Thick Metal Reciprocating Saw Blades

[22-rimfire]

Anyone using these "thick metal" blades? Generally what is your impression of their durability with use? I believe Diablo was the first to introduce these. I noticed in Ace Hardware that they have a thick metal blade now, but I would be hesitant to buy their version. I guess I would have to buy a "name brand" first and then buy the Ace version later to compare or compare my impressions when using them. Thoughts?

I don't do much cutting of thicker metal such as pipes, but if these work reasonably well and last, they may be a godsend for the handyman.

The video that Diablo has shows cutting car bodies with their blades. I think that is pretty amazing.

 

[willc]

I’ve only used the regular Diablo blades and they are outstanding.
They last way longer than any other brand I have used through the years.

Are these newer ones a thicker blade stock?

 

[woodysone]

I used them when I took out a bearing wall down stair to cut a 6” I beam, was really surprised on easy it was! It was used afterwards for addition work.

 

[22-rimfire]

I don't cut thicker metal often. The last time was cutting a 3/4" pipe I was using to make a pole to length to support a blue bird box. It was quite the pain in the butt with a hack saw. I think I wore out a couple blades on the last one.

I have picked up both the 6" and 9" Diablo versions but have not used either to this point. For me it is a matter of having the right tools or what I hope are the right tools when the need develops. But I honestly have no idea how well they work.

 

[Velitrius]

I need a blade that is good on metal and PVC... any such animal? This Diablo work equally well on both?

 

[eveled]

I have a diablo blade on my cordless saw. It’s amazing. It’s months old and still tears through everything.

 

[22-rimfire]

I need a blade that is good on metal and PVC... any such animal? This Diablo work equally well on both?

I think it would. The teeth are aggressive enough for PVC. With PVC, you want a square cut and the flexible thin metal blades would be "out". Choice also depends on the thickness of metal that you might be cutting.... you have thin, medium, and thick metal blades. In general, I would want a fairly rigid blade for both as I really hate having my blade all bent up when cutting metal especially.

The kicker on the "thick metal" blades is that they are expensive. So, I want something that might likely last more than one cutting job (within reason). I looked at them at Lowes/Home Depot and for one blade.... pretty pricey. That said, HD has some Diablo two packs that are priced similar to the regular single blade prices. That's why I bought now.

The cost of recip saw blades make utility knife blades seem cheap cheap cheap and extremely disposable.