Best Reciprocating Saw Blade For Concrete In 2023: Top Rated Picks

Let's talk about different types of blades that can be used for a reciprocating saw. There are various blade materials to choose from based on what you need to cut.

High Carbon Steel (HCS) is the most affordable and common blade material. HCS is the softest blade material and is more flexible than other materials. It is suitable for cutting softer woods, particle boards, and plastics, but it dulls quickly when used on hard materials like metal or hardwoods.

High-Speed Steel (HSS) blades are tempered to make them more heat-resistant and durable than HCS blades. HSS blades can cut hardwoods, aluminum, and non-ferrous metal without excessive wear or tooth breakage. These blades last up to 5 times longer than HCS blades.

Bi-metal blades offer both flexibility and break resistance with their high-carbon steel body and heat-resistant and durable high-speed steel teeth. Bi-metal blades are suitable for more demanding applications and can last up to 10 times longer than HCS blades. Bi-metal blades are popular among professionals who use seawalls frequently.

Carbide-tipped blades are bi-metal blades with a carbide tip that is heat-resistant, impact-resistant, and extremely hard. These blades last 20 times longer than standard bi-metal blades and can cut through thicker pieces of metal, such as cast iron, stainless steel, and high-strength alloys.

Carbide grit blades have an abrasive strip made of tungsten carbide that can cut through dense materials like ceramic tile, cement, brick, marble, other stone, and masonry, and harder metals like cast iron and fiberglass.

Diamond blades are the most expensive blades and are also abrasive. They use diamonds instead of carbide to cut through brittle materials like glass and dense materials like concrete. Diamond blades have a much faster cut than carbide grit blades and can last 5 to 20 times longer.

The length of the blade is also an essential factor to consider when selecting the right blade. Blade lengths range from 3" - 12", and standard lengths are 4”, 6”, 8”, 9” & 12”, with 6" and 9" being the most commonly sold. Shorter blades are more rigid and better for plunge cutting, copper pipe, and thinner metals. Longer blades are more flexible and are better for demolition, pruning, auto-dismantling, and rescue work.

The width and shape of the blade are other important factors. Wider blades offer more stability and are better for heavy-duty applications, while lower-width blades provide more flexibility for general-purpose use or finer cutting. Blade shape also makes a difference. Sloped-shaped blades are better for plunge cutting, while straight blades are for edge cutting. Blade thickness ranges from 0.035" - standard duty, 0.042" - medium-heavy duty, 0.050" - heavy-duty, to 0.062" for extra heavy-duty work. Always choose a blade that is slightly longer than the material you are cutting to prevent slipping and binding.

Can I use a reciprocating saw to cut concrete?

An Interconnected A Sawzall can cut concrete quickly with the right blade, but it's better suited to cutting cinder blocks or thinner slabs of concrete. The blade makes the difference. Invest in a long blade with a tough coating, such as diamond or carbide.

How much PSI do you need to cut concrete?

For example, 10,000 PSI is sufficient to cut through a concrete block cleanly, so increasing the pressure will have even greater effects.

Is it better to cut concrete wet or dry?

Contractors typically use a wet saw to cut tile, reinforced concrete, metal, bricks, and masonry. It can make precise, long cuts because it rarely overheats or wears out its blade. If there is a risk of electrocution, dry cutting should be used instead of wet cutting.

The best reciprocating saw blade for concrete is an extremely useful tool. Its adaptability stems from a diverse set of blades that can cut a variety of materials. Sawzall blades are capable of cutting wood, nails, fiberglass, branches, plaster, masonry, and metals such as aluminum, cast iron, steel, and even high-strength alloys. I hope this post helps you choose the right blade for the job.