Need some help regarding sawzall blades

[husker91]

So I was replacing lower control arms on my 89 5.0L mustang, but the bolt is seized in the bushing. I have been recommended to just use a sawzall and cut it off on either end. This is turning out to be much bigger of a chore than I realized, I got the end of the bolt chopped off, but I used all 5 milwaukee metal cutting blades.
And on top of that, that was the easy side, the other side I need to cut would have to first pass through the metal part of the bushing, then through the beefy 12mm bolt. I am wondering which sawzall blade I should purchase as the milwaukee I tried had no noticeable effect on cutting through the bushing.
Thanks!

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I have heard good things about lenox blades. I don't have any experience with their sawzall blades since I don't use my sawzall much, even less on metal. But I use their hacksaw blades and I have been very happy with them.

 

[husker91]

I have heard good things about lenox blades. I don't have any experience with their sawzall blades since I don't use my sawzall much, even less on metal. But I use their hacksaw blades and I have been very happy with them.

Alright I'll check out the lennox blades when I run to the hardware store tomorrow, and yeah its a tiny little space available for cutting and I don't think I could get enough leverage using a hacksaw. I have even thought about a cutoff wheel if I could somehow slide one in there.

 

[woody 73]

I think these suckers will handle the job at hand:

http://www.lenoxtools.com/pages/gold-extreme-metal-reciprocating-saw-blades.aspx

 

[AceofSpad3s]

Alright I'll check out the lennox blades when I run to the hardware store tomorrow, and yeah its a tiny little space available for cutting and I don't think I could get enough leverage using a hacksaw. I have even thought about a cutoff wheel if I could somehow slide one in there.

I didn't mean use a hacksaw. Hacksaw blades are the only lenox product I have experience with, which is why I mentioned them. Plus I bet you would be there for quite a while if you were using a hacksaw.

 

[Ponchoguy]

So I was replacing lower control arms on my 89 5.0L mustang, but the bolt is seized in the bushing. I have been recommended to just use a sawzall and cut it off on either end. This is turning out to be much bigger of a chore than I realized, I got the end of the bolt chopped off, but I used all 5 milwaukee metal cutting blades.
And on top of that, that was the easy side, the other side I need to cut would have to first pass through the metal part of the bushing, then through the beefy 12mm bolt. I am wondering which sawzall blade I should purchase as the milwaukee I tried had no noticeable effect on cutting through the bushing.
Thanks!

I had this similar problem with the trailing arm on my mother's Saturn SL2. I used my trusty 6.5A Craftsman recip saw and some Lenox blades (I may have used a few Dewalts too) and with some patience, I liberated the SOB. I was like "take that you b***tard" when it finally fell to the ground. LOL.

 

[trackwelder]

What king of blade speed where you cutting with?
If your running the blades to fast your going to burn them up. Cutting is all about speed and pressure.

 

[husker91]

I think these suckers will handle the job at hand:

http://www.lenoxtools.com/pages/gold-extreme-metal-reciprocating-saw-blades.aspx

Awesome, I'll check them out! Thanks! Now would these be better than the diamond tipped Lenox blade? http://www.lowes.com/pd_294633-28303-ES-10833___

I didn't mean use a hacksaw. Hacksaw blades are the only lenox product I have experience with, which is why I mentioned them. Plus I bet you would be there for quite a while if you were using a hacksaw. lol:

Haha if I was doing this by hand I would be at it for a week lol.

I had this similar problem with the trailing arm on my mother's Saturn SL2. I used my trusty 6.5A Craftsman recip saw and some Lenox blades (I may have used a few Dewalts too) and with some patience, I liberated the SOB. I was like "take that you b***tard" when it finally fell to the ground. LOL.

Lol that's how I felt after just cutting the one end off! It'll be great once its done, thankfully the other 3 bolts weren't seized in the bushing!! Everyone keeps mentioning Lenox blades, I'll give them a look.

 

[husker91]

What king of blade speed where you cutting with?
If your running the blades to fast your going to burn them up. Cutting is all about speed and pressure.

Maybe that's been my problem, first time sawzall user =/. Full speed ahead was my thought lol. The sawzall I rented has a dial from 1-6, I had it on 6.

 

[bcradio]

Try some cutting oil too

 

[mechanical turk]

I haven't cut anything really serious (tend to prefer an angle grinder when possible) but I like the Diablo carbide tipped metal cutting blades.

They are a bit pricey but seem like they'll eat through anything.

 

[kctyphoon]

any chance of a picture showing what you need to do?? i use diablo blades for the sawzalls i have at work, to cut hardware, anchors and old metal conduit.. is there any chance you can use a propane torch and burn the bushing out if that makes anything easier?

 

[trentonmakes]

It's seized in the metal sleeve in the bushing.
At least that's the issue I had removing LCA

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

 

[KnurledNut]

What king of blade speed where you cutting with?
If your running the blades to fast your going to burn them up. Cutting is all about speed and pressure.

This.
If the blades are changing color from the heat, then you are going too fast. If youre running wide open, thats gotta be part of your problem.
This will toast a blade quick on harder metals.
I would definitely slow it down, maybe try the 2nd or 3rd setting on your saw and apply firm pressure.

 

[woody 73]

husker first thing on Monday morning give lenox a call and tell them your current situation, they will tell you which blade is the best to use and will get the job done asap.

Also ask them where you can buy them and be sure and get a free catalog.

 

[husker91]

I haven't cut anything really serious (tend to prefer an angle grinder when possible) but I like the Diablo carbide tipped metal cutting blades.

They are a bit pricey but seem like they'll eat through anything.

I'll check them out, I believe home depot stocks diablos.

any chance of a picture showing what you need to do?? i use diablo blades for the sawzalls i have at work, to cut hardware, anchors and old metal conduit.. is there any chance you can use a propane torch and burn the bushing out if that makes anything easier?

I can try to show you what I'm dealing with, but yeah as trentonmakes said, its a bolt stuck in a metal sleeve.

This.
If the blades are changing color from the heat, then you are going too fast. If youre running wide open, thats gotta be part of your problem.
This will toast a blade quick on harder metals.
I would definitely slow it down, maybe try the 2nd or 3rd setting on your saw and apply firm pressure.

Alright I'll be sure to turn down the speed when I get back to it! Thanks!

 

[Dagny]

A sawzall is almost always the most expensive way to cut something. But they are a must for any tool truck.

 

[kctyphoon]

diablo -

http://t.homedepot.com/s/carbide tipped diablo?searchtype=text/

 

[husker91]

diablo -

http://t.homedepot.com/s/carbide tipped diablo?searchtype=text/

Awesome, and here is the picture, I tried to make it as visible as possible. The metal sleeve surrounds the bolt, both of which need to be cut through, in about a 1/4" of space...

Sorry for the massive picture...

 

[woody 73]

After watching that video on youtube it looks like those carbide teeth from the Diablo will get the job done, heck stop into HD on Sunday and pick up some.

 

[husker91]

After watching that video on youtube it looks like those carbide teeth from the Diablo will get the job done, heck stop into HD on Sunday and pick up some.

Yeah that thing looks like a beast, might as well go pick one up just to try it out as the Lenox I was looking at isn't sold anywhere around here it doesn't look like. Its worth a shot!

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Diablo blades are the only ones I use. Lennox are the equivalent of dewalt etc.....good for light duty. Diablo are the best. Throw some oil on the blade while cutting.

 

[woody 73]

husker91 the lenox diamond blades look they are for cutting stone work:

http://www.lenoxtools.com/pages/diamond-reciprocating-saw-blades.aspx

After seeing that tool in action clip my money is on those red Diablo blades.

 

[woody 73]

Diablo blades are the only ones I use. Lennox are the equivalent of dewalt etc.....good for light duty. Diablo are the best. Throw some oil on the blade while cutting.

What gives they used to be top notch have they moved to overseas production in China?

 

[husker91]

Diablo blades are the only ones I use. Lennox are the equivalent of dewalt etc.....good for light duty. Diablo are the best. Throw some oil on the blade while cutting.

husker91 the lenox diamond blades look they are for cutting stone work:

http://www.lenoxtools.com/pages/diamond-reciprocating-saw-blades.aspx

After seeing that tool in action clip my money is on those red Diablo blades.

Alright great! I'll definitely go grab one in the morning and put it through the mill. Hoping one blade at a slower pace will cut through it! Thanks for all the help guys, I'll report back sometime in the morning to tell you how it went!!

 

[woody 73]

husker91 when you call for your catalog could you ask the folks at lenox if they moved production overseas. Time was when they were top notch blades and all made in America wonder if this is still the case?

 

[JRC3]

Cutoff wheel? Pneumatic, battery powered, or AC there are plenty of options.

 

[trackwelder]

Check out the YouTube video posted above. You can hear the sweet spot when the speed and pressure is just right. I have cut entire vehicles up including the frame with just a few sawzall blades. I am going to grab a few of those carbide blades to try.

 

[trentonmakes]

You might try heat
Heat it up and beat it out, may not budge though
I got lucky on the pass side LCA.
Used some heat and a pneumatic punch, flattened the **** out of the punch but the bolt came out lol

His biggest issue is room!
Cut off wheel, Sawzall, hacksaw... There's no room to really get to that bolt, maybe on a lift you'll get more access. It's still a tight space

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

 

[trentonmakes]

PITA!!!

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

 

[brook41]

I like the Milwaukee Torch blades,check them out at the Home Depot! http://t.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-...cating-Saw-Blades-5-Pack-48-00-5782/100001846

 

[59 wagon man]

there are also different length strokes on the sawzall's which can affect cutting speed and blade wear

 

[JRC3]

^
PITA???

You ever do engine mounts on an Astro van?

Now that's a pain in the ***. LOL

 

[trentonmakes]

Lol
Nope no ASTRO vans
I did find GM puts engine mount brackets in the damn frame though! Lol

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

 

[404]

That is a grade 8 bolt probably. Put the saw on 1. I get a helper with a spray bottle to constantly put a stream of rubbing alcohol at the cut point. Keep strong pressure on the cut.

 

[husker91]

You might try heat
Heat it up and beat it out, may not budge though
I got lucky on the pass side LCA.
Used some heat and a pneumatic punch, flattened the **** out of the punch but the bolt came out lol

His biggest issue is room!
Cut off wheel, Sawzall, hacksaw... There's no room to really get to that bolt, maybe on a lift you'll get more access. It's still a tight space

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

^^This guy knows what I'm dealing with! Lol it is no fun at all!

I like the Milwaukee Torch blades,check them out at the Home Depot! http://t.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-...cating-Saw-Blades-5-Pack-48-00-5782/100001846

Those are actually what I was using yesterday and I went through 5 of them just getting the one end of the bolt hacked off, albeit with my terrible form...

That is a grade 8 bolt probably. Put the saw on 1. I get a helper with a spray bottle to constantly put a stream of rubbing alcohol at the cut point. Keep strong pressure on the cut.

Yup I went out and bought that carbide tipped Diablo blade and wow, like butter!! Slowed the saw down to about 3 and used some machine oil to keep her lubed up, what an amazing difference the correct tool makes huh!?
Thanks everyone for your help! When I get all the new parts installed I'll post some progress pics!

 

[husker91]

Here she is off of the car! About time! Now to install new ones with some new springs!
(In the top left of the picture you can see the metal insert in the bushing, glad I only had trouble with one...)

 

[trentonmakes]

Heat that ***** up!
Pop out and pop in new bushing!
Or get one of these...

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

 

[pcmeiners]

Carbide blade looks interesting. Lately when I hit a tough situation I go with a diamond blade on a 4" grinder, if space makes it possible. Nothing is more fun then leaning on a sawzall because the piece to be cut is hardened.