University of Extrication Ron Moore's University of Extrication is the online home for training tips, news and information pertaining to vehicle extrication and rescue.
This University of Extrication Newsletter takes a look at a feature on a typical reciprocating saw that many rescue teams have but don’t use. The feature is the adjustable shoe. Most rescuers usually disregard it and simply run with the shoe all the way retracted. You can however use this feature to your advantage and essentially double the cutting life of each saw blade you use at a vehicle rescue incident.
When you insert a new blade into the saw, move the adjustable shoe of the saw out to its extended position. This is your starting position. As the new blade is used for the first time, you can see from this first image that the cutting takes place in the two inches nearest to the shoe itself. The teeth on that section of the blade obviously wear out as the cutting takes place.
Reciprocating saw shoe in ‘OUT’ position
Instead of changing to a new blade when these teeth dull, quickly move the shoe back to its fully retracted position. The teeth at the base of the shoe that have not yet been exposed to any cutting are now in position to cut. From a realistic standpoint, it’s the same as if the saw operator changed to a completely new blade.
Fresh teeth at base of recip saw blade are not used initially when the shoe is extended
If your reciprocating saw has an adjustable shoe, develop a procedure where the norm for your department is to start with the shoe extended. Then, train your rescue team how to use the adjustable shoe to their advantage to essentially double the cutting life of each of your saw blades.
“Doubling” the life of the saw blade is achieved when shoe is retracted and fresh teeth continue the cutting
