How to Use a Reciprocating Saw Properly & Safely

Trying to cut through your stuff but have no idea how to use a reciprocating saw? Well, it’s okay, actually. It’s not necessary to know everything. But you can learn how to cut materials using an electric or cordless reciprocating saw anytime you want. It’s not that challenging.

how to use a reciprocating saw

A reciprocating saw is easier to use for cutting through pipes, wood, plywood, nail-wood, drywall, stud, etc., more than other cutting tools. The main attraction of a reciprocating saw is the blade and its flexibility. Where other cutting tools will fail to give you a perfect cut, a reciprocating saw with its unique features will assure you to give its best. So, start learning to use such a powerful cutting tool with us.

Simple Steps to Use a Reciprocating Saw

As a versatile saw, you can utilize a reciprocating saw in multiple ways. Using this tool is straightforward. Just be careful with the blade. Here are the main basic steps to use it. Just go through and follow them correctly. Let’s get started using reciprocating saws like a pro.

Select the Right Blade for the Right Job

You’re going to use a reciprocating saw for cutting, right? How could you cut without reciprocating saw blades? Yes, that’s right. Choosing the right blade to use a reciprocating saw is the first and most valuable step. 

Sawzall Blade

Get the perfect blade, and you will be able to handle other challenges smoothly. There are available multi-purpose blades. Or, you can also use different blades for different tasks. You’ll get massive choices for blades. Let’s have a look at what type of cut requires which type of blade.

  • Select a coarse blade while cutting through wood.
  • If there are plywood or roof shingles to cut through, you can go for a nail-cutting wood blade.
  • A hacksaw resembling a fine-tooth blade would be a perfect choice for slicing through nails and metal pipes.
  • To cut through pipes, a metal-cutting blade would be better.
  • Want to slash through ceramic tile, stones, or cast iron? Go with a toothless blade with tungsten carbide abrasive grit coating.
  • The coarsest-tooth blade is exactly what a plaster cutting requires.

Make sure to check and recheck the blade you’re choosing is not dull and is sharp enough to cut. Bi-metal blades with tool-steel teeth are faster, stronger, more flexible, and more long-lasting. Want your blade to reach deep? A 12-inch blade will certainly cut through sturdy landscape timbers and prune trees.

If you want to know about Reciprocating saws, check this- Get all about Sawzall Vs. Reciprocating Saw: Explore Deference

Insert The Blade Into The Saw

After choosing the right blade, it’s time to fix it in the right place. Just in front of the saw, there’s the blade slot. Insert the blades into the slot. Make sure you’re putting the back end in. Carefully insert the blade in the exact place so that the blade clamp can secure it. Now, place the blade into the chuck. Be very careful while inserting the blade. Ensure that you removed the battery or unplugged the saw before blade insertion. Now, ensure the blade state into the chuck by accessing the clamp. Don’t forget to check the blade by pulling or tugging it from the front end.

Next Step: Shoe Adjustment

Want to know how to cut straight with a reciprocating saw? Well, shoe adjustment is fundamental to making a straight and perfect cut. Even you can extend blade life by adjusting the shoe forward and backward. To reduce the vibration while cutting, you need to push the shoe against the cutting material as much as you can. And to plunge into the cutting material, you can use the shoe pivot point. For that, just lift the back end of your saw when you’re cutting through.No matter what you’re cutting through, you can constantly adjust the shoe according to your cutting requirements.

Squeeze Trigger, Control Speed, and Make Your Cut

Of course, you can’t forget about the trigger. When you’re Completely ready with the perfect blade and shoe position, now squeeze the trigger. Activate your saw, and get going to cut your cutting material. Now you have to know your move and cutting position.

Pay more attention to giving even pressure properly to your saw in the direction your blade is cutting. Especially, be more careful when you’re moving the saw back and forth at a higher speed. 

Reciprocating Saw-for Wood Cutting

Start cutting with a lower speed. Slowly raise the pace and keep it under your control. When the cutting is almost near the end, slow down your speed carefully.

Safety Hacks

  • Never forget to wear safety glasses. 
  • Just after you stop cutting, never touch the blade without hand gloves as it becomes too hot.
  • Beware of kickback while cutting over ladders.
  • Notice you’re not cutting through wires and plumbing pipes while cutting into walls.
  • Always remember to unplug the saw before inserting or changing blades and other settings.

Final Words

I hope you can now quickly get on board with your reciprocating saw. As you know how to use and maintain it, it will be an easy task for you. So, stop overthinking. Hurry up! Get the best reciprocating saw and start cutting according to your necessity.