Best Reciprocating Saws & Blades for Wood, Metal, and Cast Iron (2025 Guide)

Are you an industrial supplier, construction professional, or tool retailer looking for the best reciprocating saw solutions? Demanding tasks like demolition, plumbing, and remodeling require a reliable saw and the right blade. This 2025 guide provides concise, practical advice on top reciprocating saws, the best blades for cutting wood, metal, and cast iron, and what to consider when choosing blades for specific jobs. We’ve maintained a clear structure so you can quickly find the information you need.

How to Choose the Right Reciprocating Saw Blade

Selecting the proper reciprocating saw blade for each job is crucial for performance and blade longevity. The right blade makes cutting easier, faster, and prevents unnecessary wear on your tool. Keep these key factors in mind when choosing a blade:

• Material: Use blades engineered for the material you need to cut (wood, metal, cast iron, plastic, or multi-purpose). Using the correct blade type for the material avoids poor cutting performance and prevents tooth damage or blade failure.

• TPI (Teeth Per Inch): TPI indicates blade aggressiveness and cut finish. Low TPI (4–8) blades remove material quickly with rougher cuts (ideal for wood and fast demolition). High TPI (14 and above) blades cut slower but produce cleaner cuts (ideal for metal and fine finishing).

• Blade Length: Length affects reach and stability. Longer blades enable deeper cuts and can access tight areas, but may flex more. Shorter blades offer better control and straighter cuts. Choose a length appropriate for the cut depth and work area.

• Tooth Material: Blade teeth are typically bi-metal or carbide-tipped. Bi-metal blades are flexible, general-purpose options suitable for most tasks. Carbide-tipped blades have much harder teeth that withstand heat and abrasion, making them essential for cutting hard materials like thick metal, cast iron, or nail-embedded wood. Carbide blades cost more but last significantly longer in tough applications.

• Coatings: Some blades feature special coatings (e.g. anti-friction or heat-resistant coatings) to reduce friction and heat buildup. These coatings help blades perform better and wear more slowly, especially during frequent cutting of hard or dense materials.

Best Reciprocating Saws of 2025 (Top Picks)

When choosing a reciprocating saw, consider the power needed and whether a corded or cordless model fits your work environment. Corded saws typically provide more continuous power and are cost-effective, while modern cordless saws offer improved portability with high-performance battery technology. Based on power, versatility, and user convenience, here are our top reciprocating saw picks for 2025:

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL Super Sawzall: A high-powered 18V cordless saw with a brushless motor and orbital cutting action for faster cuts. This saw excels in heavy-duty applications and features a variable-speed trigger. Its advanced M18 battery system delivers strong performance and extended runtime for demanding jobs.

• DEWALT DWE305 (Corded): A 12 Amp corded reciprocating saw built for continuous all-day use. Its key feature is a 4-position blade clamp that allows for versatile flush cutting and easy blade positioning. This model provides consistent power, and its well-balanced design makes it comfortable to handle over long periods.

• Makita XRJ05Z 18V LXT: A compact, lighter-duty cordless saw designed for maneuverability. It features tool-less blade change for quick swaps and a variable-speed trigger for better cutting control through different materials. This 18V saw is ideal for jobs requiring flexibility in tight spaces or overhead work.

• Bosch RS428 (14 Amp): A professional-grade corded saw with a powerful 14 Amp motor. It’s equipped with anti-vibration technology to reduce fatigue and ensure smoother operation during heavy cutting tasks. The Bosch RS428 is a dependable choice for contractors who need robust performance and durability.

Best Reciprocating Saw Blades for Metal (and Pipe Cutting)

Cutting metal—whether thin sheet metal, steel pipes, or hardened rebar—requires the right blade to ensure clean cuts and long blade life. Metal-cutting blades are typically higher in TPI and often use specialized tooth materials to handle tough metals without premature wear. Here are a few top blade options for working with metal:

• Lenox METALWOLF Bi-Metal Blade: A versatile general-purpose metal blade with 14–18 TPI. Its variable tooth count allows it to cut both thin sheet metal and thicker stock effectively. This blade offers a long lifespan and reliable performance across a range of metal-cutting tasks.

• Diablo Steel Demon Carbide Blade: A heavy-duty specialty blade featuring 8–10 TPI carbide-tipped teeth. It’s designed for cutting through hardened steel (such as rebar or alloy pipes) and other demanding applications where standard blades would wear out quickly. The carbide teeth deliver top-notch durability and cutting efficiency in tough metal.

• Milwaukee TORCH with Nitrus Carbide: A 7 TPI blade engineered for the hardest metals, including cast iron and stainless steel. The Nitrus Carbide technology provides a high-speed, low-vibration cut even through extremely tough materials. It’s often the first choice for contractors cutting cast iron pipes or thick steel due to its exceptional lifespan and cutting speed.

• DEWALT Bi-Metal Metal-Cutting Blades: A line of bi-metal reciprocating saw blades with high tooth counts (usually ~18–24 TPI) and a consistent tooth pattern. These blades are excellent for thin metals and conduit, delivering cleaner (if slower) cuts. They are easy to specify and a dependable option for routine sheet metal work where fine teeth prevent snagging.

Tip: For very thick steel or cast iron, always use a carbide-tipped blade to withstand the hardness. Conversely, for thin metal sheets or tubing, a high TPI blade (18+ teeth per inch) will ensure a smooth, precise cut without catching or tearing the material.

Reciprocating Saw Blades for Wood: Best Picks by Task

Wood-cutting recip saw blades are designed for aggressive material removal and vary based on the type of woodworking or demolition task. Using the correct blade for the job will make cutting easier and protect both the tool and the workpiece. Below are the top recommended wood-cutting blades and their ideal uses:

• Bosch “Demo” Demolition Blade: A rugged wood blade with ~5–8 TPI. It’s an excellent choice for tough wood demolition or construction lumber, especially when there may be nails or screws embedded. The Bosch Demo blade’s durable design ensures a long life and reliable performance under heavy use.

• Diablo “Demo Demon” Blade: A fast-cutting blade ideal for standard lumber, framing, and pallet work. It has an aggressive 6/12 TPI dual-tooth design (varying teeth per inch) that makes quick work of cross-cutting wood, even in DIY projects or light demolition.

• Milwaukee AX Carbide Wood Blade: A 5 TPI carbide-tooth blade optimized for rough cuts in wood, including nail-embedded wood. Its carbide teeth can last up to 50 times longer than standard bi-metal teeth, maintaining sharpness and speed far longer during demolition or remodeling jobs.

• Freud Carbide-Tipped Pruning Blade: A specialized blade with ultra-low 4–5 TPI, designed for pruning trees and cutting green wood. Large gullets between teeth clear wood chips efficiently, allowing faster cuts through fibrous branches and limbs. This blade provides clean cuts in landscaping and tree maintenance tasks.

Tip: For most general wood cutting (e.g. rough framing or demolition), use a blade with about 4–8 TPI for faster cuts. If you’re cutting wood that contains nails or other foreign objects, choose a demolition-grade or carbide-tipped blade to prevent tooth breakage. For finer, finish cuts in wood, switch to a higher TPI blade (10–12 TPI) to achieve a cleaner edge.

Best Reciprocating Saw Blades for Cast Iron

Cast iron’s density and brittleness make it one of the most challenging materials to cut. It requires specialty blades and proper technique. Always use carbide-tipped blades for cast iron, cut at a controlled slower speed, and if possible apply lubrication or coolant to reduce heat buildup. (Standard bi-metal blades will dull quickly or snap when used on cast iron.) Here are the top blade choices for cutting cast iron:

• Milwaukee TORCH with Nitrus Carbide (Cast Iron version): A blade purpose-built for the most demanding cast iron cuts, such as soil pipes and heavy cast fittings. Its Nitrus carbide teeth deliver fast cuts with minimal vibration, and the blade’s design greatly extends life even in continuous cast iron cutting—maximizing productivity on tough jobs.

• Lenox Carbide Cast Pipe Blade: A carbide-toothed blade optimized for thick cast iron pipes. It provides dependable, steady cutting when used with a slow, consistent feed rate to avoid overheating. The Lenox Cast Pipe blade’s durability and tooth geometry help reduce heat buildup and stress on the teeth, preventing premature wear.

• Diablo Steel Demon Carbide Extreme: An extreme-duty carbide blade excellent for cast iron, as well as hardened steel and rebar. It features a specially formulated carbide matrix that remains sharp and effective in the harshest cutting conditions. This blade is known for its long life and ability to cut through very hard metals and cast iron without losing performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it possible to cut a cast iron pipe with a cordless reciprocating saw?
A: Yes. A cordless reciprocating saw can cut cast iron pipe as long as you use a carbide-tipped blade. Using a standard bi-metal blade on cast iron will dull the blade rapidly or even damage the saw. Always choose a carbide blade for cast iron to protect your tool and ensure a successful cut.

Q: Which TPI is best for cutting wood with a reciprocating saw?
A: For coarse cuts in wood (rough framing or demolition work), a blade with about 4–6 TPI is ideal because it cuts quickly and aggressively. If you need a cleaner, smoother cut in wood (for example, finish work or cutting thinner pieces), use a higher TPI blade in the 10–12 TPI range to get a finer finish.

Q: Can I use the same blade for cutting both metal and wood?
A: It’s not recommended to use one blade interchangeably for metal and wood. While there are multi-purpose blades on the market, dedicated blades for each material perform better and last longer. For optimal results (and to extend blade life), use wood-specific blades for wood and metal-specific blades for metal.

Q: How long does a reciprocating saw blade typically last?
A: Blade lifespan depends on the material being cut, the blade’s construction, and how it’s used. Carbide-tipped blades can last 10 to 20 times longer than standard bi-metal blades when cutting very hard or abrasive materials, which often justifies their higher cost. To maximize any blade’s life, use the correct type of blade for your material and let the saw do the work with steady, even pressure (avoiding excessive force or heat buildup).

Conclusion

Whether you’re cutting through lumber, metal piping, cast iron pipe, or demolishing materials like drywall and flooring, using the right combination of reciprocating saw and blade makes the job faster, safer, and more precise. Knowing which blade to use for each material will save time, protect your equipment, and ensure a perfect cut every time.

Shop today at Johnson Tools for top-rated reciprocating saws and blade sets at competitive prices, or contact us for expert guidance on selecting the best tools for your specific needs.