Description
12-Inch High Speed Steel Blades in 18, 24, and 32 TPI
Product Overview
A bi-metal hack saw blade combines two metals for strength and flexibility. The cutting edge is high speed steel, which holds its edge under heat and repeated use. The back is alloy steel, which flexes without snapping. Reed joins the two with an electron beam weld and adds a wavy set to the teeth. Each Reed hack saw blade is sold in packs of 10.
Specifications
| Specification | BH18 | BH24 | BH32 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catalog No. | BH18 | BH24 | BH32 |
| Item Code | 04491 | 04492 | 04493 |
| Blade Length | 12 in (300 mm) | ||
| Blade Width | 1/2 in (13 mm) | ||
| Blade Thickness | 0.025 in (0.6 mm) | ||
| Teeth per Inch | 18 | 24 | 32 |
| Construction | Bi-metal (high speed steel edge, alloy steel back) | ||
| Weld Type | Electron beam | ||
| Tooth Set | Wavy | ||
| Standard Pack | 10 blades | ||
| Weight (per pack) | 0.5 lbs (0.2 kg) | ||
| Best For | Heavy bars, large steel sections, aluminum, PVC | Angle iron, pipe, brass, small section steel | Conduit, sheet metal, tubing |
Key Features
- Each Reed hack saw blade has a wavy set tooth pattern that distributes cutting load across teeth for smoother cuts. This bi-metal hack saw blade works best in a high-tension frame for straighter cuts and longer blade life.
- Three TPI options cover thick, medium, and thin materials. The 18 TPI hack saw blade (BH18) cuts heavy bar stock and PVC, the 24 TPI (BH24) handles pipe and angle iron, and the 32 TPI (BH32) is for conduit and sheet metal.
- At standard 12 x 1/2 x 0.025 inch dimensions, this 12-inch hack saw blade fits any hack saw frame, including the Reed HK1228 high tension aluminum hack saw. The HK1228 ships with one BH18 blade and accepts all three TPI options.
- All three bi-metal hack saw blade models share identical dimensions, so you can swap from BH18 to BH24 or BH32 in the same frame without re-tensioning. Carry multiple TPI options to match the blade to whatever material comes up on the job.
- Each hack saw blade 10-pack contains one TPI. Stock all three Reed hack saw blade options (BH18, BH24, BH32) to cover any material on the job without returning to the shop.
TPI Selection Guide
Choosing the right Reed hack saw blade depends on what you are cutting and how thick it is. Fewer teeth per inch cut faster through thick stock. More teeth per inch give smoother cuts on thin material. A 12-inch hacksaw blade in the right TPI makes clean cuts through steel, aluminum, brass, conduit, and plastic pipe.
| Material | Thickness | Recommended TPI | Reed Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy bar stock | Over 1/4 in | 18 | BH18 |
| Aluminum plate and extrusions | Over 1/4 in | 18 | BH18 |
| PVC pipe | All sizes | 18 | BH18 |
| Angle iron | Standard sections | 24 | BH24 |
| Steel and iron pipe | Standard wall | 24 | BH24 |
| Brass fittings and valves | Standard | 24 | BH24 |
| Conduit | Thin wall | 32 | BH32 |
| Sheet metal | Under 1/8 in | 32 | BH32 |
| Thin-wall tubing | Under 1/8 in | 32 | BH32 |
A hacksaw blade for pipe in 24 TPI handles most standard iron and steel pipe sizes on a plumbing job. Using a hack saw blade for metal with the correct TPI reduces blade wear and prevents the teeth from catching or tearing the workpiece.
Applications
The Reed hack saw blade covers pipe fitting, mechanical, electrical, and general fabrication work.
- Using a 24 TPI hack saw blade for pipe to cut steel and iron pipe to length during plumbing and HVAC rough-in.
- Trimming conduit and thin-wall EMT on electrical installations with the 32 TPI BH32 blade.
- Cutting angle iron, channel, and strut for pipe support fabrication on commercial job sites.
- Choosing a 24 TPI hacksaw blade for metal to cut through brass fittings and valves during equipment changeouts.
- Field-cutting heavy bar stock, aluminum extrusions, and PVC pipe with the 18 TPI BH18 bi-metal hack saw blade.
Buy Reed Bi-Metal Hack Saw Blades Online from Cleanflow
Cleanflow Utility Supply Company is an authorized Reed dealer serving customers across Canada and the United States. Free shipping on orders over $199, with a 30-day return policy. Email info@cleanflow.ca for returns or exchanges. Reed hack saw blades are bi-metal hack saw blades built for repeated use on pipe, metal, conduit, and plastics. Browse the full hand saws collection at Cleanflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What TPI hack saw blade should I use?
The 18 TPI hack saw blade (BH18) handles thick materials like bar stock, aluminum, and PVC. Use 24 TPI for pipe, angle iron, and brass. Use 32 TPI for thin materials like conduit, sheet metal, and tubing.
What is a bi-metal hack saw blade?
A bi-metal hack saw blade has a high speed steel cutting edge welded to a flexible alloy steel back. The high speed steel stays sharp under heat, while the alloy back bends without breaking. This combination outlasts carbon steel blades on most materials.
What is the best hack saw blade for cutting pipe?
The Reed BH24 with 24 TPI is the best hack saw blade for cutting pipe in iron, steel, and brass. For PVC pipe, use the BH18 at 18 TPI. Reed sells each model as a hack saw blade 10 pack.
What is the difference between Reed BH18, BH24, and BH32?
The Reed BH18 vs BH24 vs BH32 difference is teeth per inch only. All three share the same 12 inch hack saw blade dimensions, bi-metal construction, wavy set, and 10-blade pack size. Choose by material thickness: 18 TPI for thick, 24 for medium, 32 for thin.
How many teeth per inch for a hack saw blade?
Match teeth per inch to material thickness. As a rule, at least two teeth should contact the workpiece at all times. Thick sections need fewer teeth for faster cutting. Thin material needs more teeth to prevent snagging. The BH18, BH24, and BH32 cover the full range.
















