What are the best reciprocating saw blades?

Are you tired of reciprocating saw blades snapping or going dull right in the middle of a tough job? It wastes time and money. Let’s find a blade that works as hard as you do.

The "best" reciprocating saw blades are not from a single brand. Instead, they are defined by their specific design for the job: Carbide-tipped for durability, Bi-Metal for versatility, and the correct TPI (Teeth Per Inch) and thickness for the material you are cutting.

Choosing a reciprocating saw blade can feel overwhelming. There are so many lengths, materials, and tooth counts. It is easy to just grab any pack and hope for the best. But a little knowledge can completely change your results. As a manufacturer of cutting tools¹, I know that success comes from matching the blade to the task. It’s not about finding one "do-it-all" blade. It is about understanding the
key features that make a blade perform well for a specific demolition, metal cutting², or pruning job³. Let’s break down those features so you can cut faster, cleaner, and with fewer broken blades.

What is the longest lasting reciprocating saw blade?

Is there anything more frustrating than a blade dying halfway through a cut? Constantly changing blades slows down your momentum and eats into your profits. There is a clear winner for durability.

Without a doubt, carbide-tipped reciprocating saw blades are the longest-lasting option available. The extreme hardness of carbide allows these blades to cut through very tough materials like cast iron, stainless steel, and hardened alloys for much longer than standard Bi-Metal blades.

In our factory, we produce both Bi-Metal⁴ and carbide blades, and the difference in durability is incredible. The secret lies in the material science. Most blades are Bi-Metal, which means they have a flexible spring steel body bonded to a strip of harder High-Speed Steel (HSS) for the teeth. This is a great, cost-effective design for general-purpose use. However, when you cut through very abrasive or hard materials, those HSS teeth will wear down. Carbide blades solve this problem. We take a similar flexible steel body and braze individual teeth made of tungsten carbide onto it. Carbide is exceptionally hard and heat-resistant, so it holds its sharp edge much longer when cutting difficult materials. Thicker blades, often labeled as "demolition" or "demo" blades, also resist bending and breaking better, adding to their overall lifespan.

Which saw blade makes the smoothest cut?

Are you making cuts in material where the finish actually matters? A rough, splintered edge from a demolition blade can ruin a piece of plywood or plastic pipe, creating extra cleanup work.

For the smoothest possible cut with a reciprocating saw, you need a blade with a high TPI (Teeth Per Inch), typically 14 TPI or more. These fine-toothed blades take smaller bites, reducing chipping and tear-out in materials like plastic, laminate, and some metals.

Let’s be clear: a reciprocating saw is a demolition tool, not a fine woodworking tool. If you need a perfectly smooth, cabinet-grade finish, you should use a circular saw or a jigsaw. However, you can absolutely get a much cleaner cut by choosing the right blade. The key is the TPI, or Teeth Per Inch. A low TPI, like 6 TPI, has large, aggressive teeth. It cuts very fast but leaves a very rough edge. A high TPI, like 18 or 24 TPI, has many small teeth. Each tooth removes a tiny amount of material. This results in a slower cut but a much cleaner finish. Your technique also matters. Many saws have an "orbital action" setting that makes the blade move in a slight orbit. This makes cuts faster but much rougher. For a cleaner cut, always turn the orbital action off.

Are Diablo Sawzall blades the best?

You see the red Diablo blades in every store. Their marketing is excellent, and they have a strong reputation. But does that automatically make them the best value for your money?

Diablo makes very good, reliable blades. However, they are not your only option for top-tier quality. Many specialized factories, like ours in China, produce blades with identical performance that are sold under different brand names or directly to buyers, often at a better price.

This question gets to the heart of the global tool industry. As a manufacturer with nearly 30 years of experience, I know this world very well. Diablo has built a fantastic brand, and their products are consistent. But where do those products come from? Many leading American and European brands do not manufacture their own consumable products like saw blades. They partner with expert OEM/ODM manufacturers like us. They give us the exact specifications—the type of steel, the grade of carbide, the welding technique, the paint color—and we produce the blades for them. The blade we make for a famous brand is often functionally identical to the blade we produce for an industrial buyer under our own brand, RL. The real difference is that when you buy the famous brand, you are also paying for their large marketing and distribution costs. There is no single "best" brand. The "best" product is the one that gives you the highest performance for the most reasonable cost. That often means looking directly to the source, to countries with strong industrial manufacturing⁵ capabilities.

Are reciprocating saw blades all the same?

Facing a wall of blades, it can be tempting to just grab a cheap variety pack. After all, they all fit the saw, right? But this way of thinking leads to broken blades and poor results.

No, reciprocating saw blades are absolutely not all the same. They are highly specialized tools that differ in material (Bi-Metal, Carbide), length, thickness, and TPI (Teeth Per Inch). Using the wrong blade for the job is the #1 cause of poor cutting performance.

From a manufacturing perspective, a blade for cutting wood is a completely different tool than a blade for cutting stainless steel. Treating them as interchangeable is a mistake. Let’s break down the key differences you must pay attention to.

1. Blade Material

This is the most critical factor.

• Bi-Metal: Your all-around choice for wood, PVC, and softer metals. Flexible and shatter-resistant.
• Carbide Tipped: The premium choice for extreme durability. For hard materials like cast iron, masonry, and hardened steel.

2. TPI (Teeth Per Inch)

This determines the speed and smoothness of the cut.

• Low TPI (3-11): For wood and demolition. Fast and rough.
• High TPI (14-24): For metal and plastic. Slower but cleaner.

3. Length and Thickness

• Length: Choose a blade that is about 3 inches longer than the thickness of the material you are cutting. Common lengths are 6", 9", and 12".
• Thickness: Thicker blades (often labeled "demo") resist bending and are much more durable for aggressive demolition work.

Conclusion

The best reciprocating saw blade is not about one brand. It’s about matching the blade’s material, TPI, and length to your specific job to achieve maximum performance and value.