Reciprocating saw blade with tangs on each end and related method

摘要

A reciprocating saw blade has a first end with a first tang and a second end with a second tang. The first and second tangs are alternatively engageable with the chuck of a reciprocating saw. The reciprocating saw blade defines a substantially uniform cutting edge extending from approximately the first end to approximately the second end of the blade. The first tang is engageable with the chuck of the reciprocating saw for fixedly securing the first end of the blade to the reciprocating saw and forming with the second tang the free end of the saw blade. Alternatively, the second tang is engageable with the chuck of the reciprocating saw for fixedly securing the second end of the blade to the reciprocating saw and forming with the first tang the free end of the reciprocating saw blade drivable in a reciprocating motion by the reciprocating saw.

主权项

1. A reciprocating saw blade for use in a reciprocating saw having only one chuck that releasably engages one end of the reciprocating saw blade and thereby defines a free end at the other end of the saw blade that is driven by the reciprocating saw in a reciprocating motion, the reciprocating saw blade comprising:
a blade body defining a first end and a second end; a first tang located at the first end of the blade body and adapted for engagement with the chuck of the reciprocating saw; a second tang located at the second end of the blade body and alternatively adapted for engagement with the chuck of the reciprocating saw; a substantially uniform cutting edge without directional orientation extending from approximately the first end to approximately the second end of the blade body, wherein the first tang is engageable with the chuck of the reciprocating saw for fixedly securing the first end of the blade body to the reciprocating saw with the second tang located at a free end of the saw blade and drivable in a reciprocating motion by the reciprocating saw, and wherein the second tang is alternatively engageable with the chuck of the reciprocating saw for fixedly securing the second end of the blade body to the reciprocating saw with the first tang located at a free end of the saw blade and drivable in a reciprocating motion by the reciprocating saw; a first score or line of breakage positioned and configured to facilitate removal of a first portion of the blade; and a second score or line of breakage positioned closer to the second end than the first score and configured to facilitate removal of a second portion of the blade, wherein the blade is sufficiently rigid to allow the blade to cut a workpiece while engaged by the chuck of the reciprocating saw at only one end while the other end is the free end and is driven in a reciprocating motion, wherein at least one of the first tang and the second tang extend from the respective end of the blade body beyond the cutting edge, and wherein at least one of (i) the blade further comprises a tip region extending outwardly of the second tang and the second score or line of breakage is located between the tip region and the second tang and configured to facilitate removal of the tip region from the blade, and the tip region is manually engageable to break away the tip region from the blade at the second score or line of breakage and expose the second tang for use and (ii) at least one of the first score or line of breakage and the second score or line of breakage is spaced inwardly relative to a respective tang at the first end and the second end, wherein the respective tang is manually engageable to break away the respective tang from the blade at the at least one of the first score or line of breakage and the second score or line of breakage to form a tip at the at least one of the first score or line of breakage and the second score or line of breakage.