DeWalt 6 in. 10 TPI Straight Back Bi-Metal Reciprocating Saw Blade (2-Pack)

I spent a couple weeks rotating a fresh pair of DeWalt 6-inch, 10 TPI bi-metal blades into my recip saw across framing repairs, light demo, and a handful of cuts through embedded nails. They’re billed as general-purpose blades with a reinforced tooth line and anti-stick coating, and that’s exactly how they behave in the field: quick in wood, forgiving in awkward cuts, and capable of handling the random fastener you didn’t see coming—within reason.

Build and design

This is a straight-back, 6-inch, 10 TPI bi-metal blade with a modest 6° hook angle and a raker tooth pattern. The hook gives the teeth an aggressive bite, which helps the blade “pull” into wood. The raker pattern spreads the load and keeps the feed consistent so you’re less likely to chatter when you hit a knot or a slightly different material. The bi-metal construction is standard for this class: a hardened edge bonded to a more flexible body. It’s a balance—enough flex to avoid snapping if you bind, with teeth hard enough to hold an edge cutting lumber and occasional metal.

Thickness and stiffness land in the midrange. It isn’t a heavy demolition blade, but it isn’t a flimsy flush-cutting blade either. The anti-stick coating does more than keep pitch off: it lets you run longer cuts in resinous lumber without that gummy, slowing feel.

Cutting in wood

In 2x SPF, the 10 TPI profile and hook angle are quick. With a firm shoe and steady pressure, I was through a 2x10 in well under a minute on a mid-tier 12-amp saw, and it didn’t demand much from the tool. The raker tooth layout helps the blade track straight on long rips, and I noticed less wandering than with generic 10 TPI blades I keep in the truck. Crosscuts in framing lumber were clean enough for rough carpentry, and plunge cuts into subfloor were predictable—start slow, let the hook settle, and the blade takes over.

The 6-inch length fits most general tasks, but you do hit limits. For deep sill plates, thicker beams, or reaching behind hangers, you’ll want a 9-inch option. For standard stud work, electrical box cutouts, and trimming protruding shims or fasteners, 6 inches is a comfortable, controllable choice.

Nail-embedded material and light metal

DeWalt calls out “reinforced tooth geometry,” which is marketing speak until you hit a fastener mid-stroke. I ran these through nail-embedded studs and a handful of joist hangers and drywall screws. In nail-embedded wood, the blade holds up fine: you feel the slight slowdown and a change in tone, but the cut doesn’t stall. Teeth remained intact and didn’t micro-chip in a way that affected the next cut in wood.

In pure metal, results depend on thickness. This is not a dedicated metal blade, and you shouldn’t expect it to excel on heavy stock. On thin sheet metal, EMT, and small screws, it gets the job done if you dial down the speed, keep the shoe planted, and let the teeth work. On thicker bar or angle (1/8 inch and up), the 10 TPI and aggressive hook are not your friend—you’ll get more vibration, a tendency to catch, and accelerated tooth wear. For those jobs, a 14–18 TPI metal-cutting blade with a neutral or negative hook runs smoother and lasts longer.

Bottom line: great for surprise nails, acceptable for thin metal, not the right pick for sustained metal work.

Speed, control, and heat

With the saw’s orbital action engaged, these blades chew through wood quickly. They’re happiest at medium to high stroke rates in lumber. The anti-stick coating keeps the temperature in check surprisingly well; after long ripping cuts in kiln-dried studs, the blade came out warm, not scorching. In damp PT lumber, the coating helps resist pitch and grit build-up, which keeps the stroke smooth.

In metal, switch off orbital, slow the speed, and reduce feed pressure. Doing so extends tooth life considerably and tames bounce. A dab of cutting fluid on thicker steel makes a noticeable difference, even with a wood-oriented blade like this.

Durability and lifespan

For general carpentry and light demo, lifespan is solid. I put one blade through a weekend of subfloor trimming, stud removal, and a dozen cuts through nail-embedded wood. It still had enough bite to cleanly crosscut 2x at the end. The teeth don’t crater quickly, and the body resists kinking as long as you avoid prying. If you’re rough on blades—binding in deep cuts, twisting to snap off waste—expect the usual fatigue at the tang or a gradual bend rather than an abrupt break. That’s the trade-off of a bi-metal body that favors flex over rigidity.

If your work is primarily demolition through mixed material—roof tear-offs, siding with unknown fasteners, or metal-heavy partitions—there are thicker, demolition-grade blades that outlast these, albeit at slower cut speeds and higher cost.

Fit, feel, and compatibility

No issues with fit in standard recip saws. The blade seats cleanly and true. The straight-back profile gives you precise control for plunge cuts and flush trimming. Visibility is good; the coating helps you spot the stroke line in darker environments.

Value and pack size

Sold in a 2-pack, these are aimed at replenishment rather than a bulk buy. For a homeowner or remodeler who needs a versatile blade on hand, two is enough to get through a small project. For production work, a 5- or 10-pack in a heavier gauge might be more economical. Being made in the USA and bi-metal at this price tier adds to the value.

Tips to get the most from this blade

• In wood: engage orbital action, run mid-to-high speed, and keep the saw shoe firmly planted.
• In nail-embedded wood: reduce feed pressure as you contact metal; let the teeth clear chips before pushing.
• In metal: turn off orbital, slow the speed, and consider a touch of cutting fluid. Use the lower third of the blade to preserve the tip for starting cuts.
• For plunge cuts: start with a shallow angle and a slow trigger pull so the hook doesn’t skate.
• Avoid prying with the blade—let the saw do the work to prevent bending at the tang.

Where it shines and where it doesn’t

Strengths:
- Fast, predictable cuts in framing lumber and sheet goods
- Handles surprise nails without immediately destroying the edge
- Anti-stick coating genuinely reduces pitch build-up and heat
- Good control for plunge and flush cuts in a compact, 6-inch format

Limitations:
- Not ideal for sustained or thick-metal cutting
- Midrange stiffness; heavy demo users may prefer a thicker blade
- Six inches can be short for deep demolition or reach-behind cuts

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 6-inch, 10 TPI bi-metal blade for general-purpose carpentry, light demolition, and anyone who regularly encounters nail-embedded wood but doesn’t live in heavy metal every day. It’s quick in lumber, forgiving in awkward cuts, and durable enough to get you through mixed-material surprises without constant blade changes. If your workload leans toward thick steel or aggressive demolition through dense material, choose a heavier, higher TPI metal or demolition blade instead and keep a couple of these on hand for wood-centric tasks. For most remodeling and repair projects, this blade hits the right balance of speed, control, and value.