Professional Tool Reviews for Pros

Carbide is making its way into nearly every facet of metal cutting thanks to its longer life and potential for fast, clean cuts. Diablo Steel Demon carbide thin metal reciprocating saw blades now join the lineup with a promise of greater durability and cutting performance than bi-metal blades.

When we’re cutting thin metal, such as conduit, we often use bi-metal blades in the 18 TPI range. However, Diablo goes with a 12 TPI tooth count that’s a bit more aggressive, but it works for them.

Right off the bat, we noticed these teeth bite into the metal clean and we didn’t have the jumping around we often have when we’re starting our cuts.

As the cut gets underway, the blade’s 1-inch tall height helps stabilize it while its Perma-Shield coating keeps it moving smoothly through and reduces some of the chatter we usually experience.

That coating does a nice job of sticking around, too. Even when we were making repeated test cuts and really heating up our EMT, we didn’t rub it off as quickly as other blades we’ve tested.

All of that results in a nice, fast cut, however, we don’t want to overlook the cut quality. For a 12 TPI design, Diablo leaves a surprisingly clean finish. To get the cleanest cuts, we dialed down the speed a little bit. Of course, you also want to make sure your saw’s orbital action is off.

It was actually pretty obvious when we got towards the end of the blade’s life because we would see rougher edges. When we started to see that, sure enough, we saw the first worn and broken teeth.

Let’s talk price—because this type of cutting is where we see a lot of guys and gals in the field stick with bi-metal blades. A 9-inch Diablo Steel Demon carbide thin metal reciprocating saw blade runs $15.30 if you buy one at a time.

Diablo’s carbide teeth give you up to 50 times the life of a standard bi-metal blade. Quality 18 TPI bi-metal blades run $3 – $4 each. So if you need 50 of those for every Diablo blade, you’re looking at $150 –$200 worth of blades for every $15 you spend on thin metal Steel Demons.

Diablo’s carbide thin metal reciprocating saw blades are a great choice for plumbers and electricians who need to cut thin metal on a regular basis. For MRO, remodeling, and others, they’re part of a comprehensive line of carbide metal-cutting blades that include medium and thick metal among others.

Try one for yourself and see what kind of blade you get compared to your favorite bi-metal blade. Be sure to come back and let us know what you think!

Check out more at Diablo’s website.

On the clock, Kenny dives deep to discover the practical limits and comparative differences for all kinds of tools. Off the clock, his faith and love for his family are his top priorities, and you'll typically find him in the kitchen, on his bike (he's an Ironman), or taking folks out for a day of fishing on Tampa Bay.

DeWalt announced the arrival of their Elite Series of tool accessories. Designed for strength and durability, the lineup will include the likes of includes saw blades, hole saws, diamond masonry cutting blades, abrasives, and masonry drilling accessories. Select items in this lineup are also made in the USA with global materials. Look for these accessories now […]

Mach-Blue Plating Strengthens Spyder Driver Bits Whether you’re a Pro or a DIYer, you want your tools to last as long as possible. On the other hand, you expect to replace consumable accessories. With Spyder Mach-Blue driver bits, Spyder promises to lessen breakage so you’re spending less on replacements. Spyder Mach-Blue Driver Bits: The Big […]

It is no exaggeration to say that Tapcons and other concrete screws have changed the world. The first art gallery I worked in had brick walls and it was my job to hang the exhibits every month or two. It was such a huge pain drilling holes and installing anchors. I would have killed for […]

One Simple Tool for a Variety of Drilling Needs How long does it take you to switch between a countersink and a screw when joining boards? Swapping bits means setting down tools—which can damage project wood. It’s also less organized and tedious when you have to chase down various bits. Kreg may have a solution […]

They look the same as the Milwaukee carbide blades? Made in the same factory or just copy cats?

As an Amazon Associate, we may earn income when you click on an Amazon link. Thanks for helping us do what we love.

See our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Pro Tool Reviews is a successful online publication that has been providing tool reviews and industry news since 2008. In today’s world of Internet news and online content, we found that more and more professionals researched a large majority of their major power tool purchases online. That piqued our interest.

There’s one key thing to note about Pro Tool Reviews: We’re all about the professional tool user and tradesman!

Copyright ©2008-2022 Pro Tool Reviews, LLC. All rights reserved.

Professional Tool Reviews for Pros