There are a lot of things in life that we take for granted. We assume that because something has been around for a long time and is generally accepted as true, it must be the right thing to do. Reciprocating saw blades are one example of this.
Most people just accept the fact that you have to replace reciprocating saw blades regularly because they can’t be sharpened. But is this really the case? Or are people just too lazy to try and sharpen them?
Yes, you can sharpen a reciprocating saw’s blades, but it requires a lot of skills and patience, if the teeth of the blades are flat, then it is an easy process, if the blades are serrated, then it will be difficult to sharpen them.
In this blog post, I will explore the possibility of sharpening reciprocating saw blades and see if it’s a viable option.
The first thing to consider is the material of the reciprocating saw blade. If the blade is made of a softer metal, then it will be easier to sharpen.
However, if the blade is made of a harder metal, it will be more difficult to sharpen. The second thing to consider is the type of teeth on the reciprocating saw blade.
If the teeth are flat, they will be easier to sharpen. However, if the teeth are serrated, they will be more difficult to sharpen.

Now that we’ve considered these two factors, let’s try sharpening a reciprocating saw blade. We’ll need a few supplies including a sharpening stone, water, and oil. First, dampen the stone with water and then rub the saw blade along it several times.
Next, dip both sides of the saw blade in oil and continue sharpening. Once you have gone over the entire surface of the saw blade (both sides), wipe off any excess oil and run a piece of sandpaper over the blade to remove any burrs or rough edges.
So, is it possible to sharpen reciprocating saw blades? Based on my experience, I would say yes – it’s definitely possible! However, it might take a bit longer than you expect and you may need to do some troubleshooting along the way if things don’t go smoothly at first.
But overall, I think that this process is worth trying out because you could save yourself a lot of money in the long run by not having to replace your reciprocating saw blades as often. Give it a shot and let me know how it goes!
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Types of Reciprocating Saw Blades
There are many different types of reciprocating saw blades, and each one is designed for a specific purpose. Here we will discuss the most common types of blades and their uses.
The first type of reciprocating saw blade is the plain or general-purpose blade. This type of blade works well for cutting through most soft materials, including wood and plastic.
Some other types of blades are designed specifically for these materials, but if you only have a plain blade on hand, it will work fine. You can purchase plain blades with various teeth counts, depending on how fast you need your cuts to be completed.
The higher the tooth count, the quicker your cuts will be completed. However, high tooth counts also result in less-precise cuts that are more likely to contain rough edges and splintering material.
Another common type of reciprocating saw blade is the demolition or wood cutting blade. These types of blades are designed for tougher cutting jobs, such as through nails or thick boards.
If you need to make a lot of cuts quickly, then a demolition blade will be your best option.
However, if you only need to make a few cuts, or if you are working with delicate materials, then a plain blade will likely suffice.
The last type of reciprocating saw blade that we will discuss is the metal cutting blade. As the name implies, these blades are designed for cutting through metal. Metal cutting blades come in two different varieties: those with carbide teeth and those without.
Carbide-tipped metal cutting blades are significantly more expensive than their non-carbide counterparts, but they stay sharper for longer and can handle tougher materials without dulling.
If you need to complete a lot of metal cutting tasks, then it may be worth the extra cost to purchase a carbide-tipped blade.
There are many different types of reciprocating saw blades available on the market today, each designed for a specific purpose.
Whether you are looking for a general-purpose blade or one that can handle some tougher materials, there is likely an option out there that will work well for your needs.
When to Sharpen a Reciprocating Saw’s Blade
A reciprocating saw is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of purposes, including demolition, construction, and home repairs.
In order to ensure that the saw performs at its best, it’s important to keep the blade sharp. When should you sharpen the blade?
It’s generally best to sharpen the blade after each use. However, if you find that the saw isn’t cutting as well as it should, it’s likely time to sharpen the blade.
This can be done either at a local hardware store with a sharpening tool, or by doing it yourself.
Process of Sharpening a Reciprocating Saw’s Blade
To sharpen the blade, start by loosening the screws on the blade so that you can easily remove it from the saw.
Then carefully file down any jagged material on the teeth of the blade using a flat-file. Finally, reattach the blade to your reciprocating saw and try it out to see if your work is smooth and consistent.

If you’re looking for an easy way to keep your reciprocating saw’s blade in top condition, consider investing in a quality reciprocating saw sharpener.
These tools are designed specifically to help you quickly and easily sharpen blades on the go, so you never have to worry about spending time or money on replacement blades.
Some popular reciprocating saw sharpeners include the Rockwell Blade Sharpener, the Work Sharp WSSA000 Saw Attachment, and the DEWALT DW9761 Kit.
So whether you’re a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast looking for an easy way to maintain your tools, investing in a reciprocating saw sharpener is definitely worth considering.
Important things to keep in Mind before sharpening the reciprocating saw blade
There are a few things to keep in mind when sharpening these types of blades. First, the teeth on reciprocating saw blades are designed to cut in both directions, so you’ll need to use a sharpening tool that can accommodate this.
Second, the teeth on reciprocating saw blades are also much larger and more widely spaced than those on other types of saw blades, so you’ll need to take extra care not to damage the blade while sharpening it.
The best way to sharpen reciprocating saw blades is with a dedicated sharpening tool. These tools are specifically designed for sharpening large, wide-spaced teeth, and often come with multiple sharpening abrasives for varying degrees of sharpness.
You should also make sure to sharpen your reciprocating saw blades regularly, as this will help prolong their lifespan and keep them working at peak performance.
If you’re looking for tips on how to sharpen reciprocating saw blades, one option is to consult a professional blade sharpener. These experts have the experience and expertise needed to get the job done quickly and safely, without damaging the blade or causing injuries.
Overall, whether you choose to go it alone or enlist the help of a professional, sharpening your reciprocating saw blades on a regular basis is the best way to keep them performing at their best.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
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Is it worth having saw blades sharpened?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a number of factors, such as the type of saw blade, the sharpening service, and the cost of replacement blades. However, in most cases, it is likely to be worth having saw blades sharpened as this will extend their lifespan and improve their performance.
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How long do reciprocating saw blades last?
Reciprocating saw blades can last for a long time if they are taken care of. Make sure to keep the blades dry and free of debris, and to replace them when they become dull.
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How do you sharpen reciprocating saw blades?
Reciprocating saw blades can be sharpened with a file or honed on a sharpening stone. First, find the angle you need to sharpen the blade at. Second, use a file to sharpen the blade at that angle, or use a honing stone to bring back a sharp edge. Finally, test the blade by cutting into some wood to see if it’s sharp enough.