Replies

1. 
   Rugby | May 24, 2003 06:04am | #1

   I just bite the proverbial bullet and fork out a little more cash for the Milwaukee blades.  The "Ax" and "Torch" ones at least.  They're the best I've ever used. 

   The Contruction Rental store here sells Starret blades.  Haven't tried them but thought I'd mention the name.

2. 
   NathanW | May 24, 2003 07:44am | #2

   I'll second the motion for Milwaukie. Spendy, but I think the value is better because of their longevity.

   I have used an anti-kickback blade by Hitachi that I really liked. Lasted well, and the anti-kickback design really worked well.

1. 
   Rarebreed | May 24, 2003 12:05pm | #3

   Most of the blades I buy are the Millwaukees. The Axe and the Torch are awesome. I still grab some of the thinner nail embedded wood blades for when we need to really bend a blade around to make a cut.

   Skil came out with a blade a couple of yrs ago that looked like a pruning saw. It really tears through lumber in a hurry but one nail and it is history.TCW Specialists in Custom Remodeling.

2. 
   FastEddie1 | May 24, 2003 03:20pm | #5

   the anti-kickback design really worked well.  How is it different from a regular blade?  Don't think I have seen one.Do it right, or do it twice.

1. 
   MarkH128 | May 24, 2003 03:55pm | #6

   I haven't tried hitachi, but I had some cheap blades once that had anti kickback. They folded into a Z when they hit something.

1. 
   mitch | May 24, 2003 04:45pm | #7

   for tight places or where you need a really smooth, precision cut or don't want the violent vibration of a recip saw (like where you don't want to crack or disturb the surrounding plaster), Bosch makes a really long, 6-7", Progressor jigsaw blade.  It has really aggressive, super sharp teeth (once again, DO NOT hit a nail, though) and the length will easily handle a 2x4 stud on edge.  With their smooth, powerful 5187, it makes an awesome combo.  not for general demo- i'm a milwaukee ax & torch fan, too- but indispensable for the more delicate stuff.

   m

3. 
   Shoeman | May 24, 2003 03:16pm | #4

   I've tried several blades, and also find myself buying the ax and the torch by Milwaukee.

   If memory serves me right though - I have had good luck with some Lennox blades - can't remember exact ones, but seems Lennox had some pretty good blades.

4. 
   CarpenterPJE | May 24, 2003 04:48pm | #8

   The milwaukee Ax blade does seem to go along time, also lenox makes a heavy body ax like blade that goes forever.  The cost seems alittle high at first but they do payoff.

5. 
   awschmidt | May 24, 2003 06:47pm | #9

   I've tried as many as I could find at my local yards.  I stick with mil or lenox.  Both make thicker demo blades that I like, bend around corners well, and have acceptable life span (abuse not withstanding).

6. 
   patrickofm | May 24, 2003 10:32pm | #10

   I like the Mil blades too, but I bet if I could get Bosch  blades they might be worth a try.  We get more life out our blades by switching to a steel blade when we know there is a nail.  Finally and the reason I wrote this, i picked up some Dewalt blades on friday and they SUCKED!

1. 
   MisterT | May 24, 2003 11:07pm | #11

   There is something about that Default Yellow.

   Kinda like the deer in a headlight, or moth to a flame thing.

   Milwaukeee and Lennox are good.

   Also we get Sterling, they have the thicker demo blades and they seem to last prettty well.

   Boss got a good deal on a dipslay case of Makita blades.

   I haven't noticed that they last any better or worse, but I haven't really done any major demo lately.

   Mr T

   Do not try this at home!

   I am an Experienced Professional!

1. 
   Rugby | May 25, 2003 12:15am | #12

   Just picked up a Milwaukee 5 pack of of those little scroll cutting blades at the Ace hardware store.  They were on close out for $4.99  (Going to be doing decorative end cuts on some deck rafters for my parents tomorrow.  Jig saw is 30 miles away locked up at a friends house.)

   To my surprise all the reciprocating blades were locked up in the pocket knife display cage.  The clerk at Ace said they just did that as they lost about $2000.00 worth of Milwaukee and Lenox blades the week before to shoplifters.  He figured there was a few culprits involved and they slipped in their coat sleeves.

7. 
   Fat_Man_C | May 25, 2003 07:03am | #13

   As a framer I try to save as much $ on blades as possible.  I gave up my Milwaukees and used Vermont America, no value there.  Tried DeWalt (not because they were cheaper) and they really suck, I won't use their drill bits either, I once bought an 1/8" bit and it "cut" worse than the dull bit it was to replace.  So I am now back with the Mil sawzall blades, quality and value, they may be twice as much as cheapies but last more than 2x as long.  I do like the 24T DeWalt framing blades though. 

   Just my experience.

8. 
   AaronRosenthal | May 26, 2003 03:36am | #14

   Count me as another Milwaukee fan. They cost a lot but I can depend on them.

   I tried Lenox but they were too thin and just bent when I was demoing. I stay with Big Red.

   Quality repairs for your home.

   Aaron the Handyman
   Vancouver, Canada

1. 
   MarkH128 | May 26, 2003 06:40am | #15

   So it seems that Milwaukee sawzall blades are pretty much as good as it gets according to what everyone says. I thought as much, but I havent tried everything out there.

   I have found the Milwaukee circular saw blades are very good also, especially the 10" 24 tooth framing/rip blade on my tablesaw. It even does a fair job crosscutting. Extremely durable carbide teeth on that blade.

9. 
   daddoo | May 26, 2003 05:31pm | #16

   The BluMol blades are ok, but are not as strong as the Lenox or Milwaukee. Since I go through a lot of blades, I buy them in bulk from my supplier, and a get a better price. I use Lenox blades almost exclusively. They are not as brittle, and dont bend as easily as the Milwaukee.

   When all else fails, use duct tape!
1. 
   unTreatedwood | May 27, 2003 01:07am | #17

   wonder if anyone remembers the "ugly"??  Used to demolish wood with an attitude.  Don't see it around much any more.

   Big Bob

1. 
   DaveRicheson | May 27, 2003 04:35am | #18

   That was the pruning type blade mentioned above. It was/is a Skil product. I got a couple extra packs of them last time I ran across some. I have seen them at HD and Lowes.

10. 
    toolin63 | May 29, 2003 11:22pm | #19

    We use Lenox or Milwaukee. We've tried others but they seem best. 

    Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing!     Holmes Sr. Oliver Wendell