The 10 Best Reciprocating Saw Blades in 2023 – Buying Guide and Reviews

Are you struggling to choose the best reciprocating saw blade for your project? Look no further than our in-depth buying guide and review of the top 10 best reciprocating saw blades for whatever project you have coming up.

By reading this article, you’ll gain valuable knowledge about what to look for in a reciprocating saw blade and how to select the right one for your needs.

We’ll also provide an objective analysis of the pros and cons of each blade, allowing you to make a well-informed decision. With the right blade, you’ll be able to tackle a wide range of cutting tasks with ease, whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast.

But if you’re in a rush, here’s a quick roundup of the best reciprocating saw blades:

Blade Sets

• Top Pick – DEWALT 12-Piece Reciprocating Saw Blade Set DW4892
• Milwaukee 49-22-1129 Sawzall 12-Piece Reciprocating Saw Blade Set
• DEWALT 6-Piece Reciprocating Saw Blade Set DW4856
• Makita 723086-A-A 6-Piece Reciprocating Saw Blade Set

For Wood

• Top Pick – Bosch 12-inch 5 TPI Reciprocating Saw Blades RP125
• SKILSAW SPT2004-05 6-inch 5-8 TPI Reciprocating Saw Blade
• Bosch RW66 6-inch TPI Reciprocating Saw Blade

For Metal

• Top Pick – Freud DS0909CGP3 Diablo 9-inch Carbide General Purpose Reciprocating Saw Blade
• Diablo DS008CD 9-inch Steel Demon Carbide Reciprocating Saw Blade
• Bosch RM618 6-inch 18T Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blade

Our Top Picks for Best Reciprocating Saw Blades in 2023

To make selection easier, I’ve divided these saw blades into 3 main areas. If you’re after a blade for cutting wood or metal, be sure to skip to the right section.

I evaluate each blade based on the most important buying criteria, which I discuss more below.

Here are my top picks for the best reciprocating saw blades in 2023.

Best Reciprocating Saw Blade Set

If you often find yourself reaching for your reciprocating saw, for a range of jobs, it might make sense for you to look into reciprocating saw bald set. A decent set will cover a range of tooth counts, profiles and sizes. Making sure you’re ready, no matter what the job or the material.

Top Pick – DEWALT 12-Piece Reciprocating Saw Blade Set DW4892

Before finding the DEWALT DW482 set, I was unsure whether there was a complete set of high-quality saw blades for all needs. Well, luckily this set catered for all my needs.

It comes with 12 blades that are suitable for cutting both wood and metal, along with a 9” demolition blade. The TPI for the blades ranges from 6 to 18 depending on the application.

The blades are bi-metal, meaning they’re strong yet flexible. Importantly, it also means the cutting edge stays sharper for longer so you won’t have to replace them as often.

They’re suitable for any reciprocating saw that takes Sawzall blades, making them pretty versatile. Perhaps my favorite feature is that they come with a carrying case, allowing you to keep them ordered in your toolkit.

My only real critique is that the blades’ flexibility can make it difficult to cut through harder materials. But once you’re aware of this you just need to cut with more care and then it won’t be an issue.

Overall, the DEWALT DW4892 set is ideal for anyone who needs a completely new set of blades. They’re a particularly good choice for someone who’s just picked up a new reciprocating saw they need to kit out.

You can find out more information and check current prices at the link below.

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Milwaukee 49-22-1129 Sawzall 12-Piece Reciprocating Saw Blade Set

While looking for a good all-round saw blade set, the Milwaukee 49-22-1129 stood out as a particular highlight. It comes with 12 blades for cutting everything from wood and PVC to ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

The blades range from 0.042” to 0.062” depending on the overall size. This extra thickness gives you plenty of blade strength, even when cutting hard or thick materials. You get even more strength and stability from the blades’ 1” height.

The TPI ranges from 5 to 14 depending on the application, meaning you have plenty of versatility. Also, most of the blades have narrow tips, which make it much easier to cut in small spaces.

As a Sawzall set, you’ll find they fit in most reciprocating saws so the model you own shouldn’t limit you. Also, they come with a carry pouch for easy storage in your toolkit.

The only downside of these blades is that they can dull quite quickly when cutting steel or aluminum. But considering they’re relatively inexpensive, they’re still good value for money.

The Milwaukee 49-22-1129 blade set is good value for money and covers all your needs. If you need to cut lots of metal, consider a dedicated blade set, but this one is great for DIYers to use around the home.

Click the link below for more information and to check current prices.

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DEWALT 6-Piece Reciprocating Saw Blade Set DW4856

If you like the sound of the above DEWALT set but don’t need as many blades, the DEWALT DW4856 is for you.

It contains 6 blades that cover all major applications, including wood, drywall, metal, plastic, and demolition. You have a TPI range of 6 to 24 and all blades are 6” in length.

Like the other set, these blades are bi-metal for strength and flexibility. Importantly, this also keeps the cutting edge sharper for longer, meaning you don’t have to replace them as often.

DEWALT has improved their teeth shape for better chip removal compared to previous generations. This helps to keep your worksite clear and improves overall precision.

The major downside, like the other set, is that the blades bend when cutting hard materials. Again, if you cut with care this shouldn’t be a major issue.

The DEWALT DW4856 set is good if you need a completely new set of blades for your reciprocating saw. While you don’t get the same flexibility as the DW4892 set, there are more than enough blades to handle standard cutting jobs.

Check current prices by clicking the link below.

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Makita 723086-A-A 6-Piece Reciprocating Saw Blade Set

Makita always offers quality products. Before finding the Makita 723086-A-A set, I wondered whether their blades would continue the company’s standards. Well, they do.

You’ll find 6 blades in the set, giving you plenty of flexibility over cutting jobs. The TPI ranges from 6 to 18 along with a progressive teeth setup. In short, they’re ideal for any cutting job.

The blades are bi-metal so the cutting edge will stay sharper for longer. Also, the front teeth are centered for more efficient and precise plunge cuts, which is always a useful feature.

My only critique of these blades is that they’re a bit on the short side. While this isn’t a major problem, it might limit their use in professional settings because you can cut through as thick materials.

The Makita 723086-A-A is ideal for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts, but might not be as useful for professionals. But if you need good reciprocating saw blades for around the home, you could do a lot worse than Makita.

Click the link below to check current prices and find more information.

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Best Reciprocating Saw Blade for Wood

If you and out and out woodworker perhaps a blade set is more than you need. Whether you’re ripping, rough cutting, trimming, or even pruning trees, I’m certain the best saw blade for you is in my list below.

Top Pick – Bosch 12-inch 5 TPI Reciprocating Saw Blades RP125

Before finding the Bosch RP125, I was on the hunt for a woodcutting blade that was long enough to handle any job I put in front of it. As 12” long, this one can certainly handle it all.

It’s ideal for deep cuts into all types of wood thanks to its extra-long blade. Whether you’re pruning trees or cutting lumber, 12” is more than enough for the job.

The blade has 5 TPI, which is enough for making light work of wood. Bosch has added Turbo-Teeth technology, which keeps the blade sharper for longer, meaning you get much better value for your money.

One drawback about this blade is that the extra length means it bends more easily when cutting large pieces of wood. But if you cut with care, this shouldn’t be much of an issue.

• Blade can bend when taking on larger bits of wood.

The Bosch RP125 is ideal for cutting wood and pruning trees. It’ll make fast work of any job but just be careful when using on larger bits of wood or big branches.

You can find out more information and check current prices by clicking the link below.

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SKILSAW SPT2004-05 6-inch 5-8 TPI Reciprocating Saw Blade

One of the major benefits of the SKILSAW SPT2004-05 is that it’s designed to not just cut clean wood. The blade is capable of handling wood with nails, meaning you don’t have to switch between cutting jobs.

The bi-metal blade has a TPI of 5-8, which is ideal for the intended demolition application. The material also helps the cutting edge to stay sharp for longer, improving the blade’s lifespan.

Also, the blade is thicker and longer than usual, again because of its demolition purpose. This provides more strength and stability, making difficult cutting jobs easier.

At 6” in length, this blade is fine for most woodcutting jobs, particularly demolition jobs. While the blade won’t be long enough for major cutting jobs, it’ll do fine for most things around the home.

The SKILSAW SPT2004-05 is ideal for DIY work around the home and is specifically designed for construction work. Professionals might choose to look elsewhere for a longer blade, but otherwise this one ticks all the boxes.

Click the link below to check current prices and get more information.

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Bosch RW66 6-inch 6 TPI Reciprocating Saw Blade

Bosch always impresses with their tools and blades, and the RW66 is no exception. This 6” woodcutting reciprocating saw blade makes easy work of any job.

It’s made from high-carbon steel, which is fine for cutting wood. While it won’t remain sharp as long as bi-metal, this is less of a problem considering its intended purpose.

The blade has 6 TPI and a 5-degree tilt angle for faster cutting. It’s compatible with most reciprocating saws, which is always a benefit if you want to stick with a quality brand like Bosch.

A minor – yet useful – feature is that the blade is color-coded gray. This makes it easy to identify woodcutting blades in your toolkit, meaning less downtime when switching blades.

The only real drawback is the blade’s material. It doesn’t stay sharp as long as other blades on this list, so if you’ll be doing lots of cutting, choose a different model. But if you only need it occasionally, a high-carbon steel blade will be fine.

The Bosch RW66 reciprocating saw blade is ideal for occasional use around the home. But if you’re a professional with plenty of wood cutting ahead of you, opt for a bi-metal blade.

You can find out more information and check current prices by clicking the link below.

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Best Reciprocating Saw Blade for Metal

If you’re looking to cut metal, you’re going to want to pick a blade with smaller teeth and a higher tooth count. Here I’ll cover the blades designed to make the cut.

Freud DS0909CGP3 Diablo 9-inch Carbide General Purpose Reciprocating Saw Blade

I was on the search for a general purpose reciprocating saw blade that excelled at cutting metal. Usually, you find all-purpose blades lack the strength to take on hard cutting jobs efficiently. Well, the Freud DS0909CGP3 ticks all the right boxes.

It has a variable teeth pattern for less vibration when cutting. This is particularly useful when cutting metal and makes a difference both to accuracy and health and safety.

The blade is made from carbide, which means it lasts a lot longer than other blade types. This is particularly important when cutting metal because it puts more strain on the blade.

You’ll also find a non-stick coating on the blade, which results in less gumming and friction. Again, this means cleaner, more efficient cuts. The blades have a unique plunge tip, which you won’t need for cutting metal, but does help when cutting wood.

My one critique about this blade is that it sits at a higher price point than others. But considering the quality and cutting ability, it’s worth the investment. Also, you get 3 in the pack, and each one lasts ages.

Overall, the Freud DS0909CGP3 is a great reciprocating saw blade for cutting metal. It’ll suit both professionals and DIYers, and the carbide teeth will see you through plenty of cutting jobs.

Click the link below for more information and to check current prices.

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Diablo DS0908CF 9-inch Steel Demon Carbide Reciprocating Saw Blade

If you need to cut thick bits of metal with your reciprocating saw, you need a specialist blade. The Diablo DS0908CF is the blade for you thanks to its great design and build quality.

It’s carbide-tipped for greater sharpness and lifespan. Also, the blade height is oversized to 1”, which means straighter cuts and less vibration when cutting through metal.

The blade has 8 TPI, which is more than enough for cutting metal. It’ll go through metal up to 9/16” thick with very little problem; just make sure you have a quality saw to back it up!

The only real drawback of this blade is that, unlike others on this list, you only get a single blade in the pack. This makes it pricier than most but it’s completely justified by how well it cuts through metal.

The Diablo DS0908CF is a great choice if you need to cut thick metal quickly and easily. While a more expensive entry on this list, it’s definitely worth the investment because of how quickly it’ll get the job done.

You can find out more information and check current prices by clicking the link below.

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Bosch RM618 6-inch Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blade

With Bosch, you know you’re always getting quality. Their RM618 6-inch metal cutting blade is no exception to this rule.

It has 18 TPI, which is more than the other metal cutting blades on this list. While the teeth are smaller, it still makes light work of both ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

The blade length is 6”, and although you won’t be able to cut very thick bits of metal, it’ll go through pipes and thinner sheet metal with no problem. The bi-metal construction gives it plenty of lifespan too.

To add to this, the blade has a 3-degree tilt angle and pair-setting geometry for faster, more efficient cuts. Considering it’s designed for metal, these features make pretty much any cutting job super easy.

My major critique is that the blades are on the thin side. While this isn’t always a problem, it can result in some flex when cutting hard materials. Providing you’re aware of this, it shouldn’t be a massive issue.

The Bosch RM618 is a decent blade for cutting metal. It’s ideal for DIYers but might be a bit on the small side for professionals with regular metal cutting jobs on their hands.

Click the link below for more information and to check current prices.

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What to Look for When Choosing the Best Reciprocating Saw Blade

The major consideration when choosing a reciprocating saw blade is the cutting job you have in mind. Metal and wood require different blades, so be sure to choose the right type for your needs.

Use this comprehensive buying guide to narrow down your selection, as there are plenty of other important points to bear in mind.

Material

Reciprocating saw blades are made from a variety of materials. Each one is better suited to a particular cutting job, and some are superior for regular cutting because of their longevity.

Not all reciprocating saw blades are the same. For example, cutting metal requires a harder and sharper blade than wood, while very brittle materials like ceramic and glass need an abrasive strip rather than teeth. It’s vital to know the right kind of blade you need to get the best results.

High-Speed Steel (HSS)

HSS refers to a method of tempering steel that makes it more durable. HSS blades are harder and more heat resistant, making them useful for cutting metal and hardwood.

But HSS blades aren’t flexible and can be prone to breaking when tackling larger pieces of material. Even so, the teeth stay sharp for up to 5 times longer than high-carbon steel, for example.

High-Carbon Steel (HCS)

HCS is another steel treatment method, this time by increasing its carbon content. They’re the most common type of reciprocating saw blade and are usually the cheapest option.

The high carbon content makes them more flexible but also makes them prone to dulling faster. For this reason, they’re better suited for cutting softwood, plasterboard, and plastic.

Bi-Metal 

Bi-metal blades combine a HCS body with HSS teeth. This gives them the right level of flexibility in the body and enough heat resistance and durability in the teeth. In short, they’re the best of both worlds.

While on the more expensive side, the blades last 10 times longer than a HCS blade. They’re also versatile and are suitable for both hard and soft materials. Whether for regular or occasional use, you’ll always get your money’s worth out of a bi-metal blade.

Bi-metal blades are the saw blades that make the smoothest cut. This is because they combine the strength and flexibility of HSS and HCS without any of the major drawbacks. They’ll cut smoothly through almost any material you have in mind.

Carbide-Tipped

These are another type of bi-metal blade but use carbide on the teeth tips. Using either tungsten carbide or titanium carbide gives them amazing durability and heat resistance.

Carbide-tipped blades can last up to 20 times longer than other bi-metal blades thanks to the hardness of the material. They’re ideal for cutting thick metal, such as cast iron or stainless steel, making them the metal cutter’s blade of choice.

Carbide Grit

Unlike other blades that have teeth, carbide grit blades are straight with an abrasive strip along the edge. They usually use tungsten carbide for improved durability and cutting.

You’d use a carbide grit blade on materials such as ceramic, tiles, brick, marble and so on. The purpose is to cut through fragile or brittle materials without breaking them.

Diamond-Coated

As you’d expect, diamond-coated saw blades are the most expensive type available. Like carbide grit blades, they use an abrasive strip with diamond grit for cutting through very brittle materials.

They’re ideal for tackling materials such as glass or ceramic that wouldn’t be possible with a toothed blade. But you can also take on hard materials like cement that would be almost impossible for other blade types. Not only will they cut faster than carbide grit, but they’ll also last up to 20 times longer.

Choosing the Right Blade

To choose a reciprocating saw blade, you should ensure it’s harder than the material you want to cut. Also, you need to consider the material you’re cutting. Harder or more brittle materials need different treatment, while softer materials will get ripped apart by a very hard blade.

You can use a reciprocating saw to cut tree branches, providing they’re small enough. The best type of blade would be bi-metal, as this is strong and flexible enough for the job. For best results, don’t try to cut branches thicker than 12 inches in diameter.

Blade Length

Blade length is important when selecting the right blade for your cutting job. Reciprocating saw blades range from 3 to 12” in length. The most common sizes you’ll find are 6”, 9”, and 12”.

Small blades are more rigid and give you straighter cuts. This makes them ideal for tackling plunge cuts, copper pipe, and sheet metal.

Longer blades are usually more flexible, which is useful for making flush cuts and tackling thicker materials. Long blades also deal with heat better because they have more surface area across which it can dissipate.

Choose a longer blade for demolition work, pruning, and most DIY jobs.

You should always choose a blade that’s longer than the thickness of the material you plan to cut. As a general rule, aim for 2-3” longer than the material’s width. A longer blade means less slipping and binding when cutting.

But going too long can lead to more vibration and wobble, meaning less accuracy. For example, you wouldn’t choose a 12” blade to cut through a 1” copper pipe. 

Blade Width

Blade width is less important than length but is still worth considering for some jobs. Importantly, wider blades are more stable and are less prone to bending.

This means less vibration when cutting, making them better suited for heavy-duty cutting jobs. For example, you’d want a wider blade when taking on something like cast iron, while it wouldn’t be as important for pruning a branch.

A wide blade is up to 1”, while a standard blade falls somewhere between 1/2” and 3/4”. Blades less than 1/2” in width are used for finer cuttings, such as detail work or scroll cutting.

For general DIY use, a standard blade up to 3/4” wide will be fine. If you plan on cutting thick metal, opt for a wider blade.

Blade Thickness

As with width, thicker blades mean less bending and reduced vibration. You’d want to select a thicker blade for demolition work, metal cutting, or ripping through wood with nails in it. 

Reciprocating saw blades widths typically include:

• 0.035”
• 0.042”
• 0.05”
• 0.062”

The thinnest blades are considered standard use and are fine for general cutting jobs. The thickest blades are heavy duty and are better for cutting thick metal or hard materials.

Blade Shape

The only thing you need to consider with blade shape is the type of cut you need to make. If you’re doing plunge cuts, choose a blade that’s sloped or has a notched tip.

Straight blades are better for edge cutting. But most general-purpose blades are straight with a notched tip, making them suitable for both types of cut.

Teeth Per Inch (TPI)

Along with blade material and length, TPI is probably one of the most important factors to consider. As the name implies, it measures how many teeth the saw blade has per inch.

TPI typically ranges from 3 to 24. Low TPI blades cut the fastest but also the roughest. A TPI below 11 is best for wood and demolition, and below 8 is fine for pruning.

Nail-embedded wood needs a TPI between 8 and 11.

High TPI blades cut slower, but remove less material with each pass and so leave a smoother edge. A TPI between 12 and 18 is ideal for cutting metal or smoother cuts in wood.

A TPI of 18 to 24 is solely for cutting metal.

Some blades will have a TPI of something like 5/8. This is called a combination or variable blade, and you might use it for cutting something like nail-embedded wood.

A combination blade allows you to change the TPI depending on how you position the blade. You might use this for switching between metal and wood, for example.

More teeth on a saw blade isn’t always better. It mainly depends on the material you’re cutting and how smooth the cutting edge needs to be. If you’re making quick, rough cuts, the last thing you want is too many teeth on your saw blade. 

Conclusion

Hopefully this article has helped you narrow down your choice for the best reciprocating saw blade.

My overall top choice is the DEWALT 12-Piece Reciprocating Saw Blade Set DW4892. This is because it provides versatility and quality, and means you’ll always have the right saw blade for the job.

Of course, if you need a specific wood or metal saw blade, be sure to review my top picks for those too.

If none of these blades suit your needs, use the buying guide to make an informed selection from the choices available.

Do you have a particular reciprocating saw blade that’s always your go-to? Let me know in the comments below.