What TPI do you need for a metal reciprocating saw blade?
Start with the metal thickness, then check the exact blade’s application range.
For metal, Hilti lists 18 TPI on its thin-metal heavy-duty blade for 2–6 mm material and 10 TPI on its thick-metal heavy-duty blade for 5–15 mm material. Those ranges belong to two specific blades. At 5–6 mm, both ranges apply, so thickness alone won’t settle your choice.
Two blade-specific TPI choices
Hilti’s thin-metal heavy-duty blade r8017960 has 18 TPI and lists a metal thickness range of 2–6 mm. Its thick-metal heavy-duty blade r8018776 has 10 TPI and lists a metal thickness range of 5–15 mm.
Check the manufacturer details for the [18 TPI thin-metal blade](https://www.hilti.com/c/CLS_POWER_TOOL_INSERT_7126/CLS_SAW_BLADES_7126/r8017960) or [10 TPI thick-metal blade](https://www.hilti.com/c/CLS_POWER_TOOL_INSERT_7126/CLS_SAW_BLADES_7126/r8018776). These examples come from Hilti’s United States edition. They aren’t a universal TPI chart or confirmation of Canadian availability.
Buying for a particular cut
Before you order, record the metal type, measured thickness and workpiece shape. Say whether you’re cutting sheet, tube or solid material. Then check those details against the exact blade’s instructions, along with the shank and length you need.
Cutting 5–6 mm metal? Keep both blade references on your shortlist. Hilti’s application bands overlap there; the supplied guidance doesn’t give a single preferred blade for every material and shape in that band. Ask for a recommendation using your actual cut details.
Don’t buy by tooth count alone
Don’t turn these examples into a rule that every 18 TPI blade cuts 2–6 mm metal or every 10 TPI blade cuts 5–15 mm metal. Nor should you draw a hard dividing line at 5 mm. Keep the blade identity attached to its rating.
For material families beyond this metal-thickness decision, see Cranco’s saw blade types guide.
What to send with your blade enquiry
Cranco’s catalogue lists reciprocating blades for metal and wood containing metal, plus carbide-tipped options. It doesn’t identify these exact Hilti models or confirm current branch stock.
Send Cranco your metal type, thickness, workpiece shape, saw model and required blade length. If you’re asking about one of the Hilti examples above, include its reference number so the tooth count isn’t the only detail in the enquiry.