The 6 Best Jig Saw Blades
This wiki has been updated 23 times since it was first published in August of 2019. Inspired by engineer Albert Kaufmann, who replaced the needle on a sewing machine with a blade, the first jigsaws went into production in 1947 and have been a favorite of woodworkers ever since. Known to be the best choice for making controlled, curved cuts in wood, these tools can also be used on some metals and plastics. Our rankings cover a variety of sets to suit different needs. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Bosch T5002
2. Gunpla OT429
3. Workpro Woodworking Set
Editor's Notes
October 09, 2019:
Jigsaws have been a staple in any serious carpenter’s tool collection since 1947. In recent years, they’ve spent an increasing amount of time living in the shadow of reciprocating saws – which function similarly to a larger-bladed jigsaw but tend to be wielded more like a chainsaw – but jigsaws remain the largely undisputed top choice when it comes to cuts that require finesse and precision (although there is a strong case to be made for oscillating tools in certain circumstances). However, a jigsaw’s only as good as the blade it’s loaded with, which is where we come in.
Here’s a few things to keep in mind while you’re shopping the category:
Cost versus quality: While Bosch, the company that's often awarded a lot of the credit for historical jigsaw innovations, produces a quality of blade such that few will dispute its superiority (See Bosch T5002 in these rankings), there are competitors offering products (such as the Diagtree T101B) at a significantly lower price. As is always the case when talking about disposable hardware, everybody needs to find their personal balance between quality and affordability.
What sort of clamping interface does your saw use? While there are still a few relic jigsaws lurking around that require bolt-in blades, most saws today offer quick-release compatibility, and are designed for use with either t-shank or u-shank designs. T-shank options are often considered to be the industry-standard professional choice, and are favored by top manufacturers like DeWalt and Bosch.
What are you cutting? One of the great things about jigsaws is the versatility they can offer you when you’ve got a variety of blades at your disposal. Know what you’re cutting and pick your blades accordingly. Or, better yet, pick up a kit like the Industrial Tools 19220, and be ready for near-anything with seven different blade styles. Blades with few, large teeth are considered ‘aggressive’ blades, and are best suited for making rough cuts through softer materials (like woods) in a timely fashion. Blades with many, small teeth are what you want to load up with when you’re looking at tackling tougher materials – like metals, or brittle materials – like plastics.
4. Industrial Tools 19220
5. DeWalt DW3742CL
6. Diagtree T101B
After deciding that the pen was mightier than the pliers, Canadian electrical contractor William Rhoda abandoned his career and headed back to college, where he majored in marketing and advertising and won a scholarship along the way to earning a diploma in creative communications. His past career landed him a depth of knowledge in tools and hardware, while his current career schooled him in audio, video and camera equipment. During his leisure time, he’s learned lots about outdoor gear, and years of tiresome backyard maintenance have taught him all about pools and hot tubs. His recreational pursuits include rest, relaxation and revolutionary action, and his roommate’s a hairless cat.