The reciprocating saw is one of the hardest working tools on a UK construction site. But the blade doing the work is replaceable, and choosing the wrong one costs you time, money, and blades. This guide covers what to look for when buying recip blades, then introduces the MAXTEC range with a full side-by-side comparison so you can find the right blade in seconds.
What Makes a Good Reciprocating Saw Blade?
Not all reciprocating saw blades are equal. When you are buying blades for professional use, four specifications matter above everything else.
1. Blade Construction: Bi-Metal vs HCS
Bi-Metal (BIM) blades combine a flexible spring steel body with a hardened HSS tooth edge. The body flexes without snapping in tight access conditions. The tooth tips stay sharp on hard materials including metal and nail-embedded timber. Bi-metal is the professional standard for metal cutting, mixed materials, and demolition work.
HCS (High Carbon Steel) blades are a single material throughout, optimised for hardness on wood. They cut softwood faster than bi-metal but fracture immediately on nail and fixing contact. HCS is the correct choice for clean softwood only.
2. TPI: The Most Important Number on the Blade
TPI stands for Teeth Per Inch. It determines cutting speed, finish quality, and material thickness suitability. The rule is simple: lower TPI for thick, soft materials; higher TPI for thin, hard materials.
3. Blade Length
Longer blades reach deeper but are harder to control in confined spaces. Use 150mm blades in ceiling voids, joist bays, and tight access conditions. Use 228mm blades for general site cutting with moderate access. Use 300mm blades for deep structural timber, beams, and open demolition work.
4. Universal Shank Fitment
All professional reciprocating saw blades use a standard universal shank that fits every major brand: Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Metabo, Fein, and others. Always confirm the shank type before purchasing if you are using a less common tool.
Single blades are false economy on a busy site. Blade changes are frequent and running out mid-job costs more in downtime than a trade pack saves in unit cost. Buying packs of five keeps you working and reduces the per-blade cost significantly.
The MAXTEC Reciprocating Saw Blade Range
Eight blades. Every application. One brand. The MAXTEC range covers metal cutting, softwood, demolition, mixed materials, and multi-trade renovation work, all in trade packs of five, all with universal shank fitment.
Full Range Comparison: MAXTEC Reciprocating Saw Blades
Use this table to find the right blade for your application at a glance.
Which Blades Should You Keep on Site?
You do not need all eight blades on every site. Here is a practical kit recommendation by trade:
Electricians
- ✓MX-1122EF (228mm 18 TPI) for conduit and cable management cutting
- ✓MX-922BF (150mm 14 TPI) for tight access timber and mixed material cutting
Plumbers and Heating Engineers
- ✓MX-1122BF (228mm 14 TPI Effi-Sharp) for thick steel pipe and channel
- ✓MX-1122EF (228mm 18 TPI) for copper pipe, conduit, and thin metal
Demolition Contractors
- ✓MX-1411DF (300mm 6 TPI) for maximum aggression on heavy structural timber
- ✓MX-3110R (300mm 10 TPI) for mixed demolition material with nail contact
- ✓MX-922HF (150mm 10 TPI) for tight access strip-out work
Renovation and Multi-Trade Operatives
- ✓MX-1122VF (228mm 10-14 TPI variable) as the single versatile blade for mixed material work
- ✓MX-644D (152mm 6 TPI HCS) for fast clean softwood cutting on the same project
The MX-644D HCS blade is for clean softwood only. If there is any chance the timber contains embedded nails, screws, or fixings, use a bi-metal blade. HCS carbon steel fractures immediately on metal contact. This is the single most common cause of recip blade failure on UK construction sites.
Order the Full MAXTEC Range from CMT Group
All eight MAXTEC reciprocating saw blades are available from CMT Group with next working day delivery on orders placed by 7pm. Trade accounts, EDGE procurement portal pricing, and volume discounts available.
Shop the MAXTEC Range at CMT Group
