The reciprocating saw is a must-have tool on all modern jobsites. Whether you’re sawing tree branches, framing, taking out a wall, installing pipe, setting up strut or chopping up automotive parts, a reciprocating saw is one of the most valuable tools a pro can own. Its versatility, ability to reach hard-to-reach areas and simplicity make it a jack-of-all-trades. It’s effectiveness, however, depends on having the right blades to make the cut and the quality to keep going. If you make money in the trades the value in having these cutting solutions for different jobs is keeping more profit in your pocket.

Here are eight different solutions to get the most out of your reciprocating saw:

1. Pruning and wood cutting

Pruning limbs and cutting clean wood seems straightforward, but real pros know it requires a lot of precise movement and a smooth cutting action, particularly with thicker materials. Reciprocating saws offer the option to make pruning and limbing cuts for clean up and landscaping without the hassle of a full size chainsaw. Using a premium pruning/clean wood blade lets users take advantage of faster chip removal, little-to-no friction or gumming, and even long-lasting, energy-saving performance—no matter how tough the tree.

2. Demolition

One of the most common uses for a reciprocating saw is demolition. The tool is small enough to fit between rafters, take up a ladder, deep into a crawl space or up onto a roof. And when paired with the right blade, it’s tough enough to take down a wall embedded with nails, roof shingles, small metal struts and everything between. A specialty nail-embedded wood reciprocating blade will keep you cutting through the toughest materials so you can spend less time demo’ing and more time building.

3. General remodeling and quick repairs

Reciprocating saws are a remodeler and DIYer’s best friend because they can quickly remove or repurpose older wood littered with nails, staples and other debris. Unlike a circular saw, a reciprocating saw can hit smaller hard-to-reach areas with more precise cuts. When the job requires cuts in multiple materials for the day a premium general purpose reciprocating blade will help keep you moving. These blades can work through a variety of materials like wood, metal, plastic pipe, and more.

4. Cutting thick metal strut, plumbing or pipe work

The beauty of a reciprocating saw is its ability to take on any material—including thick metal. So, if you work primarily with metal-requiring you to cut stainless steel, high strength alloys, cast iron pipe or thick metal strut, don’t be afraid to rely on your reciprocating saw. Just make sure you invest in a blade made specifically for cutting thick metal—the best ones equip carbide teeth, an industrial grade coating and other coatings helps them beat the heat.

5. HVAC, electrical work and commercial installation

Mechanical workers also rely on a reciprocating saw for HVAC, electrical and medium metal strut work. This is because reciprocating blades have become so sophisticated that they can deliver precise cuts and last up to 100X longer compared to older standard blades, even when put to the test against newer, more robust construction material including a variety of metals. The time you’ll save by using a reciprocating blade spec’d for the thickness of metal you are cutting lies in the quality of cut and longevity of the blade. Thick, medium, and thin metal options are available from premium blade manufacturers.

6. Thin metal conduit and EMT tubing

Thinner metals—such as stainless steel tubing or sheets less than 1/8” thick (often used in electrical work)—require a different approach and blade…but not a different tool. Reciprocating saws are ideal for this electrical work because of their mobility and ease of use in tight, uncomfortable spaces. A reliable blade, made from high-quality carbide, will get you in and out with little-to-no fuss. Better yet, it will last through multiple jobs and require zero rework.

7. Auto dismantling

No job is too tough for a reciprocating saw—even taking apart the modern automobile. With the right blade, pros can slice and dice all metal ranging from 1/16” to 1/8” in thickness, making them ideal for car demolition. Emergency personnel use such reciprocating blades for emergency extractions and other quick-response jobs requiring quick action. No other tool can beat their versatility, mobility and reliability.

8. Masonry and lesser-known obstacles in general contract work

When an angle grinder or circular saw can’t access a hard-to-reach downspouts, barriers, or piping made from an older material—such as terra cotta or cast iron—a reciprocating saw offer a mobile and precise solution. If you can find a diamond grit blade, add it to your collection and take advantage of its ability to cut concrete blocks and masonry material. Application-specific blades will save you the headache of ruining materials are wasting time when it comes to cutting specialty material.

Since 2020 Diablo Tools has expanded the AMPEDreciprocating saw blades lineup to set a new standard in extreme cutting life and enhanced productivity by combining Diablo’s Black Industrial Cooling Element (I.C.E.) coating with its Hi-Density Carbide. When combined, these industry-first features provide unprecedented blade life and defense against inevitable wear-and-tear.

This summer, Diablo is completing its innovative range of AMPED reciprocating saw blades by extending these features to clean wood/pruning, nail-embedded wood, and thin metal and conduit. With the introduction of the 3 TPI AMPED Demo Demon™ Carbide Teeth Reciprocating Saw Blade for Pruning and Clean Wood, the 5/7 TPI AMPED Demo Demon Carbide Teeth Reciprocating Saw Blade for Nail-Embedded Wood, and the 12 TPI AMPED Steel Demon Carbide Teeth Reciprocating Saw Blade for Thin Metal, professional users can get up to 100X the blade life and performance in every application requiring a reciprocating blade—ranging from extreme thick metal to everyday wood cutting—when compared to standard bi-metal blades. Diablo’s innovative carbide technology also outpaces standard carbide blades by offering up to 2X the productivity and durability. To learn more visit diablotools.com/explore/recip-blades.