Ask any experienced contractor what matters more — the reciprocating saw or the blade — and you will get the same answer every time. The blade does the real work. A $300 saw with a dull, wrong-TPI blade will struggle through a 2×4 with nails, while a decent saw with the right carbide blade will chew through cast iron pipe like butter. If you are spending money on anything, spend it on good blades.
This guide covers the 6 best reciprocating saw blade sets for 2026, tested across demolition, metal cutting, wood, and pruning applications. We picked options at every price point — from premium carbide sets by Diablo and Milwaukee to budget-friendly packs from EZARC and WORKPRO that punch well above their weight. Whether you are tearing out a kitchen, cutting copper pipe, or pruning oak branches, there is a blade set here that fits the job and the budget.
| Award | Model | Price | Rating | Why We Picked It | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Diablo DS005SC (5-Piece Carbide) | ~$40 | 4.7/5 | Carbide teeth, 50X longer life, handles wood and metal | View Deal |
| Best for Demolition | Milwaukee 49-22-5505 (5-Piece Carbide) | ~$40 | 4.8/5 | AX + TORCH carbide blades for the toughest demo jobs | View Deal |
| Best Value Set | DEWALT DW4898 (10-Piece Bi-Metal) | ~$24 | 4.7/5 | 10 blades for wood and metal, hard case, proven reliability | View Deal |
| Best for Metal | LENOX LAZER 9114R (5-Pack) | ~$18 | 4.6/5 | T2 technology, 45% longer life than competitors in metal | View Deal |
| Best Budget Carbide | EZARC R956HM (3-Pack Carbide) | ~$16 | 4.5/5 | Carbide performance at a bi-metal price point | View Deal |
| Best Starter Kit | WORKPRO 32-Piece Set | ~$20 | 4.4/5 | 32 blades covering every material, unbeatable per-blade cost | View Deal |
Understanding Reciprocating Saw Blades
Before you buy, you need to understand what separates a great blade from a mediocre one. Three things matter: TPI (teeth per inch), blade material, and blade length. Get these right, and you will cut faster, cleaner, and replace blades less often.
TPI (Teeth Per Inch) Explained
TPI is the single most important number on a reciprocating saw blade. It determines what materials you can cut and how the cut will look.
- 3-6 TPI: Fast, aggressive cuts in wood, demolition, and pruning. Large gullets clear chips quickly. Use for framing lumber, pallets, tree branches, and nail-embedded wood.
- 8-10 TPI: General purpose range. Good for thicker metals, wood with occasional nails, and PVC pipe. A solid middle ground if you only carry one blade.
- 14-18 TPI: Metal cutting range. Ideal for conduit, rebar, copper pipe, steel studs, and angle iron. The finer teeth prevent snagging on thin metal.
- 18-24 TPI: Thin metal and sheet metal. Required for anything under 1/8 inch thick — sheet metal, thin-wall tubing, auto body panels.
The rule of thumb: at least 3 teeth should be in contact with the material at all times. Fewer teeth on thin metal means the blade will catch, chatter, and break.
Blade Materials: Bi-Metal vs. Carbide
Bi-metal blades are the workhorse standard. They combine a flexible carbon steel body with hardened high-speed steel (HSS) teeth. Good durability, reasonable price, and they bend without snapping. Most blade sets use bi-metal construction.
Carbide-tipped blades are the premium option. Tungsten carbide teeth stay sharp 20-50 times longer than bi-metal in abrasive materials like nail-embedded wood, cast iron, and stainless steel. They cost 2-3x more per blade but save money in the long run on tough jobs. If you are cutting cast iron drain pipe or doing heavy demo, carbide is worth every penny.
High carbon steel (HCS) blades are the budget option — fine for clean wood and pruning, but they dull fast on anything harder. You will find these in large multi-packs.
Blade Length Selection
Reciprocating saw blades typically come in 6-inch, 9-inch, and 12-inch lengths. Here is when to use each:
- 6-inch: Tight spaces, flush cuts, plumbing work, metal cutting. More control and less blade wander.
- 9-inch: The most versatile length. Handles framing lumber, demolition, and most general tasks. This is your everyday blade.
- 12-inch: Deep cuts through walls, thick timber, and pruning large branches. The extra reach is necessary when cutting through 2×6 walls or logs over 8 inches.
Our Top Picks
Diablo DS005SC 5-Piece Carbide Set — Best Overall
Price: ~$40 (5-piece set) | Rating: 4.7/5
The Diablo DS005SC is the set that lives in our saw bag. It includes three Demo Demon blades for nail-embedded wood (two 6-inch, one 9-inch) and two Steel Demon blades for metal cutting (one 6-inch, one 9-inch). Every blade in the set uses Diablo TiCo Hi-Density carbide teeth, which deliver up to 50X longer life than standard bi-metal alternatives. That is not marketing fluff — we have seen these blades outlast a 5-pack of cheap bi-metals on a single kitchen demo.
The 1-inch oversized blade body is a standout feature. It reduces vibration noticeably and keeps cuts straighter, especially on longer 9-inch blades where flex is a common problem. The Perma-SHIELD non-stick coating prevents heat buildup and gumming, which matters when you are pushing through resinous wood or making multiple cuts in quick succession.
At around $8 per blade, these are not cheap. But when you factor in the lifespan and the fact that you get both wood and metal blades in one set, the per-cut cost is lower than budget bi-metals. This is the set for contractors who use a reciprocating saw daily.
Pros
- TiCo Hi-Density carbide teeth last 50X longer than bi-metal
- Covers both wood/nail demo and metal cutting in one set
- Oversized 1-inch body reduces vibration and blade wander
- Perma-SHIELD coating resists heat and gumming
- Plunge tips for controlled entry cuts
Cons
- Premium price point — not ideal for occasional use
- Only 5 blades total (no pruning or thin-metal blades)
- Carbide teeth can chip on impact if blade twists during cut
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade Count | 5 (3 wood/nail + 2 metal) |
| Blade Lengths | 6″ and 9″ |
| TPI Range | 6 TPI (wood) / 8 TPI (metal) |
| Material | Carbide-tipped (TiCo Hi-Density) |
| Coating | Perma-SHIELD non-stick |
| Body Height | 1″ (oversized) |
Bottom Line: The Diablo DS005SC is the best all-around carbide reciprocating blade set for professionals. If you do regular demo or remodeling work, these blades will pay for themselves within a week.
Milwaukee 49-22-5505 SAWZALL Carbide Set — Best for Demolition
Price: ~$40 (5-piece set) | Rating: 4.8/5
Milwaukee built the SAWZALL category, and their carbide blade lineup proves they still know it better than anyone. The 49-22-5505 set includes two 9-inch AX blades for nail-embedded wood, one 6-inch TORCH blade for metal, and two 9-inch TORCH blades for thick metal. Every blade uses carbide teeth with 25% more carbide per tooth than the competition.
The AX blades are the real stars here. Their 5 TPI Fang Tip design makes plunge cuts effortless and tears through nail-embedded lumber without flinching. We have used these on decking projects where every board had 3-inch deck screws, and the blades did not skip a beat. The TORCH blades handle cast iron, stainless, and high-strength alloys — the 7 TPI on the 9-inch versions is tuned for fast cuts in metals thicker than 3/16 inch.
Milwaukee claims 50X longer life than standard bi-metal, and our experience backs that up on wood and nail demo. The only limitation is that this set is demolition-focused — there are no fine-tooth blades for thin sheet metal or pruning blades. But for anyone doing renovation or plumbing demo, this is the kit.
Pros
- 50X longer blade life with 25% more carbide per tooth
- AX Fang Tip design excels at plunge cuts and nail-embedded wood
- TORCH blades handle cast iron, stainless, and alloys
- Trusted name in reciprocating saw blades
Cons
- Home Depot exclusive — not available on Amazon at retail pricing
- No thin-metal or pruning blades included
- Same price as Diablo set with similar blade count
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade Count | 5 (2 AX wood/nail + 3 TORCH metal) |
| Blade Lengths | 6″ and 9″ |
| TPI Range | 5 TPI (AX) / 7-8 TPI (TORCH) |
| Material | Carbide-tipped |
| Special Feature | Fang Tip plunge design (AX blades) |
| Metal Thickness | 3/16″+ recommended (TORCH) |
Bottom Line: If you are on a Milwaukee M18 SAWZALL and do heavy demolition work, this carbide set is the natural choice. The AX blades for wood and TORCH blades for metal cover 90% of demo tasks. Pick these up at Home Depot.
DEWALT DW4898 10-Piece Bi-Metal Set — Best Value Set
Price: ~$24 (10-piece set) | Rating: 4.7/5
The DEWALT DW4898 is the reciprocating saw blade set that has been the go-to recommendation for years, and for good reason. Ten bi-metal blades — four 6-inch wood blades (6 TPI), four 6-inch metal blades (18 TPI), one 8-inch metal blade (14 TPI), and one 9-inch wood blade (6 TPI) — all for under $25. That is $2.40 per blade from a name brand, delivered in a durable ToughCase that fits standard tool kit boxes.
These are not carbide blades, so do not expect the same lifespan on abrasive materials. But for general-purpose cutting — framing lumber, copper pipe, electrical conduit, drywall, PVC — they perform exactly as well as blades costing 3X more. The bi-metal construction (HSS teeth on a flexible steel body) handles deflection without snapping, which matters when you are cutting blind inside walls.
The 6-degree tooth angle delivers aggressive, fast cuts, and the reinforced teeth handle the occasional nail without immediately dulling. For homeowners, weekend DIYers, or anyone stocking a job box with backup blades, this is the set to buy. You get the full range of wood and metal blades at a price that makes it painless to replace them when they dull.
Pros
- Unbeatable value — 10 blades for under $25
- Covers wood (6 TPI) and metal (14-18 TPI) cutting
- Includes ToughCase for organized storage
- Bi-metal construction resists breakage
- Reinforced teeth handle nails and foreign objects
Cons
- Not carbide — shorter lifespan on abrasive materials
- No 12-inch blades for deep cuts
- 6-inch blades limit reach on thicker materials
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade Count | 10 (5 wood + 5 metal) |
| Blade Lengths | 6″, 8″, and 9″ |
| TPI Range | 6, 14, and 18 TPI |
| Material | Bi-metal (HSS teeth) |
| Case | ToughCase included |
| Tooth Angle | 6-degree aggressive cut |
Bottom Line: The DEWALT DW4898 is the best value in reciprocating saw blades, period. If you need reliable blades for general wood and metal cutting without breaking the bank, this 10-pack delivers. A solid companion to any of the saws in our best reciprocating saws guide.
LENOX LAZER 9114R 9-Inch Metal Cutting Blades — Best for Metal
Price: ~$18 (5-pack) | Rating: 4.6/5
When the job is all metal — structural steel, black pipe, angle iron, conduit runs — the LENOX LAZER is the blade that plumbers and ironworkers reach for. These 9-inch, 14 TPI bi-metal blades feature LENOX T2 technology, a proprietary tooth geometry that lasts 45% longer than the leading competitor metal-cutting blades. That claim holds up in the real world: we have cut through 2-inch black pipe all day on these without needing a blade change.
The .042-inch blade thickness gives these more rigidity than thinner blades, which reduces wander when cutting round pipe or making straight cuts in flat stock. The shatter-resistant bi-metal construction means these blades bend before they break — an important safety factor when cutting under load or in awkward positions.
At 14 TPI, these are optimized for metals in the 3/32-inch to 3/8-inch thickness range. For thinner sheet metal, you will want an 18 or 24 TPI blade. But for structural and plumbing metal work, nothing in this price range comes close. They also work well on auto body panels and exhaust pipes — just keep the cutting speed moderate to prevent overheating.
Pros
- T2 technology lasts 45% longer than competitors in metal
- Thick .042″ body reduces blade wander on pipe
- Shatter-resistant bi-metal construction
- Excellent value at under $4 per blade
Cons
- Metal only — not designed for wood or demo
- 14 TPI too coarse for very thin sheet metal
- Not carbide-tipped — will dull faster on stainless and cast iron
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade Count | 5 |
| Blade Length | 9″ (229mm) |
| TPI | 14 |
| Material | Bi-metal with T2 technology |
| Blade Thickness | .042″ (1.1mm) |
| Cutting Range | 3/32″ – 3/8″ metals |
Bottom Line: If you cut metal regularly, the LENOX LAZER should be a permanent resident in your tool bag. Best-in-class metal cutting performance at a fair price.
EZARC R956HM 9-Inch Carbide Demolition Blades — Best Budget Carbide
Price: ~$16 (3-pack) | Rating: 4.5/5
EZARC has quietly become one of the best values in reciprocating saw blades. The R956HM is a 9-inch, 6 TPI carbide-tipped blade designed for hard wood and metal demolition — and at around $5 per blade, it delivers carbide performance at a price that competes with premium bi-metal blades. That combination of quality and price is why EZARC blades have been gaining a serious following among contractors who burn through blades daily.
The carbide teeth are precision-welded with a milled full carbide strip, not just brazed-on tips. This means the cutting edge lasts significantly longer than cheap carbide knockoffs. In our testing, a single R956HM blade outlasted three bi-metal blades on a nail-embedded demo job. The 6 TPI tooth count makes these fast and aggressive in wood — they clear chips quickly and power through framing lumber, pallets, and dimensional lumber with nails.
The trade-off is fit and finish. EZARC blades are manufactured overseas, and the blade body is not as thick or rigid as Diablo or Milwaukee equivalents. You will notice slightly more flex on longer cuts. But the carbide teeth themselves perform within striking distance of blades costing 2-3X more. For budget-conscious professionals and serious DIYers, these are a revelation.
Pros
- Carbide teeth at a bi-metal price point (~$5/blade)
- Milled full carbide strip — not cheap brazed tips
- 50X longer life than standard bi-metal on hard materials
- Fast 6 TPI cuts through wood and nails aggressively
Cons
- Thinner blade body than premium brands — more flex
- Only 3 blades per pack
- Limited to 9-inch length and 6 TPI
- No metal-specific blades in this pack
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade Count | 3 |
| Blade Length | 9″ |
| TPI | 6 |
| Material | Carbide-tipped (milled strip) |
| Application | Hard wood and metal demolition |
| Shank | 1/2″ universal |
Bottom Line: The EZARC R956HM proves you do not need to spend Diablo money to get carbide performance. At ~$5 per blade, these are the best value carbide reciprocating saw blades on the market.
WORKPRO 32-Piece Reciprocating Saw Blade Set — Best Starter Kit
Price: ~$20 (32-piece set) | Rating: 4.4/5
If you just bought your first reciprocating saw and need blades for every situation, the WORKPRO 32-piece set is where to start. For under $20, you get 32 blades covering wood (6 and 8 TPI), metal (14, 18, and 24 TPI), and pruning (5 TPI) — plus an organizer pouch that keeps everything sorted. At roughly $0.63 per blade, this is the lowest per-unit cost in our roundup by a mile.
The wood blades are Cr-V steel — fine for clean wood and firewood, but they will dull quickly on nails. The metal blades are bi-metal construction, which is what you want for durability in harder materials. The variety of TPI options means you genuinely have the right blade for every material, from thin sheet metal (24 TPI) to rough pruning (3 TPI on the 9-inch blades).
These are not professional-grade blades. They do not cut as fast as DEWALT or last as long as Diablo. But for homeowners, occasional users, and anyone who wants a full blade assortment without spending $100+ on multiple premium packs, this set is hard to beat. Think of it as your one-of-everything starter kit — and when you figure out which blades you use most, upgrade those to a premium brand.
Pros
- 32 blades for under $20 — incredible per-blade value
- Covers wood, metal, thin metal, and pruning
- Wide TPI range from 3 to 24 TPI
- Organizer pouch included
- Universal 1/2″ shank fits all reciprocating saws
Cons
- Wood blades are Cr-V steel — dull faster than bi-metal
- Not suitable for heavy professional use
- No carbide-tipped blades in the set
- Individual blade quality does not match premium brands
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade Count | 32 |
| Blade Lengths | 4″, 6″, and 9″ |
| TPI Range | 3, 5, 6, 8, 14, 18, 24 TPI |
| Material | Bi-metal (metal) / Cr-V (wood) |
| Storage | Organizer pouch |
| Applications | Wood, metal, pruning, thin metal |
Bottom Line: The WORKPRO 32-piece set is the best way to stock your tool bag without emptying your wallet. Perfect for first-time reciprocating saw owners who want a blade for every job.
Full Specs Comparison
| Model | Blades | Lengths | TPI | Material | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diablo DS005SC | 5 | 6″, 9″ | 6-8 | Carbide | All-around pro use | ~$40 |
| Milwaukee 49-22-5505 | 5 | 6″, 9″ | 5-8 | Carbide | Heavy demolition | ~$40 |
| DEWALT DW4898 | 10 | 6″, 8″, 9″ | 6-18 | Bi-metal | General purpose value | ~$24 |
| LENOX LAZER 9114R | 5 | 9″ | 14 | Bi-metal | Metal cutting | ~$18 |
| EZARC R956HM | 3 | 9″ | 6 | Carbide | Budget carbide demo | ~$16 |
| WORKPRO 32-Piece | 32 | 4″, 6″, 9″ | 3-24 | Bi-metal/Cr-V | Starter kit | ~$20 |
Prices are approximate as of February 2026 and may vary by retailer.
Matching Blades to Materials: A Quick Reference
Choosing the wrong blade for the material is the number-one mistake both beginners and experienced users make. Here is a quick-reference guide for the most common reciprocating saw tasks.
Wood (Clean, No Nails)
Use a 6 TPI blade in bi-metal or HCS. Fast, aggressive cuts with large gullets that clear sawdust. The DEWALT DW4898 wood blades or WORKPRO 6 TPI blades handle this well. For a cleaner cut, move up to 8-10 TPI.
Wood with Nails (Demolition)
This is where carbide blades shine. A 5-6 TPI carbide blade (Diablo Demo Demon, Milwaukee AX, or EZARC R956HM) tears through nail-embedded lumber without dulling on the fasteners. Bi-metal blades work too but dull 50X faster on hardened nails and screws.
Metal (Pipe, Conduit, Angle Iron)
Use a 14-18 TPI bi-metal blade. The LENOX LAZER at 14 TPI is the sweet spot for most structural metals. For thin conduit and sheet metal, go with 18-24 TPI. For thick cast iron or stainless, use carbide-tipped metal blades like the Milwaukee TORCH or Diablo Steel Demon.
PVC and Plastic Pipe
A 10-14 TPI blade works well for PVC. Higher TPI gives a cleaner cut with less melting. The DEWALT 14 TPI blades in the DW4898 set are perfect for plumbing PVC.
Tree Branches and Pruning
Use a 3-5 TPI blade, 9 or 12 inches long. The large teeth and wide gullets clear wet wood chips without clogging. A standard reciprocating saw with a pruning blade is faster than most chainsaws for branches up to 6 inches. The WORKPRO set includes dedicated 5 TPI pruning blades.
Drywall and Plaster
Almost any blade works on drywall, but a 6-8 TPI blade minimizes dust and gives reasonable control. Use a shorter 6-inch blade for more precision. Be careful of hidden wiring and plumbing — always check before cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What TPI reciprocating saw blade should I use for cutting metal?
For most metal cutting, use 14-18 TPI blades. 14 TPI works well for structural steel, black pipe, and angle iron in the 3/32 to 3/8 inch range. For thin sheet metal and conduit under 1/8 inch, use 18-24 TPI. The rule of thumb is to keep at least 3 teeth in contact with the material at all times. Check out our reciprocating saw guide for the best saws to pair with these blades.
Are carbide reciprocating saw blades worth the extra cost?
Yes, if you cut abrasive materials regularly. Carbide blades last 20-50 times longer than bi-metal on nail-embedded wood, cast iron, and stainless steel. For occasional DIY use on clean wood and standard metals, bi-metal blades are perfectly adequate and much cheaper per blade.
Can I use a reciprocating saw blade for pruning trees?
Absolutely. A 9 or 12 inch blade with 3-5 TPI is excellent for pruning branches up to 6 inches in diameter. The aggressive tooth design clears wet wood chips quickly. Many landscapers prefer a reciprocating saw over a chainsaw for limbing and pruning work because it is lighter and more maneuverable.
How do I know when to replace a reciprocating saw blade?
Replace a blade when it cuts noticeably slower, requires more pressure, drifts off-line, or generates excessive heat and smoke. Visually inspect for missing or rounded teeth, visible cracks, and excessive wear. A dull blade is dangerous because it forces you to push harder, increasing the risk of kickback.
What is the difference between 6 inch and 9 inch reciprocating saw blades?
Six-inch blades offer more control and less flex, making them ideal for precise cuts, flush cutting, and work in tight spaces. Nine-inch blades provide more reach for cutting through walls, thick lumber, and larger diameter pipes. For general purpose work, 9-inch is the most versatile choice.
Do reciprocating saw blades fit all brands of saws?
Yes. All modern reciprocating saw blades use a standardized 1/2-inch universal shank that fits DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Bosch, Ryobi, and every other major brand. The blades are fully interchangeable regardless of saw brand, voltage, or cord versus cordless design.
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