Jigsaws are important tools for any woodworker or carpenter, providing enough precision and control to cut unusual shapes. This can be invaluable when making furniture and other creative pieces, or any other time you need to make intricate cuts.
Your jigsaw is only as good as its blade, which can make or break how well it performs. If you want to make neat cuts with as few errors as possible, it is important to choose the right blade for the job, but this can be tricky if you have never done it before.
To help you make an informed choice, we have reviewed five of the best jigsaw blades that are currently available. We chose these blades for the material they can cut, how many teeth per inch they have, and their shank types.
- Bi-metal blades
- High tooth count
- T-shank
- Suitable for wood
- 5-piece set
- Bi-metal blades
- High-carbon steel
- 7-inch blades
- Low 6 teeth per inch
- Assorted blade set
- Smooth finish
- 10 teeth per inch
- 20-piece set
- T-shanks
- High-carbon blades
The Best Jigsaw Blades of 2023
Given how many jigsaw blades you will have to choose from, finding the right one for a specific job can be time-consuming. That is why we have reviewed five of the best jigsaw blades that are currently available, chosen for their material, teeth per inch, and shank type.
DeWALT Jigsaw Blade Set With Case
Best Jigsaw Blade for Stainless Steel
This 14-piece set of DeWALT jigsaw blades covers every base and will cut every material you are likely to encounter. If you need to cut stainless steel, this set has two bi-metal blades, one with 18 teeth per inch and the other with an extreme 32 teeth.
Due to the hardness of stainless steel, the 32 TPI option will allow you to make a smoother cut while the blade moves more slowly. These two high-tooth density blades are 3 inches long, and every blade in the set has a modern T-shank design.
The T-shank means these blades will fit jigsaws from DeWALT, Bosch, and the vast majority of other jigsaw units made today.
What We Like
Bi-Metal Blades
By combining a carbon steel shaft for flexibility and high-speed steel teeth, the high TPI blades will make short work of even the hardest metals.
High Tooth Count
The 32 TPI blade will make a neater cut and allows the blade to move slowly enough that you can maintain full control throughout the cutting process.
T-Shank
T-shanks mean the blades in this set are almost universal. They won’t fit older U-shank jigsaws, but the vast majority of modern jigsaws are designed for T-shank blades.
Fits Bosch and DeWALT Jigsaws
This jigsaw blade set is stated to be compatible with both Bosch and DeWALT jigsaws, but this is a given as they have T-shanks. They should fit almost any modern jigsaw.
What We Don't Like
The Case is Too Small
DeWALT includes a folding case with this blade set. However, there are seven types of blades, with two of each type for a total of 14 blades. There are only enough slots for 12 blades, meaning two won’t fit into the case.
Product Specs
| Suitable for | Hard metal and aluminum |
| Material | Bi-metal |
| Length | 3 inches |
| TPI | 18 and 32 |
| Warranty | 3-year |
Our Ratings
Bosch T127DF 5-Piece Flexible Aluminum T-Shank Blades
Best Jigsaw Blade for Aluminum
These blades can cut through aluminum and fiberglass, as well as thick plastic. They have 8 teeth per inch and a total length of 4 inches with a working range of 3 inches.
They are bi-metal to provide a good balance of strength and flexibility, meaning they can be used to cut through tough materials without being difficult to control.
Although they are quite versatile, these blades are unsuitable for cutting stainless steel or other hard metals as their TPI of eight is far too low.
What We Like
Suitable for Wood
These blades are well suited to cutting hardwood and softwood thanks to their low TPI of 8. Their wider gullets will help extract the sawdust you produce. As they are bi-metal, these blades should also retain their sharpness for longer.
5-Piece Set
This five-piece set should last you a while thanks to its durable bi-metal construction and high-speed steel teeth.
What We Don't Like
Not Suitable for Hard Metals
Most bi-metal jigsaw blades designed to cut metal have a high TPI. The low 8 TPI of these blades means they are unsuitable for cutting hard metals.
Product Specs
| Suitable for | Aluminum, softwood, and hardwood |
| Material | Bi-metal |
| Length | 3 inches |
| TPI | 8 |
| Warranty | 30-day |
Our Ratings
Bosch T744D3 T-Shank 3-Piece Wood Set
Best Jigsaw Blade for Wood
This three-piece set of Bosch wood blades has 6 teeth per inch, so the blades are ideal for cutting through softwood and hardwood. The low tooth count means it won’t provide the neatest cuts, but it will cut quickly and its wider gullets mean it will remove sawdust effectively.
Each blade is 7 inches long and has a T-shank, so they should fit most jigsaws. They are made of high-carbon steel for added durability and flexibility.
What We Like
High-Carbon Steel
These high-carbon blades are designed to be sharp, fast, and durable. Their material means they should last longer and dull more slowly than standard blades.
Long Blades
At 7 inches in total, these blades are long and have a 6-inch cutting edge. This means they can rip through wood that is up to 5 inches thick. If you need to cut boards or countertops, these blades will be up to the task.
What We Don't Like
Rough Cut
You won’t achieve a neat finish with a blade that only has 6 teeth per inch. You should be able to smooth it with sandpaper but this can be quite time-consuming.
Blades Dull
Although these blades are break-resistant, they will still dull relatively quickly compared to bi-metal blades. High carbon is a softer material, which means it is only suitable for soft and hardwood.
Product Specs
| Suitable for | Soft and hardwood |
| Material | High-carbon |
| Length | 7 inches |
| TPI | 6 |
| Warranty | 30-day |
Our Ratings
Black+Decker 75-626 Assorted Jigsaw Blade Set
Best Jigsaw Blade for Coping
This 24-piece Black+Decker set contains various blades that will cut through wood and metal. These include a saw blade made of high-carbon steel that provides enough flexibility and maneuverability to act as a coping saw.
It has 10 teeth per inch and will provide a smooth cutting line that requires minimal sanding. The added flexibility of the blade’s material means an experienced user will be able to cut tight turns and bends.
What We Like
Assorted Blade Set
This 24-piece set includes all the blades you are likely to need while cutting different materials. It is a great all-in-one solution to your jigsaw needs.
Ultra-Smooth Finish
The smoother the cutting edge, the less work you will need to do afterward. The 10 TPI of the coping blade will provide a smooth edge, which its flexibility and precision making coping almost effortless.
What We Don't Like
U-Shank
These blades have U-shank designs, which are a rarity on modern jigsaw models. However, this does make them a great option if you have an older jigsaw and are struggling to find suitable blades.
Product Specs
| Suitable for | All material types |
| Material | High-carbon, bi-metal |
| Length | 3 inches |
| TPI | Assorted (Coping blade has 10 TPI) |
| Warranty | No warranty |
Our Ratings
Tarose 20-Piece T119BO Assorted Scrolling Jigsaw Blade Set
Best Jigsaw for Scrolling
If you are working on fine scrollwork, this versatile set of Tarose scrolling blades is an excellent option. With 20 blades, you will be spoilt for choice. Each blade measures 3 inches overall but has a 2-inch cutting edge once attached to the jigsaw.
This small blade provides a greater degree of control, which is ideal for intricate work. The flexible, high-carbon blade material means it will cut how you want. Each blade has 12 teeth per inch, so they are suitable for cutting quickly with a smooth finish, without being so fast that you lose control.
What We Like
20-Piece Set
Containing 20 blades, you will have enough to keep working on scrolls for a long time. High carbon is known to dull quickly, but with 20 blades, this set won’t need to be replaced for a good while.
Universal
These blades have T-shanks and will fit almost any manufacturer’s jigsaw. It is estimated that about 90% of current jigsaws use T-shanks.
What We Don't Like
Only Suitable for Scrollwork
While the blades in this set will cut wood and PVC in a straight line, they are designed for scrollwork. Making intricate curved cuts requires a specialist blade, so you should consider a multi-purpose blade for more general cutting.
Won’t Cut Metal
With a TPI of 12, these high-carbon blades are unsuitable for cutting metal. The blades will dull quickly if you attempt to.
Product Specs
| Suitable for | Wood and PVC |
| Material | High-carbon |
| Length | 2 inches |
| TPI | 12 |
| Warranty | No warranty |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Suitable for | Material | Length | TPI | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWALTJigsaw Blade Set | Stainless Steel | Hard metal & aluminum | Bi-metal | 3″ | 18 & 32 | 3-year |
| Bosch T127DF Flexible T-Shank Blades | Aluminum | Aluminum, soft & hardwood | Bi-metal | 3″ | 8 | 30-day |
| Bosch T744D3T-Shank Wood Set | Wood | Soft & hardwood | High-carbon | 7″ | 6 | 30-day |
| Black+Decker 75-626 Jigsaw Blade | Coping | All material types | High-carbon, bi-metal | 3″ | Assorted | None |
| Tarose T119BO Jigsaw Blade Set | Scrolling | Wood & PVC | High-carbon | 2″ | 12 | None |
Types of Jigsaw Blades
There are various types of jigsaw blades, with several ways to sort them into different categories.
1. Shank
The shank is the part of the blade that locks into the jigsaw itself. There are two types of shanks:
Universal Shank
Despite being called U-type shanks, these blades won’t fit all jigsaw models. They have a U-shaped shank, with a cut-out at the top. The majority of older jigsaws use this type of blade, but the introduction of the T-shaped blade means their use has steadily declined.
T-Shaped Shank
The T-shaped shank is now the most widespread way to fit blades and is the likeliest to be compatible with modern jigsaw units. The majority of jigsaws will accommodate this shank type. They are easier to replace and have a tang that fits into the jigsaw’s blade clamp without the need for tools.
2. Blade Material
Jigsaw blades are available in three main materials:
High-Carbon Steel Blades (HCS)
High-carbon steel blades are the best choice when cutting curved designs into wood. They are inexpensive and flexible. The low cost of these blades means they can also be purchased in bulk, reducing your long-term costs.
The downside of HCS blades is that they are not very sturdy and can veer off course, as well as dull quickly.
Bi-Metal Blades
Bi-metal blades are made by combining carbon steel bodies with high-speed steel teeth. This gives them the advantage of being flexible enough for curved cutting, but they are more robust and dull more slowly than high-carbon blades.
These blades are suitable for cutting wood and metal, making them an excellent all-around blade choice.
Tungsten Blades
Tungsten carbide blades are highly resistant to heat, so they are more durable than other types of blades. They have no teeth and instead derive their cutting strength from a coating of tungsten carbide grit along the cutting edge.
These blades are suitable for cutting through ceramics, steel, and fiberglass.
How to Choose the Best Jigsaw Blade
There is no single blade that will be the best for every task, so it is important to choose one that is suitable for the material you are cutting and the type of cuts you will make.
Material
Wood
High-carbon steel blades are the best option for cutting through wood. They are flexible, enabling you to make intricate cuts with ease. They are relatively inexpensive, especially when bought in bulk. On the other hand, they also dull more quickly than more robust blade materials, which is why they are best suited to hardwood or softwood.
Plastic and Hard Metal
To cut through harder materials such as plastic and hard metals, choose a blade that is either tungsten carbide or high-speed steel. The number of teeth per inch is another important factor when cutting through hard materials, and you will want a higher TPI.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a softer metal, which typically comes in sheet form, so it requires fewer teeth per inch. The majority of aluminum blades have eight or ten teeth per inch.
Number of Teeth Per Inch (TPI)
The number of teeth per inch will determine the cutting speed and performance, based on the material you are cutting. The lower the TPI, the faster the blade will cut. A lower tooth count also means the cut will be rougher.
Wood
You should use a blade with a low tooth count because wood is a relatively soft material. A TPI of between 6 and 8 will enable the blade to move faster and cut more rapidly. However, some softer woods will allow you to use a blade with a tooth count of between 4 and 6 TPI.
The wider the gullets, the more effectively the blade will scoop out excess sawdust, which will reduce how hot the blade gets. Heat is a major contributor to blades becoming dull, so this should prolong their life.
Plastic
Plastic is a relatively soft material, so the tooth count needs to be slightly higher to prevent it from cutting a rough edge. The more teeth there are, the neater the cut will be as each tooth will make a more precise cut. A blade with 10 teeth per inch should be okay, but it will ideally be between 16 and 18 TPI for the best results.
Metal
Jigsaws aren’t ideal tools for cutting hard metals, but if you decide to try, make sure you choose a blade that has a minimum of 20 TPI and preferably more. The blade will need to move slowly when cutting hard metals and the increase in teeth will help it do this.
Do Jigsaw Blades Fit All Jigsaws?
Jigsaw blades won’t fit every jigsaw unit as their shanks have evolved over the years. Older jigsaws utilized a locking tool that was compatible with the traditional U-shaped shank, but the toolless T-shank was introduced and has steadily grown in popularity.
It is still possible to buy U-shank blades for older machines, but the best jigsaws produced today are almost exclusively designed to accommodate T-shank blades.
Jigsaw Blades FAQs
How Long Does a Jigsaw Blade Last?
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. The lifespan of a jigsaw blade depends on several factors, including the type of material being cut and how hard and often you’re using it.
In general, most blades will last for several hours of cutting before they need to be replaced. A jigsaw blade can provide years of reliable service with proper care and maintenance.
Does the Length of a Jigsaw Blade Matter?
When choosing a jigsaw blade, length definitely matters. A blade that’s too short won’t be able to make long, straight cuts, while a blade that’s too long may be difficult to control.
The best length for a jigsaw blade depends on the type of material you want to cut. For example, shorter blades are better suited for cutting curves, while longer blades are better for making straight cuts.
Ultimately, it’s important to experiment with different blade lengths to find the one that works best for each individual project.
Can You Sharpen Jigsaw Blades?
No, you can’t sharpen jigsaw blades. Jigsaw blades are made of high-speed steel, which is resistant to wear and tear.
The teeth on the blade are honed to a fine point, which helps the blade cut through materials smoothly. However, over time, the teeth can become dull, making it difficult to make precise cuts.
It is not possible to sharpen most blades’ teeth since they are constructed of heat-treated steel.
Because the steel used to make some blades is not hardened, it is technically possible to sharpen them.
However, this is seldom done because purchasing a replacement blade is considerably quicker and easier.
Which Type of Jigsaw Blade Offers the Cleanest Cut?
The DeWALT 14-piece collection of jigsaw blades is suitable for cutting any material you might need. You get two bi-metal blades, one of which has 18 teeth and the other of which has a stunning 32 teeth. Both of these blades are designed to cut stainless steel.
Because stainless steel is a tough material, the option with 32 teeth would be preferable. That would result in a more precise cut while also requiring the blade to move more slowly.
The blade can move slowly enough for you to keep complete control thanks to the 32 teeth, which also contribute to an increase in the cut’s overall neatness.
The blade is able to move slowly enough for you to keep complete control thanks to the 32 teeth, which also contribute to an increase in the cut’s overall neatness.
Why Do My Jigsaw Blades Keep Breaking?
One of the main reasons is a dull blade. When cutting thick materials or huge panels like plywood, blades can snap due to the increased stress placed on them.
Saws with dull blades have a greater risk of kicking back and harming the user by striking them in the face, hands, or other body parts as they attempt to cut through the material. You should ensure that your blades are always nice and sharp for your protection.
Another reason is not allowing the saw to do its cutting job. You should be guiding the saw. Cutting more slowly and carefully with the saw will result in a better-finished product.
A common mistake that leads to jigsaw blades breaking prematurely is using the wrong blade for the material you’re cutting.
Choosing suitable jigsaw blades for a certain project is essential to achieve the highest possible level of performance, the longest possible lifespan of a blade, and the highest possible level of safety.
Finally, kickbacks can also ruin the blade. If the jigsaw becomes jammed in the wood and begins to leap, this is known as a kickback, and it has the potential to destroy the blade. A component of the blade will typically be flung back at the user, which could result in them being injured.
Which Jigsaw Blade Is Best?
The Black+Decker set includes blades capable of cutting through metal and wood. But, it does come with a saw blade made of high-carbon steel, which gives it the flexibility and mobility necessary to function as a coping saw.
You get a smooth cutting line and will only need a little sanding because it has 10 TPI. Because the material of the blade is more flexible than other materials, it’s possible, with some practice, to do tight turns.
