Best Demolition Circular Saw Blade? Milwaukee vs Diablo vs Spyder Tested
I wanted to know which contender deserves to be called the best demolition circular saw blade. So I put Milwaukee, Diablo, and Spyder through the same four-foot torture test. Each 7-1/4-inch, 24-tooth blade faced Southern Yellow Pine, asphalt shingles, aluminum flashing, plywood, and 40 lag bolts. One took more than twice as long as the winner. Another went back for a second full pass.
None of the manufacturers requested this comparison, supplied the blades, or approved the results. You can support independent VCG testing through the VCG Store.
Best Demolition Circular Saw Blade: The Quick Answer
Diablo D0724D was the fastest fresh blade in this test. It completed the four-foot cut in 24.25 seconds. Spyder 13006 followed at 27.27 seconds, while Milwaukee 48-40-0750 needed 57.11 seconds. The same Spyder blade then completed a second full pass in 32.25 seconds.
| Blade and run | Recorded time |
|---|---|
| Diablo D0724D — fresh blade | 24.25 seconds |
| Spyder 13006 — fresh blade | 27.27 seconds |
| Spyder 13006 — same blade, second pass | 32.25 seconds |
| Milwaukee 48-40-0750 — fresh blade | 57.11 seconds |
These numbers rank speed in this assembly. They do not establish total blade life or guarantee how every sample will perform. Cutting feel, carbide condition, and test limitations still matter.
What Makes a Demolition Circular Saw Blade Different?
A sharp framing blade should already move through clean lumber. A demolition blade earns its place when a renovation cut encounters layered material, roofing grit, flashing, or hidden fasteners.
Demolition Circular Saw Blades vs. Standard Framing Blades
Both categories may use a 24-tooth pattern, but demolition blades generally add tougher carbide, heavier tooth construction, stabilizing vents, and low-friction coatings. They are still wood-cutting blades, so the diameter, arbor, rotation direction, and RPM rating must match the saw.
Why 24-Tooth Demolition Blades Are Common
A 24-tooth blade leaves larger gullets for fast chip and debris removal. The trade-off is a rougher finish than a fine-cut blade, which is usually acceptable during tear-out work.
For a closer look at how blade construction changes demolition performance, read our Spyder Tarantula demolition blade deep dive.
How We Built the Demolition Circular Saw Blade Test
The written protocol called for a four-foot rip through a 2x12 Southern Yellow Pine board, two layers of asphalt shingles, two layers of aluminum flashing, 1/4-inch plywood, 30 standard lag bolts, and 10 stainless-steel lag bolts.
The Four-Foot Southern Yellow Pine Base
Thick lumber keeps the blade loaded, while the four-foot distance gives resistance, tracking, and heat time to become visible.
Plywood, Asphalt Shingles, and Aluminum Flashing
The assembly alternated flashing and asphalt shingles, with the shingle grit facing down, before 1/4-inch plywood closed the stack. The layers added abrasion, friction, heat, and trapped debris.
Forty Lag Bolts Across the Cutting Path
The test used thirty 3-1/2-by-1/4-inch standard lag bolts and ten 5/16-inch stainless-steel lag bolts. The blades faced repeated steel impacts while buried in wood and roofing layers.
This test builds on the layered approach used in our earlier four-blade circular saw blade torture test.
Demolition Circular Saw Blade Test Controls and Timing
Every cut used the same corded SKILSAW MAG77, operator, power source, and four-foot distance. Each brand began with a new blade. The order was Milwaukee, Diablo, and Spyder. Spyder then received a bonus second pass with the same blade.
The corded worm-drive setup removed battery charge, pack temperature, battery age, and electronic power-management differences from the comparison. It also gave every blade the same high-torque platform, so the test focused more directly on how each blade moved through the assembly.
Timing ran from blade entry to blade exit. Slowdowns, stalls, corrections, and backing movements remained in the elapsed time.
This was a shop comparison, not a laboratory certification. Feed pressure was human, the order was not randomized, natural material varied, and only one blade per model was tested. For more on circular-saw power and handling, see our Milwaukee M18 FUEL circular saw review.
Best Demolition Circular Saw Blade Contenders
Milwaukee 48-40-0750 NITRUS Carbide Demolition Blade
Milwaukee’s official page calls this 7-1/4-inch, 24-tooth model its “Fastest Cutting. Longest Life.” framing and demolition blade and highlights welded carbide teeth and diamond vents. Those are manufacturer claims. Review the Milwaukee 48-40-0750 NITRUS Carbide specifications.
Diablo D0724D Demo Demon Demolition Blade
The tested Diablo blade was marked D0724D. Diablo’s demonstration protocol inspired the assembly, but the company did not supply the blade or influence the result. See the current Diablo Demo Demon 7-1/4-inch blade details and our breakdown of Diablo saw blade technology.
Spyder 13006 Tarantula Demolition Blade
Spyder model 13006 is a 7-1/4-inch, 24-tooth blade with NiCo teeth, an anti-friction coating, and stabilization vents. Spyder markets it for material that may hide nails, screws, staples, or flashing. Review the Spyder Tarantula 13006 specifications.
Milwaukee Demolition Circular Saw Blade Test Performance
Milwaukee completed all four feet, but the pass was not confidence-inspiring. There was no obvious burning, yet the blade felt like it was fighting the assembly. Afterward, the carbide appeared intact, but gumming and metal attachment were visible.
The wood surface was also noticeably rough, revealing how the blade tracked and cleared material under load.
Diablo Demolition Circular Saw Blade Test Performance
The Diablo pass felt different. The saw did not bog down, and the cut came with minimal drama. The tracking points remained intact, with no obvious warping or broken carbide. Its coating also held up better than Milwaukee’s.
The wood path looked cleaner, matching the lower resistance and steadier progress felt during the cut.
Spyder Demolition Circular Saw Blade Test Performance
Spyder was the final fresh blade, and the immediate reaction was simple: impressed. The visible components appeared intact, with no obvious steel attachment on the carbide.
Because the blade still looked capable, we sent the same Spyder through a second lane. The bonus run stayed outside the fresh-blade ranking because Milwaukee and Diablo did not receive matching second passes.
Demolition Circular Saw Blade Test Results
The fresh-blade ranking was decisive:
- Diablo D0724D — 24.25 seconds
- Spyder 13006 — 27.27 seconds
- Milwaukee 48-40-0750 — 57.11 seconds
Diablo finished 3.02 seconds ahead of Spyder and 32.86 seconds ahead of Milwaukee. Spyder completed the same four-foot distance 29.84 seconds faster than Milwaukee. Milwaukee required about 2.36 times as long as Diablo.
Speed and durability are related, but they are not the same question. A blade that cuts quickly may still wear faster over a long project, while a slower blade may survive additional impacts. This comparison measured first-pass speed for all three blades and repeat performance only for Spyder. It did not measure equal lifetime cuts for every model.
Which Demolition Circular Saw Blade Cut Fastest?
Diablo D0724D was the fastest fresh demolition circular saw blade in this four-foot test. Spyder was close enough to make the fresh-blade race competitive. Milwaukee completed the cut, but its elapsed time was separated sharply from the other two.
Spyder Demolition Circular Saw Blade Second-Pass Test
The same Spyder completed the second lane in 32.25 seconds, 4.98 seconds slower than its first pass.
Spyder cut eight feet in a combined 59.52 seconds. Milwaukee cut four feet in 57.11 seconds. Spyder covered twice the distance with the same blade in only 2.41 additional seconds.
Afterward, the carbide still showed no obvious major damage or buildup despite the steel, flashing, shingles, plywood, and lumber.
This does not prove Spyder lasts longer than Diablo or Milwaukee. Only Spyder received the second pass. It does give Spyder the strongest demonstrated repeat-performance result in this video.
Post-Test Demolition Circular Saw Blade Inspection
Milwaukee showed metal attachment, gumming, and the roughest kerf. Diablo retained intact tracking points, no obvious warping or broken carbide, and a cleaner path. Spyder appeared intact after the first pass and still showed no obvious major carbide damage after the second.
Visible condition cannot predict remaining blade life. A proper durability test needs equal repeat passes, multiple samples, and a consistent stopping rule.
How to Choose the Best Demolition Circular Saw Blade
Best Demolition Circular Saw Blade for Fresh-Cut Speed
Diablo is the speed choice from this test. It recorded the fastest time, felt controlled, retained its coating well, and left the cleanest-looking path.
Best Demonstrated Repeat Performer
Spyder has the strongest repeat story. It finished only 3.02 seconds behind Diablo, then completed another lane with the same blade.
What to Consider Beyond This Test
Your choice also depends on availability, price, arbor fit, RPM, saw compatibility, expected materials, and whether you value speed or finish. Confirm the exact model matches both the work and the saw.
What This Demolition Circular Saw Blade Test Does Not Prove
We tested one sample from each brand. Feed pressure was human. The order was not randomized. Natural material variation remained. Only Spyder received a second pass, and no blade was run until failure. The results show what these individual blades did in this specific assembly; they are not a statistical blade-life verdict.
Demolition Circular Saw Blade Safety Notes
Match blade diameter, arbor, rotation, and RPM to the saw. Keep guards functional, support the workpiece, and expect hot debris. Wear eye, face, hearing, and respiratory protection. Never blindly cut an unknown assembly.
Best Demolition Circular Saw Blade: Final Verdict
Diablo D0724D won fresh-blade speed at 24.25 seconds. Spyder 13006 stayed close at 27.27 seconds and delivered the most compelling repeat result by completing a second lane in 32.25 seconds. Milwaukee 48-40-0750 completed the test, but it needed substantially more time and left the roughest-looking cut path.
A rematch should use multiple samples, randomized order, controlled feed, and equal repeat-to-failure runs. Which blade belongs in it? Give us the manufacturer and exact model in the comments.
Find more VCG Construction tool tests and news, and visit the VCG Store to support future independent comparisons.
Best Demolition Circular Saw Blade FAQ
Can a demolition circular saw blade cut nails?
Some demolition blades are built for occasional hidden-fastener contact. Not every wood blade can safely cut metal. Use an approved demolition model, remove exposed fasteners when practical, and follow manufacturer instructions.
What is the difference between a framing blade and a demolition blade?
A framing blade prioritizes clean lumber. A demolition blade generally adds tougher carbide, heavier teeth, vents, and coatings to tolerate fastener impacts and abrasive material, sometimes with a rougher finish.
How many teeth should a demolition circular saw blade have?
Many 7-1/4-inch demolition blades use 24 teeth. Larger gullets promote fast material and debris removal. The right count still depends on the material, desired finish, and blade design.
Can I use a demolition blade on any circular saw?
No. Match diameter, arbor, rotation, and maximum RPM. Confirm the hardware and guards work correctly. Never modify a saw or blade to force an incompatible fit.
When should I replace a demolition circular saw blade?
Replace it when cutting slows, force or vibration rises, the blade burns or wanders, carbide is missing, or the plate is warped or cracked. Disconnect power before inspection.