What is the best tool to cut plywood?

circular saw A circular saw is the go-to tool for cross-cutting and ripping framing members and sheet stock like plywood.

oldhouseonline.com - The 5 Best Types of Saws for DIYers - Old House Journal

What does M mean in screws?

metric thread The letter 'M' indicates that this bolt uses a metric thread. The number '8' refers to the nominal diameter of the bolt shaft in...

Last updated Aug 3, 2020

What is the difference between CDX and OSB plywood?

You don't have a to an expert in the industry to tell the difference between the two products so we'll keep it simple. OSB, Oriented Strand Board,...

Last updated Jun 16, 2018

These are the Best Shed Plans!

Comprehensive and Intuitive to follow. Build That Shed!

Learn More »

Promotion

A reciprocating saw–also known as a “recip saw” or “hognose saw”–was invented by the Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation in the 1950s and branded Sawzall, is used mainly for demolition. While this word is generally anathema in a restoration context, I’ve seen many wonderful old homes chopped up into rental units where what once were doors have been studded up and drywalled over. Then there are the original basements retrofitted with awful 1970s paneling and landscapes littered with rusting store-bought metal sheds. Chances are very good that as an old-house restorer, you’ll need to take some things apart before you can have a shot at putting them back together, and the tool for this go-hard-or-go-home work is a reciprocating saw.

Choosing the Right Blade for a Reciprocating Saw

For cutting through most construction-related material, I use a 10″ “demolition” blade on my reciprocating saw. Designed to take a beating, these blades’ small, hook-shaped teeth are configured for cutting the hodgepodge of nail-embedded wood, plaster, drywall, and just about anything else you’ll find. Outdoors, if I’m cutting apart a metal shed or some fence posts, I’ll use a metal-cutting blade. Since unsupported metal will usually flop around, I minimize that vibration by pressing the shoe of the saw firmly against the work. If I have to cut tree branches (or roots, for that matter, which are common obstacles in post holes) I swap out the blade for one with more aggressive teeth, such as the Skil “ugly blade.”

Reciprocating Saws Make Demolition Easier

One thing I really rely on this saw for is what I call smart demolition—in other words, I can use it to remove an item carefully. Take, for example, a door opening that’s been covered over with studs and drywall. I can use the reciprocating saw to cut the drywall away in manageable pieces. Then, instead of pounding on the studs nailed into the jambs and floor to pry the nails or dislodge the wood (which doesn’t work, by the way), I run the saw between the member that’s staying and the one that’s going, and cut the nails. This frees the work piece without bashing it, and minimizes both work and collateral damage.

Circular Saw

Why should you only burn candles for 3 hours?

Burning a candle for too long will cause carbon to collect on the wick, leading it to “mushroom.” The wick will then become unstable and produce a...

Last updated Jan 14, 2022

Is sand a good base for concrete slab?

As a general rule, stay away from using sand as a subbase. You're better off using gravel; your concrete will last longer and have less of a chance...

Last updated Jun 9, 2022