All modern Makita cordless jigsaws use T-shank blades, which means you can use any T-shank blade in any Makita jigsaw. You’re not limited to Makita-branded blades — Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and other manufacturers’ T-shank blades fit perfectly and often at better prices.
The choice of blade (by tooth count, material, and design) matters far more than the brand. This guide explains what fits, what works best, and where to find the right blades for your Makita jigsaw.
Makita Cordless Jigsaw Models & T-Shank Compatibility
| Model | Voltage | Platform | Blade Type | Stroke Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJV180Z | 18V | LXT | T-Shank | 65mm |
| DJV182Z | 18V | LXT | T-Shank | 65mm |
| DJV181Z | 18V | LXT | T-Shank | 85mm |
| DJV210Z | 10.8V | CXT | T-Shank | 50mm |
| DJV180 (older) | 18V | LXT | U-Shank (legacy) | 65mm |
If you own a DJV180 (without the Z): This is an older model that uses U-shank blades, not T-shank. U-shank blades are increasingly hard to find in the UK. If you want modern blade availability, consider upgrading to a DJV180Z or DJV182Z.
All other current Makita jigsaws (DJV180Z, DJV182Z, DJV181Z, DJV210Z) use T-shank and can use any T-shank blade.
Compatible Blade Brands for Makita Jigsaws
Because all modern Makita jigsaws use T-shank, the following blade brands fit perfectly:
- Bosch (T101B, T101A, T101BR, T118A, etc.) — excellent availability in the UK
- DeWalt (DT series) — fits perfectly, good value
- Milwaukee (48-25 series) — premium blades, very durable
- Makita (791303, 791304 sets) — matched to your saw but often pricier
- Ryobi (CSB series) — budget option, good for hobbyists
- Generic T-shank blades — check reviews; quality varies
Best Jigsaw Blades for Makita Jigsaws
Best All-Round Blade for General Wood Cutting
Bosch T101A — Bi-metal, 10 TPI. A solid middle ground for general wood, plywood, and soft materials. Faster than fine-tooth blades, cleaner finish than aggressive ones. The most versatile single blade you can buy.
Best for Rough Wood & Demolition
Bosch T101B — High-carbon steel, 6 TPI. Fast, aggressive cut perfect for rough demolition, pallet busting, and construction sites. Budget-friendly and readily available. The blade will dull quickly on hardwood, but it’s cheap to replace.
Best for Laminate & Veneered Boards
Bosch T101BR — Bi-metal, 14 TPI, reverse-tooth. The reverse-tooth design cuts from both directions, preventing chip-out on kitchen worktops, veneered panels, and visible surfaces. Slower than a standard blade but the clean finish is worth it for high-quality work.
Best for Metal & Aluminium
Bosch T118A — High-speed steel (HSS), 24 TPI. Fine teeth designed specifically for thin sheet metal, aluminium, and soft metals. Cuts slowly but produces a precise, smooth finish. Essential if you’re cutting metal regularly.
Best Blade Set (Makita-Branded)
Makita 791303-0 — Five-blade T-shank assortment: wood, hardwood, laminate, and metal. Good if you want Makita-matched blades, though you’ll often find better value with Bosch equivalents.
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Best Budget Blade Set
Bosch T-Shank Mixed Assortment — Typically includes T101B (rough wood), T101A (general), T101BR (laminate), and T118A (metal). Better value than buying individual blades, and Bosch blades are among the most durable and widely available in the UK.
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How to Choose the Right Blade for Your Job
| Task | Recommended Blade | Why |
|---|---|---|
| General wood cutting | Bosch T101A (10 TPI) | Good speed, decent finish. Versatile for most work. |
| Rough demolition or pallets | Bosch T101B (6 TPI) | Fast, cheap. Doesn’t matter if it dulls quickly. |
| Kitchen worktops or visible cuts | Bosch T101BR (14 TPI, reverse) | Clean, chip-free finish on both surfaces. |
| Metal or aluminium sheets | Bosch T118A (24 TPI) | Fine teeth, designed for metal. Essential for precision. |
| Thick hardwood curves | Bosch T101A (10 TPI) | Narrow blade for tight curves. Medium aggression. |
Key Points for Makita Jigsaw Owners
T-shank is universal: You don’t need to buy Makita-branded blades. Any T-shank blade (Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee) will fit your DJV180Z, DJV182Z, or DJV181Z perfectly. Often, you’ll find better prices and wider selection with Bosch.
Blade quality matters more than brand: Two T-shank blades from different brands but the same tooth count and material will cut identically. The choice of TPI and blade type (standard vs. reverse-tooth, bi-metal vs. HCS) matters far more than whether the package says Makita, Bosch, or DeWalt.
Check the shank type if you have an older DJV180: The original Makita DJV180 (without Z) uses U-shank, not T-shank. All newer models use T-shank. Look at your blade holder — if it has a single vertical slot, you have T-shank. If it has two circular holes, you have U-shank.
Stock a variety: Keep a few different blades on hand. A good starter set is: one 6-TPI for rough work (T101B), one 10-TPI general-purpose (T101A), one 14-TPI reverse for clean cuts (T101BR), and one 24-TPI for metal (T118A).
Related Pages
For more on saw blade compatibility and other brands:
- Complete jigsaw blade compatibility guide
- Saw blade compatibility guide — jigsaws, circular saws, reciprocating saws
- What jigsaw blades fit DeWalt jigsaws?
- What jigsaw blades fit Bosch jigsaws?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Bosch T-shank blades in my Makita jigsaw?
Yes, absolutely. Bosch invented the T-shank system. All T-shank blades (Bosch, Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee) fit all T-shank jigsaws. Bosch blades are often the cheapest and most widely available in the UK.
My Makita jigsaw is older — what blades does it take?
Check your blade holder. If it has a single vertical slot, it’s T-shank (modern). If it has two circular holes, it’s U-shank (older DJV180 model). U-shank blades are hard to find now. If you have U-shank, consider upgrading to a modern T-shank model like the DJV180Z.
Which Makita blade set is best value?
The Makita 791303-0 is solid if you want Makita-matched blades, but you often get better value from a Bosch T-shank assortment set, which typically includes more blade options at a lower price.
Do I need to buy the Makita-branded blades?
No. Makita-branded blades are no different in cutting performance than equivalent Bosch, DeWalt, or Milwaukee blades of the same tooth count and material. The only reason to buy Makita blades is brand loyalty or convenience. Bosch blades typically offer better value in the UK market.
What’s the difference between T101A and T101B?
T101B has 6 teeth per inch (TPI) — fast, rough cuts, good for demolition. T101A has 10 TPI — slower, cleaner finish, good for general wood. Use T101B when speed matters; use T101A when finish matters.
Can I use a wood blade to cut metal?
Not effectively. A wood blade (like T101A) will dull very quickly on metal and produce poor results. For metal, always use a metal-specific blade with high TPI (like T118A). The fine teeth prevent binding and heat damage.