Are jigsaw blades universal?

When it comes to the task at hand, one type of jigsaw blade doesn't fit all. The blade must be compatible with both the jigsaw model and the application. 

If you choose the right blade, then you've already made the job 10x easier to complete! When choosing the right blade, you must take into account shank type, length, project material, and much more. 

That's why we've created our own simple guide to choosing the right blade for your jigsaw. 

Understanding Shank Types

Jigsaws take one of which blade: a T-shank blade or a U-shank blade. It's best to figure out which one your jigsaw needs before spending your money. 

Are you wondering what the difference is? If so, a T-shank blade is more commonly used for everyday tasks and is compatible with many modern jigsaw machines. Their blade design is made for quick and easy replacements with a 'T' shape toolless blade end that slots into the machine. 

On the other hand, U-shank blades are often used for older jigsaw models. These include a screw system that attaches the blade to the machine, making replacements trickier. Their 'U' shape design requires a screwdriver or Allen key to secure in place.

Material and Tooth Design

When it comes to choosing the right jigsaw blade, the material and tooth design play a huge part in its strength, durability, and efficiency. 

Materials 

  • High-carbon steel (HCS): Made from flexible carbon steel, these blades are often used to cut softwood and plastic. 
  • High-speed steel (HSS): Designed for cutting metals and hardwoods, HSS blades are made from durable steel. They also offer excellent heat resistance, withstanding harsh instances of friction. 
  • Tungsten carbide-tipped blades (carbide): These blades offer great strength and hardness. Carbide tips are bonded to the edge of the blade, making it ideal for cutting tough materials like stainless steel, ceramic tiles, and stainless steel.
  • Bi-metal (BIM): These blades offer strength and flexibility. They are designed using both high-carbon steel and high-speed steel. This is best for cutting wood with nails or non-ferrous metals. 

Tooth Design 

The tooth design of your jigsaw blade greatly impacts the type of cut you will achieve.

This determines how effectively and quickly you can cut the material, so it's best to determine which one you need to ensure a smooth and time-effective finish.

When choosing which tooth design you'll need for the project, there are a number of things to consider:

1. Tooth per inch (TPI): TPI refers to the amount of teeth there are per inch of the blade. 

  • Low TPI (6-10) removes material quickly with rough cuts, which is great for soft materials like wood. 
  • Medium TPI (10-20) is often used to cut wood, plastic, and light metals. This is better for projects that require a cleaner finish. 
  • High TPI (20-36) is designed for harder materials like laminate and metal. This creates smoother, slower cuts, perfect for jobs that require precision and attention to detail.

2. Tooth pattern: There are a variety of different tooth patterns that contribute to the performance of the blade, its longevity, and cutting speed. A quick summary can be found below:

  • Milled teeth: Ideal for cutting tougher materials quicker.
  • Ground teeth: Sharper teeth for cleaner cuts on hardwoods and laminates.
  • Tapered teeth: Used for intricate cuts in thicker materials.
  • Wavy set teeth: This can cut thinner metals and plastics, providing consistency. 

3. Cutting direction: When using a jigsaw blade, the teeth must be aligned in the right cutting direction to ensure a clean and smooth cut. There are various ways of aligning the teeth, as seen below.

  • Standard teeth (upward cutting): This direction is needed when cutting materials such as wood, metal, and plastic in an upstroke. 
  • Reverse teeth (downward cutting): When cutting veneer, laminates, or pre-finished wood, cut on the downstroke to prevent splintering. 
  • Dual-cut (bi-directional) teeth: Dual-cut blades include teeth pointing in both directions, commonly used for precise cutting, such as plastic and laminate flooring. 
  • Flush-cut blades (speciality cutting): Designed for cutting materials in hard-to-reach areas, these feature teeth that cut horizontally close to the base of the jigsaw.

Blade Thickness

The thickness of the blade also contributes to how well the jigsaw performs in the task at hand. 

Although often overlooked, the thickness of the blade can either make or break the material. If you're looking for something that can create a straight cut from the top to the bottom of the material, then a ticker blade is your best bet. 

These are highly durable and can cut through tough materials like metal and hardwoods. For more intricate cuts or complex patterns, opt for a thin blade. These are lightweight and narrow, perfect for cutting plastic and wood. 

For those looking for the perfect balance between strength and flexibility, standard blades are calling your name. These can create straight or gentle curves, perfect for plastic, wood, and light metals.

Invest in Quality with Efixings

Are you looking for the right jigsaw blade for the task? At Efixings, we offer a collection of highly durable and effective blades for modern jigsaws. 

You can also stock up on all of your fixings and tools, offering you competitive prices and long-lasting performance. Shop now and get the right tools delivered straight to your door!

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