Milwaukee Multi-Material SAWZALL Blade 9" 7/11TPI 5pk

The Milwaukee Multi-Material SAWZALL Blade 9" 7/11TPI 5pk has been a staple in my tool kit for a while now, and it's time to share my experience with this versatile tool. Dealing with a variety of materials, from nail-embedded wood to metals and plastics, can be a challenge. This blade promises to tackle them all, so I put it through its paces to see if it lives up to its claims.

Versatility and Application

One of the standout features of this blade is its ability to cut through multiple materials. During my recent project, which involved dismantling an old shed and performing some interior demolition, I found the blade particularly useful. The shed was constructed with wood that had been nailed together, and the blade cut through it with relative ease. The 9-inch length was perfect for reaching into tight spaces and making long, clean cuts without having to switch tools.

Cutting Performance

The blade's 7/11 TPI (teeth per inch) configuration provides a good balance between speed and smoothness of cut. When cutting through wood, the blade performed admirably, making quick work of 2x4s and other lumber. However, it did slow down a bit when encountering nails and screws. While the blade did cut through them, it wasn't as quick as I had hoped. This is something to keep in mind if you have a lot of metal to cut through.

Durability

Durability is a mixed bag with this blade. On one hand, the hardened teeth and high-speed steel construction mean the blade can take a beating. In my experience, the first blade lasted quite a while, even after cutting through both wood and metal. However, subsequent blades seemed to dull faster, especially when cutting through tougher materials like screws and thicker metals. This inconsistency in durability was a bit disappointing, especially given Milwaukee's reputation for quality.

Design and Build

The blade's design is another strong point. The new blade profile allows for some bending without losing shape, which is incredibly useful when working in awkward positions or tight spaces. The nail protection built into the tooth design is a nice touch, although I did find that it didn't always prevent the blade from dulling quickly when hitting nails. The aggressive tooth and blade design do improve cutting speed, but only to a certain extent when dealing with tougher materials.

Practical Use Cases

For those working on projects involving a lot of wood with embedded nails, this blade is a good choice. It’s particularly useful for tasks like dismantling pallets, cutting through old framing, or performing interior demolition where you might encounter various materials. The 9-inch length is versatile enough for most tasks, and the multi-pack offers good value for money, especially if you have a lot of cutting to do.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
- Versatile: Can cut through wood, nails, plastics, and metals.
- Design: New blade profile allows for bending without losing shape.
- Aggressive Cutting: The 7/11 TPI configuration offers a good balance between speed and smoothness.
- Multi-Pack: Offers good value for money.

Cons:
- Durability: Inconsistent; some blades dull faster than others.
- Cutting Speed: Slows down significantly when cutting through nails and screws.
- Shimmying: The blade can wobble if not properly aligned with the material being cut.

Recommendation

Would I recommend the Milwaukee Multi-Material SAWZALL Blade 9" 7/11TPI 5pk? Yes, but with some reservations. If your projects involve a lot of wood with embedded nails or you need a versatile blade that can handle a variety of materials, this blade is a solid choice. The design and versatility make it a useful tool for a wide range of applications.

However, if you’re primarily cutting through metal or need a blade with consistent durability, you might want to look elsewhere. The inconsistent performance in terms of longevity and cutting speed through tougher materials is something to consider.

Overall, this Milwaukee blade is a good addition to any tool kit, especially for those who need a versatile, multi-material cutting solution. While it has its flaws, its strengths make it a worthwhile investment for many DIYers and professionals alike.