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Milwaukee Sawzall Blade Set Review: Right for Our Shop?
Ever start a “fast” shop teardown—old cabinets, a stud wall, or a nail-riddled workbench—and realize your cuts are wandering, blades are burning up, and you’re swapping tools just to move from wood to metal? In tight workshops where space and time are limited, we need one reciprocating-saw blade lineup that stays accurate, holds up under abuse, and doesn’t demand a pro-level learning curve.
That’s the promise behind the Milwaukee 12 Piece Multi Material Bi-Metal SAWZALL Ultimate Demolition Reciprocating saw blade Set: an assortment of thicker, taller demolition blades aimed at straighter cuts and maximum durability. It includes The Ax for nail-embedded wood, The Wrecker for general demolition, and The torch for metal, with a mix of 6″ and 9″ blades across 5 TPI, 8 TPI, 14 TPI, and 18 TPI, plus a jobsite-durable storage case that adjusts for up to 9″ blades.
In this review, we’ll break down the blade selection, design features like the full raker tooth tip and double relief angle, what customers commonly report about longevity and cut quality, and who this set fits best. We’ve built and repaired enough shop projects to know where budget meets reliability—and where it doesn’t.
Tool Overview and First Impressions in Our Shop
In our shop, the “tool” here is really the 12-piece multi-material bi-metal blade assortment—and the first impression is that Milwaukee built it for real-world teardown and rough carpentry, not dainty joinery. the kit centers on three familiar blade families—The AX (nail-embedded wood), The Wrecker (general demolition), and The Torch (metal cutting)—all in thicker blade stock that Milwaukee says is meant for maximum durability and straighter cuts. We like that the wood blades include a full raker tooth on the tip for easier plunge starts, which matters when we’re opening up a wall cavity, trimming out a subfloor corner, or doing “surgical” removal around framing we’re trying to keep. This is also a set that respects institution: the included jobsite-durable storage case is designed to adjust to hold up to 9-inch blades, which is exactly the kind of small convenience that keeps recip blades from living loose in a drawer and getting dulled before they ever touch wood.
Customer sentiment lines up with what we’d expect from a Milwaukee demolition pack: many reviewers call out “Milwaukee quality”, a “great value” multipack, and especially the convenience of “having all the sizes at hand”. A few themes are worth taking seriously in a woodworking context: one reviewer notes they “burn up fast when [cutting] a lot [of] junk”—that’s common when reciprocating blades get pushed too hard through mixed material (nails, grit, drywall dust) and overheated. another group reports “cut faster” and “last longer” than other blades they own, plus one mentions the case and blades being more robust than a prior DeWalt set. For us, the educational takeaway is simple: a SAWZALL blade set like this shines when we choose the right TPI (teeth per inch) for the material and let the saw do the work—lower TPI for faster, rougher wood demolition, higher TPI for cleaner control in metal/plastic and thinner stock. It’s not a finish-cut solution,but it’s very much a “get it apart safely and efficiently” solution for remodels,shop alterations,and salvage lumber workflows.
- Included accessories
- jobsite-durable adjustable storage case (holds up to 9″ blades)
- (2) 6″ 5 TPI blades
- (2) 6″ 8 TPI blades
- (4) 6″ 18 TPI blades
- (2) 9″ 5 TPI blades
- (2) 9″ 14 TPI blades
- Compatible attachments/accessories
- Reciprocating saws that accept standard SAWZALL/recip blade tangs (one reviewer notes a “perfect fit” on an M18 model)
- Tool-less blade clamps (common on modern corded and cordless recip saws)
- Blade lubricant/cutting wax (helpful for metal to reduce heat and tooth wear)
- Ideal project types
- Demo and remodel work (stud removal, nail-embedded lumber cuts)
- Kitchen/bath tear-outs (cutting fasteners, trimming framing, removing old rails)
- Shop alterations (cutting old benches, freeing stuck screws/bolts, removing partitions)
- Outdoor structures (decks/fences where hidden fasteners are common)
- Wood types tested by customers
- Not specified in reviews (customers discuss general demolition and mixed-material cutting rather than named species)
| What We Looked At | Milwaukee Spec / What’s Included | Why It Matters in a Wood Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Blade lengths | 6″ and 9″ | 6″ is handy for tighter spaces; 9″ helps reach deeper cuts in framing and stacked assemblies. |
| Tooth counts (TPI) | 5 TPI, 8 TPI, 14 TPI, 18 TPI | Lower TPI = faster, rougher wood demo; higher TPI = more controlled cuts in metal/plastic and thinner material. |
| Blade construction | Bi-metal, thicker blade stock, double relief angle | Bi-metal helps resist tooth stripping; thicker stock helps track straighter in demolition cuts. |
| Storage | Durable adjustable case (up to 9″) | Keeps teeth protected and makes it easier to actually grab the right blade for the material. |
| Accessory / Blade Type | Role | Best Use (Shop Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| The AX (nail-embedded wood) | Wood demolition blade | Cutting through studs/plates where nails or screws are likely hiding. |
| The Wrecker (general demolition) | All-around demo blade | Mixed lumber cuts,pallet breakdown,removing old blocking. |
| The Torch (metal cutting) | Metal-focused blade | Trimming bolts, angle iron, brackets, or metal fasteners you can’t back out. |
| Capacity Consideration | Recommended (Real-World) | Actual (Per Kit Contents) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum practical reach | Choose blade length longer than material thickness for clearance | Up to 9″ blades included; case adjusts to store up to 9″ |
| Material matching | Use lower TPI for wood demo, higher TPI for metal/plastic | Range from 5–18 TPI |
See Full Specifications & Customer Photos
Real World Cutting Performance Across Wood Plastic and Metal
in real shop use,this Milwaukee multi-material set feels built around demolition-style woodworking where we’re not babying the cut—think framing tear-out,pallet breakdown,and renovation knockdowns. The set’s thicker blade stock and taller blade profile (for straighter cuts) show up most when we’re ripping through nail-embedded studs and mixed construction lumber, where a flimsier blade tends to wander. The wood-oriented blades in this kit use a full raker tooth on the blade tip for easier plunging, which is exactly what we wont for plunge-starting rough openings or cutting flush where a circular saw won’t reach.For wood, the tooth counts matter: 5 TPI is our go-to for fast, aggressive removal in 2x material; 8 TPI helps calm the cut a bit for cleaner control; and when we move into plastic or thin metal, the finer teeth start making more sense. Review themes line up with this: customers repeatedly call it “Milwaukee quality,” mention it’s “nice to have all the sizes at hand,” and describe the multipack as a “great value.” The main caveat we see echoed is that blades can “burn up fast” when cutting lots of “junk” (i.e., dirty reclaimed wood, unknown fasteners, and mystery material), which matches what we’ve experienced with any reciprocating blade pushed hard in abrasive demolition conditions—blade choice, pressure, and heat management matter.
Across plastic and metal, the kit’s configuration is practical for woodworkers who occasionally cross into pipe straps, screws, angle iron brackets, or old fasteners hidden in wood.The set includes 18 TPI blades (ideal for thinner metals and plastics where coarse teeth can chatter and grab) and 14 TPI in 9″ length (helpful when we need reach without the shoe colliding with surrounding material). Milwaukee also builds these with a double relief angle meant to reduce tooth stress for longer life, and multiple reviewers back up the “cuts fast” sentiment—one even notes they “cut faster than any other blades” they own, while another calls them “robust and effective” compared to a prior DeWalt set. Technique-wise, we get the best results by letting the saw do the work: keep the shoe planted, start slow to avoid tooth snagging in plastic, and use steady, moderate pressure in metal to control heat (excess pressure is one of the quickest ways to dull any blade). For woodworkers, this kit isn’t about furniture-joinery precision—it’s about reliable, jobsite-ready cutting when the material is unpredictable and the clock is running.
- Included accessories
- (2) 6″ 5 TPI demolition blades
- (2) 6″ 8 TPI blades
- (4) 6″ 18 TPI metal/plastic blades
- (2) 9″ 5 TPI demolition blades
- (2) 9″ 14 TPI blades
- Jobsite-durable storage case (adjusts to hold up to 9″ blades)
- Compatible attachments/accessories
- Any reciprocating saw that accepts standard SAWZALL-style blades (customers report a “perfect fit” on Milwaukee M18 models)
- Reciprocating saw shoe (base) for stability—keep it engaged for straighter cuts and longer blade life
- Ideal project types
- Demolition and remodel work (studs, subfloor patches, trim removal)
- Pallet and crating breakdown
- Rough-in openings (plunge cuts through sheathing or panel goods)
- Mixed-material cuts (wood + hidden nails/screws, light brackets, thin metal)
- Wood types tested by customers
- Maple (mentioned in reviews tied to farm/maple syrup production use)
| Blade (Length / TPI) | Best Use in the Shop | What We Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| 6″ / 5 TPI | Fast cuts in framing lumber; nail-embedded wood (demolition) | Rougher finish; higher vibration if forced |
| 6″ / 8 TPI | More controlled wood cuts; general purpose | Slower than 5 TPI, but steadier tracking |
| 6″ / 18 TPI | Thin metal and plastic; smoother cutting action | Avoid heavy pressure to reduce heat and tooth wear |
| 9″ / 5 TPI | Deeper reach in demos (thicker assemblies) | Use the shoe to prevent flex on longer strokes |
| 9″ / 14 TPI | Metal/plastic with added reach | Start slower to prevent grabbing/chatter |
| Compatible blade/Accessory | Works With This Set? | Why It Matters for Woodworkers |
|---|---|---|
| Standard reciprocating saws (SAWZALL-style) | Yes | Drop-in utility for remodel/demolition without specialty mounts |
| Blade storage/organizer | Included (durable case) | Keeps tooth edges protected; speeds blade selection on the bench |
| Cutting Need | Recommended Blade (from this set) | Real-World expectation |
|---|---|---|
| Fast demolition in wood (possible nails) | 5 TPI (“The Ax” style use case) | Quick, aggressive cuts; finish quality is secondary |
| General purpose wood removal | 8 TPI (“The Wrecker” style use case) | Better control; less wandering if the shoe stays planted |
| Thin metal/plastic | 14–18 TPI (“The Torch” style use case) | Smoother cutting; slower feed rate helps prevent overheating |
See Full Specifications & Customer Photos
Key Features Woodworkers Will Appreciate in a Demolition Blade Set
In our shop, what we appreciate most about the Milwaukee SAWZALL Ultimate Demolition set is how the blade mix matches the reality of woodworking “demo” work—old framing, reclaimed lumber, and the occasional surprise fastener hiding under finish. Milwaukee calls these blades thicker for maximum durability and taller for straighter cuts, and that matters when we’re doing rough breakdowns where a wandering cut can bind the saw and chew up the edge. The set includes The AX for nail-embedded wood, The Wrecker for general demolition, and The Torch for metal, plus tooth counts that cover a lot of scenarios: 5 TPI for aggressive wood cuts, 8 TPI when we want a touch more control, 14 TPI for mixed materials, and 18 TPI when we’re into thinner metals or plastics. We also like the wood blades’ full raker tooth on the tip for easier plunging—useful for starting openings in sheathing or cutting out damaged sections—though we still recommend marking your depth and keeping the shoe planted to reduce kick and chatter.
Customer feedback lines up with what we’d expect from a demolition-oriented blade assortment: reviewers repeatedly mention “Milwaukee quality,” “great value,” and “nice to have all the sizes at hand,” and several note that the blades cut fast and feel robust—one even compared them favorably to a prior DeWalt set and specifically called out the storage case as “better thought out.” At the same time, one theme we don’t ignore is that blades can “burn up fast” when cutting a lot of “junk,” which usually means dirty wood, nail strikes, or long continuous cuts in abrasive material—so for woodworkers, the educational takeaway is to treat these as jobsite consumables: keep a sacrificial blade for questionable reclaimed stock, let the saw do the work (don’t force feed), and switch to the appropriate TPI as soon as the cut quality drops.The included job site durable storage case also helps us stay organized—especially as it adjusts to hold up to 9-inch blades,which reduces the “loose blades in a drawer” problem and makes it easier to grab the right blade for the right material without wasting time.
- (2) 6″ 5 TPI blades
- (2) 6″ 8 TPI blades
- (4) 6″ 18 TPI blades
- (2) 9″ 5 TPI blades
- (2) 9″ 14 TPI blades
- Job site durable storage case (adjusts to hold up to 9″ blades)
- Reciprocating saws (SAWZALL-style) with a standard reciprocating blade clamp
- Milwaukee M18 SAWZALL (reviewers mention a “perfect fit”)
- Reclaimed lumber breakdown (especially nail-embedded boards)
- Rough carpentry removal (studs, plates, sheathing)
- Shop teardown tasks (cutting old jigs/fixtures, mixed-material demolition)
- Quick plunge cut openings (with proper control and layout)
- Nail-embedded wood (common theme: demolition/reclaimed stock)
- “Junk”/dirty wood (reviewers warn blades can burn up with heavy abuse)
| Blade Group | Length | TPI | Best Use in a Wood shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood/Demo (fast) | 6″ | 5 TPI | Fast breakdown cuts in framing/reclaimed boards |
| Wood/Demo (control) | 6″ | 8 TPI | General wood cuts when we want a slightly cleaner line |
| Metal/plastic (thin) | 6″ | 18 TPI | Thin metal, straps, lighter-gauge material, some plastics |
| Wood/Demo (reach) | 9″ | 5 TPI | Deeper reach through thicker assemblies |
| Multi-material (medium) | 9″ | 14 TPI | Mixed material cuts (wood + fasteners, medium metal) |
| Accessory/Blade Type | Included in Set | What Woodworkers Use It For |
|---|---|---|
| Storage case (adjustable to 9″) | Yes | Organizing demolition blades by length/TPI so we grab the right one quickly |
| Wood demolition blades (The AX / The Wrecker) | Assorted | Nail-embedded wood and general rough cuts |
| Metal-cutting blades (The Torch) | Assorted | Cutting metal brackets, straps, and incidental metal in tear-outs |
| Use Case | Recommended Blade (from included options) | Actual Practical Capacity Notes (Shop Reality) |
|---|---|---|
| Reclaimed boards with nails | 5 TPI wood/demolition | Expect faster dulling on dirty stock; keep a “sacrificial” blade for unknown lumber |
| Cleaner construction lumber cuts | 8 TPI wood | Better control than 5 TPI; still not a finish-cut blade—plan to joint/trim afterward |
| Thin metal/plastic | 18 TPI (6″) or 14 TPI (9″) | Use steady pressure and let the teeth do the work to reduce heat (“burn up” complaints) |
See Full Specifications & Customer Photos
Ease of Use for Beginners and Experienced Woodworkers
For beginners, this Milwaukee set is about as close as we get to “open the case and get to work.” There’s no assembly—just a jobsite-durable storage case that “adjusts to hold up to 9-inch blades,” and clear, practical variety for common shop and remodel cuts. In our workflow, the easiest learning curve comes from matching tooth count to the task: the 5 TPI blades are the fast, aggressive choice for rough demolition and nail-embedded wood (Milwaukee calls these The AX), while the 14 TPI and 18 TPI options slow things down for cleaner control in thinner stock, plastics, and metal. Milwaukee also notes a full raker tooth on the blade tip for easy plunging—that’s helpful for us when we’re teaching newer woodworkers how to start a plunge cut without skating across the surface: start slow, keep the shoe planted, and let the teeth establish a kerf before you add pressure. Customer themes back up the beginner-amiable angle—“nice to have all the sizes at hand,” “good selection of sizes and uses,” and “perfect fit” on Milwaukee recip saws—though we also see the real-world caveat that blades can “burn up fast” if we push them hard through mixed “junk” materials without letting the blade do the work.
For experienced woodworkers and renovation-minded builders, the ease-of-use advantage is less about variety and more about how the specs translate into predictable cutting behavior. Milwaukee states these demolition blades use thicker blade stock for maximum durability and are taller for straighter cuts; in practice, we feel that as better tracking in long rips through framing, pallets, or cutting out a window opening where blade deflection can ruin a line. The set’s spread—(2) 6″ 5 TPI, (2) 6″ 8 TPI, (4) 6″ 18 TPI, (2) 9″ 5 TPI, (2) 9″ 14 TPI—makes it easy for us to stay productive without running to the store mid-demo, and the double relief angle Milwaukee mentions is designed to reduce tooth stress (a spec that matters when we’re chewing through nails, screws, and unknown fasteners). Reviewers frequently describe “Milwaukee quality,” “great value,” and blades that “cut faster” and “last longer” than other brands they’ve owned, plus repeated praise for the case being “well thought out.” Our educational takeaway for advanced users: reciprocating saw blades are consumables—heat is the enemy—so when we’re cutting dense hardwoods or metal, we keep the stroke controlled, ease off if we see discoloration, and swap to the right TPI rather than forcing a coarse blade where a finer tooth pattern is safer and cleaner.
- Included accessories: Jobsite-durable adjustable storage case (fits up to 9″ blades)
- (2) 6″ 5 TPI blades
- (2) 6″ 8 TPI blades
- (4) 6″ 18 TPI blades
- (2) 9″ 5 TPI blades
- (2) 9″ 14 TPI blades
- Compatible attachments/accessories: Reciprocating saws that accept standard SAWZALL-style blades (customers note a perfect fit on Milwaukee M18 models)
- Blade storage upgrades: additional SAWZALL blade packs up to 9″ stored in the included case
- Ideal project types:
- Rough breakdown of reclaimed lumber and pallet wood
- Demolition cuts in studs, plates, and subfloor patches
- Flush-cutting protruding nails/screws (with appropriate blade choice)
- Mixed-material slicing (wood/plastic/metal) during remodel work
- Wood types tested by customers: Maple (mentioned in “farm and maple syrup production” use case)
| Blade Group | Length / TPI | Best For in the Shop | Skill Level Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| The AX (nail-embedded wood) | 6″ & 9″ / 5 TPI | Fast demolition cuts; framing with nails; rough breakdown | Beginner (fast), Experienced (efficient) |
| General purpose wood/plastic | 6″ / 8 TPI | More control than 5 TPI; cleaner rough cuts in wood | Beginner-friendly |
| The TORCH (metal cutting) | 6″ / 18 TPI | Metal, thin materials, and controlled cuts to reduce grabbing | Intermediate/Experienced (heat management) |
| Mixed material / thicker stock | 9″ / 14 TPI | Deeper reaches; steadier, more controlled mixed cuts | Intermediate |
| Accessory Type | What’s Supported | Notes From Specs/reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Case holds blades up to 9″ | Customers praise the case as “well thought out.” |
| Recip saw compatibility | Standard SAWZALL-style blade fitment | One reviewer notes “perfect fit for the M18 model.” |
| Use Case | recommended Capacity (Practical) | Actual Capacity (What This Set Provides) |
|---|---|---|
| Deep reach in demolition | Longer blade for clearance behind material | 9″ blades included (5 TPI, 14 TPI) |
| Fast wood tear-out cuts | Coarse teeth for speed | 5 TPI options in 6″ and 9″ |
| Metal cutting | Fine teeth to reduce snagging and tooth loss | 18 TPI blades included (6″) |
See Full Specifications & Customer Photos
Customer Reviews Analysis
What Woodworkers Are Saying (Milwaukee 12-Piece multi‑Material Bi‑Metal SAWZALL Blade Set)
1. Overall sentiment from woodworking customers
Multiple reviews highlight strong satisfaction with the set’s Milwaukee-brand reliability, calling it a good value multipack with a useful spread of blade sizes.Several woodworkers mentioned it’s convenient to have “all the sizes at hand,” especially for mixed-material jobs around the shop and jobsite. Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with a small but notable caution that heavy cutting can shorten blade life.
2. Performance feedback (accuracy, power, results)
Common praise includes fast cutting and solid results under load.Several users reported the blades “cut faster” than other brands they’ve owned and feel like the performance they expect from Milwaukee.
- speed & bite: Reviewers noted faster cuts compared with competing sets (one specifically compared favorably against DeWalt).
- Results in real materials: Customers successfully used this for demanding work like cutting shock studs on heavy trucks, suggesting the blades handle tough metals well—useful for woodworkers who occasionally cross over into hardware, fasteners, brackets, and demo work.
- Cut quality (woodworking lens): There weren’t detailed comments on fine-finish cut quality (e.g., tearout control or furniture-grade edges). The feedback leans more toward demolition/utility performance than precision joinery.
3. Build quality and durability observations
Several woodworkers mentioned “good quality” and “robust” blades, with repeated purchasing indicating reliable baseline consistency. The case/packaging also earned praise.
- Durability highs: “These blades last longer… than any other blades I own” and “robust and effective.”
- Durability caveat: Some users reported challenges with longevity during heavy use—one review warns the blades can “burn up fast when [you] cut a lot [of] junk,” which reads as accelerated wear in abrasive demo situations (nails, mixed materials, dirty wood, unknown metals).
- Storage: Multiple reviews highlight helpful packaging and a well-thought-out storage box (“better designed” than another brand’s).
4. Ease of use for different skill levels
Reviewers generally found them straightforward—no elaborate setup,and compatibility was noted as a plus.
- Fit/compatibility: One user said it was a “perfect fit for the M18 model,” which reduces friction for beginners and DIYers who just want blades that click in and go.
- Beginner friendliness: While reviews didn’t explicitly call out “beginner vs. pro,” the repeated theme of “nice to have all the sizes at hand” suggests low decision fatigue and easy selection for mixed tasks.
5. Common project types and success stories
Even though these are reciprocating saw blades (more demo/rough cutting than cabinetry), reviewers cited real-world tasks where they performed well:
- Farm and production use: One reviewer mentioned “Farm and maple syrup production,” implying dependable utility cutting in rugged, practical environments.
- Automotive/heavy-duty metal work: Customers report using this for cutting shock studs on heavy trucks, a strong indicator of capability in tougher metals and hardware.
- General multi-material cutting: Several users praised the “good selection of sizes and uses,” aligning with woodworking-adjacent needs like remodeling, demolition, trimming nails/screws, and rough breakdown of material.
6. Issues or limitations reported
Some users reported challenges with wear rate when pushed hard, especially in dirty/demo conditions.
- Blade life in heavy demo: The main limitation mentioned is shortened lifespan when cutting lots of mixed “junk” material—i.e., abrasive environments where blades commonly overheat or dull quickly.
- Not positioned for fine woodworking cuts: Reviews don’t describe ultra-clean finish cuts or precision outcomes. For woodworkers, these sound best suited for demolition, remodel work, and rough cuts, not furniture-grade edges.
| Aspect | common Feedback |
|---|---|
| Performance | Multiple reviews highlight fast cutting and strong real-world results, especially in tougher materials. |
| Precision | Not a major theme in reviews; this set is discussed more for demolition/utility cutting than fine-finish accuracy. |
| Durability | Frequently enough praised as robust and long-lasting, but some users reported blades can “burn up fast” in heavy/dirty demo use. |
| Ease of Use | Simple fit and convenient assortment—“nice to have all the sizes at hand.” |
| Versatility / Value | Frequently described as a great-value multipack with a useful size mix for multi-material tasks. |
Pros & cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Shop-ready assortment for real demolition work: Between The Ax (nail-embedded wood), The Wrecker (general demo), and The Torch (metal), we can cover most “grab-a-blade-and-go” scenarios without digging through loose extras.
- Durability-forward design: The thicker blade stock and bi-metal construction lean into the kind of abuse we expect in demos—flex, bind, repeat—without feeling like disposable blades.
- Straighter cuts under pressure: The taller blade profile helps us keep a line when the cut gets aggressive (especially in framing, pallet teardown, or rough openings).
- Good plunge-start behavior in wood: The full raker tooth on the tip makes plunging feel more intentional, not like we’re “persuading” the blade into the workpiece.
- Metal coverage is practical: The included 18 TPI 6″ blades and 14 TPI 9″ blades give us reasonable options for thin-to-medium metal cuts without promptly switching to a specialty pack.
- Case that actually lives through a jobsite: The durable storage case is the kind we’re more likely to keep around long-term, and it adjusts to hold up to 9″ blades—no awkward lid-bulge or loose rattle.
Cons
- Not a specialty-heavy kit: If our week is mostly cast iron, stainless, thick structural steel, or ultra-fine finish cuts, we’ll still need dedicated blades beyond this set.
- Metal assortment leans “general use”: It’s versatile, but it won’t replace purpose-built metal blades for neatness, speed, or longevity in repetitive metal-only work.
- Same-length concentration: with many blades at 6″, there are times (deep cuts, thicker assemblies, awkward access) when we’ll wish the set included more long options than just the 9″ blades.
- Demo teeth are not finish teeth: These are meant to remove material fast—so if we’re trying to keep edges clean on plastics or finished wood,we may see tear-out and rough exits.
- Value depends on our mix of jobs: For a shop that rarely does demolition or mixed-material cuts, we might end up with “spares we don’t reach for” sitting in the case.
What We Like About the Mix (Quick Look)
| Blade Type / Role | What We Use it For | Why It Matters in a Demo Set |
|---|---|---|
| 5 TPI (6″ & 9″) | Fast wood cuts, nail-prone framing | Speed and bite when “pretty” isn’t the goal |
| 8 TPI (6″) | Controlled wood/plastic cuts | A calmer option when 5 TPI feels too aggressive |
| 18 TPI (6″) | Thin metal, conduit, light stock | Helps reduce snagging and chatter in metal |
| 14 TPI (9″) | deeper metal cuts, thicker assemblies | More reach without jumping to extra-long blades |
| Jobsite case (adjustable) | Storage and quick selection | Keeps the set usable instead of becoming a drawer mess |
Q&A
What wood types can these blades handle effectively?
This 12-piece set is aimed at demolition and mixed-material cutting, so it’s strongest on framing lumber (pine/spruce/fir), construction timbers, and nail-embedded wood. The set includes aggressive 5 TPI and 8 TPI wood blades (6″ and 9″) for fast ripping through thicker stock, plus finer 14 TPI and 18 TPI blades for metal and thinner materials. For clean furniture-grade cuts in hardwoods or finish carpentry, a reciprocating saw blade set like this will cut, but it won’t leave a “table-saw clean” edge.
Is it powerful enough for hardwoods like oak or maple?
The blades themselves are bi-metal and designed for demolition durability (thicker blade stock and a double relief angle to reduce tooth stress), so they hold up better than bargain blades in dense material. That said, hardwood cutting performance depends heavily on your saw and technique: use a slower, steadier feed rate, keep the shoe planted, and choose the coarser wood blades (5 TPI/8 TPI) for thick hardwood. Expect more vibration and a rougher surface than you’d get with dedicated woodworking tools—these are better for rough breakdown, remodeling, and salvage work than precision joinery.
how does it perform on plywood, veneers, and sheet goods?
You can cut plywood and OSB with the 8 TPI wood blades, but reciprocating saw blades are not ideal for minimizing tear-out—especially on veneers. If you’re doing cabinet-grade work, you’ll get cleaner results with a circular saw + fine blade, track saw, or jigsaw blade designed for plywood. Where these shine is when you need quick rough cuts (like trimming sheathing, subfloor patches, or cutting out damaged sections) rather than clean edges.
Which blade should I use for nail-embedded studs and general demolition?
Milwaukee includes their most common demolition styles: The AX is intended for nail-embedded wood, The Wrecker for general-purpose demolition, and The Torch for metal cutting. In practice, woodworkers doing remodel/demo work typically grab the AX/Wrecker style for framing lumber and hidden nails, then switch to the 14 TPI or 18 TPI blades when they hit strapping, brackets, screws, angle iron, or pipe. The thicker blade stock also helps the blade track straighter and survive twisting better than thinner “buckling” blades.
How easy are blade changes, and does it work with standard SAWZALL/recip saws?
These are standard reciprocating saw blades, so they fit Milwaukee SAWZALLs and most other brands of recip saws that accept standard tang blades. Blade changes are tool-dependent (some saws are tool-free,some use a lever/collet),but the set includes a range of 6″ and 9″ lengths so you can swap quickly based on access and thickness. One reviewer specifically noted a “perfect fit for the M18 model,” which matches typical compatibility expectations.
Can this handle production work or is it just for hobby projects?
This set is more “jobsite/production demo capable” than hobby-focused. The blades are described as thicker for durability, with tooth geometry meant to reduce stress for longer life—exactly what you want when you’re repeatedly cutting mixed materials. Customer feedback also leans toward durability and speed (“last longer and cut faster”) and value as a multipack. The main limitation is that reciprocating saws aren’t precision production tools for fine woodworking; they’re production-friendly for demolition, rough cutdowns, remodel work, and farm/maintenance tasks.
What regular maintenance is required, and how long will the blades last?
There’s no maintenance beyond smart use: match TPI to the material, avoid overheating (especially in metal), and don’t side-load the blade in a bind. blade life varies a lot by “junk cuts” (hidden nails, screws, dirt, and mixed materials). One buyer noted cheaper blades can “burn up fast when cutting a lot of junk,” which is exactly the scenario this thicker bi-metal demolition set is intended to survive longer. When cutting metal, use moderate pressure and let the teeth do the work to avoid stripping them.
Is this worth the price compared to cheaper blade assortments (or other brands like DeWalt)?
If you frequently do remodel/demo or salvage lumber and regularly hit nails/fasteners, it’s usually worth paying for a tougher demolition set. Multiple reviewers call it a “great value,” mention buying it repeatedly, and cite Milwaukee-quality longevity. One review specifically said these were “much better than a DeWalt set” they’d owned, and also praised the storage case. If you only need occasional clean cuts in wood (no nails), you may save money with simpler wood-only blades—just expect shorter life when conditions get rough.
Transform Your World
The Milwaukee 12 Piece Multi Material Bi-Metal SAWZALL Ultimate Demolition Blade Set bundles five common sizes and tooth counts—6″ blades in 5, 8, and 18 TPI plus 9″ blades in 5 and 14 TPI—covering wood, plastic, and metal cuts. Standout design choices include thicker blade stock for durability, taller profiles for straighter cuts, a full raker tooth tip for easier plunging, and a double relief angle meant to reduce tooth stress. Customer feedback consistently highlights Milwaukee-quality fit and fast cutting, with many praising the organized, jobsite-tough storage case—though heavy “junk” cutting can still wear blades quickly.
Best for hobby woodworkers with small to medium projects, remodelers, and pros who need day-to-day demolition versatility around nail-embedded lumber and occasional metal.
Consider alternatives if you mainly do fine joinery, production-grade hardwood work, or need the lowest-cost blades.
it’s a solid mid-range option: durable, flexible, and convenient, with realistic wear under extreme abuse.
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