Best Jigsaw Blade (Things to Consider When Choosing)

Published on: January 23, 2022
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by Eric Devin

When you need to work in a tight space or cut any specific shape, jigsaws are ideal. This is why they are the favorite power tool among DIY workers or professionals.

To have the most effective outcome from your jigsaw, you need to get the right blade for it.

And there you’ll get puzzled!

Because there are tons of varieties of jigsaw blades available in recent days.

More information about the best jigsaw blades is here! The idea of choosing a jigsaw blade you can easily find where. You can use the shot and learn about its features!

So you must have a precise idea about what you need to work with your specific workpiece. No doubt it is tough to have a clear idea about the requirements of new users.

If you are a new DIY or want to get the more perfect blade for your project, you can simply go through this article.

Because here I’ve listed some must-check features of a jigsaw blade to have a smooth finish on your workpiece no matter what the type is.

Things to Consider When Choosing Right Jigsaw Blades

You’ll find different types of blades available in any hardware shop in your locality. But the question is how you’ll be able to select the perfect one for you.

So here I’ve listed some features that you need to check before buying your jigsaw blade. Read more: How to Choose the Best Metal Cutting Saws

Materials You’ll Cut

There are jigsaw blades that are designed specifically for different types of materials. This means you’ll find blades for every material like- plexiglass, ceramic, fiberglass, metals, marble, plaster, leather, cardboard, and more.

Manufacturers have used the color code to make you understand which blade is made for which type of material.

Shank Type

Next, you should check the shank type of the blade. Shank is the part that is attached at the end of the saw. The common types are- U- shanks and T- shanks. Among them, T-shank is the most preferred blade for a jigsaw for a quick changing feature.

Blade Size

Pick the size that matches your cutting style and material. Go with a blade that is 1 inch longer than the thickness of the material. Because longer blades are strong and don’t bend while cutting so you can deal with thicker material with efficiency.

Read More: Best Bandsaw for Resawing – Top 10 Picks for the Money

Blade Material

Jigsaw blades are made with various materials. Commonly used blade materials are High-Speed Steel (HSS), High Carbon Steel (HCS), Tungsten Carbide, and Bi-Metals.

If you need to cut through moderately hard material, you can choose HSS but you should be careful about heat as they are vulnerable to heat.

Tungsten Carbide blades are able to cut the hardest materials smoothly and you can use them to cut any special shape but they are pretty much expensive.

On the contrary, HCS blades are comparatively flexible, cheap, and perfect for cutting any soft material. The only drawback is they tend to wear out very fast.

But Bi-Metal blades contain both HSS & HCS so they are flexible and suitable for heavy-duty cuts. And they last longer than HSS and HCS blades.

TPI

Blades with higher TPI (Teeth per Square Inch) are perfect to deal with hard materials and low TPI is perfect for soft materials. Higher TPI helps the blade to give a nice and smooth cut. See also: Finding the Best Drum Sanders

Tooth Type

In recent days, jigsaw blades are found in the ground or milled teeth. Milled teeth will cut your material quickly and roughly as their structure is blunt and you can use them for a long time in comparison with the ground teeth. On the other hand, ground teeth cut the workpiece slowly with a nice and smooth cutting edge as they are designed sharper than milled ones.

Tooth Layout

Jigsaw blades are available in four layouts- reverse, wavy, taper, and side. Reverse layout teeth are perfect for the type of material which splints easily. Wavy teeth are designed to make straight and fine cuts. Taper teeth help you to have a slow cut with fine edges. Side teeth are ideal for fast and rough cuts.

Quick Solutions

Why Does My Jigsaw Not Cut Straight?

Jigsaws aren’t suitable for creating fast, long, straight cuts. … Jigsaw blades tend to bend when cutting curves in thicker boards, leaving a beveled edge instead of a situation.

To stay on the cut square, use a pointy blade and avoid forcing the saw through the cut. Read more: Things to Consider When Choosing the Best 14-Inch Band Saws

Which Type of Jigsaw Blade Has the Sharpest Cutting Edge?

Carbide edges are an optimal decision on the off chance that you are searching for edges to cut materials other than wood. You can involve these cutting edges for tempered steel, tile, or even glass. 

High carbon steel is best for slicing through objects that are made of a delicate material

Now View Our Top 10 Jigsaw Blades, Below-

1. Bosch Plexiglas Bi-Metal Jig Saw Blades (T102BF)

• Best for: Plexiglass;
• Package includes: 3 pieces 2-⅝ ’’ plexiglass cutting blades;
• Blade type: T shank.

Choosing the right blade for acrylic or cast acrylic is important if your living depends on it. But this task is tricky as well because soft materials like foam or plexiglass tend to melt under the heat of the cutting blade. These blades from Bosch eliminate all the problems you have been facing while cutting plexiglass.

There is no overheating of the blades, so it won’t damage the material. Hence, the cuts you get from it are clean, straight, and perfect. The added bonus is, like the cleanliness of the cuts, your workplace remains clean as well. Because there are no particles left by the cut to clean up.

Blades are colored marked so that you will never be confused about their purpose. It is also easy to spot, no need to fish in your toolbox. The price is affordable but its longevity is doubtful though these are bi-metal made.

Things We Liked

• Does not overheat;
• Clean cut;
• Leaves no residue to clean up.
• Budget blade. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• May not restrain.

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2. Bosch Jig Saw Blades for Grit Diamond for Hard Tile (T130DG)

• 30-grit diamond matrix bonded to blade edge cuts the hardest, most abrasive materials;
• Ideal solution for professional tile installers and other specialized trades;
• 3-1/4 In. overall length, 2-1/4 In. working length;
• 1 piece pack;
• Blade type: T shank.

By the long warranty offered with this pack, anyone can tell that Bosch is not joking about the durability of these fiber cement cutting blades. While other manufacturers use bimetal materials for the blade, Bosch made these blades with carbide-tipped teeth to cut through abrasive cement materials.

These T-shank blades are perfect for straight to circular cuts. So that you can be more creative and play with your imagination while doing home improvement for clients or for yourself. Satisfaction regarding the performance of this unit is guaranteed because it comes with a 30 days satisfaction guarantee offer.

The longest warranty option for these packs should be the main reason for ordering this unit. Very few manufacturers offer a warranty for a product that costs a few bucks, but Hitachi knows how important the durability of such products is to professionals. However, you have to pay a lot to enjoy the durability and warranty of this pack.

Things We Liked

• Long warranty;
• Durable;
• Compatible with a variety of hard materials. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• Can’t use on Drywall;
• Not flexible.

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3. Bosch 10-Piece Assorted Jig Saw Blade Set (T5002)

• Best for: metal and wood;
• Cutting capacity: varied;
• Package includes 10 pieces different sized blades and storage case;
• Blade type: T shank.

This pack will meet all your needs for wood and metal cutting. For straight, curved, or clean cuts on wood and metal material of different hardness and thickness, there are 5 pairs of blades. The sizes are ⅛, 3/16, ¼, and 5/16. Like other Bosch blades, these also come with a clear indication of the cut and material type for each blade.

These are T-shank blades so these are compatible with almost all the jigsaws available in the market. To make these blades break resistance, they are made of high-carbon steel. So, these blades are supposed to go a long way even used for professional applications.

Other than wood and metal, you can also use these blades for similar materials like laminate, plastic or acrylic, and so on. For the price, the versatile usability of these blades makes this pack suitable for beginners. The longevity can handle demanding applications for a long time as well.

Things We Liked

• Affordable;
• Versatile;
• Clear indication marked on pack and blades;
• Compatible with most jigsaw models. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• No warranty.

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4. Bosch Extra-Clean Wood Cutting Jigsaw Blades (T10RC)

• Best for: wood;
• Cutting capacity: varied;
• Package includes: 10 pieces 3’’ to 4″ sized T shank blades and storage case;
• Purpose: for clean and basic cuts.

This pack is a must-have for wood carpentry. Whether you are making basic cuts to chop the board in pieces or making a fine, smooth cut to deliver precise craftsmanship to finish your workpieces, these blades suffice all your needs of wood fabrication.

There are 2 blades of the T144DP model to make precise cuts, two are T144DP for clean cuts, two T101AO for extra clean cuts, and a basic blade. There is also a pair of blades included with a reverse tooth, which is ideal for making cuts with less debris build-up. It would be nice if Bosch included a blade for circle or curve cuts; now you have to be satisfied with the straight-cut blades to do those works.

All the Bosch blades are T shank; this pack is no different. These are suitable for commercial-grade heavy applications, so, the durability is not a matter of doubt. You just have to spend a few bucks to own this pack that will ensure years of the fine craftsmanship of your woodwork.

Things We Liked

• Suitable for demanding applications;
• Long-lasting;
• Can be used on plastic as well
• Meets all the needs of wood crafting. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• Blades meant for curve cuts are not included.

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5. Bosch Wood Cutting U-shank Jig Saw Blades (U19BO)

• Best for: wood;
• Package includes: 5 pieces 2-¾ inch sized 12 TPI blades and storage case;
• Blade type: U shank.

If you are one of those rare people on this planet who uses a U-shank jigsaw, then this package may become useful to you. It is a package of basic wood-cutting blades. For wood carpentry, these blades are a must for making primary cuts. From my practical experience, these blades do that job perfectly and swiftly.

The advertisement claimed these blades to be made of high-quality materials. In reality, from the performance, I can rate how fast and clean the cuts are, but I can’t assure you about the blade materials or the durability. Because the durability of blades highly depends on the materials you are using them and the frequency of use.

This package is highly economic, so, there is no harm to order multiple packages to stay prepared for your applications. Some professional carpenters recommend storing several packages of this model because they break often

Things We Liked

• Perfect for cutting curves;
• Compatible with U shank;
• Makes cutting fast;
• Budget-friendly. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• Breaks often.

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6. DEWALT Jig Saw Blade Set (DW3742C)

• Best for wood and metal; 
• Package includes 14 pieces 6, 10, 12, 18, and 32 TPI blades and storage case;
• Blade type: T shank.

No matter how good your jigsaw is, using poor blades will never ensure satisfactory performance. On the other hand, a good set of blades can leave a clean smooth finish on every cut even if they are used in a cheap saw. Durability will be an added bonus for those blades. These Dewalt blades are high-quality blades that are meant to please you with performance.

This set includes blades for clean, fast, down cuts and scrolling on wood materials and metal blades are for metal sheets of different thicknesses. There is a clear indication on blades not only about the type of material they are meant for any type of cuts they will produce, but also the materials they are made.

Metal cutting blades are made of bi-metal and others are HCS-made. This pack comes with a money-back guarantee for a limited period, so, these are less likely to bend or break easily. Like any Dewalt product, this pack is also a bit pricey, but who does not want to pay for long-lasting blades?

Things We Liked

• Money back guarantee;
• A clear indication of cut and material on blades;
• Made of HCS and bimetals. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• Pricey.

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7. Kent Jig Saw Blades for Curved and Fast Cuts (T244D)

• Best for hard and soft woods; 
• Package includes: 10 pieces 4 inches 5-6 TPI blades only;
• Blade type: T shank.

These are all-purpose wood-cutting blades. For basic straight and curved cuts, these blades deliver fast performance. Due to HCS material, they easily go a long way even after demanding application on a daily basis.

There are 10 blades in the pack, but no storage case is included in the packaging. So, Kent charges you for durable wood-cutting blades only. You can store these blades in another storage case of your collection to eliminate the risk of missing them.

These blades neither overheat nor burn up artificial materials like laminate or plywood. For this reason, I recommend this to everyone from DIY hobbyists to professional carpenters.

Things We Liked

• Made of durable material;
• Suitable for 1/4″ to 2-3/8″ thick materials;
• Does not overheat;
• Can be used for a variety of cuts.

Things We Didn’t Like

• No case included.

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8. Festool 204275 Jigsaw Blade, Multicolour

• Best for all-purpose; 
• Package includes ‎1 x 25-Pieces Jigsaw Blade Set, 75 mm Tooth Length;
• Blade type: Compatible with T-shank blades.

The main reason blades become dull faster is, using the wrong blade for a specific cut and material. To make blades last longer, investing in a package like this one from Festool will be wiser. Because this pack includes a wide variety of blades that are cut-specific and material-specific.

Most packs include wood and metal cutting blades and people use those to cut plastic, acrylic, and other materials. But in this pack, you will get blades for wood, metal, plastic, and all-purpose applications. Besides, for basic, curved, and fine cuts, there are different blades too.

HCS material ensures the longevity of these blades, just be sure you are using the right blade for the right job. Per blade costs less than 1 dollar, so, you will not be regretting investing in this pack.

Things We Liked

• Includes material-specific blades for a variety of materials;
• Costs little;
• Durable;
• High-grade HCS tool steel;
• Case included.

Things We Didn’t Like

• No cons.

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9. Milwaukee Metal Cutting Jig Saw Blade (49-22-1178)

• Best for: metal and all-purpose; 
• Package includes 5 pieces blades and storage case;
• Blade type: T shank.

To make the blades durable like all Milwaukee products, bimetal is used rather than HSS or HCS material. Tooth shape and frequency per inch are decided thoughtfully to ensure clean and smooth cuts on hard metal sheets.  

Two all-purpose blades and three metal blades are included in the package. The only problem is, no clear indication is written on the blades about the cut or material to use etc. However, these blades are recommended highly for daily professional use. The price is reasonable for the quality as well.

Things We Liked

• Long-lasting;
• Reasonable price;
• Suitable for professional use. 

Things We Didn’t Like

• No written indication on blades;

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10. LENOX Tools 1991566 Medium Metal Cutting Jigsaw Blade

• Best for medium gauge metal; 
• Package includes 3.625″ 18TPI T-Shank jigsaw blades only;
• Weight: ‎0.81 ounces;
• Blade type: T shank.

For thicker metals, you need specialized blades to make cutting slower and smoother. This pack from Lenox tools is longer than other conventional metal blades so that they can cut through medium gauge metal sheets.  These are 18 TPI, hence the cuts are meant to be smooth and clean.

These are bimetal blades, so they have a long life. These blades are sold without a case, which has both positive and negative sides. The positive is, this set costs very little, you don’t have to pay for a case if you don’t need one. The negative is, if you don’t own a case for blades already, you just need to purchase one with this pack.

Things We Liked

• Suitable for thick metal sheets;
• Economical price;
• Durability and long life;

Things We Didn’t Like

• No case included.

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What is the Difference Between T Shank and U Shank Jigsaw Blades?

Most manufacturers are at present using T-shank blades as standard, making it easier to modify blades between assorted machines. U-shank blades are still now available, but the T-shank has become more secular as most jigsaws are lately fitted with a tool-less blade change to form swapping blades faster and easier.

Comparison of T-Shank and U-Shank Jigsaw Blades

Jigsaw Blade Shanks

1. T-Shank – Standard style.

2. U-Shank – is still available.

T Shank Jigsaw Blades	U Shank Jigsaw Blades
Most makers are currently utilizing T-Shank sharp edges as standard.	U-shank blades are as yet accessible.
Its function is to make it easy to change the blade between different machines.	Most jigs are currently fitted with a device with low-edge change to make trading cutting-edge quick and easy.
It uses small wings to hold the blade in place.	The blade slots into position and is clamped securely by a screw.
Across the models of the T-Snake blade can that is virtual and virtually all modern jigsaws and arrays.	Some spending plans well-disposed jigsaws actually utilize U-shank plans.
These blades require tools to change out.	It is a toolless blade that changes at the push of a button.
T Shank Jigsaw Blade is a durable blade.	Includes various bi-metals and high carbon steel blades for sheet metal, thick metal, rough-cutting wood, and fine scrollwork.

Conclusion

Hope you’ve got the basic idea for choosing the right jigsaw blade for your favorite power tool.

Once you find the perfect jigsaw blade, you’ll be able to cut or shape your workpiece properly.

If you’ve found out which type of blade will serve your purpose, you can check the list of top-rated products I’ve included in this buying guide. All of them are perfect in their task.

You can also check Jigsaw for Woodworking to know details about jigsaw.

You can also write to me if I’ve missed anything about a jigsaw blade or any other power tool. I’ll come up with all the necessary information about them from my own experience.

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