Best Reciprocating Saw Blades for Demolition and Metal (2026)
By The DIYPicks Team · Updated July 2026
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Reciprocating blades live or die by material match: nail-embedded wood destroys standard bi-metal, and thick metal chews through anything too coarse. These picks pair the right tooth design and TPI to the job so blades last longer and cut faster.
4.7$303-pack, 9 in (single ~$11)
The blade to reach for when the wood might be full of nails and you want it to last more than one teardown.
- Demolition
- Nail embedded wood
- Remodeling
Pros
- Carbide teeth survive hidden nails and screws that instantly kill bi-metal blades
- Perma-Shield coating cuts gumming when ripping through wet or resinous framing lumber
- Manufacturer rates it up to ~50x the life of a standard bi-metal demo blade in nail-embedded wood
Cons
- Costs several times more per blade than plain bi-metal, so it is overkill for clean lumber
- 5/7 TPI leaves a rough, splintery edge unsuited to any finish cut
- Carbide tips can chip if you twist or pry the blade in a bind
4.7$161-pack, 9 in (3-pack ~$30)
A carbide metal blade built for thick and abrasive steel, not for delicate thin-wall tubing.
- Metal
- Thick metal
- Cast iron
Pros
- Carbide teeth power through cast iron, thick pipe and stacked steel that strip bi-metal blades
- 8 TPI clears chips fast for aggressive metal demolition and cast-iron waste-pipe work
- Holds an edge far longer than bi-metal, lowering blade cost per cut on heavy metal jobs
Cons
- Too coarse for thin sheet or conduit, where it grabs and strips teeth
- Higher upfront price than a bi-metal metal blade for occasional users
- Carbide teeth can shatter if the blade whips or the cut binds
Still deciding? Compare them
Frequently Asked Questions
- What TPI do I want for demolition of nail-embedded wood?
- A coarse 5/7 or 6/9 variable-tooth carbide blade like the Diablo Demo Demon. Low TPI clears chips fast, and carbide teeth survive hidden nails and screws that instantly strip a bi-metal blade.
- Do I need a carbide blade for metal, or is bi-metal enough?
- For thin conduit and occasional cuts, bi-metal is fine and cheaper. For thick pipe, cast iron or stacked steel, a carbide blade like the Milwaukee Torch cuts faster and outlasts bi-metal many times over.