Ever stared at a wall of reciprocating saw blades, feeling totally lost? You need to cut through some tough material, but which blade will actually get the job done without snapping halfway through? It’s a common frustration. Choosing the wrong blade for your reciprocating saw can mean slow cuts, damaged materials, or worse—a blade that breaks right when you need it most. It feels like a guessing game, and nobody wants to waste time and money on blades that don’t perform.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to know about blade materials, tooth counts, and applications. By the end of this post, you will confidently select the perfect blade for wood, metal, or demolition jobs. Get ready to transform your cutting tasks from frustrating struggles into smooth, efficient work.
Top Reciprocating Saw Blades Recommendations
- Combination set provides a selection of blades for common applications.
- Ideal for use with metal, plastic, wood, and drywall.
- Made of high quality carbon steel for fast wood cutting and pruning.
- Works with all major reciprocating saw brands, Porter & cable.
- Includes 10 blades suitable for the most common cutting applications. See product description for a complete list of included tools.
- Combination sets provide a selection of reciprocating saw blades for common applications
- Tough case or Expandable case holds blades and is designed to fit in power tool kit box
- Bi-metal construction delivers blade flexibility and a long-lasting cutting edge
- Bi-metal construction offers blade flexibility and a long-lasting cutting edge
- TiAlN + ICE Coated Carbide Teeth: The teeth are made from carbide material with TiAIN+I.C.E coating. It ensures longevity during metal demolition tasks, enabling more efficient operations.
- 100x Longer Life Carbide Teeth: Premium carbide-tipped teeth deliver 100x longer lifespan than standard bi-metal blades, effortlessly cutting through stainless steel, hardened steel, Iron, screws, cast iron.
- Cutting Capacity: Each Hi-Density carbide tooth on the saw blade is precision ground and individually welded, so as to provide greater durability and cutting performance.
- 8TPI Tooth Design: 228mm total length – 8 teeth per Inch (TPI) optimized for fast for fast, smooth cutting in thick metals, reducing blade binding and vibration for maximum performance in metal cutting applications.
- Universal Shank: Shank fits all brands of reciprocating saw tools. EXPERT Carbide Reciprocating Saw Blades are suitable for a variety of applications.Providing versatility and convenience for different tasks.
- Woodcutting saw blades are made entirely of Cr-V steel construction for cutting coarse/firewood with a 20-175mm thickness, FREE OF NAILS. The pruning saw blade is for cutting branches with a diameter less than 180 mm
- Metal saw blades are made of bi-material for cutting metal with a thickness of 0.7-8mm, pipes/profiles with dia.5-100mm
- Compatible with most reciprocating saw brands. The combination set provides a selection of blades for typical applications. Ideal for use with metal, plastic, wood, and drywall
- Set includes: 2x 4" thin metal blades 24 TPI, 4x 6" thick metal blades 14 TPI; 2x 6" thin metal blades 18 TPI, 2x 6" thin metal blades 24 TPI; 8x 6" wood blades 6TPI, 8x 6" wood blades 8 TPI, 3x 9" wood blades 6 TPI, 2x 9" wood blades 3TPI, 1x 9" pruner/wet wood saw blade 5TPI
- Bonus saw blade organizer included for easy carrying
- Up to 50% longer life*: patented tooth forms optimize chip removal for efficient cutting and long life. *average performance of DEWALT reciprocating saw blade range vs. prior generation DEWALT blades.
- Straight cuts & increased durability: tall, thick blade profile provides straight cuts in heavy metal cutting applications and adds durability for tough demolition applications.
- Durable blade design: bi-metal construction delivers blade flexibility and a long-lasting cutting edge.
- Made in the USA with global materials**. ToughCase container made in China.
- Reciprocating saw blade is proudly made in the USA with Global Materials in Shelbyville, Kentucky
- LONG LIFE AND ADDED DURABILITY: Bi-metal construction for long life & added durability
- SMOOTH CUTS: Precision set teeth for fast, smooth cuts
- OPTIMIZED DESIGN: Optimized tooth design for metal and wood cutting applications
- Includes (4) 6-in 6TPI, (3) 6-in 14TPI, (1) 8-in 18TPI, (1) 9-in 6TPI
- 【Perfectly Sized for Every Job – No More Guesswork】 Every tool in this kit has exact, user-friendly dimensions: the comfy grip handle is 140mm long × 30mm wide, saw blades range from 152mm to 200mm, and screwdriver bits go from 50mm to 150mm (all with a universal 6.3mm shank). Fits tight cabinets, small pipes, and big cutting jobs—works for every DIY task around the house or shop!
- 【Saw Blades for Wood + Metal – Get the Right Cut Every Time】 We included 6 TPI (for wood), 10 TPI (for wood), and 18 TPI (for metal) reciprocating blades—no more using the wrong blade and messing up your project! The 6/10 TPI blades zip through hardwood/softwood like butter, and the 18 TPI blade cuts metal pipes/sheets clean (no snags, no frustration).
- 【Non-Slip Grip Handle – Comfortable Even When You’re Sweatin】 The orange/black rubber handle is grippy AF—even if your hands are greasy or wet from cleaning up. It’s compact (140mm!) so you can twist and turn it in tight spots, and it won’t make your hands ache after an hour of fixing furniture, cutting pipes, or renovating your garage.
- 【1/4 Inch Hex Shank – Works with All Your Drills】 All screwdriver bits have a standard 6.3mm (1/4 inch) hex shank—fits every cordless drill, impact driver, or hand tool you already own. Swap bits in 2 seconds flat to switch from cutting a board to driving a screw—no extra adapters, no wasted time.
- 【All-in-One Kit – Save Money, Save Space】 This kit has 4 saw blades + 5 screwdriver bits—everything you need for household repairs, woodworking, metal cutting, and home upgrades. Skip buying 10 separate tools (and cluttering your garage!)—this durable set does it all, and it won’t break the bank.
- Professional design: 32-piece set of reciprocating saw blades for multi-purpose cutting jobs including metal, plastic, wood, and drywall
- Set includes: 2-piece of 4 x 0.63 x 0.035 inch 24T MT ades, 4-piece of 6 x 0.63 x 0.035 inch 14T MT blades, 2-piece of 6 x 0.63 x 0.035 inch 18T MT blades, 2-piece of 6 x 0.63 x 0.035 24T MT blades, 8-piece of 6 x 0.75 x 0.047 inch 6T CRV blades, 8-piece of 6 x 0.75 x 0.047 inch 8T CRV blades, 1-piece of 9 x 0.75 x 0.051 inch 5T CRV blade, 3-piece of 9 x 075 x 0.047 inch 6T CRV blades, and 2-piece of 9 x 0.75 x 0.047 inch 3T CRV blades
- Multi functions: Wood cutting saw blade ideal for coarse/fuel wood; metal blade for cutting pipes and profiles
- Durable quality: Bi-metal M2 and CRV construction for long-lasting durability and performance
- Safety storage and easy to take along: All blades are packed in a special saw blade bag for easy carrying
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Reciprocating Saw Blades
Reciprocating saws, often called “Sawzalls,” are powerful tools. They help you cut through tough stuff. The right blade makes all the difference. This guide will help you choose the best blade for your job.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a new blade, check these important features:
- Tooth Count (TPI): This means “Teeth Per Inch.” More teeth cut slower but make a smoother, cleaner cut. Fewer teeth cut faster but leave a rougher edge. For fast demolition, use a low TPI (6-10). For fine cuts in wood or metal, use a higher TPI (14-24).
- Blade Length: Blades come in different lengths, usually 6, 9, or 12 inches. Longer blades cut deeper. Make sure the blade length fits your saw and the depth of the material you need to cut.
- Blade Kerf: This is the thickness of the cut the blade makes. Thicker kerfs are stronger for heavy-duty work.
- Shank Type: Most modern saws use a universal 1/2-inch shank. This lets you quickly attach and detach the blade without tools.
Important Materials: What Are Blades Made Of?
The material determines how hard and long the blade lasts.
High Carbon Steel (HCS)
HCS blades are flexible and cheap. They work well for cutting softer woods, plaster, and plastic. They dull quickly if you use them on hard materials like nails or metal.
Bi-Metal Blades
These are a mix of materials. They have HCS bodies for flexibility and harder metal teeth (often Cobalt or M2 steel) for cutting ability. Bi-metal blades are the most popular choice. They handle wood, metal, and light demolition work well.
Carbide-Tipped Blades
These are the toughest blades. They use tiny pieces of tungsten carbide brazed onto the steel body. Carbide can handle very hard materials like cast iron, masonry, and hardened steel. They cost more but last much longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good blades perform better and save you time.
What Makes a Blade Better?
- Set: The “set” is how the teeth are bent slightly left and right. A good set helps clear debris (sawdust or metal shavings) from the cut, preventing the blade from binding and overheating.
- Heat Treatment: Blades that receive proper heat treatment become much harder. This keeps the teeth sharp longer, especially important when cutting metal.
What Lowers Blade Quality?
- Thin Steel: If the body of the blade is too thin, it bends easily. This bending reduces cutting accuracy and can cause the blade to snap under pressure.
- Poor Tooth Brazing: If the teeth are not attached strongly (especially on carbide blades), they can fly off during heavy use, making the blade dangerous and useless.
User Experience and Use Cases
Choose your blade based on what you plan to cut. Using the wrong blade causes frustration and ruins the material.
Demolition Work
You need speed and toughness. Use a long (9 or 12-inch), low TPI (6 TPI), Bi-Metal or Carbide-Tipped blade. These blades power through wood that has nails, screws, or metal flashing mixed in.
Plumbing and Pipe Cutting
For cutting copper, PVC, or thin steel pipes, use a Bi-Metal blade with a medium TPI (around 10-14). This gives a good balance of speed and a smooth enough cut.
Detailed or Fine Cutting
If you are cutting wood or drywall where you need a clean edge, pick a high TPI blade (18 or 24 TPI). These blades cut slowly but leave a surface that needs little sanding.
Always remember safety. Wear eye protection when using any reciprocating saw. Check the material rating on the blade package before you start cutting.
Reciprocating Saw Blade FAQs
Q: What does TPI stand for on a blade?
A: TPI stands for “Teeth Per Inch.” It tells you how many cutting points the blade has over one inch of length.
Q: Can I use a wood blade to cut metal?
A: No, you should not. Wood blades have large gaps between teeth, which will dull immediately on metal. Use a metal-rated Bi-Metal or Carbide blade for metal.
Q: Why does my blade keep getting stuck?
A: Your blade might be too thin for the material, or you might be pushing too hard. Also, if the teeth are bent inward (the set), they might not clear debris well. Try a blade with a thicker kerf or reduce your cutting speed.
Q: Which blades are best for cutting through concrete or brick?
A: You need specialized Carbide-Tipped blades designed specifically for masonry or concrete. Standard metal or wood blades will break immediately.
Q: How often should I change my reciprocating saw blade?
A: This depends on use. For light home tasks, blades can last months. For daily professional demolition, you might change blades every few hours of heavy cutting.
Q: What is the difference between a Bi-Metal blade and an HCS blade?
A: HCS is flexible and cheap, good for soft materials. Bi-Metal blades are stronger because they mix soft steel with hard cutting teeth, making them last longer in mixed materials.
Q: Do I need to lubricate the blade when cutting metal?
A: Yes, applying cutting oil or lubricant helps reduce friction and heat. This keeps the blade sharp longer and makes the cutting process much smoother.
Q: Are longer blades always better?
A: No. Longer blades cut deeper, but they flex more under pressure. If you are only cutting 2×4 lumber, a shorter 6-inch blade will be stiffer and cut straighter.
Q: Can I use my saw to cut trees?
A: Yes, if you use a long, aggressive wood-cutting blade (low TPI). A reciprocating saw works well for pruning thick branches where a chainsaw is too big.
Q: What is the safest blade material for general home repairs?
A: Bi-Metal blades offer the best overall value and safety. They handle accidental contact with nails or screws without immediately failing, unlike cheaper HCS blades.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.