Sawzalls are also known as reciprocating saws. Reciprocating saws employ a blade attachment that protrudes from one end of the tool. These blades draw back and forth as power is supplied to the tool. Reciprocating saws are used to cut through materials. They can be used to cut through softer materials like PVC piping and wood, as well as harder materials like cast iron piping and stone. Consumers have access to blade attachments that are designed for different applications.
Most reciprocating saw blades are constructed out of some form of steel. Carbon steel blades are flexible and will bend instead of shatter. Teeth on carbon steel blades can dull quickly, however they are relatively inexpensive to replace. Carbon steel blades are ideal for cutting wood and other softer materials. High-speed steel reciprocating saw blades are more durable than carbon steel blades, but lack flexibility. Bi-metal reciprocating saw blades employ high-speed steel teeth on a carbon steel base.
Some manufacturers offer Sawzall blades that feature diamond coatings. These blades are usually designed around a quality steel base and can withstand quite a bit of regular use. Reciprocating saw blades with diamond coatings are designed to rip through the hardest materials. Diamond is the hardest material; it can scratch any other material on the planet. In terms of hardness on the Moh's scale of hardness, diamond offers a 10 (the highest available on the Moh's scale). Diamond reciprocating saw blades cut through stone, brick and other very hard materials like stainless steel.
Tungsten carbide blades are also perfect for cutting through hard materials like brick, stone and most metals. Reciprocating saw blades that feature tungsten carbide construction are durable and designed to handle regular use without requiring frequent replacement. Tungsten offers a higher melting point than any metal, which is one of the reasons why tungsten carbide reciprocating saw blades work well under high-heat applications. Tungsten carbide is a very hard material; it offers a value of 9 on the Moh's scale.