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A reciprocating saw is one of the most versatile tools on any jobsite, but its performance hinges almost entirely on the blade you choose. Using the wrong blade can lead to slow cuts, excessive vibration, premature wear, and even safety hazards. Whether you're tearing out old framing, cutting through metal pipes, or trimming tree limbs, selecting the right blade for the material and cut type is essential.

In this guide, we'll break down the key factors—tooth per inch (TPI), tooth geometry, blade material, and thickness—and show you how to pair them with common tasks like demolition, metal cutting, and wood cutting. We'll also highlight how Milwaukee's M18 FUEL cordless reciprocating saws, such as the M18 FUEL HACKZALL, deliver the power and control needed to make the most of any blade.

Understanding Blade Basics: TPI, Tooth Design, and Material

The most important specification on any reciprocating saw blade is teeth per inch (TPI). A low TPI (3–6) means aggressive, fast cuts ideal for demolition and thick wood, but the finish will be rough. A high TPI (14–24) produces smoother cuts and is best for thin metal or plastic, though cutting speed is slower. For general-purpose work, a medium TPI (8–10) offers a balance of speed and finish.

Tooth design also matters. Standard tooth blades work well for wood, while raker or variable-tooth patterns reduce vibration and are better for metal. Claw-tooth blades are designed for aggressive plunge cuts into wood. Blade material ranges from high-carbon steel (HCS) for wood to bimetal (HSS teeth welded to a flexible steel back) for metal, and carbide grit for abrasive materials like tile or fiberglass.

• Low TPI (3–6): Fast, rough cuts in wood, demolition, and thick materials.
• Medium TPI (8–10): All-purpose cutting in wood, plastic, and some metals.
• High TPI (14–24): Smooth cuts in metal, thin materials, and for finish work.

Demolition Blades: Tear Through Nails, Wood, and Mixed Debris

Demolition work demands blades that can handle nails, screws, and embedded hardware without dulling quickly. Look for bimetal demolition blades with a TPI of 6–8. These blades feature hardened teeth that resist wear from metal, while the flexible steel body prevents breakage during heavy prying or twisting. A thicker blade gauge (0.050–0.062 inches) adds rigidity for straighter cuts and reduces bending when cutting through dense material.

For heavy-duty demolition, carbide-tipped blades offer even longer life, though they are more expensive. When using a powerful cordless saw like the M18 FUEL HACKZALL reciprocating saw, a demolition blade lets you rip through studs, plywood, and roofing materials quickly. Always match the blade length to the material thickness—6- to 9-inch blades are standard for demolition.

• Choose bimetal or carbide-tipped blades for nail-embedded wood.
• Thicker blade gauge (0.050"+) reduces flex and improves cut accuracy.
• Use 6–8 TPI for fast demolition; 9-inch blades for deep cuts in walls.

Metal Cutting Blades: Smooth, Precise Cuts in Steel, Pipe, and Conduit

Cutting metal requires a blade with a high TPI (14–24) to prevent snagging and to produce a clean edge. Bimetal blades are the standard here, as the high-speed steel teeth stay sharp through multiple cuts in steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. For thin sheet metal, use a blade with 24 TPI to avoid tearing. For thicker pipe or rebar, 14–18 TPI provides a good balance of speed and finish.

When cutting metal with a reciprocating saw, it's critical to maintain a steady speed and let the blade do the work. Overfeeding can cause the blade to bind or break. Using a variable-speed saw like the M18 FUEL HACKZALL allows you to start slow and increase speed as needed. Always secure the workpiece firmly and wear proper eye and ear protection.

• 14–18 TPI for general metal cutting (pipe, angle iron, rebar).
• 24 TPI for thin sheet metal and stainless steel.
• Bimetal blades provide durability and long life in metal applications.

Wood Cutting Blades: Fast, Aggressive Cuts for Framing and Pruning

For cutting dimensional lumber, plywood, or tree limbs, a wood-cutting blade with a low TPI (3–6) is ideal. These blades feature large, widely spaced teeth that clear sawdust quickly, reducing binding and heat buildup. A standard tooth design works well for crosscuts, while a claw-tooth or raker-tooth design is better for plunge cuts and aggressive pruning.

Blade length matters for wood cutting: 6-inch blades are good for tight spaces, while 9- or 12-inch blades reach through thick beams or logs. For pruning, a blade with a curved tip helps start cuts on branches. Always match the blade to the saw's stroke length—most Milwaukee M18 FUEL reciprocating saws have a 1-1/8-inch stroke, which pairs well with blades up to 12 inches long.

• 3–6 TPI for fast, aggressive wood cutting and pruning.
• Claw-tooth blades excel at plunge cuts into wood.
• Longer blades (9–12 inches) for thick beams and tree limbs.

Matching Blades to Your Milwaukee Reciprocating Saw

Milwaukee's M18 FUEL platform offers several reciprocating saw models, each with unique strengths. The M18 FUEL HACKZALL is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for overhead cuts and tight spaces, while full-size M18 FUEL Sawzall models deliver maximum power for heavy demolition. All accept standard 1/2-inch tang blades, so you have a wide range of blade options.

For best results, use blades designed for the specific material and task. A demolition blade in a HACKZALL works well for cutting through nail-embedded wood, while a metal-cutting bimetal blade in a full-size Sawzall handles pipe and conduit efficiently. Always check the blade's maximum RPM rating to ensure it matches your saw's speed range.

• M18 FUEL HACKZALL: compact, great for one-handed use and tight spaces.
• Full-size M18 FUEL Sawzall: more power and longer stroke for heavy cutting.
• All Milwaukee reciprocating saws use standard 1/2-inch tang blades.

Choosing the right reciprocating saw blade is the single most important factor in achieving fast, clean, and safe cuts. Whether you're tackling demolition, metal fabrication, or woodworking, matching the blade's TPI, tooth design, and material to the task at hand will save you time and frustration. Pair your blade with a powerful, reliable saw like the M18 FUEL HACKZALL reciprocating saw to get the most out of every cut. Explore our full selection of blades and saws to find the perfect combination for your next project.