Ever tried to cut through thick metal with the wrong blade? It feels like trying to saw through concrete with a plastic knife! The buzzing sound, the sparks flying everywhere, and the blade dulling in seconds—it’s frustrating, wastes time, and can even be dangerous. Choosing the right reciprocating saw (often called a Sawzall) blade for metal isn’t just about picking the prettiest package; it’s the difference between a quick, clean cut and a major headache.
The world of metal-cutting blades is packed with confusing terms like TPI, bi-metal, and carbide. If you choose a blade too soft for steel, it will wear out instantly. If you pick one with too few teeth for thin conduit, the blade will chatter and jump. These small choices lead to big problems on the job site or in your garage.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to look for in a Sawzall blade when tackling different types of metal. By the end of this post, you will confidently select the perfect blade every single time. Let’s dive into the essential details that make metal cutting smooth and efficient.
Top Sawzall Blades For Metal Recommendations
- DURABLE BLADE DESIGN: Bi-metal construction delivers blade flexibility and a long-lasting cutting edge
- MADE IN THE U;S;A; WITH GLOBAL MATERIALS
- Made from hardened teeth for maximum durability
- Flexible body resists breaking
- 【Professional 6PCS Cutting Set】Includes 6 pieces of 9-inch 14TPI reciprocating blades, ideal for cutting through steel pipes, rebar, and thick metal sheets. Suitable for professional projects and home use
- 【High-Strength Bi-Metal Material】Constructed from premium bi-metal with enhanced toughness and durability. Provides excellent resistance to heat, wear, and bending during long cutting sessions
- 【Smooth & Accurate Performance】Optimized 14TPI tooth geometry ensures clean, fast, and precise cuts. Reduces vibration and friction for a more stable and comfortable operation experience
- 【Universal Fit Design】Features a standard 1/2-inch shank that fits most reciprocating saws on the market. Simple to attach and remove, allowing quick blade changes while working
- 【Protective Storage Package】Comes in a sturdy case for safe storage and convenient portability. Keeps blades organized, prevents damage, and ensures lasting sharpness for your next task
- Product Specification: 25 pieces of 9 inch 14/18TPI reciprocating saw blades for metal cutting; Saw blade thickness of 0.04 inches, 25 pieces per box, coated with UV new technology, equipped with portable expandable plastic storage box
- Premium Materials: This 25 piece reciprocating saw blade is designed specifically for practical application scenarios. The saw teeth are made of M42 metal containing 8% cobalt, and the saw body is made of D6A metal. This sturdy and durable combination not only extends the service life of metal removal operations, but also has a higher cost-effectiveness
- Widely Used: 14+18 TPI interlocking sharp teeth are suitable for fast linear cutting and easy cutting of medium thickness metal plates with a thickness of 0.1 to 0.125 inches (3 millimeters). They are suitable for cutting steel, PVC pipes, stainless steel, cast iron, bolts, nails, and water pipes, and are essential tools for various cutting needs
- Universal Tool Handle: The 1/2-inch handle is compatible with mainstream reciprocating saw tools on the market, including DeWei, Bosch, Miwoqi, Makita, Baide, Leyou Bi, etc
- Note: Please wear professional protective equipment such as gloves and goggles to ensure your safety. It is recommended to apply lubricating oil or coolant before starting cutting work to extend the service life of the saw blade and make it run more smoothly
- 【Carbide Technology】Up to 50x longer life than bi-metal reciprocating saw blades
- 【Heavy Metal Application】8 teeth per inch teeth design is ideal for cutting all kinds of metal in tough applications, e.g. high-alloy construction steels, stainless steels, rebar and car beams
- 【Ultimate cutting performance】Easy to cut advanced materials where bi-metal blades fail quickly, such as stainless steels, high-alloy steels or hardened steels
- 【Design for Toughest Materials】Each carbide tooth is precision ground and individually welded, provides ultimate flexibility and impact strength needed for heavy duty demolition work
- 【Blade Dimension】6-inch 8 TPI metal cutting (3/16 in. -1/2 in. ), 1/2inch universal shank fits all major sawzall saws such as Bosch, Milwaukee, Black&Decker, Hitachi, Makita, Metabo, Dewalt, Porter Cable, Skil, Rockwell etc
- 8-pack of Professional 6-inch Saw blades for cutting metals up to one-quarter inch in thickness
- Made of high-quality Bi-Metal, specifically engineered for faster cutting and added durability, that will easily cut black pipe, conduit, cold rolled steel, rebar, angle iron, and other metals
- Minimized bending and breaking of blade due to 0.05” thickness. Precision-set teeth yield smooth cuts
- Works with all major reciprocating saw brands such as DeWalt, Makita, Ridgid, Milwaukee, Porter & Cable, Skil, Ryobi, Black & Decker, Bosch, Hitachi, etc.
- Includes a durable clear plastic storage case that won't come apart in your tool bag
- 【EXCELLENT CUTTING SKILLS】- Bi-metal reciprocating saw blades metal with sturdy cobalt edge provide effortless cutting into sheet metal, metal pipe and profile. Blades cut through medium to thick sheet metals 0.1- 0.3 inch (2-8 mm), solid pipes/profiles diameter < 7 inch.
- 【SPECIAL CUTTING】 - with 0.9 thin wall and set teeth design, metal sawzall blades helps to reduce heat built up and maximize your cutting efficiency for heavy metal cuttings
- 【SPEED CUTTING】 - With intensive and high density 14TPI teeth, metal sabre saw blades have longer life and faster cutting speed than other standard bi-metal blades in demolition work
- 【HIGH DENSITY BLADES】 - Unlike other bi-metal material, constructed by high density bi-metal with extra 8% cobalt, metal cutting sawzall blades with better wear-resistance, having longer life span. And reciprocating saw blades for metal cutting more sturdy during cutting thick metal or heavy metal, keeping you safe from sudden broken blades
- 【UNIVERSAL SHANK】 - 1/2 inch shank fits all Sawzall tools on the market including Bosch, Dewalt, Milwaukee Sawzall Saw, SKIL, Makita, Black & Decker, Ryobi, Porter Cable, Hitachi, Flex, Hilti and more
Choosing the Right Sawzall Blades for Metal: A Buyer’s Guide
Sawzall blades, also known as reciprocating saw blades, are essential tools for cutting metal. Picking the right blade makes your job faster and safer. This guide helps you choose the best metal-cutting blade for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
Blade Length and Teeth Per Inch (TPI)
Blades come in different lengths. Longer blades cut deeper materials. Shorter blades offer more control for tight spaces. TPI is very important. It tells you how many teeth are in one inch of the blade.
- Low TPI (10-14 TPI): These blades cut thicker metals quickly. They leave a rougher edge.
- High TPI (18-32 TPI): These blades cut thin sheet metal or conduit smoothly. They cut slower but provide a cleaner finish.
Blade Set and Kerf
The “set” refers to how the teeth bend side-to-side. A wider set clears sawdust better. The “kerf” is the width of the cut the blade makes. Thicker materials often need a wider kerf for easier movement.
Important Materials for Metal Cutting Blades
The material of the blade determines how hard and long it lasts. You must match the blade material to the metal you are cutting.
High-Speed Steel (HSS)
HSS blades are good for cutting softer metals like aluminum or thin steel. They are affordable but wear out faster when cutting very hard materials.
Bi-Metal Blades
Most serious metal cutting uses bi-metal blades. These blades combine two materials. They have a flexible steel body and hardened HSS teeth welded on top. This design makes them durable and shatter-resistant. They handle tougher metals like stainless steel better.
Carbide-Tipped Blades
These are the toughest blades. They have small, super-hard carbide pieces welded onto the blade. Carbide can cut very hard and abrasive metals, like cast iron, without dulling quickly. They cost more but last much longer.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Blade Quality
Blade quality directly affects cutting speed and lifespan. Better quality blades save you time and money in the long run.
Factors That Improve Quality
- Weld Quality: For bi-metal blades, a strong weld between the teeth and the body prevents teeth from breaking off early.
- Tooth Design: Some blades feature variable pitch teeth. This means the spacing between teeth changes along the blade. This design reduces vibration, making the cut smoother and the blade last longer.
- Anti-Corrosion Coating: Coatings protect the blade from rust, especially if you store tools in damp environments.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Thin Backing Material: If the main body of the blade is too thin, the blade flexes too much under pressure. This flexing can cause the blade to snap.
- Improper Heat Treatment: If the teeth are not heated correctly during manufacturing, they become brittle and chip easily when hitting hard metal.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about what you cut most often. This will guide your final decision.
Heavy Demolition and Thick Pipe
When you need to quickly cut through thick steel beams or large diameter pipes, choose a long, robust bi-metal blade with a lower TPI (around 10 or 14). Speed is key here, even if the cut is a little rough.
Plumbing and Electrical Work
For cutting copper pipe, conduit, or thin sheet metal, a medium TPI (14-18) blade works well. You want a good balance of speed and a manageable finish. Bi-metal blades are still recommended for durability.
Precision or Stainless Steel
If you must cut stainless steel or need a very clean edge for delicate work, use a high TPI blade (24 or higher) or a carbide-tipped blade. These minimize burrs and keep the material cooler during the cut.
Sawzall Metal Blade FAQ
Q: What is the best TPI for cutting common steel studs?
A: For standard steel studs, a blade with 14 to 18 TPI offers a good balance of cutting speed and finish quality. This range handles the thickness well.
Q: Can I use a wood-cutting blade on metal?
A: You should never use a wood-cutting blade on metal. Wood blades have very few teeth and the teeth are designed differently. Using them on metal will quickly ruin the blade and can be dangerous because the blade may bind up.
Q: How do I keep my blades cool while cutting?
A: Keep your cutting speed moderate. Let the saw do the work; do not force the blade. Periodically pull the blade out of the cut to allow air to cool both the blade and the workpiece. Cooling prevents the teeth from losing their hardness.
Q: Why do my blades keep breaking near the shank?
A: Breaking near the shank usually means you are applying too much side-to-side pressure, or the blade is flexing too much. Ensure you are using a blade long enough for the material depth, and reduce the forcing pressure.
Q: Are carbide blades worth the extra cost?
A: Yes, if you frequently cut very hard materials like cast iron, hardened steel, or abrasive materials. They last many times longer than standard bi-metal blades in these tough jobs.
Q: What does “variable pitch” mean on a blade?
A: Variable pitch means the distance between the teeth changes along the blade’s length. This design helps reduce vibration and chipping, making the cut smoother and quieter.
Q: Is blade thickness important for metal cutting?
A: Yes, thicker blades provide more rigidity. A thinner blade will bend or warp easily when cutting thick metal, leading to binding or snapping.
Q: How should I store my metal cutting blades?
A: Store blades in a dry place. If they are in a shared toolbox, consider keeping them in a separate plastic case or sleeve. This prevents the sharp teeth from dulling against other tools or rusting.
Q: What is the main difference between HSS and Bi-Metal blades?
A: HSS blades are made entirely of high-speed steel and are best for softer metals. Bi-metal blades have hardened HSS teeth welded onto a flexible body, making them much more durable and shatter-resistant for general metal work.
Q: Should I use oil when cutting thick steel?
A: Applying a small amount of cutting oil or lubricant to the cut line helps significantly when cutting thick steel. The oil cools the blade, reduces friction, and helps the chips clear away, extending the blade’s life.