Best Jigsaw Blades: Reviews and Top Guide
Contents
- The Best Jigsaw Blades Are…
- 1. BLACK+DECKER 24-Pack Jigsaw Blade Set: Best Overall
- 2. DEWALT DW3742C 14 Piece T-Shank Jigsaw Blade Kit: Runner-Up
- 3. Bosch T-Shank JigSaw Blade Set
- 4. SKIL 94906 Wood U-shank Jig Saw Blade Set
- 5. Gunpla OT429 15 Pieces Jigsaw Blade Set
- 6. Milwaukee 49-22-1168
- Buying Guide
- T-Shank Vs U Shank
- Teeth Per Inch
- Durability
- Safe Blade Changes
- Brand
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
A jigsaw blade plays a critical role in shaping and defining the results of your project. Yes, you can have the best jigsaw in the market, which is pretty important, but it will be of no use without a good blade.
Below are six blade sets for wood, metal and plastic, plus a buying guide on shank type, teeth per inch and blade material.
OUR TOP PICK
The BLACK+DECKER 24-Pack Jigsaw Blade Set is our first choice because it gives you a large assortment of blades for wood, plastic and light metal at a low cost per blade.
The Best Jigsaw Blades Are…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. BLACK+DECKER 24-Pack Jigsaw Blade Set | 1. BLACK+DECKER 24-Pack Jigsaw Blade Set Top Pick | - Weight: 3.2 ounces - Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.6 x 2.9 inches - No of blades: A pack of 24 blades | Check Current Price |
| 2. DEWALT DW3742C 14 Piece T-Shank Jigsaw Blade Kit | 2. DEWALT DW3742C 14 Piece T-Shank Jigsaw Blade Kit | - Weight: 8.5 ounces - Dimensions: 6.8 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches - No of blades: 14 pieces - Bi-metal and HCS blades with case | Check Current Price |
| 3. Bosch T-Shank JigSaw Blade Set | 3. Bosch T-Shank JigSaw Blade Set | - Weight: 1 pound - Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.5 x 1.8 inches - No of blades: 21 Pieces | Check Current Price |
| 4. SKIL 94906 Wood U-shank Jig Saw Blade Set | 4. SKIL 94906 Wood U-shank Jig Saw Blade Set | - Weight: 0.8 pound - Dimensions: 0.1 x 3 x 7.8 inches - No of blades: 5 Pieces - Material: metal | Check Current Price |
| 5. Gunpla OT429 15 Pieces Jigsaw Blade Set | 5. Gunpla OT429 15 Pieces Jigsaw Blade Set | - Weight: 8.8 ounces - Dimensions: 6.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches - No of blades: 15 Pieces - Material: High-carbon steel | Check Current Price |
| 6. Milwaukee 49-22-1168 | 6. Milwaukee 49-22-1168 | - Weight: 0.8 ounces - Dimensions: 5.8 x 3.2 x 0.2 inches - U-shank wood and metal assortment - Number of blades in the set: 5 | Check Current Price |
1. BLACK+DECKER 24-Pack Jigsaw Blade Set: Best Overall
This BLACK+DECKER set is our first choice for DIYers who want a wide variety of blades on hand.
The 24 blades cover several types, with tooth counts from about 6 to 24 per inch, so you can cut wood, PVC and light metal. Having spares means a broken blade does not stop your project.
It is a good-value set for occasional use.
Specs
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.6 x 2.9 inches
- No of blades: A pack of 24 blades
Pros
- 24 blades for several materials
- Can be used on a wide range of projects
- Low cost per blade
Cons
- The blades are short
- Basic blades wear faster than premium bi-metal blades
2. DEWALT DW3742C 14 Piece T-Shank Jigsaw Blade Kit: Runner-Up
This 14-piece T-shank kit from DeWalt mixes bi-metal and high carbon steel (HCS) blades and comes in a clear case, per DeWalt's DW3742C page. The blades come with different teeth, including 6, 10, 12, 18 and 32-teeth per inch, which will allow you to make smooth cuts on fiber, wood, plaster, and metal.
The T-shank design fits Bosch and DeWalt jigsaws and most other T-shank models.
The bi-metal blades last longer in metal and hardwood than plain carbon steel blades.
Specs
- Weight: 8.5 ounces
- Dimensions: 6.8 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
- No of blades: 14 pieces
- Bi-metal and HCS blades with case
Pros
- Designed to work with wood, metal, and laminate
- Comes with two-sided case for storing the blades
- The blades can be used with different jigsaw models
Cons
- The blades might bend when used at high speed
3. Bosch T-Shank JigSaw Blade Set
This Bosch T-Shank Jigsaw Blade Set is another top option that stands out for innovative design and variety. It contains 21 blades in several types for cutting wood, plastic and light metal.
Some blades use a progressive tooth pitch, where tooth size changes along the blade. That lets one blade cut a range of material thicknesses smoothly.
The set includes wood blades in high carbon steel and metal blades in harder steels. Bosch's blade codes, printed on each blade, make it easy to buy matching replacements.
The stiffer blades in the set help keep cuts square.
Specs
- Weight: 1 pound
- Dimensions: 9.7 x 7.5 x 1.8 inches
- No of blades: 21 Pieces
Pros
- Progressive teeth pitch
- Blade codes make replacements easy
- Blades designed for cutting wood, metal, and plastic
Cons
- The blade tends to dull fast
4. SKIL 94906 Wood U-shank Jig Saw Blade Set
If you have an older U-shank jigsaw and want inexpensive wood blades, consider this SKIL 94906 Wood U-shank Jigsaw Blade Set. It is a set of five jigsaw blades that are mainly designed for cutting wood. This means that if you wanted a multipurpose blade to cut through multiple types of workpieces, including plastic and metal, you might have to check other blades in this review.
The blades are sturdy for their price.
The U-shank design fits U-shank jigsaws and saws that accept both shank types. It will not fit a T-shank-only jigsaw.
Specs
- Weight: 0.8 pound
- Dimensions: 0.1 x 3 x 7.8 inches
- No of blades: 5 Pieces
- Material: metal
Pros
- Cheap
- Fits U-shank jigsaws
- Good for making smooth cuts fast
Cons
- The blades can only be used for cutting wood
- They wear out rather fast
5. Gunpla OT429 15 Pieces Jigsaw Blade Set
Gunpla is a budget brand. Its OT429 is a set of 15 T-shank blades at a low price.
The wood blades are high carbon steel. You can use the blades right from the packet to make straight cuts, curved cuts, rapid cuts, and plunge cuts on both soft and hardwoods.
The blades use the common Bosch-style codes, which helps beginners pick the right one: T244D for fast and curved cuts, T144D for straight cuts, and T118A for cutting thin steel sheets of metal.
Specs
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches
- No of blades: 15 Pieces
- Material: High-carbon steel
Pros
- Designed to work with most T-shank jigsaws
- Good for both soft and hardwood cutting
- Affordable
Cons
- The blades do not come with a case
6. Milwaukee 49-22-1168
Milwaukee's 49-22-1168 is a five-pack U-shank wood and metal assortment. It fits jigsaws that take U-shank blades, not T-shank-only models.
The pack mixes wood and metal blades for general use. The individual blades carry Milwaukee 48-42 part numbers, so you can buy replacements of the types you use most.
Specs
- Weight: 0.8 ounces
- Dimensions: 5.8 x 3.2 x 0.2 inches
- U-shank wood and metal assortment
- Number of blades in the set: 5
Pros
- Wood and metal blades in one pack
- Fits U-shank jigsaws
Cons
- The blades can bend at high speed
- Only five blades
Buying Guide
T-Shank Vs U Shank
Start with the shank, which must match your jigsaw. U-shanks are held using a horizontal screw. Often, these blades require using an Allen key to remove or install.
Unlike the U-shanks, T-shank blades are simply inserted, and they snap into place without requiring any tool. Most modern jigsaws use T-shank blades.
Note that it is possible to get jigsaws that support both U-shanks and T-shank blades. Now, let us turn to the features that you should check when buying a jigsaw blade.
Teeth Per Inch
Teeth per inch (TPI) tells you what a blade is for. About 6 TPI or fewer gives fast, rough cuts in wood.
About 8 to 12 TPI gives cleaner cuts in wood and plywood. Fine blades of about 17 to 24 TPI or more are for thin metal and plastics such as PVC.
Durability
High carbon steel (HCS) blades are flexible and cheap, and they suit wood and plastic. High-speed steel (HSS) blades cut metal, and bi-metal blades combine both and last the longest. Carbide-tipped or carbide-grit blades handle tile and abrasive materials.
Safe Blade Changes
Unplug the jigsaw or remove the battery before changing blades. A blade is hot right after a cut, so let it cool or wear gloves, and wear safety glasses while cutting.
Brand
Most brands that make jigsaws also make blades. Some of them include Makita, Bosch, Gunpla, Skil and DeWalt.
Final Thoughts
The right blade matters as much as the jigsaw. Match the shank to your saw and the TPI and material to the job.
For most DIYers, the BLACK+DECKER 24-Pack Jigsaw Blade Set is our top choice for its large assortment of wood and metal blades. For heavier use, step up to bi-metal blades like those in the DeWalt kit.
