speak of the dimensions, the blades come in 3.8 x 7.9 x 2.3 inches. These blades arrive in an organized case, so you will know where to look for them!
This set comprises three types of blades that are 6 inches, such as wrecker blades (2), torch blades (2) and axe blades (2). The other half consists of two kinds of blades that are 9 inches: torch blades (3) and axe blades (3).
Pros
Cons
Why should you buy it?
This set is for those who want to cut metals, demolish and chop down woods filled with nails. The weight, thickness and height of these blades mark their durability and strength.
However, sometimes these features can be harmful for reciprocating saws that are powered by battery. These cordless reciprocating saws are weak and hence require leaner blades. Apart from these, the Milwaukee 12-Piece Blade Set is undoubtedly the topmost blade set on an expert’s list.
2. PORTER-CABLE PC760R Pruning Reciprocating Saw Blades - Best Reciprocating Saw Blades for Wood
Porter-Cable PC760R is the number one blade in terms of affordability and usage. It is used exclusively for wood-cutting and pruning. The blade size is nine inches long and that’s why it can pierce through the material faster than the other blades. And their strokes are deeper too.
Most importantly, this blade is the neatest when it comes to cutting. And it doesn’t clog!
Do you know that the blade doesn’t spare the wet lumbers either! This recip blade has 4/5 TPI (teeth per inch) and that’s why you can cut through drenched woods easily. The dimensions go: 11.4 x 1.6 x 0.3 in inches.
What’s more, this blade is completely made up of carbon, famously termed as high-steel, that does not only offer fast cuts, but also ensures precision during wood-cutting. It can handle woods that are rough and hard to tackle. Lastly, this blade has very good durability too.
Pros
Cons
Why should you buy it?
If your first choice is affordability and quality, this blade is your best choice. Now only does it cut woods, it can prune too, though in a limited capacity. It is perfect for those who seek to cut little to large tree branches and trim their trees into a better shape.
3. Bosch RP125 5-Piece 12-Inch 5 TPI Wood Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blades
Bosch RP125 is a set of five blades that are 12 inches long. If you’re looking for buying a recip saw blade just for cutting logs or crafting, Bosch is one of the best choices for you.
Of all the blades they manufactured, Bosch RP125 offers 5 Tooth per Inches and is by far the best blade for performing deep and meticulous cuts. Speaking of dimensions, the blade provides 0.41 x 2.25 x 16.25 in inches.
Worried about your messy toolbox? You will be happy to know that Bosch blades are grey colored that stand out among other blades. As the teeth are manufactured using a technology called Turbo-Teeth, these blades are sharper and have more longevity than the rest of the recip saw blades.
With them, you can cut anything you like, starting from woods that have nails attached to stainless steel and even fiberglass!
Suffice it to say that it can cut the roots and trees with inimitable speed. The weight being eight ouches, it can be carried with ease. In fact, it is one of the most lightweight blades in the list.
Pros
Cons
Why should you buy it?
Bosch RP125 is a blade that is larger and lighter in weight. It offers the best experience a customer can ever aspire for! The cuts go deeper and more professional. Working with this blade saves time.
4. DEWALT Reciprocating Saw Blades (DW4856)
Are you a professional or a hobbyist? Whichever your profession is you can blindly rely on the DeWalt products. Their premium features blades that can handle angle irons or steels and even rebar and many more.
With their dimensions 6.5 x 6.5 x 0.09 in inches, the set comprises 6 pieces. These blade remains sturdy for quite some time.
With their raker teeth, the blades perform faster than any other blades. They can be used to cut not only wood and plastic, but also metal and drywall.
Pros
Cons
Why should you buy it?
Does changing the blades just after a few cuts exasperate you? Then this product is exactly what you’re looking for. DeWalt DWA4856 is the best blade in market in terms of product longevity. And you can use them for cutting a variety of materials. Suffice it to say, the set offers all-purpose blades.
5. SKIL 94100-05 Pruning Reciprocating Saw Blades - Best Pruning Blade for Reciprocating Saw
If pruning is your first priority, Skil 94100-05 saw blades should be placed on top of your list of choices. Be it wet lumber or wood that are extremely hard, you can perform the cut quickly with these blades.
These are manufactured with high-carbon and so they are long-lasting and good for cutting branches as well as pruning.
With a forward lunge and a backward move, you can ensure smooth cuts using these 9-inch long blades. The deep cuts are not only due to the size of the blades, but also because of the 4 to 5 TPIs that can cut anything you want.
These blades can be attached easily to the reciprocating saws and their performance is top-notch.
Pros
Cons
Why should you buy it?
Primarily forged to chop down smaller trees and shorter boughs, Skil 94100-05 is a little expensive but best choice for works at home. It is a good deal if you are ready to spend extra bucks for quality work. These blades do not wear out easily and can be prudent investments for cutting and pruning trees.
6. WORKPRO 32-piece Reciprocating Saw Blade Set - Best Reciprocating Saw Blades for Trees
This is a blade-set comprising blades that are 0.7-8mm thick and are ideal for cutting woods that are coarse in nature. The set consists of blades with a variety of thicknesses to cut
These blades have different thicknesses for different materials. They can easily cut through pipes and can prune tree branches. These blades are made using bi-material and Cr-V steel and their dimensions are 10.63 x 2.76 x 1.77 in inches.
The product comes in an organized box which enhances the customer experience. The TPIs range from 5 to 24 to cut wood and metal.
Pros
Cons
Why should you buy it?
WORKPRO is the best choice for work at home as well as professional use. The set is in fact one of the most affordable blade-sets available, given that there are 32 pieces of blades in a set.
Their price is reasonable. If you work at home and are seeking for a reciprocating saw to shape your trees, or even prune them, this blade is just for you. You can trim the trees or prune them as you can cut metals and pipes.
Most importantly, you will be set for more than a few months! No need to rush to the store in order to buy new blades every now and then.
7. Caliastro 9-Inch Wood Pruning Saw Blades for Reciprocating/Sawzall Saws
Some people prefer having their blades inside a storage. If you are one of them, Caliastro blade set has a potential to be part of your toolbox. This set of 5 blades arrive within a clear case saving your time on organizing tools.
Produced with high carbon, these blades work well with cutting woods and pruning. Being 9 inches, these blades have 5 TPI. They are known to provide satisfactory performance and are long-lasting in the long run.
Note that, this blade set does not come alone. They bring along a small clear storage that makes room for keeping the blades in a safe place. This makes the work much easier and your work station organized.
Pros
Cons
Why should you buy it?
If your focus is on multipurpose blades, this set of blades are most convenient for you. You will also avail a storage facility that will keep the blades together in one place. You will also be able to carry them without much worry.
8. DEWALT DW4892 Reciprocating Saw Blades
Many reciprocating blades that come with the promise of cutting metals sometimes become dull and blunt. But DeWalt DW4892 is an exception. Besides efficiently cutting woods with its three 6 inches long blades that have 6TPI, there are two 18 TPI blades with 6 inches for cutting metals and three 14 TPI blades with 8 inches for metal cutting.
In addition to these, there are three 9 inches blades with 6 TPI for the purpose of woodcutting and one last 9 inches long blade with 10 TPI for demolishing. In total, the 12-blade pack offers dimension 12.56 x 7.31 x 1.37 in inch.
Pros
Cons
Why should you buy it?
DeWalt DW4892 is for those who look for a set that offers a multitude of applications. On one hand, you can cut metal objects with them, on the other, you can cut woods and plastic. These qualities make them suitable for professional pursuits as well as housework, especially for those who want to cut and create things as a hobby.
9. Makita 723086-A-A 6pc Recip Blade Assortment Pack
Wood or metal, Makita 723086-A-A blades can penetrate through almost anything! The blades offer a wide range of teeth types such as 10T, 18T, and 6T. Their dimensions include 7.48 x 0.04 x 6.89 in inches.
This dynamic set of blades is equally preferred by contractors, DIY practitioners, and woodworkers. Their TPIs and reasonable price are reasons for their rising popularity. Their price is cheaper and their performance better!
If you ask any expert, they will advise you to examine the quality of the blade and the standard with which it has been designed. Makita 723086-A-A fits all the criteria! With these blades, you will be able to cut through plastic, wood, and even metals without much difficulty.
Pros
Cons
Why should you buy it?
Those who work from home can get a hold of these amazing blades. They are durable and can be applied in many ventures. The thickness and strength of these blades allow a notable performance, making them suitable for workers at home. Especially those who try out DIYs.
10. Diablo DS0908CF 9" Steel Demon Carbide Recip Blade - Best Reciprocating Saw Blades for Metal
This time, we are introducing a singular blade. A blade that doesn’t come in a set, but is remarkably good for cutting metals whose thickness ranges from 3/16" to 9/16". With dimensions 11.1 x 2.36 x 0.63 in inches, it can perform straight and finer cuts. What’s more, it doesn’t vibrate while cutting due to being a little oversized.
This blade is forged with a compound called carbide because of which the blade lasts longer than any other. It has a carbide in its tip which can resist impacts. Its teeth are long-lasting and strong.
Users do not have to worry about buying new blades for a while due to its durability. You won’t have to think about its replacements for a long time.
Pros
Cons
Why should you buy it?
Using his 9-inch long and sharp teeth, this blade can make its way through any metal. This is a noteworthy blade for someone who wants to engage in crafting using metals. This blade is a go-to for them.
Benefits of Using Best Reciprocating Saw Blades
Almost everyone knows that the reciprocating saw is a smooth, lightweight, and easy power cutting tool for all types of users. Especially, if you are new to this section, you will find it a better option to start your journey.
After choosing a particular reciprocating saw, you will need an appropriate saw blade to make the best combination in your work. But do you know why it is important to use the best reciprocating saw blade on your standard saw? If you don't, check out the points below:
- Undoubtedly, the reciprocating saw blade is very smooth and sharp. They are ready to apply to wood materials and create amazing cuts in every finish. Specifically, when you spin the teeth of the saw blade so fast, it rips through the target in no time.
- This type of saw blade is very flexible and fits perfectly with any branded reciprocating saw.
- They are compact in size and very lightweight compared to other saw blades.
- If you're tight on your budget and looking to get an affordable saw blade option, choosing a reciprocating saw blade is really worth it.
- Generally, the reciprocating saw blade is best known for its overall safety features.
- Importantly, the reciprocating saw seems perfect for making special cross, angel, and bevel cuttings. No matter in which angel you apply the blade, it will deliver precious cuts at every end.
Tips for Selecting the Most Effective Recip Saw Blades?
If you frequent the hardware stores, then you must know that reciprocating saws are one of the few tools available in the market that are versatile. It is because this particular saw allows a wide array of blades to fit into its shaft.
When you can choose an accurate bladed, you can cut and chop almost any material, such as wood, plastic, fiberglass, and metals.
Speaking of metals, you can cut steel, alloys, cast iron, and also aluminum using this saw. But the prerequisite to a professional cut is the ability to choose the right blade for your material. So, how can you achieve that end? How do the experts select their blades?
The blade selection process involves a few things that should be in mind. The most important think is to learn about the properties of the blade, such as its length, height, thickness, width, Teeth per Inch (TPI), among many others. Enthusiasts can look into the shape of blade, tooth shape and pattern, kerf-width, and gullet.
Without going into minute details, we will give you a comprehensive idea that will serve you to land the best blade for your selected material. Once you get a hold of the fundamentals, you will be able to find your choice like a pro!
Which Materials Are the Blades Made of?
High steel (HCS)
There are some blades that are forged with a material called High-Carbon-Steel. These blades are as popular as they are cheap. Being created by materials that are lightweight, these blades are bendable. Just because they are flexible, doesn’t mean they break easily.
However, these materials are not as durable as other materials. They function well as long as you use them to cut soft and wet woods, boards and even plastic. But if you attempt to cut woods and objects that are harder, they lose their sharpness soon.
High-Speed Steel
In a comparison with steel made blades, High-speed steel blades are the strongest and sturdiest. It is due to their ability to resist heat as they undergo a process of tempering during their making. These steels are long and hard.
Their length is known to be five times higher than that of regular steel. Being hard, they are barely flexible which in turn makes them fragile. They tend to break if they are bent.
These steels can be used in cutting aluminum, logs that are hard and metals that are non-ferrous. After all these works, their teeth remain intact nevertheless. The work does not result in making the blade blunter either.
Bi-Metal
Bi-metal blades are extraordinarily strong and they scarcely break. These traits make them the priciest blades out there. Even though these blades put a strain on your wallet, they are long-lasting materials that can outlive any steel made blade. Produced from high-carbon steel, bi-metal blades are sturdy as their teeth are heat-resistant.
As mentioned above, their price is a little higher than that of the HSS or HCS blades. But that is because the bi-metal blades can be aptly used in any work starting from DIY ventures to professional pursuits.
The popularity of this blade has reached the tradesmen, woodworkers and even those who cut materials at home. Everyone claim that bi-metal blades are durable that adds up to their cutting experience.
Among the bi-metals, there is another type of bi-metal blade that is made from a different material called cobalt-steel alloy. If you are keen to find a crème de la crème from among the bi-metal blades, the blades created with cobalt-steel alloy are the ones you are seeking for.
These blades are heat and wear resistant and have a remarkably longer durability. Using these blades, you can demolish and cut woods pinned with nails. You can avail an auto dismantling facility.
Not to mention, regular wood and pipe cutting are also possible. And yet, if you are worried about cutting flat solids, you have no need to be anxious. These blades come with all those facilities altogether.
Carbide-Tipped
There is yet another stronger material than HCS or HSS. This material is none other than a Sawzall blade that has a tip made of carbide. The carbide can be that of tungsten or titanium. Simply put, the Carbide tipped blades are a specialized bi-metal blades and it is the carbide tips placed at each tooth mark their specialty.
Owing to their ability to resist heat and impact, they have a longer lifespan than any ordinary bi-metal blade. They are ideal for cutting metals that are thick, such as forged iron, strong alloys and stainless-steel.
Carbide Grit
What about cutting dense objects? Yes, there is an answer. Carbide grit blades, popularly termed as tungsten carbide, deal with objects with a higher density. These objects include bricks, stones, cement, marbles and other metal objects, such as fiberglass and iron that is forged. Interestingly, the carbide grit has no tooth!
Instead, it carries a strip that is known to be abrasive. Using this strip, a carbide grit does its cutting and chopping ensuring no damages done to itself.
Diamond
One of the most expensive blades are diamond blades that are mostly used for cutting fiberglass, glass, concrete, ceramic and cast iron, etc. Compared with carbide grits, diamond grits are faster and finer.
Moreover, their longevity is 12 times over than that of a carbide counterpart. The abrasive grits are best to handle brittle objects, such as glass. A blade with teeth is not suitable for cutting glasses that will end up being demolished.
The hard diamond with its fine grit can flawlessly cut glasses as well as concrete that is dense and, not to mention, hard. An ordinary tooth blade is often damaged by such material. Hence, diamond grits come in handy.
Expert Tip
Selecting blades require one basic knowledge. Consider it a major rule. Always inspect the object and compare it with your blade’s edge. Your blade’s corner or edge should be stronger and harder than the material chosen to be cut.
Learn About Dimensions:
Length
The length of a blade is of paramount importance with regards to finding the right blade for the object you want to cut. A good knowledge on blade length saves you from major injuries and helps you attain your desired result.
Blade lengths start from 3 to 12 inches among which 6- and 9-inches long blades are the most popular ones. There is a stark difference in result depending on the length. The shorter blades are inflexible and rigid, while the longer blades are flexible and heat-resistant. Both are useful for cutting different materials.
For example, short blades are preferable when operating plunge cutting, chopping pipes made of copper and materials that are relatively thinner. The cuts are moreover straight, fine and square. In contrast, longer blades are advisable while pruning, demolishing or auto-dismantling. A special type of cut named as flush cut entails a longer blade that can be bent without breaking.
Now a few safety precautions (If you don't know How To Use A Reciprocating Saw safely read this article) are needed when dealing with a very long blade. When your blade is too long, it becomes wobbly which may disrupt your work flow. Sometimes it may end up being permanently bent. It has a possibility of reducing your speed of work. And it may shake or vibrate.
In order to avoid slipping, your chosen object’s thickness should be less than the length of your blade. This will allow you to move freely.
Expert Tip: The ideal blade length is 2 to 3 inches greater in comparison with the width of the material to be cut.
Width & Shape
Just like longer blades, wider ones provide you with straighter cuts. They are sturdy and stable which is why do not bent easily and are immune to vibration. Their width is best for works that call for heavier applications.
They are used for demolishing, cutting woods with nails and auto-dismantling. But which blades are considered as wider blades? Well, the ones whose width range from ¾ to 1 inch.
Obviously, the thinner the width is, the finer the cut will be. 1/2 to ¾ inch are regarded as lower in width and the former blades are useful for cutting scrolls and giving them curves and details, especially for plastic, metal and wooden objects.
Blades come in all shapes and sizes. Speaking of shapes, different shapes become relevant in different works. The blades that have a shape of a slope employed during plunge cutting. As for cutting the edges, straight and unbent blades are best.
And if you are looking for two in one, blades with a sloped point or a semi-tapered back can be utilized for both types of work at a time.
Thickness
Ever imagined what is the ideal thickness measurement for a saber saw blade?
- 0.035" - standard job
- 0.042" - medium-heavy job
- 0.050" - heavy job
- 0.062" - ultra-heavy job
Evidently, the thickness of the blade has something to do with longevity and resistance to bending and other setbacks at work, such as vibration. That means their durability increases with the increase of thickness.
Moreover, the thickest blades are best for heavier jobs, such as chopping down metals that are thicker and denser themselves. Heavy and Ultra heavy-job thicknesses (0.050" - 0.062") are basically for works like demolition (woods that are embedded with nails) and auto-dismantling. In case of fire as well as rescue, the thickest blades are preferred.
Someone who wants a fine cut, heavy work blades are not advisable for them. Note that, the kerf width of these heavier blades is rigid and bigger than that of the rest. In this case, blades with a thickness of 0.035" are used for faster cuts.
These blades require a small number and amount of ingredients during their construction and so they are cheaper in price.
Expert Tip: If you want to avoid bending in a longer blade, pick up a thicker blade if you use 6 inches or longer blades.
Teeth-Per-Inch (TPI)
Teeth-Per-Inch is an important determinant for an efficient blade. The number of teeth placed in each inch of the blade indicates how the cut will end up being. Will it be rough or smooth? It will also ensure the speed with which the cut will occur. The teeth range in between 3 to 24 TPIs.
The lower Teeth-Per-Inch blades equal faster work without a fine edge. The edges remain rough in the end. Wood-cutting and demolishing need a TPI between 3-11 where pruning requires lower while demolition required higher TPIs. 6 TPI is applicable for strong and heavier wood cutting. With this TPI, you can even cut and break nails.
If your goal is to achieve a finer edge, you must choose greater TPIs. This way, the work progress will slow down, but the end result will be smooth edges. For denser objects, use 12 to 18 TPI and, for cutting metals, use 18 to 24 TPI. For both wood and metal, there is a combination of blades in the market with their varied TPIs.
Sometimes, a few blades have special features like different TPIs in different places of the blade. This enables the user to change the blade’s position. To give an example, a blade with a TPI of 10/14 have two different sections with 10 and 14 TPIs.
Expert Tip: To enjoy certain freedom while cutting, you must maintain 3 teeth to handle the object that you wish to cut. By doing this, you will be able to ignore snagging. Your object will also have edges that are smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Yes, they are absolutely compatible with the other types of saws available in the stores. You can easily fit them into popular brands like Milwaukee, Porter & Cable, Skil, DeWalt and Black & Decker, among many others. This is guaranteed, so no need to worry! You’ll not be disappointed
Yes, if you choose a rough tooth blade, it will work undoubtedly. However, for cutting trees and bigger shrubs, nothing beats a series saw or a coarse-toothed limb cutting hand saw. On another note, these days, many companies have started producing chain saws that are powered by battery and are lightweight. Not to mention, easy to control. But the chain saws can only be used if you’re hoping to cut down huge trees.
Yes. There is no need to worry. These blades will fit into any type of saw.
It really depends on the reciprocating saw you own because every recip saw has its own unique length of blade holder. If you want to calculate the stroke length for your recip saw blade, at first you have to put the blade into your recip saw. Make sure your device is switched off and unplugged. Push the blade into its shortest length & measure the length of that recip blade from the base of your recip saw to the tip of the blade.
The Carbide Grit is suitable for cutting bricks. Brick cutting is possible if there is a wheel-type cutter and grinder at high speed involved.
Conclusion
In conclusion, buying a supercut reciprocating blade is highly recommended and the blades we have described in the post are top of its kind. I have been in the business for quite a long time. As a result, I came across majority of the blades. Before writing about anything about the blades, I have personally been through all the reviews which are available in the market. So, Let’s make the call and choose the best blade for your reciprocating saw.
Leave a Reply