The Best Reciprocating (Sawzall) Saw Blades: Your Ultimate EZARC Guide

Choosing the right reciprocating saw blade is the difference between fighting every cut and flying through your project. In this practical guide, you’ll learn how blade material, TPI, and size impact performance—and you’ll find a ready‑made pick from EZARC for every common job, from pruning trees to cutting cast iron and concrete.

[Shop all EZARC reciprocating saw blades →]

Your Guide: What to Know About Reciprocating Saw Blades

1) Blade Types and Materials

- Carbon steel (CRV): Budget‑friendly and flexible; great for fast wood

- Bi‑Metal: HSS teeth on a spring‑steel body for a strong balance of durability and flexibility—ideal for general wood/metal cuts and demolition. Examples: [Wood Demolition – 6 TPI]

- Carbide‑tipped: Maximum wear resistance and heat tolerance for thick metals, nail‑embedded materials, and abrasive demolition.

2) TPI (Teeth Per Inch): Speed vs. Smoothness

- Lower TPI (≈4–8): Faster cuts in wood and demolition; ideal when you’re hitting mixed materials and nails.

- Mid TPI (≈10–14): Balanced control for plastics, PVC, and thin/medium metals.

- Higher TPI (≈18+): Smoother, slower cuts in thin sheet metal and tubing.

For demolition specifically, 6–8 TPI is a proven sweet spot; 10–14 TPI suits sheet/thin steel. ([ezarctools.com](https://www.ezarctools.com/en/blogs/blog/which-sawzall-blade-is-for-demolition-work))

3) Blade Length, Width, and Thickness

- Length: 6 in offers control in tight spaces; 9–12 in adds reach and depth; 18 in helps flush cuts and masonry.

- Width/Thickness: Wider, thicker blades track straighter and resist vibration—especially important for demolition and masonry.

4) Quality and Brand Matters

Best Reciprocating Saw Blades by Material

Pro‑grade metallurgy, tooth grinding, and heat treatment translate into fewer blade swaps and straighter cuts. EZARC engineers CRV, bi‑metal, and carbide lines that map to real‑world jobs—from pruning and pallet breakdown to rebar and cast iron—so you can match blade to task with confidence. Browse the full range on the [Reciprocating Saw Blades hub](https://www.ezarctools.com/en/collections/reciprocating-saw-blades). 

Best Blades for Trees and Pruning: Tackle Limbs Fast | Best Blades for Wood: Clean Cuts or Fast Rips

Go for long, aggressive teeth that clear chips quickly. Take a look at EZARC's top signature go to blade for pruning, it is carbide tipped, cuts wood like butter, lasts longer than any blade and to sweeten the deal, EZARC's pruning blade is affordable. Quality with Reason.

Best Blades for Demolition: Mixed Materials, Maximum Toughness

- Smoother finish or multi‑material jobs (wood, PVC, light metal): [Multi‑Purpose – 10/14 TPI](https://www.ezarctools.com/en/products/10-14tpi-9-12-in-bi-metal-reciprocating-saw-blade-for-multi-purpose).

Or: ([ezarctools.com](https://www.ezarctools.com/en/products/10-14tpi-9-12-in-bi-metal-reciprocating-saw-blade-for-multi-purpose))  

Best Blades for Cast Iron: Thick Metal Specialists

Demolition means nails, screws, and surprise metals. Reach for carbide with 6–8 TPI for speed and durability:
[Carbide 6 TPI – Wood/Metal Demo (6"/9")](https://www.ezarctools.com/en/products/6tpi-6-9-in-carbide-reciprocating-saw-blade-for-hard-wood-metal-demolition). TPI guidance: 6–8 TPI for most demo; 10–14 TPI for sheet/thin steel. ([ezarctools.com](https://www.ezarctools.com/en/products/6tpi-6-9-in-carbide-reciprocating-saw-blade-for-hard-wood-metal-demolition))

Cast iron punishes ordinary blades. Use a heavy‑duty carbide blade with low TPI to keep cutting speed up: [8 TPI Carbide – Thick Metal/Cast Iron](https://www.ezarctools.com/en/products/8tpi-6-9-in-carbide-reciprocating-saw-blade-for-thick-metal-cast-iron-alloy-steel). ([ezarctools.com]

Best Blades for Concrete/Brick: Abrasive Masonry Cuts

For blocks, brick, and abrasive composites, choose a masonry‑ready carbide demolition blade in 12–18 in lengths: [Carbide Masonry Demolition – 12/18 in](https://www.ezarctools.com/en/products/12-18-inch-carbide-demolition-masonry-reciprocating-saw-blade-for-cutting-brick-concrete).

Image: EZARC Tools. Product page linked above. ([ezarctools.com](https://www.ezarctools.com/en/products/12-18-inch-carbide-demolition-masonry-reciprocating-saw-blade-for-cutting-brick-concrete)) ([ezarctools.com]  

Best Blades for PVC and Plastics: Clean, Controlled Cuts

PVC and plastics respond well to mid‑TPI blades. Use light pressure and moderate speed to avoid melting: [Multi‑Purpose – 10/14 TPI](https://www.ezarctools.com/en/products/10-14tpi-9-12-in-bi-metal-reciprocating-saw-blade-for-multi-purpose). ([ezarctools.com]

Best Blades for Metal: Match TPI to Thickness

- Thin sheet/pipe: [Bi‑Metal – 18 TPI (6"/9")](https://www.ezarctools.com/en/products/18tpi-6-9-in-bi-metal-reciprocating-saw-blade-for-thin-metal-cutting). ([ezarctools.com])

- Thick steel, cast iron, high‑alloy: [Carbide – 8 TPI (6"/9")](https://www.ezarctools.com/en/products/8tpi-6-9-in-carbide-reciprocating-saw-blade-for-thick-metal-cast-iron-alloy-steel).  ([ezarctools.com])  

Best Blades for Plaster: Tough but Brittle Materials

Plaster and lath reward a sturdy blade that resists snagging. A 6 TPI bi‑metal demolition blade keeps the cut moving: [Bi‑Metal Wood Demolition – 6 TPI](https://www.ezarctools.com/en/products/6tpi-6-9-12-in-bi-metal-reciprocating-saw-blade-for-wood-demolition).

Best Approach for Foam: Consider Alternatives

Foam can tear or melt under aggressive reciprocating action. Often, a utility knife or specialty foam cutter is safer and cleaner. If you must use a recip saw, use very low speed and minimal aggression with fine teeth, keeping dust extraction in mind.

Quick Comparison: Blade Types and EZARC Examples

FAQs

Do reciprocating (Sawzall) blades fit all saws?

Most modern recip blades use a universal 1/2" shank that fits the major brands. EZARC confirms universal fit on individual product pages (e.g., thin‑metal and demolition blades). ([ezarctools.com](https://www.ezarctools.com/en/products/18tpi-6-9-in-bi-metal-reciprocating-saw-blade-for-thin-metal-cutting))

What’s the difference between demolition and standard blades?

Demolition blades are thicker and tougher, built to survive shock, nails, and mixed materials; standard blades are thinner and tuned for cleaner, predictable cuts. See EZARC’s demolition guidance and examples in our blog. ([ezarctools.com](https://www.ezarctools.com/en/blogs/blog/which-sawzall-blade-is-for-demolition-work))

Which blades last the longest?

Carbide‑tipped blades deliver the longest life in harsh applications—EZARC’s 6 TPI carbide demo blade notes up to 50× longer life versus standard bi‑metal. ([ezarctools.com](https://www.ezarctools.com/en/products/6tpi-6-9-in-carbide-reciprocating-saw-blade-for-hard-wood-metal-demolition))

Ready to cut faster—with fewer blade changes?

- Explore the full lineup: [EZARC Reciprocating Saw Blades](https://www.ezarctools.com/en/collections/reciprocating-saw-blades). 

- For demolition planning and TPI tips, read: [Choosing the Right Demolition Reciprocating Saw Blade](https://www.ezarctools.com/en/blogs/blog/which-sawzall-blade-is-for-demolition-work). 

Note: This guide mirrors the helpful structure of a popular “ultimate guide” format while providing original, brand‑specific recommendations backed by EZARC product specs and articles. The section flow (intro, fundamentals, by‑material picks, FAQ) is inspired by the structure described in the cited source. ([ronixtools.com](https://ronixtools.com/en/blog/ultimate-guide-to-reciprocating-saw-blades/))