Milwaukee 9 in. 6 TPI Fleam Ground SAWZALL Blades (5 Pk)

In my ongoing quest for the perfect pruning tool, I recently had the opportunity to try out the Milwaukee 9 in. 6 TPI Fleam Ground SAWZALL Blades. As someone who often finds themselves tackling various landscaping projects, I was eager to see if these blades could live up to their reputation.

To start, the Milwaukee pruning blades come in a convenient 5-pack, which is great for those of us who tend to go through blades quickly. The blades are designed specifically for cutting clean wood and engineered lumber materials, which is essential for anyone looking to maintain their yard or tackle small tree removals.

One of the standout features of these blades is their deep gullet design, which Milwaukee claims enhances cutting efficiency. After testing them on a variety of wood types, I found that this design indeed allows for faster cuts. The fleam ground teeth are another notable feature, providing cleaner cuts than many other blades I've used. This is particularly useful when precision is required, such as when pruning ornamental trees or shaping hedges.

Durability is always a concern with any cutting tool, and the Milwaukee blades do not disappoint. They are constructed with Matrix II bi-metal teeth, which significantly increases their longevity. During my testing, I used a single blade to prune a medium-sized birch tree, which included branches ranging from 1 to 4 inches and multiple trunks just over 6 inches in diameter. Even after this rigorous task, the blade remained sharp and ready for more work.

Another aspect worth mentioning is the compatibility of these blades. The 1/2 in. Universal Tang fits all SAWZALLS, making it easy to use them with a variety of reciprocating saws. I personally used these blades with both a cordless Ryobi reciprocating saw and a corded Chicago Electric saw, and they performed admirably with both.

One of the most practical applications I found for these blades was in pruning dead branches off standing trees and cutting up branches for easier disposal. The blades cut through 4-5 inch branches with no problem, making the task far less cumbersome than using a chainsaw. The convenience of not having to fuss with oil or worry about dulling the blade with dirt is a significant advantage. Unlike chainsaws, these blades do not require sharpening and retain their cutting power for a long time.

The thin kerf profile of these blades also deserves a mention. This design allows for more precise cuts and reduces the amount of material removed, which is particularly useful when working on detailed tasks. I used the blades to cut tree roots on a pine tree stump after a storm, and the thin kerf made the job much easier and faster than expected. Even when encountering some dirt, the blades continued to perform well.

Despite their many strengths, there are a few minor drawbacks to these blades. While they cut exceptionally well, they can be a bit flimsy and tend to flap around if not perfectly aligned in the cut. This can be a bit frustrating, especially when working on harder wood. However, this is a minor issue compared to the overall performance and efficiency of the blades.

In one particular project, I used the Milwaukee blades to remove a variety of bushes and rotting tree branches around my new property. The blades handled everything from small twigs to branches over a foot in girth with ease. The fact that I could use my DeWalt sawzall with a 20v 5.0ah battery made the job even more convenient, allowing me to move around freely without worrying about cords.

The Milwaukee blades also proved to be incredibly effective for cutting roots. I used them to clear out several shrub and small tree roots, which were intermingled with small rocks. Despite the challenging conditions, the blades held up remarkably well, with only one blade showing significant wear after the task was complete.

One of the most impressive aspects of these blades is their ability to perform well in various applications. Whether you're pruning trees, cutting roots, or even tackling small demolition tasks, the Milwaukee blades are up to the challenge. Their aggressive teeth make quick work of tree limbs and small diameter trees, and they are especially useful for those in-between jobs where loppers are too small, and a chainsaw is overkill.

In conclusion, I highly recommend the Milwaukee 9 in. 6 TPI Fleam Ground SAWZALL Blades for anyone in need of a reliable, durable, and efficient pruning tool. Their deep gullet design, fleam ground teeth, and Matrix II bi-metal construction make them an excellent choice for a wide range of cutting tasks. While they may be a bit flimsy in certain situations, their overall performance more than makes up for this minor drawback. Whether you're a professional landscaper or a DIY enthusiast, these blades are sure to make your pruning and cutting tasks easier and more efficient.