Milwaukee WRECKER Multi-Material SAWZALL Blade 9 in 7/11TPI

As someone who has tackled a fair share of demolition and construction projects, having a reliable saw blade is indispensable. Recently, I had the chance to put the WRECKER Multi-Material SAWZALL Blade by Milwaukee to the test, and it certainly left an impression.

First Impressions

Right out of the pack, the WRECKER blades have a robust feel. The blade profile is designed to handle an array of materials, including nail-embedded wood, plastics, and metals, which is a significant advantage for multi-material demolition work. The 9-inch length is substantial enough to reach into tight spaces but not so long that it becomes cumbersome to handle.

Cutting Performance

I used the WRECKER blades for a variety of tasks, from dismantling an old wooden fence embedded with nails to cutting through PVC pipes and some non-ferrous metal. One of the blade's standout features is its optimized tooth design, with a 7/11 TPI (teeth per inch) configuration. This design promises versatility, and in practice, it delivers a good balance between cutting speed and smoothness across different materials.

When cutting through wood embedded with nails, the WRECKER blade performed admirably. The aggressive tooth design allowed for faster cutting, which is particularly useful when speed is of the essence. However, I did notice that the blade slowed down significantly when encountering thicker nails or screws. While it managed to cut through, it wasn't as swift as I'd hoped, which might be a consideration for more demanding demolition tasks.

Durability and Longevity

Durability is where the WRECKER blades show mixed results. The blades are built with hardened teeth to withstand challenging materials, and in my experience, they held up reasonably well. However, the longevity seemed inconsistent. On some occasions, a single blade powered through multiple cuts without noticeable wear. In other instances, the blade dulled more quickly, especially when cutting through harder metals or dense wood.

One particular aspect I appreciated was the blade's ability to withstand bending without losing shape. This flexibility is crucial when working in awkward or tight spots where a straight cut isn't always possible. However, the flexibility also means that the blade can wobble if not positioned correctly, which can be a bit disconcerting and requires some getting used to.

Ease of Use

The WRECKER blades are easy to install and switch out, which is a plus when you're in the middle of a project and need to change blades quickly. The nail protection feature in the tooth design is another thoughtful addition, aimed at prolonging blade life when cutting through nail-embedded wood. While it does offer some protection, it's not foolproof, and the blade's performance can still degrade with heavy use.

Versatility

One of the key selling points of the WRECKER blades is their versatility. They are marketed as multi-material blades, and they live up to this promise to a large extent. From wood and nails to PVC and thin metals, the blades can handle a variety of materials, making them a handy addition to any tool kit. However, for more specialized tasks, such as cutting thicker metals or performing high-intensity demolition, you might find other blades more suitable.

Price and Value

The price point for the WRECKER blades is relatively reasonable, especially if you purchase them in a multi-pack. Given their versatility and the Milwaukee brand's reputation for quality, they offer good value for money. However, considering the mixed results in terms of durability, you might find yourself going through blades faster than anticipated, which could offset the initial savings.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Milwaukee WRECKER Multi-Material SAWZALL Blade is a solid performer that offers a good balance between versatility and cutting efficiency. It's well-suited for a range of demolition and construction tasks, particularly those involving mixed materials. However, its performance can be inconsistent, especially when dealing with tougher materials like thick nails or hard metals.

Would I recommend the WRECKER blades? Yes, but with some reservations. They are a great choice for general-purpose use and can handle most tasks you throw at them. If you're looking for a blade that can do it all and don't mind swapping out blades more frequently for tougher jobs, the WRECKER is a worthy addition to your tool arsenal. However, for more specialized or heavy-duty tasks, you might want to consider other options that offer better durability and performance consistency.

Overall, the WRECKER blades are a reliable and versatile choice, living up to Milwaukee's reputation for quality, but they might not be the ultimate solution for every cutting challenge you face.