Best Reciprocating Saw Blades for Metal
Cutting metal with a reciprocating saw lives or dies by the blade, since the saw itself only provides the stroke and the blade decides whether you get a clean, fast cut or a shower of sparks and smoked teeth. We compared tooth geometry, blade material, thickness, and owner feedback across the metal-cutting blades that are actually stocked in US stores and on Amazon.com to build this ranking.
Quick answer
The Diablo DS0612BF10 Steel Demon is the best overall reciprocating saw blade for metal for most buyers, thanks to its carbide teeth and long cutting life.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Cross-checked manufacturer-published specifications before writing any recommendation
- Verified US market availability and configuration for every model discussed
- Owner-feedback themes are summarized as feedback, never presented as our own hands-on testing
- No invented star ratings; see the visible Research Score criteria on this page
- Checked accessory compatibility and guarding before ranking any cutting or grinding tool
- Blade specs like TPI, tooth material, and blade thickness are cross-checked against manufacturer listings rather than copied from retailer bullet points.
Research updated September 2026.
What Matters Most for This Category
The single biggest factor is tooth material and tooth count. Bi-metal blades with 14 to 18 TPI handle thin sheet, conduit, and mixed demolition work at a low cost per blade, while carbide-tipped blades cost far more but last many times longer in thick steel, stainless, and cast iron. Match TPI to material thickness, use a lower TPI for thick stock and a higher TPI for thin wall tubing, and keep the blade long enough to clear your workpiece without excessive flex.
| Model | Best for | Key specs | Research Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diablo DS0612BF10 Steel Demon Carbide Reciprocating Saw Blade | Best Overall | 6 in, 12 | 94/100 |
| Lenox 20572614R Gold Reciprocating Saw Blade | Best Value | 6 in, 14 | 91/100 |
| Milwaukee 48-00-5186 The Torch Reciprocating Saw Blade | Best for Thick Metal | 9 in, 14 | 90/100 |
| Bosch RSM1812 Reciprocating Saw Blade Set | Best for Variety | 6 in and 9 in, 14 and 18 | 88/100 |
| Diablo DS0908CF Steel Demon Carbide Reciprocating Saw Blade | Best for Stainless | 9 in, 8 | 89/100 |
| Milwaukee 48-00-5787 Sawzall Blade | Best Budget | 6 in, 18 | 85/100 |
| EZARC Carbide Reciprocating Saw Blade Set | Best Budget Carbide | 6 in and 9 in, 10 and 14 | 84/100 |
Diablo DS0612BF10 Steel Demon Carbide Reciprocating Saw Blade
Top pickPros
- Carbide teeth hold an edge far longer than bi-metal in steel
- Cuts thick plate, pipe, and stainless without constant blade changes
- Widely stocked at Home Depot and on Amazon
Cons
- Higher upfront cost per blade
- Carbide teeth can chip if you force the cut or hit hardened fasteners
This is the blade most metalworkers reach for when the job involves real steel rather than the occasional nail. The carbide tips are designed for extended life in thick material, and the 12 TPI pattern balances speed with a reasonably smooth finish. Based on manufacturer specifications, it is rated for steel, stainless, and cast iron.
Lenox 20572614R Gold Reciprocating Saw Blade
Great valuePros
- Strong bi-metal teeth at a moderate price
- 14 TPI works well on conduit, angle iron, and pipe
- Consistent tooth set reduces binding in thin wall tubing
Cons
- Wears faster than carbide in thick steel
- Not ideal for hardened or stainless stock
Lenox Gold blades use a bi-metal construction that resists tooth stripping better than generic blades. The 14 TPI configuration is a good middle ground for common metal tasks around the shop or jobsite. Owner feedback themes suggest good durability for the price in general fabrication work.
Milwaukee 48-00-5186 The Torch Reciprocating Saw Blade
Thick stockPros
- Long 9 inch body reaches through thick pipe and structural steel
- Reinforced tooth design resists stripping in heavy cuts
- Fits standard reciprocating saw chucks
Cons
- Longer blade flexes more if you are not careful
- Bi-metal edge dulls faster than carbide in stainless
The Torch line is built for demolition and heavy metal cutting, with a thicker body than standard blades. The extra length helps when cutting large diameter pipe or bundled material. Based on manufacturer specifications, it is intended for nail-embedded wood and thick metal.
Bosch RSM1812 Reciprocating Saw Blade Set
Mixed setPros
- Multiple TPI options in one purchase
- Covers thin sheet through medium steel
- Good starter kit for a new saw owner
Cons
- No carbide option in the set
- Blade quality is good but not premium
This set gives you a spread of tooth counts so you can match the blade to the material instead of forcing one blade to do everything. It is a practical buy for someone who cuts a mix of sheet metal, conduit, and occasional thicker stock. Owner feedback themes point to it being a reasonable value for occasional use.
Diablo DS0908CF Steel Demon Carbide Reciprocating Saw Blade
Stainless readyPros
- Low 8 TPI clears chips fast in stainless and thick steel
- Carbide teeth resist heat better than bi-metal
- Long body suits large diameter pipe
Cons
- Coarse teeth leave a rougher finish
- Premium price per blade
The 8 TPI pattern is designed for fast material removal in thick sections where chip clearance matters. Carbide teeth tolerate the heat that builds up when cutting stainless. Based on manufacturer specifications, it is aimed at heavy metal cutting rather than finish work.
Milwaukee 48-00-5787 Sawzall Blade
Budget pickPros
- Low cost per blade for light metal work
- 18 TPI gives cleaner cuts in thin sheet and tubing
- Easy to find at most hardware stores
Cons
- Dulls quickly in thick or hardened steel
- Not intended for heavy demolition
A straightforward bi-metal blade for light duty metal cutting, such as sheet metal, thin wall conduit, and small angle stock. The higher tooth count produces a smoother cut in thin material. Owner feedback themes suggest it is a fine disposable blade for occasional tasks.
EZARC Carbide Reciprocating Saw Blade Set
Value carbidePros
- Carbide teeth at a lower price than major brands
- Mixed lengths cover different cut depths
- Good option for testing carbide before committing
Cons
- Less consistent quality control than premium brands
- Not as widely reviewed as Diablo or Milwaukee
This set offers carbide-tipped blades in a couple of common sizes without the premium brand markup. It suits buyers who want longer blade life than bi-metal but are not ready to pay top dollar. Based on manufacturer specifications, the blades are intended for metal, wood with nails, and general demolition.
Who Should Avoid the Top Pick
Skip this category if you only cut wood or PVC, since a metal blade with fine teeth will clog and cut slowly in soft material. Also avoid carbide blades if you frequently hit hardened screws or hardened steel, because the teeth can chip and the blade becomes a costly loss.
Before You Buy
Check your saw's blade clamp type, since most modern reciprocating saws use a tool-free clamp that accepts standard blades, but older models may need a specific shank. Confirm the TPI matches your material thickness, buy at least a two or three blade pack so you are not stuck mid-job, and keep a spare bi-metal blade around for dirty or unknown material where you do not want to risk a carbide blade.
FAQs
What TPI should I use for cutting metal?
Use 14 to 18 TPI for thin sheet and tubing, 10 to 14 TPI for medium steel and pipe, and 6 to 10 TPI for thick plate or heavy wall stock. Lower TPI clears chips faster but leaves a rougher edge.
Are carbide reciprocating saw blades worth it for metal?
Yes if you cut steel regularly. Carbide teeth last several times longer than bi-metal in thick or stainless material, so the higher price per blade is often cheaper over a full project.
Can I cut stainless steel with a regular bi-metal blade?
You can, but the blade will dull quickly and may overheat. A carbide-tipped blade with a low TPI is a better match for stainless because it handles heat and clears chips more effectively.
How long should a reciprocating saw blade be for metal?
A 6 inch blade handles most sheet, conduit, and small pipe. Step up to 9 inches or longer when cutting large diameter pipe, bundled material, or anything where the saw body would otherwise hit the workpiece.
Do reciprocating saw blades fit all saws?
Most modern reciprocating saws use a standard 1/2 inch universal shank, so blades are largely interchangeable. Check your manual if you have an older or specialty saw, since a few models use a different clamp.
How do I make metal blades last longer?
Let the saw do the work instead of forcing the cut, keep the blade perpendicular to the material, use the right TPI for the thickness, and add a few drops of cutting oil when working with steel to reduce heat and friction.
Our verdict
For most metal cutting tasks, the Diablo Steel Demon carbide blade delivers the best mix of speed and blade life, while Lenox Gold and Milwaukee Torch cover value and thick stock needs. Match TPI to your material, keep a spare bi-metal blade on hand for dirty jobs, and step up to carbide when steel cutting becomes a regular part of your work.