Why do sawzall blades break and how to prevent it
A sawzall, also called a rotary saw, is a useful tool that can cut through wood, metal, and plastic, among other things. But many people who use Best Sawzall Blades have problems with the blades breaking.
If you want your blades to last longer and make better, more efficient cuts, you need to know why they break and how to prevent it from happening.
This article will discuss the main reasons why Sawzall blades break and give useful advice on how to prevent them from happening.
Common Reasons Why Sawzall Blades Break
Putting the wrong blade on the job
- Each blade is designed to cut a specific type of material. When you use the wrong blade type on hard materials like metal or concrete, stress fractures, and broken blades can occur. For example, if you use a wooden blade to cut metal or nails, the teeth will quickly fall out, and the blade will break.
- Safety tip: Make sure you use the right blade for your cutting. To cut wood, use a blade designed for cutting wood. To cut metal, use a blade with small teeth designed to cut metal. CBN or diamond grit blades are best for cutting hard materials like brick or concrete.
Applying Too Much Force
- A common way for the blade to break is to push the Sawzall through the material too hard. Too much pressure can bend, overheat, or bind the blade in the cloth, eventually causing it to break.
- As a safety tip, let the blade do the work. Light, steady pressure should be used while allowing the saw’s back-and-forth action to cut through the material. Pressing down on the blade only makes it more likely to break.
Twisting or Bending the Blade
- Another common way for a blade to break is if it must be twisted while cutting. Sawzall blades are designed to cut in a straight line. If you press on them from the side or twist them, they can break.
- Safety tip: Always cut in a straight line and don’t rock the blade from side to side, as this can cause it to bend or twist awkwardly.
Hitting Hidden Obstacles
- There may be hidden things like nails, screws, or metal lines that make it hard to cut through things like walls or floors. If you hit these, the blade could break or become dull too soon.
- Tip for preventing problems: Use a stud finder or metal detector to find secret things before you cut. You can escape sudden breaks if you know what’s behind the material.
Overheating the Blade
- If you keep cutting without letting the blade cool down, it could get too hot. This makes the blade weaker and makes it more likely to break, especially when working with tough materials.
- Safety Tip: When cutting metal, take a break between cuts to let the blade cool down, or use cooling oil. This will keep heat from building up and make the blade last longer.
Using a Dull or Worn Blade
- When blades get dull from use, they need more force to cut through things, which puts more stress on the blade. A dull blade is more likely to break when it gets too hot.
- As a safety tip, check your blades often for signs of wear and replace them when they become dull. Sharp blades will last longer and need less work.
Improper Blade Length
- Using a blade that’s too long for the material can bend it too much, and a blade that’s too short won’t handle it well. In both cases, the blade may break.
- Safety Tip: Choose a blade length that is appropriate for the material you are cutting. If the material is thick, longer use blades. If the material is thin, use smaller blades.
How to Prevent Sawzall Blades from Breaking
Use the Right Blade for the Job
- Make sure you’re cutting with a blade that was made for that material. There are different kinds of sawzall blades for cutting metal, wood, brick, and other materials. Choosing the right one lowers the chance that it will break.
Use the correct cutting method
- Do not press on the blade from the side; always cut in a straight line. Do not force the blade through the fabric. Instead, keep your hand steady and let it do its thing.
Allow the blade to cool
- To prevent the blade from overheating, stop cutting for a while and let it cool. When you cut metal, using cutting oil or lube will help keep the blade cooler and last longer.
Check the material before cutting
- Look for hidden nails, screws, or wires in the wall with a stud finder or wall scanner before you start cutting. This will prevent you from running into things that could break the blade.
Do not use a dull or cracked blade
- Check your blades often, and replace them when they become dull. Cutting with a worn blade puts more stress on both the blade and the saw, making them more likely to break.
Choose the right blade length
- Using a blade that is the right length for the material you are cutting prevents bending and excessive stress. If the blade is too long, it can bend or catch, and if it is too short, it can work too hard and break.
Conclusion
Why do sawzall blades break and how to prevent it by using the wrong blade, using too much force, getting too hot, and running into hidden objects? By knowing these reasons and following best practices, like using the right blade for the job, cutting with the right method, and letting the blade cool, you can make it much less likely that blades will break and make them last longer.
If you take good care of your blades and use them the right way, you’ll not only save money, but your Sawzall cuts will also go more smoothly and quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Sawzall blades break so easily?
Several things can cause sawzall blades to break, such as
Too much pressure while cutting
Using the wrong kind of blade for the job Blade getting too hot from being used for too long
Changing the shape or angle of the blade while it’s working
Long-term use or bad keeping can cause blade fatigue.
What materials are most likely to cause blade breakage?
Blades often break when they try to cut through thick, hard materials like metal or when they hit hidden things in the wood, like nails or screws.
Does the quality of the blade affect breakage?
Yes, expensive blades that aren’t made of strong materials are more likely to break than cheaper blades that are. Examples of strong blades are bi-metal or carbide-tipped blades.
Can improper cutting techniques lead to blade breakage?
Yes, the material can break if you push the blade too hard through it, use too much speed, or twist it oddly. This can be avoided with a steady, controlled effort.
How does blade overheating contribute to breakage?
When the blade gets too hot, the metal gets weaker, which makes it easier to break or chip. Most of the time, the blade gets too hot when it is used nonstop without any breaks to cool down.
Sohail Jhony is a trusted expert in cutting blade reviews, specializing in tools like sawzall blades, reciprocating saw blades, and more. With a keen understanding of blade performance and quality, Sohail offers thorough, practical insights to help professionals and hobbyists alike make informed decisions. From durability to cutting efficiency, his in-depth reviews cover every aspect to ensure users find the right blade for their specific needs. Follow Sohail for expert advice on choosing the best blades for any project.
