7 Reciprocating Saw Uses With Hacks & Maintenance Tips

People call it the ultimate demolition tool run by a very powerful motor. And there are some good reasons why they call it that. It just cut through about everything. Lumber, metal, rock – you name it!

If you are involved in demolition and remodeling to any extent, it can be your go-to tool. Once you know all the reciprocating saw uses, you will understand why you should have it.

7 Uses of Reciprocating Saws

reciprocating saw uses

The diverse usage of reciprocating saws has made it very popular. However, never use this tool without wearing a better eye-protection and a pair of work gloves.

Let’s check some of the most common usages of this small handheld saw:

  • Trimming/Pruning

Being cordless, lightweight, and portable – you can use your reciprocating saw to prune or trim your overgrown tree branches.

In comparison with a circular saw, it’s convenient and safe to use a reciprocating say when you have to cut from a ladder or above your head.

You can move around a lot freely and comfortably with such a saw to finish your pruning jobs in no time.

Being flexible and simple to operate has made it suitable for any pruning job: both personal and professional.

  • In Plumbing

All the plumbers have their own reciprocating saw because of its versatile usage. To make holes and notches, you can use the saw in your plumbing work as well.

If you need to get your pipes to go through any plumbing structure, you can use it too.

  • Roof Construction

When you need to repair the shingles, you can use a reciprocating saw. Make beautiful pieces by trimming the shingle and a new beauty touch again.

Like that, not just for roof construction, you can use this saw in almost various other types of construction work as well.

  • To Make Various Cuts

Just like any other saws, you can use it to make both curved and straight cuts. However, the cool part is that you can make sure cuts on both wood and metal pieces!

On top of that, it can reach many hard-to-reach places where normal saws can’t access. That’s because of its compact design.

You can add suitable reciprocating saw blades to bring more versatilities and functionalities of your cuts as well.

  • Make Framework

Since it can make straight and curved cuts, you can use this amazing tool to make a beautiful framework as well.

The problem with using other saws to cut small pieces is the chipping problem. But with a reciprocating saw, there will be no chipping.

So, you can cut accurately and make your frameworks precisely.

  • Demolish Everything!

Demolition requires destroying things. And such saws are the ultimate demolition tool since it can cut literally everything! Thanks to its strongest blades!

On top of that, you can change the blades whenever you think it’s necessary. Depending on your need, you can change various blades of different lengths and widths. That’s huge leverage!

  • Salvaging Wooden Pieces For Artworks

If you are onto aesthetic but DIY woodwork projects, you can salvage the wooded pieces you are cutting with your reciprocating saw. Trim those wooden pieces and add them together to make beautiful tools and home decor pieces.

Using The Right Reciprocating Saw Blades

Reciprocating Saw Blades

As you can see, there is various usage. That brings us choosing the right blades for such different tasks. Because the blade makes all the differences.

Of course, as a saw enthusiast, you already know which blade to use when. But I still like to remind you again. Here you go!

For your construction work, you need to select a bending resistant blade with nails embedded in it. There are plenty of demolition blades like the Lenox Gold as well if you think the blade should be thicker and wider.

The concept of TPI (Teeth Per Inch) is crucial when it comes to choosing the right blade for your saw. Let’s say you want to cut steel for your demolition work, then you should have a blade with 10TPI (10 teeth per inch).

More teeth do not necessarily mean the saw will cut your steel aggressively, but you will have better control while handling it. Let makes more sense of TPI.

Normally, metal cutting requires a coarse blade that has fewer teeth. Thicker metal requires fewer teeth.

When you need to cut thicker metal like the bar stock, you should get a coarse blade with 18 teeth. But if you need to cut thinner metal and tubing, you should get a blade with at least 24 TPI.

Similarly, specialized metal cutting requires specialized blades too. Whereas cutting cast iron needs a diamond-grit blade, cutting cast aluminum requires a carbide-tipped blade.

You can use the same carbide-tipped blade with your reciprocating saw if you need to cut brick, flue liner, or cement board.

Reciprocating Saw Maintenance Tips

It’s a rugged tool and way much abuse-resistant than a circular saw, miter saw, and other saw types.

You can keep using it for all sorts of demolition works and rough cutting jobs including some outdoor applications.

It will keep doing such awesome heavy works if you follow some caring and maintenance tips. Here are a few tips for you:

  • Using The Right Tool

Not just wood and metal, you can use it to cut plastic, concrete, ceramic, masonry, etc. But don’t force it to cut anything it can’t and you need the right accessories (blade) to cut the specific material.

For tougher material like metal pipe, use some oil or lubricant to keep the blade cool. You need the blade to last longer and stay sharper. Using such lubricant will ensure that.

Using the wrong blade for a tougher job will damage the saw severely. All you need is a bigger cutting tool to do the job safely.

  • Insert & Remove Blade According To Manual

The reason it is important because different models of reciprocating saws from various brands have different mechanisms.

Pushing the blade in the wrong way will lead the damage to both the blade and the saw itself.

Make sure to read the right power ratings as well. If it’s cordless, use the right battery package. If it’s corded, use the right voltage. For a pneumatic reciprocating saw, you need to have the right air compressor.

Getting them wrong will kill the saw!

So, read the manual and insert and remove the blade as the instruction says to minimize the damage.

  • Keep It Clean

Among all the saw types, it’s more prone to debris and dust due to the nature of the jobs it performs. Now, the reason you need to keep it clean because you do not want the debris to get stuck in the motor.

A bit of mild soap and a damp rag are all you need to clean it.

This type of saw is meant to last a long time, but keep in mind that they are not water-proof. So, if it gets in contact with snow or exposed to rain, immediately dry it off!

Your saw has some rubber and plastic parts. Those are degradable parts, so don’t use any harsh chemicals to clean your saw either.

Conclusion

There are plenty of applications! Depending on the reciprocating saw uses, you can pick the right model for yourself. Definitely, you will have to consider the material you are working on as well.

Look for the features you need to perform your job efficiently before you buy one.

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