Bosch 18V cordless circular saws use standard metric bore sizes: 20mm for the smaller 165mm model and 30mm for the larger saws. Blade compatibility is straightforward. This guide shows you what fits each Bosch model and recommends the best blades for different jobs.
Bosch Cordless Circular Saw Models & Blade Specs
| Model | Blade Diameter | Bore Size | Battery Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| GKS 18V-57 | 165mm | 20mm | 18V CoolPack |
| GKS 18V-68 GC | 190mm | 30mm | 18V CoolPack |
| PKS 18 LI (track saw) | 165mm | 20mm | 18V CoolPack |
Recommended Circular Saw Blades
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Both models use sensible metric specs that align with most UK market blades. If you own a Makita DHS680Z (165mm × 20mm) or DeWalt DCS391 (165mm × 20mm), the same blades will fit your Bosch.
Best Circular Saw Blades for Bosch Saws
For GKS 18V-57 (165mm × 20mm)
Best General Purpose: Bosch Optiline 40-Tooth Thin Kerf
Bosch Optiline is Bosch’s premium blade range and is considered by many UK tradespeople to be the best value for the money. The 40-tooth version cuts wood, plywood, and softwood efficiently without overloading the motor.
Buy Bosch Optiline 165mm 40T on Amazon
Best Fine Finish: Bosch Optiline 60-Tooth Thin Kerf
For melamine, laminate, or quality joinery work. The 60-tooth Optiline blade makes an exceptionally clean edge.
Buy Bosch Optiline 165mm 60T on Amazon
Best Budget Option: Diablo 40-Tooth
If Bosch Optiline is out of stock or budget, Diablo (owned by Freud) offers excellent performance at a lower price point. The 40-tooth thin kerf is a proven competitor to the Optiline range.
Buy Diablo 165mm 40T on Amazon
For GKS 18V-68 GC (190mm × 30mm)
Best General Purpose: 40-Tooth Thin Kerf
Choose from Bosch Optiline, DeWalt, or Makita ranges — all make reliable 40-tooth 190mm blades with 30mm bore.
Buy 190mm × 30mm 40T thin kerf blades on Amazon
For PKS 18 LI Track Saw (165mm × 20mm)
The PKS uses the same blade spec as the GKS 18V-57, so any 165mm × 20mm bore blade works. However, track saws benefit from a finer finish blade because the plunge mechanism allows you to use slower speeds. Consider a 60-tooth option for better results.
Bosch vs Other Brands
Bosch Optiline is highly respected in the UK trade. It’s not the cheapest option, but quality and availability are excellent. For general work, Optiline and Diablo are very close in performance. For specialist applications (fine joinery, melamine work), Optiline’s finer options have a slight edge.
Cross-Brand Compatibility
Because Bosch uses standard metric specs, blades for the GKS 18V-57 (165mm × 20mm) work equally well in:
- Makita DHS680Z (165mm × 20mm)
- DeWalt DCS391 (165mm × 20mm)
- DeWalt DCS565 (165mm × 20mm)
- Ryobi RWSL1801M (if 20mm bore variant)
So if you switch tools or work with colleagues’ equipment, you’re not locked into buying Bosch-branded blades.
Related Pages
See the full circular saw blade compatibility guide for detailed information on bore sizes and cross-brand compatibility. For battery and charger compatibility, visit the Bosch 18V platform page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Bosch Optiline blades worth the extra cost?
For professional work, yes. They stay sharp longer and cut cleanly. For occasional DIY use, Diablo offers similar quality at lower cost.
What bore size do all Bosch 18V circular saws use?
The GKS 18V-57 uses 20mm bore. The GKS 18V-68 GC uses 30mm bore. Always check your specific model’s manual.
Can I use a Makita blade in my Bosch GKS 18V-57?
Yes. If the Makita blade is 165mm × 20mm bore, it fits your Bosch perfectly. Brand doesn’t matter — specs do.
Which Bosch blade should I buy first?
A 40-tooth thin kerf in your saw’s diameter and bore size. Bosch Optiline or Diablo are both solid choices. Once you know your primary job (framing, finish work, etc.), add a specialist blade to your collection.
How we compile this guide
We cross-reference compatibility details against manufacturer specifications where available, official tool manuals, and the physical standards that govern fitment (bore sizes, arbor diameters, voltage platforms, connector types). We prioritise primary sources over retailer listings, flag anything we can’t confirm, and re-verify the data on a regular cycle. Where we give a buying recommendation, we tell you the reasoning — not just the link. More on our method →

