Stroke clearance
A blade that retracts into the work can strike, buckle, or damage the shoe and material.
Shoe position
Keep the shoe against the work and adjust it when the tool permits.
Body thickness
Thicker demolition blades resist bending; thinner bodies reach tighter contours but demand more control.
Method for this decision
- Measure the section and add enough length for the tool stroke and a stable shoe position.
- Choose body thickness and construction for the access and impact expected, then inspect the clamp and shoe.
- Keep the shoe supported, use a controlled feed, and stop if the blade begins to whip, buckle, or bottom out.
Worked example
Example: a blade barely longer than a pipe wall can retract into the work during the stroke. A longer demolition blade may clear the section but can flex more, so access and control still decide the choice.
Limits and stop conditions
Longer is not automatically safer. Hidden wiring, plumbing, fasteners, and stored energy remain outside the selector; locate them and use the tool maker’s stroke and blade limits.