Question 1

What's the difference between a T-shank and U-shank jigsaw blade?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Can I use jigsaw blades in a reciprocating saw?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

How many TPI do I need for cutting metal with a jigsaw?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Are cheap own-brand blades worth buying, or should I stick to Bosch and DeWALT?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What blades should I avoid for cutting laminate flooring?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

How do I know when a saw blade needs replacing?

Accepted Answer

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 4 £, there's no good reason to persevere with a worn blade.

Question 7

Do Bosch jigsaw blades fit other brands of jigsaw?

Accepted Answer

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.

Jigsaw, Scroll Saw & Reciprocating Saw Blades Price Comparison

Makita P-04911 jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade Bimetal 5 pc(s)

DeWALT DT2348-QZ jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade Jigsaw blade High carbon steel (HCS) 5 pc(s)

DeWALT DT2963-QZ jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade Tungsten carbide-tipped 1 pc(s)

DeWALT DT2296-QZ jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade Jigsaw blade Metal 10 pc(s)

Bosch 2 607 011 171 jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade Jigsaw blade 10 pc(s)

DeWALT DT99550-QZ jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade Sabre saw blade Bimetal 13 pc(s)

DeWALT DT2445-QZ jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade 1 pc(s)

DeWALT DT2444-QZ jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade Sabre saw blade Bimetal 6 pc(s)

LENOX 1832143 jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade Sabre saw blade Bimetal 1 pc(s)

Bosch 2 607 011 437 jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade Jigsaw blade 15 pc(s)

Einhell 49316350 jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade Scroll saw blade 5 pc(s)

Draper Tools 43460 jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade 5 pc(s)

Draper Tools 43459 jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade 5 pc(s)

Bosch Expert S 2243 HM Sabre saw blade Carbide 1 pc(s)

Bosch 2 608 900 414 jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade Sabre saw blade Carbide 1 pc(s)

Bosch S 641 HM Sabre saw blade High carbon steel (HCS) 1 pc(s)

Bosch 2 608 900 405 jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade Sabre saw blade Carbide 10 pc(s)

Bosch 2 608 900 403 jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade Sabre saw blade Carbide 1 pc(s)

Bosch 2 608 900 382 jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade Sabre saw blade Carbide 10 pc(s)

Bosch Expert 2608900379 Reciprocating saw blade High carbon steel (HCS) 10 pc(s)

Bosch 2 608 900 365 jigsaw/scroll saw/reciprocating saw blade Sabre saw blade Carbide 1 pc(s)

Bosch Expert T118 EHM Jigsaw blade Carbide 3 pc(s)

Bosch Expert 2608900554 Jigsaw blade High carbon steel (HCS) 3 pc(s)

Bosch EXPERT ‘HARDWOOD 2-SIDE CLEAN’ T308 BF Jigsaw blade Bimetal 5 pc(s)

Jigsaw, Scroll Saw & Reciprocating Saw Blades Price Comparison