Now that you have bought your new reciprocating saw, how do you go about purchasing the best blade for your tool? The blades play a huge role when it comes to the cutting performance.
You need to equip your tool with a perfect blade that can handle cutting different materials such as wood, plastic, and metal. There are many brands out there offering Sawzall blades, and it is, therefore, important for you to determine which blades work well and which do not.
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Best Sawzall Blades For Metal | Review
Comparison of Top Sawzall Blades for Metal and Wood/Plastic
2018 Recommended 7 Best Sawzall Blade Reviews
1. DEWALT DW4856 Metal/Woodcutting Saw Blade Set
2. PORTER-CABLE PC760R Sawzall Blade
3. Platinum Blades 10pc Sawzall Blades
4. Caliastro Wood Pruning Reciprocating / Sawzall Blades
5. Milwaukee 49--22--1145 Thin Kerf Sawzall Blade
6. HORUSDY Metal Saw Blade / Wood Pruning Saw Blades
7. Freud DS0908CF Steel Demon Carbide-Tipped Blades
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best Metal Cutting Sawzall Blade? Should know Before Buy
Final Words
My team and I have researched, tested, analyzed and reviewed some of the best Sawzall blades on the market. The products I have listed here are remarkable, and they will help you cut with accuracy on different materials.
Comparison of Top Sawzall Blades for Metal and Wood/Plastic
Product Name | # Blades | Blade length | TPI | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DEWALT DW4856 Metal / Woodcutting Saw Blade Set | 6 | 6 inch | 6 to 24 | |
PORTER-CABLE PC760R 9-Inch Pruning Reciprocating Saw Blade | 1 | 9 inch | 4/5 | |
Platinum Blades 10pc Sawzall Blades 6"-12" Bi-metal & Wood | 10 | 6 to 12 inch | 6 to 24 | |
Caliastro 9-Inch Wood Pruning Sawzall Saw Blades | 5 | 9 inch | 5 | |
Milwaukee 49--22--1145 Thin Kerf Sawzall Blade Kit | 9 | 6 inch | 14 to 24 |
2018 Recommended 7 Best Sawzall Blade Reviews
1. DEWALT DW4856 Metal/Woodcutting Saw Blade Set
A long-time trusted manufacturer, DeWalt’s blade set comes with six blades from 6 TPI (tips per inch) to 24 TPI. For any kind of cut, you definitely will have the right blade to help you in this set.
These blades are bright yellow, a trademark color on all DeWalt products. But with big black text, you get a clear indication on what each blade can cut, without having to read small text, codes or abbreviations.
These blades do not only cut wood and/or metal, but also plastic and drywall as well, making them more purposeful in home improvement projects.
While you tend to think that DeWalt blades are only compatible with DeWalt products, that is not the case, here. These blades can be used with any reciprocating saw, but depending on the saw you use these blades with, the results will vary.
Homeowners have had concerns with these blades, whether they are too frail, break easily, or simply do not last after the first day. Finding a set of blades with some degree of durability is important, and these blades do not reflect the company’s quality of work to many people.
Furthermore, if one blade goes bad, you will not get a spare, unless you buy another set, and buying another set means paying the total price twice.
Pros
- Easy to read labels
- Compatible with any reciprocating saw
- Each blade is unique, with a wide range of TPI
Cons
- All blades are only six inches long
2. PORTER-CABLE PC760R Sawzall Blade
It's when used for tough jobs that a reciprocating saw is at its best and truly shines. When fitted with the right blade, a reciprocating saw can chop right through the intended material with much ease.
When I am using it, there is usually no need to switch tools when cutting through material since it cuts like butter.
The PORTER-CABLE PC760R 9-Inch Pruning Reciprocating Saw Blades includes (3) 9 inch 4/5 TPI pruning reciprocating blades. These blades are very sharp, and I have not had any problem cutting through wood and trees.
As far as I have known this tool, it is the best there is for pruning purposes. Has a high carbon steel blade for fast rough wood cutting and pruning.
The blades are fast cutting and last long to provide you with long-term service.
Pros
- Stabilizing blades
- Durable
- Ease of use
- Fast cutting
- No vibrating effect
- Long and firm blades
- Can be used with multiple saws
Cons
- Not ideal for hard surfaces like stone
- Ideal for pruning large surfaces like trees only
- Too long for some work
3. Platinum Blades 10pc Sawzall Blades
This next blade set is brought to you by Platinum Blades. In this pack are 10 blades, however, you are getting duplicates of the same three blades. This set includes six 9-inch blades, two 6-inch blades, and two 12-inch blades. So technically, you are getting only three blades, but they have spares.
These blades have varying lengths, and it is always a plus to have longer blades for larger applications. They can be used with any reciprocating saw, and they are very smooth and stable when used to cut wood and metal.
This set also comes with anti-stick coating, so that no materials or buildup sticks to the blades after use. It is always necessary to have clean blades when cutting materials.
The fact that you are buying duplicates of the same blades indicate that they might not last long, but considering that DeWalt’s blades don’t last long either, they make these blades from Platinum Blades a much more appealing buy for just a few dollars more.
Pros
- Comes with 10 blades
- Blades have varying lengths
- Blades all have anti-stick coating
- Compatible with any reciprocating saw
Cons
- Only 3 unique blades included
4. Caliastro Wood Pruning Reciprocating / Sawzall Blades
This blade set from Caliastro is specifically for wood pruning and hacking off dead tree limbs. In this pack are five 9-inch blades, all of which have the same five TPI.
Each of these blades is made of stainless steel. They are remarkably strong and are not likely to bend or break after a period of time. The fact that you are getting a five pack of this blade will ensure that it will take you years before you need to buy another set of reciprocating saw blades.
With that said, cutting with these blades are easy, clean, and effective. You get enough length and power for each situation where you need to cut wood portably.
Because these blades specialize in cutting wood only, they are not ideal for cutting other materials like soft metal. As mentioned before, you are getting the five of the same blade, so you will need to buy fine blades if you are looking to cut stronger materials with a reciprocating saw.
Pros
- Blades are made of stainless steel
- Cutting is smooth and easy
- Blades are durable and have a long life
Cons
- Blades can only cut wood
- Only come in five TPI
5. Milwaukee 49--22--1145 Thin Kerf Sawzall Blade
This reciprocating saw blade set from Milwaukee comes with nine blades ranging from 14 to 24 TPI. Each of these blades however, is only six inches long, but for them all being able to cut bi-metal is remarkable.
Each blade has fanged tips, making it easier to cut wood without spending minutes waiting for thick limbs and lumber to be cut. Fanged tips also help to keep your control and grip while cutting.
With nail guard technology, you can easily cut previously used wood from construction. If wood you are cutting happens to have a nail in it, it will not ruin your blades.
While other blades come with plastic sleeves and pouches, this set of blades comes with a strong plastic case.
If you are looking for blades that have less than 14 TPI, you will not find such blade in this set. While these blades are capable of cutting metal and wood materials, some woodworkers work faster with blades that have lower TPI.
Pros
- Blades have easy control during cutting time
- Blades have accelerated cutting time thanks to fanged tips
- Safe to use for wood with nails
- Plastic case included for safe storage
Cons
- Doesn’t include low-TPI blades
- All blades are only six inches long
6. HORUSDY Metal Saw Blade / Wood Pruning Saw Blades
Like DeWalt’s blades, these blades from Horusdy come in a bright color, orange, in this case. You get 10 blades that come in four different types. Like DeWalt’s blades, these blades are easy to read and understand when it comes to the capabilities of each blade.
These blades are made of carbon steel, so they are capable of cutting metal pipes and bars with precision without any wear on them. For a set of ten of them, they are very affordable.
These blades are compatible with most reciprocating saws, but not all of them, and there is no specification whether or not the saw you own can use these blades. You should not feel uncertain when it comes to buying blades; as customers have the right to know for certain which blades work on which saws.
There are four blades that are six inches long and have six TPI, but also included are two blades that are eight inches long, also with six TPI. Usually it is better to have longer blades, so the fact that they made two different length blades of the same TPI is confusing.
Pros
- Can cut metal pipes and bars easily
- Set is very affordable
- Comes with 10 blades
- Easy to read labels
Cons
- Choices for blades are questionable
- Not compatible with all reciprocating saws
7. Freud DS0908CF Steel Demon Carbide-Tipped Blades
This last blade set we will be looking at only has one blade. This blade from Freud is nine inches long and has eight TPI.
Known as the “Steel Demon”, this blade features carbide tips which are ideal for cutting thick metal. Rather than using a blow torch to cut hard metal, you can use this blade instead, if you are not trained or skilled in welding. As far as cutting metal goes, this is one of the best sawzall blades you can buy.
Of course, this blade can also cut other materials with ease, but this blade is very versatile, and can last a lot longer than other disposable blades.
The one word that we cannot describe the “Steel Demon”, however, is “fine”. If you are looking to cut materials as neat and as thin as possible, you will need a blade with more TPI. Nonetheless, this is still a great value for buying only one blade.
Pros
- Can cut thick metals with carbide tips
- Can last a long time
- Is very durable
Cons
- Only one blade included
- Blade is very rough
- Only comes in five TPI
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best Metal Cutting Sawzall Blade? Should know Before Buy
Sawzalls are among the best in the market if not the best. By taking into consideration the factors below, you will agree they are the best.
These sawzall blades are the best as they will give you some amazingly perfect work and great results. They win the attention of many users owing to their different range of hard to resist features. They perform well on most surfaces, and they leave you satisfied with their performance.
Power
The power of a saw determines how well the blade is going to work and its performance. In most of the saws, power increase with the demand up to a maximum. The choice of a saw to use is very important since it helps determine how the best sawzall blades are going to function. Different blades work best with different saws depending on the power of the saw.
Ease Of Use
Ease of use comes hand in hand with how easily you can assemble the whole tool. A sawzall should also come with easy access to fixing port you can operate easily. Also in case a blade gets stuck it should not give you much trouble in the middle of sawing and you need to finish the work.
Warranty
Warranty is a safeguard against losing money unnecessarily. The longer the warranty, the better but do not let a warranty stop you from buying a particular sawzall tool. Some of these sawzall products have highly efficient materials and state of the art technology behind them, so warranty is something that does not matter much.
Storage
To make for easy storage, a sawzall should be inclusive of a storage box for example. Also, easy removal from a saw makes it easy to store to ensure it does not injure someone accidentally. Good storage also ensures that the sawzall is in good condition to avoid rusting.
Durability
Materials that are used to make the product should give the sawzall maximum durability. Durability is one of the ways you will get value for your money. Mostly die cast metal give the best durability. Also, handling of these tools is important in ensuring that you maintain the long lasting ability of the tool to serve you more. Finally, click here to read more for the Sawzall buying guide.
Final Words
Technically sawzalls display the most amazing and great features no wonder I have full confidence saying that they are the best, from all the points of view.
What more could you desire from a sawzall if not optimum performance, comfort, and ease of use? You can easily save yourself the problems of purchasing low-quality blades by getting one of these sawzalls. I can totally assure you that you will not regret the decision.
FAQs
What is the best Sawzall blade to cut plastic? ›
Carbon steel blades are flexible to allow bending without breaking and are great for cutting wood or plastic. Carbon steel blades are generally the best reciprocating saw blades for trees.
Can you cut wood with a metal Sawzall blade? ›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.
What is the best Sawzall blade for cutting through metal? ›As far as the best brand of metal cutting blade, we like MK Morse and Diablo. If you are cutting cast iron, stainless steel, and high-strength alloys, or for jobs like auto dismantling and fire & rescue, look for a carbide-tipped blade that is at least 8 TPI.
Will a metal cutting blade cut plastic? ›How do you cut plastic lumber? You can use any standard wood and metal cutting saw with good results. In general, wider tooth spacing (less teeth per inch) works better since there is less heat build up with power tools. The same rule applies when you use hand-saws.
Which kind of saw would you use for cutting metal and plastic straight? ›Jigsaw blades
The same blades will also cut plastic. Blades for metal have much finer teeth and should also be used for cutting wood that contains nails or screws.
Ideally, you will use a sharp blade specified for use with plastics. You can also use a blade marked for wood, but it's possible that friction from the blade will create too much heat, causing the cut plastic to melt.
What happens if you use a metal cutting blade on wood? ›For example, using metal-cutting band saw blades on wood and other softer materials could lead to more clogs in the blade, as the wood fibers can get caught easier in the blade's teeth.
What is the difference between a sawzall and a reciprocating saw? ›They are actually the same thing. The Milwaukee tool company introduced the first reciprocating saw in 1951, and called it the Sawzall. It has since been so widely copied that the terms reciprocating saw and sawzall are now used interchangeably.
What happens if you use a wood blade on metal? ›You shouldn't use a wood cutting blade for metal because you risk blade fatigue and damage. Metal is harder and stronger than wood, so it requires sharper and heavy-duty blades to complete cuts. Wood is a soft material that doesn't need a lot of “power” to be sliced through.
What is the best length for a sawzall blade? ›The best sawzall blades for wood have a more aggressive tooth pitch of 6-10 TPI that can easily cut though nail embedded wood, 6"x 6" posts, and small tree limbs. A combination blade with 5/8 TPI or 10/14 also works on wood. The blade can vary from 6" to 12" in length.
Is 14 TPI better than 18 TPI? ›
A fine toothed blade (18 to 32 TPI) should be used for thinner metals and plastics under 1/4″. For general cutting of 3/4″ plywood 4 TPI will provide a fast cut and 14 TPI will cut much slower but leave a smooth finish on the cut. When Selecting TPI Remember: More TPI gives a smoother but slower cut.
How many teeth per inch to cut metal? ›The general rule of thumb is:
For wood and soft materials aim for 3 – 6 teeth in the workpiece. For metals and harder materials aim for 6 – 24 teeth in the workpiece.
A reciprocating saw has a horizontal blade while a jigsaw blade is vertical. Jigsaws are not as powerful and are ideal for cutting thin wood, plastic, or metal.
What is used to cut both metal and wood but can also cut plastic pipes? ›Uses. Hacksaws were originally and principally made for cutting metal, but can also cut various other materials, such as plastic and wood; for example, plumbers and electricians often cut plastic pipe and plastic conduit with them.
Will a Sawzall cut through plastic? ›Reciprocating saw blades come in various lengths and with a variety of tooth counts. The blades with the finest teeth, which are for metal, tend to get clogged when cutting plastic, whereas those with the fewest teeth are apt to chip and shatter PVC.
Which type of hand saw can be used on both wood and most plastics? ›Coping Saw – Coping saws are the most versatile type of hand saw and are ideal for cutting through hard and soft wood, plastic, ceramic and non-ferrous metals. Their thin narrow blades can be replaced as often as need be, saving you money in the long run.
Which saw is used to cut curved lines in wood metal and plastic? ›Have you heard of a jig saw? This versatile tool is basically a machine saw with a fine blade that enables it to cut curved lines in wood, metal, or plastic. It's one of my favorite tools of all time!
What is the tooth cutting tool used to cut metal plastic called? ›A hacksaw is a hand-powered, small-toothed saw used for cutting metal pipes, rods, brackets, etc. Hacksaws can also cut through plastic.
What is the best way to cut hard plastic? ›Depending on the type of plastic you need to cut through, use a fine-toothed saw, a hacksaw, or a non-melting table saw blade. You can also drill small holes to make the plastic easier to cut through, or slice through thick plastic with a piece of string.
What is the best TPI for cutting plastic? ›To minimize chipping, match the bandsaw blade to the thickness of the plastic you're cutting. For cutting 1⁄ 4 " or thinner acrylic, use a 10–14-tpi (teeth per inch) blade. With thicker plastics, a 6–8-tpi blade works well.
Will a diamond blade cut plastic? ›
Depending on the manufacturer's recommended blade application, vacuum brazed blades will cut a wide variety of material including concrete, masonry, steel, various irons, plastic, tile, wood and glass. Finer synthetic diamond grits will reduce the chipping of tile and burring of steel and provide a smoother finish.
What type of blade is most effective for cutting through wood? ›The best saw blade for ripping hardwood is a rip blade. This blade is specially made for cutting through wood fibers, so it will cut through hardwood easily and leave a clean edge. Rip blades usually have 10 to 40 flat-topped (FT) teeth, which is a comparatively small number, but it will move through the grain quickly.
Can I use a reciprocating saw to cut tree branches? ›You can cut branches and limbs with a reciprocating saw. If your tree is small enough, you can cut a tree down. Bear in mind, these saws are ideal for cutting stationary material. If there's a lot of give to your branch or limb, the saw may just shake it rather than cutting through it.
Can I turn saw blade backwards to cut metal? ›But, to answer your question, yes, you can turn the blade around backwards. It's not very safe, but it can be done. I have done it for cutting tin of sheet metal roofing. If you choose to try this method, be sure you wear all the proper safety gear.
What is better than a Sawzall? ›The Hackzall and Sawzall are two very different tools, the former being more suitable for precision cuts and thinner pieces of material, and the latter being better for thicker, more powerful cuts that require greater operation speed.
What is the most powerful Sawzall? ›The 15.0 Amp Super Sawzall® Recip Saw is the fastest, most durable recip saw in the world. It is the first Sawzall® Recip Saw to include Constant Power Technology™ which maintains constant speed and power under load for unmatched cutting performance.
What metal is hard to cut with a Sawzall? ›Carbide tipped blades cut harder, denser metals like hardened steel, cast iron, alloys including boron steel, and higher grades of stainless steel. These blades are extremely hard, heat-resistant, and impact-resistant.
Is it OK to cut aluminum with wood blade? ›Aluminum is effortless to cut and has high machinability. Aluminum can be sliced with a wooden blade with many teeth. It should be mentioned that non-ferrous materials can be cut with the majority of wood blade brands. Even specific grades of carbide made for cutting aluminum are available.
What TPI is best for cutting metal? ›TPI is the number of teeth the blade has per inch. If you're looking to cut wood or other soft materials, you'll need a blade with a TPI of 6 up to 20. For harder materials like metal, a TPI between 14 up to 36 is more suitable.
Can Milwaukee metal saw cut wood? ›Milwaukee framing saw
This tool is best of both worlds. It not only cuts through steel like butter I can also use it on wood.
What is the best blade for cutting 1 2 plexiglass? ›
To cut plexiglass neatly, you should use jigsaw blades that are bi-metal and have ten teeth per inch (10 TPI). You can also use blades that are hollow ground and very sharp.
What are the best saw blades for cutting plexiglass? ›Metal cutting blades and, in particular, bimetallic blades stay sharp longer than blades designed for cutting wood and are better for use on Plexiglas® acrylic sheet.
Can sawzall cut PVC? ›The Milwaukee Hackzall 4 in. 14 TPI PVC Reciprocating Saw Blades (5-Pack) cuts through PVC Sch. 40 pipe up to 2 in.
What happens if you cut wood with diamond blade? ›Diamond blades aren't the best choice for cutting wood. As stated earlier, these saws are manufactured to handle the toughest materials, and wood isn't one of those. Wood, especially boards, have soft fibers which can easily be damaged when the cut is not done correctly.
Is it OK to cut wood with a diamond blade? ›That said, diamond blades, the gold standard for cutting metal, are not appropriate for those working with wood. Because wood is so much softer than metal, these incredibly strong blades are a poor choice for work of this type.
Can you cut plexiglass with a wood saw blade? ›Cut or Score to Break Edge
Fit a circular saw or table saw with a fine blade with crosscut teeth to prevent chipping the piece during the cut. Line the plexiglass sheet along the cut line. Use the saw at a slower speed, or keep the material cool by spraying water over the cut point during the saw operation.
No matter which type of saw you choose for the task, it's critically important to use the right blade. There are special blades designed expressly for acrylic, but any metal-cutting blade with carbide tips can do the trick.
How do you cut plexiglass 2 inches thick? ›To cut thicker sheets of acrylic, it's best to use either a jigsaw or a table saw that's outfitted with a special blade that's designed specifically for cutting acrylic. This will allow you to cut cleanly the first time, and make the finishing process much more straightforward.
Which is stronger Lexan or plexiglass? ›While Plexiglas is 17 times stronger in terms of impact resistance than glass, Lexan is 250 times stronger. Therefore, if you are searching for a material that has maximum strength, Lexan fares far better than Plexiglas.
Can you use a Sawzall to cut plexiglass? ›A high TPI Sawzall blade will make a clean cut through plexiglass without chipping or cracking it.
Will a metal sawzall blade cut PVC? ›
For cutting PVC pipe, use a combination wood/metal blade with a 10/14 TPI configuration. There is no specialty PVC sawzall blade, nor is one necessary.
What saw do you use to cut plastic pipe? ›A hand saw is the most common way to cut PVC pipe, but can be a little messy. You can use almost any kind of saw, but a hacksaw is best as it gives you much more flexibility.