How to Sharpen a Sawzall Blade

A sawzall, also known as a reciprocating saw, has a large blade that resembles a jigsaw. Sawzalls are often shaped like a power drill and can be either corded or cordless. Keep your sawzall blade sharp and in good condition so it will work properly and safely. You can sharpen your blade in a matter of minutes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Flat file
• Saw vice
• Three square saw file

1. Inspect the saw blade to determine if it needs to be trimmed. If the teeth of the saw are uneven in length, you need to trim them to make them even so each tooth will saw. Secure your sawzall blade in your vice and file the top of the teeth with a flat file until the teeth are all even in length.

2. Clamp the sawzall blade into the vice, again. Make sure that you secure the blade so the top of the vice is just under the teeth of the blade.

3. Move the three square saw file back and forth horizontally between the teeth of the saw until each tooth has been sharpened.

Tips & Warnings

• You can take your sawzall blade to a professional tool sharpener who will use a sharpening wheel to provide you with a clean, sharp blade. It only takes about a minute for a professional tool sharpener to sharpen a sawzall blade, so this is an inexpensive alternative to doing the work yourself.
• If your blade is very inexpensive, it might be more economical to simply replace the blade than to sharpen it.