Good news: reciprocating saw blades are genuinely universal. Every modern cordless reciprocating saw from Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, and Ryobi uses the same 1/2″ universal shank. You don’t have to hunt for brand-specific blades — compatibility is simple. What matters instead is choosing the right length, tooth count, and material for your job.
Universal Shank Explained
The shank is the part of the blade that mounts in the saw’s chuck. Modern reciprocating saws use a standardised 1/2″ universal shank that was adopted across the industry. This means:
- A blade made by Brand A fits a saw made by Brand B
- A blade from 2015 fits a saw made in 2026
- Budget blades and premium blades use the same shank
This universal standardisation is why reciprocating saw blade shopping is stress-free — the only limiting factors are blade length, tooth count, and material type.
Brand Compatibility Matrix — All Saws Fit All Blades
| Brand | Model | Shank Type | Compatible with Any Universal Blade? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita | DJR186Z, DJR187Z | 1/2″ universal | Yes |
| DeWalt | DCS380N, DCS367N | 1/2″ universal | Yes |
| Milwaukee | M18 FSZ (FUEL SAWZALL) | 1/2″ universal | Yes |
| Bosch | GSA 18V-LI | 1/2″ universal | Yes |
| Ryobi | RRS1801M | 1/2″ universal | Yes |
Important exception: Very old pin-type reciprocating saws (pre-2010 models) used a different shank. If you own a legacy corded recip saw, check its manual. For any cordless saw made in the last 15 years, universal shank is guaranteed.
Reciprocating Saw Blade Lengths
Blade length ranges from 6″ (150mm) to 12″ (300mm). Longer blades cut deeper but are less stable in tight spaces.
| Length | Best For | Stroke Depth (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| 6″ (150mm) | Confined spaces, trim work, tight angles, metal cutting in sinks | 80mm to framing |
| 8″ (200mm) | General cordless work, drywall, lumber, demolition | 120mm to 150mm |
| 9″ (225mm) | Larger demolition, thicker timbers, general cutting | 150mm to 180mm |
| 12″ (300mm) | Very thick materials, deep cuts (rare for cordless — mostly for corded saws) | 200mm+ |
For cordless work, 8″ and 9″ blades are the most practical. An 8″ blade handles 90% of site tasks whilst staying balanced in one hand. Use a 6″ for plumbing/HVAC work and a 9″ for heavier demolition.
Blade Types by Material
Once you’ve picked a length, choose the right tooth count (TPI — teeth per inch) for your material:
| Material | Tooth Count (TPI) | Blade Type | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Softwood, framing lumber | 3–6 TPI (coarse) | HCS bi-metal | Very fast |
| Hardwood | 6–10 TPI | HCS or bi-metal | Fast |
| Wood with nails (demolition) | 6–10 TPI | Thick bi-metal (nail-rated) | Fast |
| Green wood, branch pruning | 5–6 TPI (coarse) | HCS | Fast |
| Thick metal (steel, iron) | 10–14 TPI | Bi-metal | Slow |
| Thin sheet metal, pipe | 18–24 TPI (fine) | Bi-metal fine-tooth | Very slow |
| Plastic, PVC, composite | 10–14 TPI | Bi-metal or carbide | Medium |
| Cast iron, stainless steel | 8–12 TPI | Carbide-tipped (only option) | Slow |
General rule: Fewer teeth (coarser) = faster cutting but rougher finish. More teeth (finer) = slower but cleaner. For cordless work where battery life matters, use the coarsest blade that still gives an acceptable finish.
Blade Materials & Durability
HCS (High-Carbon Steel): Cheapest, dulls quickly, fine for one-off cuts. Not recommended for professional or frequent use.
Bi-Metal: Standard for professional work. Body is flexible steel with a harder tooth edge (usually high-speed steel). Lasts 10–20x longer than HCS and handles nails and knots. Best value for cordless use.
Carbide-Tipped: Only option for hard materials (cast iron, stainless steel). Very expensive but lasts much longer. Not needed for general carpentry or demolition.
Best Reciprocating Saw Blades for UK Tradespeople
Best All-Purpose: Milwaukee Sawzall 8″ Bi-Metal (6 TPI)
Fast cuts in wood, handles nails, durable. This is the UK favourite for general work.
Buy Milwaukee Sawzall blades on Amazon UK
Best for Demolition: Bi-Metal 6 TPI Nail-Rated
Thick-body bi-metal blade rated for nails. Look for brands that explicitly state “nail-rated” or “demolition” on the packaging.
Buy demolition-rated recip blades on Amazon UK
Best for Metal: Bi-Metal 18 TPI Fine-Tooth
For thin sheet metal, pipes, or detailed metal cutting. Fine teeth slow the cut but leave a cleaner edge.
Buy fine-tooth metal recip blades on Amazon UK
Best for Confined Spaces: 6″ Universal Bi-Metal
Plumbing, HVAC, tight angles. The shorter length is easier to control in confined work.
Buy 6″ recip blades on Amazon UK
Best Value Multi-Pack: Diablo or Irwin Assorted Packs
If you do varied work, buy a mixed assortment pack with 3–4 TPI, 10 TPI, and 18 TPI options. Diablo and Irwin both offer good value.
Buy recip blade assortment packs on Amazon UK
Blade Storage & Handling
Keep blades dry and store them in the original packaging or a blade case. Check that the chuck grips the blade firmly before starting the saw — a loose blade can fly out. After heavy use in metal, blades get very hot — allow them to cool before handling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all reciprocating saw blades universal?
All modern (post-2010) reciprocating saws use 1/2″ universal shank, so yes. Very old pin-type chucks existed but are rare. Check your saw’s manual if it’s pre-2005.
Can I use a DeWalt blade in a Milwaukee saw?
Yes, completely. If both blades use 1/2″ universal shank, they’re interchangeable. Buy based on price and availability, not brand loyalty.
What length blade should I buy for general work?
8″ is the best all-rounder for cordless saws. Balanced, adequate depth for most cuts, good control. Keep a 6″ for tight spaces and a 9″ for demolition.
How many teeth should I use for wood?
3–6 TPI (coarse) for rough framing cuts. 10 TPI for cleaner wood cuts. The coarser blade cuts faster and uses less battery.
What’s the difference between HCS and bi-metal?
HCS (steel) dulls quickly and is cheap. Bi-metal has a harder tooth edge bonded to a flexible steel body — lasts 10–20x longer. For professional work, bi-metal is worth the small extra cost.
Can I cut metal with a wood blade?
Not safely. Metal dulls a wood blade instantly and can shatter teeth. Always use a metal-rated blade (18+ TPI fine-tooth) for any metal work.