Which Reciprocating Saw Blade Should You Use?

On this page (8 sections)

1. Which reciprocating saw blade should you use for each material?
2. What TPI should a reciprocating saw blade have?
3. What blade should you use for pruning branches?
4. How long should the blade be?
5. Does blade material matter?
6. How do you choose a blade for demolition?
7. How do you avoid binding and breaking a blade?
8. Which reciprocating saw blade should you use for your job?

Use a coarse reciprocating saw blade with fewer teeth per inch for wood and pruning, and a finer blade with more teeth per inch for metal. Match blade length and material to the cut, then check that the shank fits your saw.

The right blade can make a cut easier to control and reduce binding. For general jobs, a mixed set gives you more options; for a specific task, choose a blade built for that material.

Which reciprocating saw blade should you use for each material?

Use a wood blade for wood, a fine-tooth blade for metal, and a pruning blade for branches. For demolition that may include nails, choose a blade designed for general-purpose or demolition cuts.

TPI means teeth per inch. A lower TPI blade has larger gaps between teeth and is often suited to faster, rougher cuts in wood, while a higher TPI blade is a better starting point for metal.

The material and thickness matter as much as the tooth count. Follow the blade maker's instructions, secure the work, and use eye protection.

What TPI should a reciprocating saw blade have?

Choose fewer teeth per inch for wood and more teeth per inch for metal. The correct range depends on the material and the cut, so use the blade's stated purpose as your guide.

A 6 TPI blade is a coarse choice for wood. A 14 or 18 TPI blade is finer and may suit metal work; the DeWalt mixed sets below include blades in those tooth counts.

Which reciprocating saw blade TPI suits metal?

A 14 or 18 TPI blade can suit metal cutting, depending on the material and blade design. TOLESA's 9-inch metal blades have 14 TPI and are described for sheet metal, pipe, and profiles.

This set may suit a reader who needs several matching blades for metal work. TOLESA states that the blades have an 8% cobalt edge and a universal 1/2-inch shank.

Avoid using a metal blade as a shortcut for every material. A blade that is too fine for wood can cut slowly and clog with chips.

For a saw choice matched to metal jobs, see our guide to reciprocating saws for cutting metal. If the job is pipe or bolts and you are weighing tool types, read reciprocating saw vs hacksaw.

Which blade is better for wood with nails?

A bi-metal blade made for general-purpose or demolition cutting is a practical choice for wood that may contain nails. Bi-metal blades combine flexibility with a durable cutting edge, though they can still wear or break if twisted.

The DeWalt set includes 6 TPI wood blades, 18 TPI metal blades, and a 10 TPI demolition blade. That mix can help when a project moves between wood and metal.

Choose a dedicated blade if you know the material and cut. A mixed set is useful when the job may change, but it does not remove the need to pick the right blade each time.

What blade should you use for pruning branches?

Use a coarse pruning blade with enough length to reach through the branch. Keep the blade aligned with the cut and avoid heavy side pressure, which can stress a long blade.

EZARC's blades have an arc edge, Japanese-style teeth, and deep gullets. The brand describes them for wet and dry wood, green timber, and firewood, with a stated cutting capacity up to 300 mm in diameter.

Check compatibility before choosing this set: EZARC says these blades are not compatible with Ryobi reciprocating saws. For saw options suited to yard work, see best reciprocating saws for pruning branches.

How long should the blade be?

Pick a blade long enough to pass through the material while keeping several teeth engaged. A longer blade can reach farther, but it can flex more than a shorter one.

For ordinary lumber cuts, a blade that only extends a little beyond the material is easier to control. For thick branches or hard-to-reach cuts, extra length may help if you keep the blade supported and straight.

Don't use a blade as a lever. Twisting or pushing sideways can bend or break it, especially when the blade extends far past the saw.

Does blade material matter?

Yes. Bi-metal construction is a useful option for varied jobs because it pairs blade flexibility with a durable cutting edge.

Bi-metal sets can cover more than one material, but the individual blade still needs to match the cut. Use a wood blade for wood and a metal blade for metal rather than treating the set as a single all-purpose blade.

The DeWalt set contains 6-inch blades for general-purpose wood and heavy metal, plus 8-inch metal and 9-inch wood blades. It may suit home projects that shift between these materials.

For a single material, compare the included blade types before choosing a set. If you only cut branches, the pruning blades above are a closer match.

How do you choose a blade for demolition?

Choose a demolition or general-purpose blade that can handle the material mix, including possible nails. Confirm the blade is intended for the material you expect to cut.

A demolition cut is usually rough, so a fine finish is not the goal. Keep the shoe against the work when possible, let the saw do the cutting, and avoid forcing the blade around hidden obstructions.

A mixed set can provide a wood blade and finer metal blades for varied work. For help using the saw safely and steadily, read how to properly use a reciprocating saw.

How do you avoid binding and breaking a blade?

Keep the blade aligned with the cut, supported, and free of side pressure. Binding can happen when the material closes around the blade or the blade twists in the cut.

Clamp loose work when practical. For branches, support the piece so it does not pinch the blade as the cut finishes.

Stop if the blade binds, then switch off the saw and free it without forcing the tool. Wear eye protection and follow the saw and blade instructions.

Which reciprocating saw blade should you use for your job?

For wood, start with a coarse 6 TPI blade; for metal, consider a finer 14 or 18 TPI blade suited to the material. Choose a pruning blade for branches, and a bi-metal demolition blade when wood may contain nails.

Pick a mixed DeWalt set if your projects move between wood and metal. Choose the TOLESA blades for metal-focused work or EZARC's longer pruning blades for branches, after checking saw compatibility.

For a broader overview of what a reciprocating saw is good for, see the jobs the tool can handle before choosing a blade.

Frequently asked questions

What reciprocating saw blade should I use for wood?

Use a coarse wood blade with fewer teeth per inch for faster cuts through lumber and branches. For wood with nails or mixed demolition, choose a blade made for general-purpose or demolition work, and expect a rougher cut than a fine-tooth blade would make.

What TPI reciprocating saw blade is best for metal?

A higher tooth count, such as 14 or 18 teeth per inch, suits many metal cuts because more teeth stay engaged with the material. Match the blade to the metal's thickness and type, secure the work, and use the blade maker's guidance for the material.

How long should a reciprocating saw blade be?

Choose a blade long enough to pass through the material while keeping several teeth engaged in the cut. Extra length can help with reach or thick branches, but a long blade can flex more, so avoid twisting or pushing sideways.

Do reciprocating saw blades fit every saw?

Many blades use a universal 1/2-inch shank, but check the saw and blade instructions before buying. Compatibility can vary by model; for example, EZARC says its 15-inch pruning blades do not fit Ryobi reciprocating saws.