Reciprocating saws are a very popular type of saw that is used for various tasks. Therefore, the blades see a lot of action, depending on how much they are used.
The more the blade is used, the sharpness decreases over time, which may mean you’d have to buy a new blade with a sharp edge. Most people simply accept the reality that reciprocating saw blades must be replaced frequently since they cannot be sharpened.
In fact, it is possible to sharpen these blades, however, it takes some expertise and perseverance. If the blades’ teeth are flat, the operation is simple; if they are serrated, this images it more challenging. In this article, we will discuss whether you can sharpen your reciprocating saw blades and how it is done.
Materials And Number Of Teeth Are Important
The reciprocating saw blade’s material should be taken into account first. It is simple to sharpen a blade constructed of softer metals. It’s going to be more challenging to sharpen a blade composed of a tougher metal.
The kind of teeth on a reciprocating saw blade is the second factor to take into account. You need to be careful as teeth with bigger gaps between them can sometimes be more fragile.
Therefore, you need to handle the blade and the teeth with care. Generally, you should be careful handling any blade, otherwise you risk causing yourself an injury.
Reciprocating Saw Blades Types
Currently, on the market, there are numerous varieties of reciprocating saw blades, each with a unique function.
There is probably a blade out there that will suit your demands, whether you’re searching for a blade that can tackle some tougher materials or one that is general-purpose. The most popular blade types and their applications will be covered in this section.
General Purpose Or Plain Blade
The general-purpose or plain reciprocating saw blade is the first type. Softer materials, such as plastic and wood. As they can be easily sliced with this kind of blade. Some blades have been created especially for these certain materials.
However, if there is only a general purpose blade nearby then, it will still function as well as those other blades. Consider how quickly you require the cuts to be finished. You can choose plain blades with different tooth counts.
The cuts are complete quicker if there are more teeth. Blades with a higher amount of teeth, on the other hand, also lead to less exact cuts which are more prone to have jagged edges and fracturing the material.
Wood Cutting Or Demolition Blade
The wood-cutting or demolition blade is another popular variety of reciprocating saw blade. These blades are made for cutting through thick boards or nails, which are more difficult tasks. A wood cutting blade is your wisest choice if you need to quickly perform numerous cuts.
Metal Cutting Blade
The metal cutting blade will be our final type to be covered. Metal cutting blades are intended for slicing through metal, as their name suggests. There are two types of these blades: blades who have carbide teeth and blades that don’t.
Metal cutting blades with carbide tips are substantially pricier, compared to those without, but they can tackle stronger materials without losing their edge longer. A meal cutting blade which is carbide-tipped is worth the higher price tag, if you need to perform a great deal of metal cutting activities.
When Should You Sharpen Your Reciprocating Saw Blade?
A reciprocating saw is a multifunctional piece of equipment which can be employed for a range of tasks, including home repairs, construction, and demolition. The blade needs to be kept sharp in order for the saw to operate at its peak efficiency.
You should sharpen your blade after each usage. However, it’s probably time to sharpen your blade if you notice that your saw isn’t cutting as it ought to. You have the option of doing this yourself or using a sharpening tool from a nearby hardware store.
How Long Do Reciprocating Saw Blades Last For?
If cared for properly, reciprocating saw blades should last a very long period. Keep in mind to change the blades when they grow dull and keep them dry and debris-free. In addition to that, the amount of use the blades see can also affect how long they last for as well.
How To Sharpen A Reciprocating Saw Blade?
To begin sharpening the blade, first remove the blade from your saw by releasing the screws holding it in place. Then, using a flat-file, carefully smooth out any spiky substances or material found on the blade’s teeth.
In order to check if this process has worked and your blade is sharp once again. You can then reconnect your saw and blade together. Then test it out.
Consider purchasing a high-quality reciprocating saw sharpener if you’re seeking for a simple solution to maintain the blade of your reciprocating saw. You won’t ever need to be concerned about wasting either money or time on replacement blades.
This is because these products are made specifically to make it quick and simple for you to sharpen blades while you’re on the move. As a result, you can either take your blade apart and file the blade using a flat blade to sharpen it.
Otherwise, you ought to purchase a reciprocating saw blade sharpener, that will make the task quick and easy.
Important Points To Remember
When sharpening this type of blade, you need to be aware of the following points. First off, you’ll need to utilize a sharpening tool which can handle the fact that reciprocating saw blade teeth are made to move inwards and outwards.
In action to that, these blades have teeth that are both widely spread and bigger than teeth found on other saw blades. Thus, you’ll need to be extra cautious when sharpening one to avoid breaking it.
Using a specialized sharpening tool is the best method for maintaining reciprocating saw blade sharpness. These products are designed specifically for large, widely spaced teeth.
Usually, they come with a range of sharpening abrasive materials for various levels of sharpness. Additionally, you should bear in mind that sharpening your reciprocating saw blades on a regular basis can help them last longer and continue to operate at their best.
Although, it is best to speak with a skilled blade sharpener for advice on ways to maintain reciprocating saw blade sharpness. These professionals have the competence and knowledge required to complete the task safely and quickly without endangering your blade or inflicting injury.
Conclusion
It is possible to sharpen reciprocating saw blades either by yourself with a file blade or using a sharpening tool. Overall, sharpening these blades regularly is considered the ideal method to maintain the blades, so they operate at their optimal efficiency.
If you don’t sharpen them, then you will have to spend more money during the long run to replace these blades. Hence, sharpening them can help you save money on replacement blades as well.
We hope this article has been informative and answered your questions around sharpening reciprocating saw blades.