Bosch 4 in. 14 TPI metal reciprocating saw blade

Why a short metal blade earns a spot in my kit

A short reciprocating saw blade has become one of my favorite problem solvers for metal work. The Bosch 4-inch metal blade (model R12V414B) sits right in that sweet spot: compact enough for control and access, coarse enough to move through stock at a respectable pace, and sturdy enough to be more than a one-and-done consumable. It’s a simple blade with a clear purpose, and after putting it to work on a range of common tasks, I’ve come to appreciate what the 14 TPI, 4-inch format offers—and where it makes sense to reach for something else.

Design and build

This blade is straightforward: 4 inches long, 14 teeth per inch, designed to cut metal, and sold in packs of five. The short length is the headliner. In a reciprocating saw, shorter blades matter because they reduce flex, chatter, and vibration. They also keep the stroke closer to your work, which helps maintain a controlled, square cut, especially in tight spaces.

The 14 TPI tooth pattern is tuned for medium to thicker metal stock. That tooth spacing lets the blade clear chips well and bite without skating, provided you keep a steady feed and appropriate speed. The shank fits standard reciprocating saws without any fuss, and the bulk packaging makes sense for a consumable that’s going to see real use.

Setup and fit

No surprises on fit. The blade locks securely in every saw I tried—corded and cordless. The shorter length means I can choke up on the shoe and keep more of the blade supported. That’s a big plus when cutting flush to framing or slicing fasteners behind hardware where I can’t get a grinder or cut-off wheel safely.

Cutting performance

I ran the blade through a set of typical jobs:

• Cutting common nails and construction screws during demo
• Trimming protruding fasteners flush with metal brackets
• Crosscutting mild-steel pipe
• Chopping EMT conduit and angle iron
• Washing down burrs on cut ends

On nails and screws, the blade bites cleanly and cuts at a reasonable pace without generating excessive heat. The short length keeps the teeth engaged where I want them rather than whipping around. For mild-steel pipe and angle iron, 14 TPI lands in a comfortable zone: it’s aggressive enough to make progress without stalling, provided you keep a light, consistent feed and let the teeth work.

EMT conduit is easy money, and the blade tracks straight with minimal wandering. On thicker-walled pipe, the blade will slow as you get into the cut, but it doesn’t bog down if you moderate the strokes per minute and keep pressure steady. The result is a cut that’s more functional than pretty—expected for a reciprocating saw—but square enough that post-cut cleanup is minimal.

Where it’s less at home is thin sheet metal. At 14 TPI, it can grab and chatter on thin stock, especially if your saw’s shoe isn’t firmly planted. For that kind of work, I’d step up to an 18–24 TPI blade. Likewise, for hardened screws or stainless, you can make progress, but you’ll pay for it in heat and tooth wear. This blade shines with mild steel, common fasteners, and structural profiles—not specialty alloys.

Control and feel

The main reason to keep a 4-inch blade around is control. There’s less flex than you get with a 6- or 8-inch metal blade, so it’s easier to keep the cut line true and the shoe pinned. That translates into fewer bounced starts, less risk of the blade “hooking” unexpectedly, and a more predictable finish.

Vibration is modest for the category. You still need to stabilize the workpiece—no blade can overcome a wobbly setup—but when the work is clamped or well supported, this blade runs smoothly. I also like the way the short length makes plunge starts more manageable; with the shoe tight, I can tuck into a corner and roll into the cut without the blade flexing away from the mark.

Heat, wear, and lifespan

Metal cutting with a recip saw is hard on blades. The 14 TPI teeth here hold up well across multiple cuts in mild steel and fasteners, especially if you use proper technique: steady feed, moderate SPM, and a brief cool-down between cuts. When abused with high speed and heavy pressure, heat builds quickly, and the teeth will dull faster—no surprise. I didn’t experience tooth strip-out on proper stock, and the blade body resisted kinking better than longer options thanks to the short, stiffer profile.

Expect each blade to get you through several typical tasks—cutting out a handful of nails, trimming hardware, and making a few pipe or angle cuts—before you notice a drop in cutting speed. For high-volume demo or repeated contact with abrasive materials (like galvanized coating or painted hardware), plan to rotate blades more often.

Value and packaging

Sold in a five-pack, these blades make sense as consumables you actually use rather than hoard. The per-blade cost is reasonable for the performance, and the multi-pack keeps you from babying a dull blade when you should swap it out. If your work leans toward frequent stainless or thick, hardened stock, you may want to budget for a few carbide-tooth blades alongside these; they’ll outlast on those materials but at several times the price.

Limitations

• Not ideal for thin sheet metal; an 18–24 TPI blade will behave better
• Will wear faster on stainless or hardened fasteners
• Four-inch length limits reach; you need clamp access or room for the shoe
• Cuts are functional, not finish-grade; expect to file or deburr if appearance matters

None of these are deal-breakers—they’re more about picking the right blade for the job. Within its intended use, this blade makes a lot of sense.

Tips for best results

• Keep the shoe planted. Stability reduces chatter and tooth wear.
• Start slow on metal, then increase speed as the teeth seat into the cut.
• Aim for at least three teeth in the material to prevent snagging; for thin stock, switch to a higher TPI.
• Let the blade cool between extended cuts; a five-pack encourages rotation.
• Use cutting fluid on thicker stock if you can—it keeps temperatures down and extends life.
• For flush cuts, approach with a slight angle and roll flat as the cut progresses to avoid hooking.

Who it’s for

If your work involves remodeling, metal framing, HVAC, light fabrication, or general maintenance, a short 14 TPI metal blade is a practical addition. It excels at cutting fasteners during demo, trimming brackets, and tackling common mild-steel profiles without fuss. If you’re primarily cutting thin sheet or exotic alloys, you’ll want a different tooth count or tooth material. For most tradespeople and serious DIY users, this blade fills a gap that longer, finer-tooth metal blades don’t address as well.

Recommendation

I recommend the Bosch 4-inch metal blade for anyone who needs controlled, efficient cuts in mild steel, fasteners, conduit, and structural profiles, especially in tight spaces. The 14 TPI profile offers a good balance of speed and bite, the short length improves accuracy and reduces vibration, and the five-pack makes it easy to keep a sharp blade on hand. It’s not the universal answer for all metal cutting—thin sheet and hardened materials call for different teeth—but used where it’s designed to shine, it’s a reliable, cost-effective performer that earns its keep in the kit.