One of the great things about a reciprocating saw is that you can use it for so many different things. The more you know about all of the uses this tool has, the easier it will be to get the most out of it. In this article we will cover some of the more common reciprocating saw uses so you know what your options are.
Common Sawzall Uses
HVAC Work
You can use a reciprocating saw like the Milwaukee 2821-20 to do HVAC work with air ducts when you need to create holes for wires to go through. You’ll need to use a certain type of blade that features a rounded nose along with bi-metal teeth on either side to do this kind of work.
Drywall
If you need to replace any drywall saw in your home or for a construction job, a reciprocating saw can definitely come in handy. Just make certain that you are using a drywall blade so you don’t damage any electrical wiring, studs or pipes. You also have to make sure you cut it to the precise length of the section to avoid any issues.
Piping
You will also be able to use a reciprocating saw to cut through PVC and metal piping. Many plumbers and electricians use these saws for this reason. If you are going cut through PVC or metal piping, you will need a very strong metal reciprocating saw blade that can get the job done. It is a good idea to use a double-faced blade that features a tip for plunge cuts. This will make doing this type of work much easier and more efficient.
Nails
In situations where you need to remove a section of material that has been incorrectly nailed, a reciprocating saw proves invaluable. Its thin blades are adept at cutting through nails, and their flexibility allows for easy maneuverability through small gaps, making it an ideal tool for such tasks.
Landscaping
While it might seem a bit odd, these saws can be useful for certain types of landscaping work. A reciprocating saw such as the corded MAKITA JR3050T will allow you to clean up bushes and trees quickly and easily. It can actually be a better choice than a chainsaw, as it offers superior balance and is lighter overall. You also don’t need to use both of your hands if it’s not absolutely necessary. This can be an incredibly efficient way to keep your landscaping looking great. Make certain that you use a saw that is appropriate for gardening. It can also be useful for cutting tree branches if you an overgrown tree in your yard.
Fitting Doors and Windows
When you need to cut out a piece of wood for a window or door, a reciprocating saw can immensely help. It can work well with other saws like Dewalt DCS573B for better cutting speed.
The main reason that it is such a good choice for this purpose is because of its precision design. It will allow you to take off small pieces little by little for an exact fit. A basic wood cutting blade should do the trick.
Demolition
If you need to do any demolishing work, this tool can make your job a whole lot easier. It can cut through material quickly and powerfully, which is exactly what you need with this kind of work. You will be able to demolish just about anything, including metal sheets, wood, tiles and bricks. If you are going to be cutting through brick, stone or other very hard materials, you’ll need to use a very strong blade.
Floor Removal
Sometimes a superb reciprocating saw is the best possible tool you can use when removing flooring, especially tile and linoleum. You can keep the amount of mess to a minimum by going between the floor and the tiles. A scraping blade is ideal for this purpose, so you will need to keep that in mind. You can this type of work done in a fraction of the time it would take with manual tools.
Tight Spaces
Quality cordless reciprocating saws can also be very helpful when you are working in tight spaces that you don’t have a lot of room to work in. This is because reciprocating saws are handheld tools with thin blades that give you easy access to cramped areas. They can be useful in many situations where other saws cannot go if you know how to use them right.
If you are confused on when to use a jigsaw or a reciprocating saw in your projects, you can read how we pitted jigsaw vs reciprocating saw here. Read next!
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