A reciprocating saw requires a different blade for cutting metals. It requires a blade with higher Teeth/inch (TPI). The TPI is according to the metal you are going to cut. If it’s a thin metal such as sheet metal, an 18 – 24 TPI bi-metal blade will be sufficient.
But for a thicker metal like steel sheet, iron tube or angle irons, you need 14 – 18 TPI bi-metal blades. In the same way, for cutting aluminum, you need 8 – 10 TPI blades.
Remember, stainless steel, cast iron, and other high-density alloys require a good Teetch/inch and strength for refined cutting. So, you can choose an 8 – 10 TPI blade with carbide-tip. When you cut a thick metal with a saw, the blade produces heat. A durable and higher TPI blade can be heat-resistant as compared to an average blade. So, selecting a durable and stable reciprocating saw blade is very important if you want to use it for metal cutting. Here, I have selected some best products for this purpose. Check them all and select your desired one.
Reciprocating Saw Blades for Metal Reviews
1. DEWALT Reciprocating Saw Blades, Metal/Wood Cutting Set, 6-Piece (DW4856)
TPI: 6 – 24
Best For: Wood, Iron, Stainless Steel, Aluminum
Dimension: 6.5 x 6.5 x 0.09 inch
Warranty: 1 Year
It’s a set of six imported metal saw blades. You can use it to cut iron pipes, stainless steel sheets, hardwood, PVC, drywall and other material. The carbide-tip cuts the hard metals in refine form. This set of saw blades is compatible with all reciprocating saws. The raker tooth design of the blades makes the cuts faster.
Pros
- Raker-tooth design
- Refine cutting
- Best for all thick and thin metals
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Pricey
Our Opinion:
It’s a set of six saw blades that are compatible with all types of reciprocating saws. The TPI range is between 6 – 24 that’s perfect for cutting all thick and thin metals, wooden floor, drywall, and plastic. You can use it for cutting all types of material.
2. Milwaukee, 49-22-1129, 9″ L 6 Reciprocating Saw Blade Set
TPI: 22 – 49
Best For: Iron, Wood, PVC
Dimension: 13.8 x 7.9 x 2.3 in
Warranty: 1 Year
This set consists of six reciprocating saw blades. The length of the blades varies from 6 – 9 inches. These blades can cut ferrous, non-ferrous metals, cast iron, plastic, wood, and composition material. The blade thickness is between 0.42 – 0.62 inches for hard metals. The narrow tip allows you to cut the narrow spaces.
Pros
- Good for cutting hard metals
- Multiple sizes of blades
- Narrow tip for refined cutting
Cons
- Not good for cutting aluminum
Our Opinion:
This set of blades is compatible with all reciprocating saws. The wide edge is easy to fit quickly in any saw. The blades are thick and durable while cutting ferrous metals.
3. Freud DS0909CGP3 Diablo 9″ Carbide Tipped General Purpose Reciprocating Blade 9-6 TPI (3/32″-1/4″) (3 Pack)
TPI: 6 – 9
Best For: Ferrous, non-ferrous, iron, aluminum, stainless steel
Dimension: 13.8 x 7.9 x 2.3 in
Warranty: 1 Year
The carbide-tip adds up to 50X more cutting life to the blades. The set consists of 3 blades that are compatible with all reciprocating saws. The Perma-shield non-stick surface is perfect for less friction and heating up. You can use it for refined cutting of all metals including aluminum and stainless steel. Patented Variable-Tooth technology ensures faster cutting without vibration.
Pros
- Best for cutting without vibration
- No heating up issues due to Perma-shield non-stick surface
- Carbide tip for durability
- Ideal for iron, wood, aluminum, and plastic
Cons
- Pricey
Our Opinion:
You can use this set for cutting all hard metals. It has a carbide tip for refined cutting. This saw blade comes in three different TPI to cut different materials.
4. KOWOOD 6-Inch Metal/Wood Saw Blades for Reciprocating/Sawzall Saws/Sabre Saws
TPI: 6 – 24
Best For: Iron, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Wood, Drywall and Plastic
Dimension: 8.5 x 2 x 0 inches
Warranty: N/A
It’s a set of 6 reciprocating saw blades ideal for cutting all types of metals, wood, PVC, drywall and plastic. This professional-grade imported set of blades creates less friction while cutting. It’s compatible with all reciprocating saw brands such as Makita, Skil, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Bosch, Hitachi, and others. The high-quality blades cut with efficiency without creating heat. The carbide-tip delivers refined cutting of hard metals.
Pros
- Carbide-tip
- Best for ferrous/non-ferrous metals, wood, and plastic
- Six high-quality blades with different TPI
Cons
- No warranty
Our Opinion:
These blades are ideal for cutting all types of hard and soft metals. The carbide-tip of the blade delivers excellent performance. One set contains six blades and all of them are compatible with all reciprocating saw brands.
5. Luckyway 28-Piece Reciprocating Saw Blades Set, Sawzall Saw Blades Set, Pruner Saw Blades Set for Wood Metal Cutting
TPI: 6 – 24
Best For: Metals, wood, PVC, Drywall
Dimension: 1.77 x 0.98 x 9.25 in
Warranty: 1 Year
The set consists of 28 blades that are compatible with all reciprocating saws. You can use these blades to cut iron, stainless steel, aluminum, hardwood, softwood, and PVC, etc. The thickness of the metal blade is 2 – 6 inches for refined cutting. The thickness of the blades varies for excellent performance on different surfaces. All blades come with bi-metal tips for smooth cutting of metals. The high-quality carbon steel material of the product ensures less friction and heating issues while cutting metals. These blades are perfect for pruning reciprocating saws.
Pros
- Compatible with all reciprocating brands
- Bi-metal tip for smooth cutting
- Best for ferrous and non-ferrous metals
Cons
- Complicated to choose the right blade
Our Opinion:
The pack consists of 28 reciprocating saw blades for all types of materials. The high-quality material delivers refined cutting experience without friction. It doesn’t create heating issues while cutting metals.
6. Freud DS0914BF25 Steel Demon Bi-Metal Reciprocating Blade,9″
TPI: 14 – 18
Best For: Iron, Stainless Steel
Dimension: 12 x 3 x 2 inches
Warranty: N/A
The pack consists of 25 bi-metal blades for smooth cutting of metals. These blades are compatible with all renowned brands of reciprocating saws. Dual-tooth technology ensures smooth cutting without friction. Full contact arched design delivers faster performance for cutting iron, aluminum, and stainless steel. It’s an ideal product for cutting ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
Pros
- Bi-metal tip
- Smooth cutting of metals
- Thick blades produce less friction
- Fast and refined cutting
Cons
- No warranty
Our Opinion:
The bi-metal tip adds 4 times more durability to the blades. The set of blades is perfect for cutting all types of metals. The high-quality material of the blades ensures less friction and smooth cutting.
7. 6-Inch 14TPI Heavy Duty Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blades
TPI: 14
Best For: Iron, Stainless Steel, Aluminum
Dimension: 7.9 x 3.9 x 0.4 inches
Warranty: N/A
This set contains 10 reciprocating saw blades. The heavy-duty material creates less friction and delivers smooth cutting. You can use it for cutting thick sheet metal around 3 – 8 mm, solid pipes, iron, aluminum, and stainless steel. It’s made of high-quality bi-metal for high performance and durability. The blades are compatible with all renowned brands of reciprocating saws.
Pros
- High-quality material
- Best for cutting thick metal sheets
- Ideal for all reciprocating saws
Cons
- No warranty
- Not good for wood cutting
Our Opinion:
It’s 4 times durable than other brands due to the high-quality material. The bi-metal tip delivers refined cutting. You can use it to cut up to 8mm thick sheets of iron, aluminum, and stainless steel.
Buying Guide
Reciprocating saws are an increasingly popular tool used for demolition, remodeling, and even some carpentry jobs. Usually powered by a 12-volt power cord, the saws can cut through just about anything, from wood to metal. That being said, not all blades are made equal. (A blade is different than a saw, which is a generic term for reciprocating saws and chainsaws. The blade is a saw’s cutting surface, usually made of steel.)
In the past, choosing a blade meant selecting the right tooth style, or a number of teeth per inch, for the job. But now, newer style blades can help you make a more informed decision than ever before.
Durability
The best blades for metal are also ones that have a good balance between durability and sharpness, and these blades have a hardness of between 51 and 52 HRC. The Andis #10 Ultra-Coated Bi-Metal Sawzall Blades are the best Sawzall blades for metal because they can cut through anything you throw at them, and they are super sharp, but they also have durability to last for a long time.
Types of Blade
A reciprocating saw is one of the most versatile power tools available, and it can be used for many different jobs. The saw works by using a back-and-forth motion, which is why it’s also known as a “saber saw.” If you plan to use your saw to cut through metal, you will need to use a special type of blade, called a “cut-off blade.” This type of blade is different from the standard saw blade that you would use for wood because it’s made of a harder material that can withstand the heat generated through the friction caused by cutting through metal.
If you plan to cut metal, then you should consider getting a reciprocating saw. It is a tool that is used to cut through wood, plastic, and some metals. However, a reciprocating saw is not a tool that can be used for any metal. There are different types of metals that need different types of reciprocating saws. For example, if you want to cut thin sheets of metal, a regular reciprocating saw may be enough. However, if you want to cut thick metal, then you need a saw that is designed for thicker metals. Some reciprocating saws are designed to cut metal pipes, so you may need one of those if you want to cut pipes.
Thickness of Blade
Reciprocating saws are used by do-it-yourself handymen and professionals in cutting through a variety of materials. The blades may be made of steel, magnesium, or diamond. Each type of blade has its pros and cons. For example, a magnesium blade cuts through steel faster and requires less power than a steel blade. However, a magnesium blade is more likely to get stuck in thick steel and break. A diamond blade, on the other hand, will not get stuck in thick steel, but it needs more power to run.
Length of Blade
Most woodworkers and DIYers think of the reciprocating saw (or Sawzall) as a tool for rough cutting, or maybe even demolition. That is because the teeth on most reciprocating saw blades have a coarse pitch that makes quick work of wood. However, the blades that have finer pitches and allow the reciprocating saw to cut in both directions (referred to as bi-directional) make the tool an ideal choice for quickly and accurately cutting thin metal.
Teeth per Inch
When planning a project that requires cutting metal (like drywall or pipes) in a tight space, you want to be sure to have the right tool for the job. This is why you need the right reciprocating saw! (Here’s a hint: using a saw that is too small can actually make the job harder.) To determine what size saw you need, you first need to figure out how you’re going to be cutting and the thickness of the metal you’ll be cutting through. Measuring the thickness of metal is as easy as measuring the length and width of the area you’ll be cutting. Then, you’ll need to measure how thick the material you’re cutting through will be.
FAQ
What are the best reciprocating saw blades for metal?
The best reciprocating saw blades for metal are capable of cutting through various materials, such as wood, plastic, and flat sheets of metal. They are easy to use and come with plenty of different features.
Who makes the best Sawzall blades for metal?
The best Sawzall blades for metal are ones that can cut through any metal you throw at them, like the Andis #10 Ultra-Coated Bi-Metal Sawzall Blades.
Can a reciprocating saw cut metal?
Of course, you want to make sure you have the right recip saw for this job. The Milwaukee 2280-20 M18 Sawzall® with Star Protection™ cuts up to 2-3/4″ AC 2x material and 4″ AC plywood. Plus, it’s extremely lightweight at only 3.2 pounds, so you’ll be able to work comfortably for hours with this tool.
What is the best metal cutting blade?
We all know that the size of the blade is directly proportional to the size of the metal you want to cut. But what is the best metal cutting blade? Well, that depends a lot on the kind of work that you do. When it comes to metal cutting, a blade is a workhorse and you need a blade that can make the job easier for you.
How thick of metal can a Sawzall cut?
The Sawzall is quite a hefty tool, and it can cut through a variety of materials. Still, there is a limit to how many times you can change the blade and how thick of metal a Sawzall can cut. The blade is the most important part of a reciprocating saw. If the blade is dull, you aren’t going to get the same cutting power and results as a sharp blade will provide.
Can a Sawzall cut hardened steel?
If you have access to a hardened steel pipe that’s the same diameter as your saw’s blade and you’re looking to make a quick cut, we suggest using a hacksaw—the reciprocating saw is just too much.
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