Jigsaw, Scroll Saw & Reciprocating Saw Blades Price Comparison
Compare 483 jigsaw, scroll saw & reciprocating saw blades from Bosch, DeWALT and Makita. Find the best price across top UK retailers.
Jigsaw, Scroll Saw & Reciprocating Saw Blades price comparison UK
Saw blades are one of those consumables that most people buy on autopilot — grabbing whatever's cheapest or whatever fits the shank. That's a mistake that costs time, money, and finish quality. Our analysis of 483 products across this category reveals a market dominated by Bosch (over half the catalogue), with DeWALT and Makita offering strong competition at slightly lower average prices, and Draper Tools punching well above its weight for budget-conscious tradespeople.
The price spread here is wider than you might expect. Entry-level packs start from as little as 3 £, whilst specialist carbide-tipped or Festool-compatible blades push well beyond 17 £. The sweet spot for most DIYers and light trade use sits firmly in the 12 £ range — enough to get bimetal construction, which lasts five to ten times longer than basic high-carbon steel. It's the single most impactful upgrade you can make without spending serious money.
Compatibility is the first thing to check before anything else. T-shank has become the near-universal standard for jigsaws, but reciprocating saw blades vary considerably in length and shank design between brands. Bosch's SDS-style fitting, for instance, isn't always interchangeable with DeWALT or Makita proprietary systems — and using the wrong blade doesn't just risk a poor cut, it can void your tool's warranty. We'd always recommend cross-referencing your saw's manual before buying a multi-pack.
For cutting material, the rule is simple: match the TPI to the job. Coarse blades (6–8 TPI) rip through softwood and sheet material quickly but leave a rough edge. Fine blades (18–32 TPI) are what you want for metals, laminates, or any cut where finish matters. Bimetal blades with wavy-set teeth handle thin sheet metal particularly well, resisting the tooth-stripping that kills cheaper blades almost immediately. If you're regularly switching between wood and metal, an assorted pack is far more practical than buying individual blades — and usually better value per blade.
Worth noting: Draper Tools and Stanley offer genuinely competitive packs for general workshop use, often available through Screwfix, Toolstation, and Amazon.co.uk at prices that undercut the premium brands without a significant drop in performance for occasional use. For professional or high-frequency cutting, though, Bosch Professional and DeWALT remain the benchmarks. Compare the full range of options alongside circular saw blades, drill hole saws, and bandsaw blades to build out your cutting toolkit without overspending.
How to Choose the Right Jigsaw, Scroll Saw or Reciprocating Saw Blade
With Bosch alone accounting for more than half the products in this category, it's easy to assume brand loyalty is the only decision to make. It isn't. The blade's TPI, material composition, and shank type matter far more than the logo on the packaging — and getting them wrong means blunt teeth, broken blades, or a finish that needs hours of sanding to rescue.
TPI (Teeth Per Inch) for your material
This is the single most important spec on any blade. Coarse pitches — 6 to 10 TPI — cut fast through softwood, MDF, and plastics, but leave a rough edge. Fine pitches — 14 to 32 TPI — are essential for metals, laminates, and hardwoods where finish quality matters. A common mistake is using a wood blade on thin sheet metal: the wide tooth spacing catches and strips almost immediately. As a rule of thumb, you want at least three teeth in contact with the material at any time — so for thin sheet metal, go as fine as 24–32 TPI.
Blade material: bimetal vs high-carbon steel vs carbide-tipped
High-carbon steel blades are the cheapest option and fine for occasional softwood cutting, but they dull quickly on anything harder. Bimetal blades — a flexible steel back with hardened HSS teeth — last five to ten times longer and handle both wood and metal without snapping. For abrasive materials like fibre cement, ceramic, or stainless steel, carbide-tipped is the only sensible choice, though the price reflects that. Given that bimetal packs are widely available from 9 £ upwards, there's little reason to default to high-carbon steel for regular use.
Shank type and saw compatibility
T-shank (also called bayonet shank) is now the dominant standard for jigsaws and fits the vast majority of modern machines from Bosch, DeWALT, Makita, and Festool. U-shank is older and increasingly rare, but some budget jigsaws still use it — worth checking before buying a multi-pack. Reciprocating saw blades use a different system entirely: most modern machines accept a universal shank, but blade length (150mm to 300mm) and stroke compatibility still need to match your tool's spec. Mismatched stroke length causes accelerated wear and poor cutting control.
Pack composition: assorted vs single-spec
For tradespeople or serious DIYers who switch regularly between materials, an assorted multi-pack is almost always better value than buying individual blades. A 15-piece assorted Bosch set, for example, covers wood, metal, and plastics without requiring mid-job blade hunts. Single-spec packs make more sense if you're doing repetitive work — say, cutting sheet metal all day — where you want consistent performance from a blade optimised for that one task. Packs of five are the practical minimum; anything smaller rarely saves money per blade.
Blade length and thickness for the cut type
Jigsaw blades typically run 50–150mm; reciprocating saw blades 150–300mm. Longer isn't always better — a blade that extends well beyond the material flexes more and produces a less accurate cut. Thickness matters too: thicker blades (1.6–2.0mm) resist deflection on straight cuts, whilst narrower, thinner blades are essential for tight curves in scroll saw work. If you're cutting curves in hardwood or intricate shapes in ply, a 6mm-wide scroll blade will outperform a standard jigsaw blade every time.
Vibration and anti-chatter features
On longer cuts or harder materials, blade chatter is a real problem — it ruins the finish and fatigues the operator. Better blades address this through laser-cut anti-vibration slots, wave-set teeth, or reinforced backs. These features are more common in the Bosch Professional and Festool ranges, and they do make a measurable difference on extended cuts. For occasional DIY use, standard blades are perfectly adequate. For daily trade use, the premium is worth paying.
- Budget packs (From 3 £ to 9 £) : Mostly high-carbon steel blades from Yato, Stanley, and budget Draper lines. Fine for occasional softwood cutting or one-off jobs, but don't expect longevity on harder materials. Adequate for the casual DIYer who uses a jigsaw a few times a year.
- The practical sweet spot (From 9 £ to 12 £) : Where most of the Draper Tools and IRWIN packs sit, alongside entry-level Bosch and Makita sets. You start getting bimetal construction here, which is a meaningful upgrade. Good value for regular DIY use and light trade work.
- Mid-range performance (From 12 £ to 17 £) : Bosch Professional and DeWALT multi-packs dominate this range. Expect bimetal or bi-metal with tungsten carbide teeth, larger pack sizes (10–15 blades), and better finish quality. The right choice for tradespeople and serious home improvers.
- Professional and specialist (Over 17 £) : Festool, Bosch carbide-tipped, and large professional assortment packs. Carbide-tipped blades for abrasive materials, specialist scroll saw blades, and bulk trade packs. Only justifiable for high-frequency professional use or very specific cutting applications.
Top products
- Bosch 2 608 656 019 jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade Bimetal 5 pc(s) (Bosch) : The most widely stocked blade in this category and for good reason — bimetal construction at a mid-range price makes it the default choice for mixed-material cutting. Not the cheapest per blade, but the longevity justifies the cost over a full project.
- Bosch 2 607 011 437 jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade Jigsaw blade 15 pc(s) (Bosch) : The best value-per-blade option in the Bosch range — 15 blades in an assorted pack covers most cutting scenarios without a mid-job trip to the merchant. Ideal for tradespeople who want one pack that does everything.
- Draper Tools 38755 jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade 5 pc(s) (Draper Tools) : The standout budget option — Draper's 5-piece packs are consistently well-priced and perform adequately for softwood and plywood. Don't expect them to last on metals or abrasive materials, but for occasional DIY use they're hard to argue against.
- Bosch S 922 AF Flexible for Metal Sabre Saw Blades (Bosch) : The specialist pick for reciprocating saw users cutting metal. The 'Flexible' designation means it resists snapping in tight or awkward cuts — genuinely useful for pipework and structural metalwork. Overkill for wood-only use, but excellent in its niche.
- Draper Tools 43065 jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade 2 pc(s) (Draper Tools) : A 2-pack that suits buyers who need a specific blade type rather than an assorted set. Priced sensibly, though the cost-per-blade is higher than Draper's 5-piece packs — only worth it if you need that exact specification rather than variety.
Related categories
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a T-shank and U-shank jigsaw blade?
T-shank blades have a tang with a notch at the top and are the current universal standard — they fit virtually all modern jigsaws from Bosch, DeWALT, Makita, and Festool without tools. U-shank blades have a U-shaped slot and require a screw to secure them; they're an older design found mainly on budget or older jigsaws. If you're buying a new jigsaw today, it almost certainly takes T-shank. Always check your tool's manual before purchasing a multi-pack, as mixing up shank types means the blades simply won't fit.
Can I use jigsaw blades in a reciprocating saw?
No — jigsaw blades and reciprocating saw blades are not interchangeable. Jigsaw blades are shorter (typically 50–150mm), thinner, and designed for the controlled orbital action of a jigsaw. Reciprocating saw blades are longer (150–300mm), heavier, and built to withstand the aggressive back-and-forth stroke of a sabre saw. Attempting to fit a jigsaw blade into a reciprocating saw is unsafe and will likely damage both the blade and the tool's chuck mechanism.
How many TPI do I need for cutting metal with a jigsaw?
For cutting metal with a jigsaw, you need at least 14 TPI — and for thin sheet metal (under 3mm), 18–24 TPI is more appropriate. The key principle is maintaining at least three teeth in contact with the material at all times; too coarse a pitch on thin metal causes the teeth to catch and strip almost instantly. Bimetal blades with a wavy-set tooth pattern are the best choice for metal cutting, as they resist heat build-up and last considerably longer than high-carbon steel alternatives.
Are cheap own-brand blades worth buying, or should I stick to Bosch and DeWALT?
For occasional DIY use, Draper Tools and Stanley blades offer genuinely decent value — their packs sit well below the Bosch average price and perform adequately for softwood, plywood, and light metalwork. Where the premium brands justify their cost is longevity and consistency: a Bosch bimetal blade will outlast a budget high-carbon steel blade by a factor of five to ten on harder materials. If you're cutting daily or working with metals, laminates, or abrasive composites, the cost-per-cut calculation firmly favours Bosch Professional or DeWALT. For a weekend project in pine, the cheaper option is perfectly fine.
What blades should I avoid for cutting laminate flooring?
Avoid standard wood-cutting blades with coarse TPI (under 10) for laminate flooring — they will chip and tear the decorative surface badly. Laminate requires a fine-toothed blade (10–14 TPI minimum) specifically designed for hard, abrasive materials, ideally with a reversed-tooth or downward-cutting design to prevent splintering on the visible face. Some manufacturers label these explicitly as 'laminate blades' or 'clean-cut blades'. Bimetal construction is strongly recommended, as the aluminium oxide in laminate dulls high-carbon steel blades very quickly.
How do I know when a saw blade needs replacing?
The clearest signs are increased cutting resistance, burning or scorching on the cut edge, visible tooth damage or missing teeth, and a tendency for the blade to wander off the cut line. With bimetal blades, you'll often notice the teeth becoming rounded rather than sharp under magnification. Don't push a dull blade harder — it stresses the saw motor, produces a worse finish, and risks the blade snapping mid-cut. Given that replacement blades start from 3 £, there's no good reason to persevere with a worn blade.
Do Bosch jigsaw blades fit other brands of jigsaw?
Bosch T-shank jigsaw blades fit any jigsaw that accepts the T-shank standard, which includes machines from DeWALT, Makita, Festool, Metabo, and most other major brands. The T-shank is a universal standard, not a Bosch proprietary fitting. However, some older Bosch jigsaws used a proprietary shank before T-shank became dominant — if you have a vintage machine, double-check compatibility. Bosch's dominance in this category (over 50% of listed products) means their blades are the most widely stocked and easiest to source from retailers like Screwfix, Toolstation, and Currys.