Best Reciprocating Saw Blades (Factors Have to Consider)

Published on: January 24, 2022
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by Eric Devin

As a professional, I need to use my reciprocal saw very often. In my early life, I had to buy as I used to choose them randomly. As a result, they get damaged or can’t finish my task on the time.

For a long time, I didn’t get the reason for this mess. Then I do some research on the internet and understand that all this time I didn’t buy or use the right reciprocating saw blade for my cutting piece.

After long research, I was able to get the right blade set for my work and never face any problems ever.

I know some of you may face the same problem as me. That’s why I’ve included the knowledge from our research to help to choose the best one for you.

This article will make it easier to find the right reciprocal saw blade. Also here we have important information that will help you get the right one.

So if you go through this buying guide, you will be able to choose the perfect saw blade for you from the list by considering the most important features I’ve mentioned.

Factors Have to Consider for Reciprocating Saw Blades

Choosing the right reciprocating saw blade is really a difficult job. Because if you choose the wrong one, the possibility is high that it’ll get dull very soon. So you need to be very careful while buying a blade.

To make the selection process simple and easy, I’ve found out some important facts which will help you to get the right one.

And they are-

Material Type

You need to know about the material you’re going to cut before buying a blade. Because you can’t use a single blade to cut every type of material. Each blade is designed to cut specific material.

If you choose the wrong blade, it may get dull within a short time. So try to pick the blade that is made for the material you work with.

For choosing the right blade, you should check the icon on the package printed by the manufacturer. These icons will help you to understand that this specific blade was designed to cut that specific material.

Teeth Per Inch (TPI)

TPI is the most important feature that you must look for while buying. If you get a blade with a few teeth, you’ll get a slow and rough cut. And to get smooth and faster cuts, you should pick one with a higher TPI.

The average TPI range of reciprocating saw blades is 3- 18. Among this, 3 to 8 ranges can make rough cuts in woods. You’ll find pruning blades in this range.

You can use blades with a TPI range of 8 to 14 for cutting wood and can also use them occasionally for nailing. Demo blades belong to this category.

Blades with a TPI range of 14- 18 are designed to cut metals. These blades cut smoothly with a nice and smooth edge.

Read more: Top 10 Wet Tile Saw

Blade Material

The longevity and price of a reciprocating saw blade depend on its material. Blades made with strong material will last longer and be more expensive. So check the material while buying. Usually, blades are made with 3 types of material. They are-

Carbon Steel: Blades made with carbon steel are cheaper than others. They are flexible so you can use them in any tight or tough space. But the flaw is they are also weaker than other blades. If you try to use them to cut metal or stone they will get dull or damaged very quickly.

High-Speed Steel: High-speed blades are strong and will last for a long period of time. They don’t get damaged like carbon steel as they are more brittle than carbon steel blades.

Bi-Metal: Bi-metal blades are made with carbon steel and high-speed steel. So they have the best properties of both of these materials. They are more flexible than HCS blades but last longer than carbon steel and high-speed blades.

Tooth Material 

The tooth material of the blade also determines its longevity of it. You will find different types of teeth available in the market. Such as-

Metal Teeth: Metal teeth are the common material used for making teeth. This type of tooth will help you to make fast cuts. But you need to check the blade material also.

Carbide Teeth: Carbide teeth can increase the cutting ability of your blade in plastic and wood. This type of blade lasts for a long time. But the only problem is you can only use them on plastic or wood.

Carbide Grit: This type of blade teeth is the combination of small parts of a carbine or industrial diamond grain with the cutting edge of a blade. Blade with carbide grit teeth will let you cut through cast iron, cement, metal, ceramic, fiberglass, and clay. But if you try to cut wood with this type of teeth, the blade will work slowly and even it can get fired.

Tooth Pattern

Tooth patterns also influence the performance of the blade. Available common tooth patterns are-

Wavy Set: In a wavy pattern, teeth are waved by the cutting edge of the blade. This type of blade can give you a finer cut with a nice cutting speed.

Raker Set: In this pattern, teeth are extended beyond the edge of a blade in an alternating method. This type of teeth set will give you more aggressive cuts. They can cut faster but leave rough edges behind.

Read more: Band Saw Blades for Resawing (Wood, Metal, Steel)

Blade Length

The length of the cut is determined by the length of the blade. This type of blade will help you to cut a large workpiece without making plunge cuts. But short blades can make a cleaner, square, and smooth cut than long blades.

Blade Thickness

The thickness of the blade determines how efficiently it can resist bending. If you need to use your reciprocal saw to do more complex or critical projects, you need a thicker blade. This type of blade will make nice square cuts without getting damaged. Economic blades are thin to keep the cost at a limit.

Generally, most duty blades are about 0.0 inches and heavy-duty blades have double the thickness of general-duty blades.

These blade thicknesses range from 0.035 to 0.062 inches. 

Below Is a List of the Thicknesses of the Reciprocating Saw Blades

Thickness Ranges	Details
0.035-inch	This is the standard-duty blade.
0.042-inch	A medium-heavy-duty blade.
0.050-inch	It’s a heavy-duty blade.
0.062-inch	An ultra-heavy-duty blade.

Consider Your Workpiece

You can’t use a single reciprocating saw blade to cut different types of material. So you need to consider your cutting material before buying a blade for your saw.

Quick Solutions

How Do I Select a Sabre Saw Blade?

The teeth’s number per inch determines the cut velocity and crudeness of the cut. Low-toned TPI blades cut fast but leave rougher edges. Blades within the 3 – 11 TPI range are typically better for wood and wipeout work. Pruning blades incline to be at the low end, and demolition/nail-eating blades tend to be around 8-11 TPI.

What Size Sabre Saw Blade Do I Need?

Reciprocating saw blades range from 3 – 12-inches long. Confine your mind, the longer the blade, the deeper the cut. More full blades reduce bending and wobbling. Heavy-duty blades tend to be 7/8 inches wide and 0.062-inches thick.

What Saw Blade Makes the Smoothest Cut?

A right blade set for a jigsaw or jigsaw will include coarse-tooth blades for quick cutting and rip cuts and fine-tooth blades for smooth crosscuts.

View Our Selected Top 10 Reciprocating Saw Blades, Below

1. Metal/Woodcutting Reciprocating Saw Blade Set, 6-Piece (Model No DW4856)

• Cutting capacity: 3’’;
• Blade material: Bi-metal;
• Includes 6-inch 6-TPI taper-back blade, 6-inch 10-TPI straight-back blade, 6-inch 14-TPI straight-back blade, 6-inch 18-TPI straight-back blade, 6-inch 24-TPI straight-back blade and 6-inch ⅝ -TPI taper-back blade.
• Purpose: cutting metal, wood, plastic, and so on. 

This pack is assorted with 6 pieces of bi-metal blades to meet all your cutting needs. There are 3 blades for metal, 2 for wood, and one for both wood and metal cutting blade. From cutting nailed wood to plywood or hard steel sheets everything is quite easy with this set, but cutting thin or flexible metal sheets is a nightmare.

This pack is affordable. Wood-cutting blades would be a little more long-lasting if at least those were carbide tipped. These blades are for common purposes only; for the price point, don’t expect these blades to be useful for heavy use. Surprisingly, this pack comes with a year’s warranty. From my experience, these will not last for a month’s use.

Things We Liked

• Serves all cutting purposes;
• Affordable. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• Limited cutting capacity; 
• Not high quality. 

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2. PORTER-CABLE Pruning Reciprocating Saw Blades, 3-Pack (Model No  PC760R)

• Blade length: 9’’;
• Blade material: HCS; 
• Includes three pieces 4/5 TPI Pruning Reciprocating Saw Blades.  
• Purpose: rough wood cutting and pruning. 

For pruning purposes, blades are long-lasting, durably made, and able to do the job efficiently. This pack of three blades is made of High Carbon Steel with carbide-tipped teeth; so, these blades last longer than even pricier ones.

With its 9-inch length, you will have a better cutting capacity that lets you cut trees of medium sizes. This set is also great for rough cutting hard pressure-treated wood. A month’s satisfaction guarantee ensures these blades’ longevity as well as quality.

For the price, and for pruning purposes only, choosing this set will be a wise decision. I didn’t face any problems while using this set, just these blades are a bit flexible. For cutting straight you better follow a line to get the desired cut.

Things We Liked

• Budget-friendly;
• Long-lasting;
• Efficient pruning ability. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• No cons.

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3. Craftsman-09 Piece Reciprocating Saw Blade Set with Storage Pouch, (Model No 2058840)

• Blade length: variable;
• Blade material: Bi-metal;
• Includes nine pieces of Reciprocating Saw Blades and a carrying case.
• Purpose: treated lumber, wood with nails, pruning, metal, and multipurpose applications. 

The best thing about this pack is, it has a pair of five blades you need for cutting different wood and metal assortments. So that, if one blade is lost, you will always have a replacement, no need to pause your work for a missing blade. To make this process more convenient, a soft case is included in this set; now you can organize the blades nicely to reduce your downtime by fishing for blades.

These blades are compatible with the most popular brands and all brands from craftsman saws. The bi-metal material of these blades gave a flexible finish to the blades. For applications around your house to run a moderate shop, everything can be solved with this pack. It is a bit pricey, but for convenience, it is reasonable.

Things We Liked

• Pair of five blades;
• Durable;
• Comes with a case.

Things We Didn’t Like

• No cons.

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4. EZARC Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blade (5-Pack) (Model No 14TPI R922PM)

• Blade length: 9’’;
• Blade material: bi-metal with 8% cobalt teeth;
• Includes five pieces of 14 TPI reciprocating saw blades;  
• Purpose: 3 mm to 8 mm thick sheet metals and metal pipes/profiles (dia<150mm) cutting. 

For cutting metals, this pack of five blades is an affordable and durable solution for you. Its cutting capacity is limited; that fits best for plumbing and small demolition projects. Bimetal blades with 8% cobalt teeth ensured up to 50% longer life compared to other blades.

I have heard that people use these blades for cutting nailed wood as well. For the price and construction of blades, this set is good for homeowners for their own occasional DIY demo projects.

Things We Liked

• Suitable for hard metals;
• Cuts faster;
• Economical price. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• No cons.

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5. Bosch 6 TPI Wood Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blades – 5 Pack (Model No RW66)

• Blade length: 6’’;
• Blade material: N/A;
• Includes five pieces 6 TPI reciprocating saw blades;  
• Purpose: Wood Cutting. 

The advantage of investing in a quality tool is, in the long run, it saves you from wasting money on cheaply made items and ensures the convenience of use. Bosch has always been a leading brand in making quality tools. These wood-cutting blades are just another awesome addition to superior Bosch tools. These blades cut effortlessly on green wood. For stress-free pruning, these blades will surely replace your chainsaw for most applications.

These blades will last severe use, but not abuse. To keep the charm of these blades, don’t use these on hard or dry wood and plywood. Only green wood cutting will ensure a long blade life. An attractive money-back guarantee is offered for these blades, so you shouldn’t have any problems with their quality.

Things We Liked

• Comes with money back guarantee;
• Stays sharp for longer. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• Not suitable for hard, dry wood.

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6. Freud Steel Demon Thick Metal Cutting Reciprocating Blades (Model No  DS0908CF)

• Blade length: 9’’;
• Blade material: Carbide-tipped bi-metal blade;
• Includes: one reciprocating saw blade;  
• Purpose: heavy metal cutting. 

Not all metal cutting blades in the market are suitable for cutting heavy metals. For heat-treated or hardened metals like cast iron or stainless steel, you must invest in a blade that will cut through the metal without a scratch on the blades. Otherwise, if you use a thin metal cutting blade for these purposes you may end up ruining the blade in return.

This blade from Freud is a bi-metal blade with a carbide tip to withstand the most abusive situation while cutting heavy metals from 3/16 ” to ½ ” size. Just adding a few drops of cutting oil with this blade will make the job easier and faster. This pack involves one blade only, so it will be wiser to order at least two or three blades. It is a little pricier among all the blades on this list, but you will not regret it because of the unbeatable quality of the blade.

Things We Liked

• Cuts fast;
• Impact resistant;
• High quality. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• Pricey.

Read more: Scroll Saw Blades

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7. SKIL 6-Piece Reciprocating Blade Set with Pouch, (Model No 94103)

• Blade length: 9’’, 8’’, and 6’’;
• Blade material: high-carbon steel;
• Includes: five pieces reciprocating saw blades and pouch;  
• Purpose: wood and metal cutting. 

Mostly I recommend this pack for pruning and wood-cutting purposes only. Other than two wood-cutting blades, there are two metal cutting and an all-purpose blade as well. The metal cutting ones are good for cutting nails off the wood. These are not very reliable for solely cutting hard metals.

All these blades are HCS made and the cutting edges are fire treated to deliver precise cuts for a longer time. With these blades, you can cut 5 to 6 inches limbs of trees without any problem. The included pouch is a handy feature for organizing and carrying blades to minimize the chance of losing.

Things We Liked

• Versatile blades;
• Precise cuts;
• Reasonable price. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• Not very good for metal cutting.

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8. Milwaukee 12-Piece Ultimate Demolition Sawzall Blade Set (Model No 49-22-1129)

• Blade length: 9’’ and 6’’;
• Blade material: high-carbon steel;
• Includes: 12 pieces reciprocating saw blades;  
• Purpose: wood and metal cutting. 

Five axe blades of different sizes are incorporated into this pack for effective wood cutting. These blades are as advertised, thicker than other wood-cutting blades, and are longer for greater impact. These blades will quicken your demolition project with fast cutting.

Five torch blades for metal cutting are included in this pack to meet all your metal cutting purposes like dreams. Two sizes are there so that you can have control over the cutting capacities.

Wrecker blades are really handy if you don’t want to switchblades for different purposes. There are all-purpose blades, so you can cut wood, nail-embedded wood, and light metal with these. This pack comes with a transparent hard plastic case and the blades are well-indicated. This is a reasonably priced pack and a must-have for a hassle-free demolition Sawzall option.

Things We Liked

• Thicker and longer blades;
• Does not bend;
• Comes with a plastic case.

Things We Didn’t Like

• No cons.

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9. DEWALT 14/18 TPI Metal Reciprocating Saw Blade (5-Pack) (Model No DWA4188)

• Blade length: 8’’;
• Blade material: high-carbon steel;
• Includes: 5 pieces 14/18 TPI reciprocating saw blades;  
• Purpose: metal cutting. 

DEWALT never compromises on the durability of its products. When it comes to this pack, they ensured that this blade goes twice longer than other DEWALT blades or any other competitor metal cutting blades. By the look of this blade, you can tell that it is sturdy, longer, and thicker than conventional blades. The added thickness and length are for added durability to eliminate bending or breakage.

The result of a non-bending metal cutting Sawzall blade is precise, fast, and accurate cuts for a longer time. For medium to small projects, one or two blades from this pack will suffice. The price is also reasonable considering the long life of these blades. These are made in the USA and come with a money-back guarantee if that helps you to decide on this pack.

Things We Liked

• Blades don’t break or bend;
• Long-lasting performance;
• Suitable for hardened metals.

Things We Didn’t Like

• No cons.

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10. SKILSAW SPT2005-05 Reciprocating Saw Blade

• Blade length: 9-inch;
• Material: ‎Blend;
• Includes: 5 pieces 4-5 TPI reciprocating saw blades.

SKIL has underestimated this pack of 5 blades in terms of their usability. They launched this pack as pruning blades, but practically you can cut any wooden material from hard or softwood to plywood or other composition board easily. Pruning is just one of the many virtues of these blades.

If you are looking for a good set of blades for pruning, then this pack is just for you. With a few drops of lubricant, you can even cut 4 to 6’’ diameter limbs with these blades in no time. Besides, with twigs and branches, you can cut ground roots as well. Most wood-cutting blades are not as good as cutting roots like these blades.

For a set of 5 blades, this pack is one or two bucks pricey. If your job involves different wooden materials, then this pack will save you from stressing out about using different tools for different materials to a considerable extent.

Things We Liked

• Suitable for any wood material;
• Variety of usage;
• Compatible with most brand saws. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• No cons.

Read more: Metal Cutting Saw

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Conclusion

Choosing the wrong blade will waste both your money and time. By buying the right one you can save them and you can have nice cuts with them.

This is why I’ve summarized almost all the important things you need to know about selecting a perfect blade.

Try to get the blade that is suitable for your workpiece. If you have to work with different types of material frequently, you can get a set of reciprocating saw blades.

But before buying, you should check the thickness, TPI, tooth and blade material, blade length, and the icon that indicates the cutting piece that is suitable to cut with that specific blade.

You may like these also:

• Miter Saw Blade for Hardwood, Trim, and Moulding
• Bandsaw for Resawing
• Corded VS Cordless Jigsaw