Bosch cordless jigsaws use T-shank blades, the standard Bosch invented. Because Bosch pioneered T-shank, all modern cordless jigsaws — Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, and Ryobi — use the same system. This means any T-shank blade fits any Bosch jigsaw, and any Bosch blade fits any other brand’s T-shank jigsaw.
Bosch blades are among the most popular and affordable in the UK market. This guide shows you what fits Bosch jigsaws, what works best for different materials, and how to choose the right blade for your job.
Bosch Cordless Jigsaw Models & T-Shank Compatibility
| Model | Voltage | Type | Blade Type | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PST 18 LI | 18V | DIY/Consumer | T-Shank | Compact, lightweight. Good entry-level option. |
| GST 18V-LI | 18V | Professional | T-Shank | Full-size, high power. Best for professional use. |
| UniversalSaw 18V-100 | 18V | All-purpose | T-Shank | Unique hybrid design. Performs multiple cutting functions. |
| PST/GST 500 (corded) | Corded | Not relevant | T-Shank | Older corded models still in use — also T-shank. |
All Bosch cordless jigsaws — whether DIY (PST 18 LI) or professional (GST 18V-LI) — use T-shank blades.
Compatible Blade Brands for Bosch Jigsaws
Because all modern Bosch jigsaws use T-shank, the following brands fit perfectly:
- Bosch (T101B, T101A, T101BR, T118A, etc.) — wide range, excellent UK availability
- Makita (791303, 791304 series) — high quality, widely stocked
- DeWalt (DT series) — good quality, competitive pricing
- Milwaukee (48-25 series) — premium quality, durable
- Ryobi (CSB series) — budget option for home use
- Generic T-shank blades — check reviews; quality varies
Best Jigsaw Blades for Bosch Jigsaws
Best All-Round Blade
Bosch T101A — Bi-metal, 10 TPI. The versatile choice for general wood, plywood, and soft materials. It offers a good balance of speed and finish quality. This is the single best blade for all-purpose use and the most stocked in the UK.
Best for Rough Work & Demolition
Bosch T101B — High-carbon steel, 6 TPI. A fast, aggressive blade designed for demolition, pallet work, and rough construction cuts. Cheap to buy and replace. Expect fast dulling on hardwood, but that’s expected for rough work.
Best for Laminate, Veneered Boards & Fine Finishes
Bosch T101BR — Bi-metal, 14 TPI, reverse-tooth design. The reverse teeth cut on both upstroke and downstroke, preventing chip-out on kitchen worktops, veneered panels, and any high-visibility surface. Slower than standard blades but essential for quality finishes.
Best for Metal & Aluminium Cutting
Bosch T118A — High-speed steel (HSS), 24 TPI. A fine-tooth blade designed specifically for thin sheet metal, stainless steel, and aluminium. Cuts slowly with precision. Essential if you regularly cut metal.
Best Blade Set from Bosch
Bosch T-Shank Multi-Purpose Set — Typically includes T101B (rough wood), T101A (general wood), T101BR (laminate), and T118A (metal). The most comprehensive value set available in the UK, covering nearly every job.
Buy Bosch T-shank blade set on Amazon
How to Choose the Right Blade for Your Job
| Task | Recommended Blade | Why |
|---|---|---|
| General wood cutting (any type) | Bosch T101A (10 TPI) | Balanced speed and finish. Works on most wood types and plywood. |
| Demolition or rough cuts | Bosch T101B (6 TPI) | Fast, aggressive cut. Cheap to replace when it dulls. |
| Kitchen worktops or visible cuts | Bosch T101BR (14 TPI, reverse) | Chip-free finish on both surfaces. Essential for quality work. |
| Sheet metal or thin aluminium | Bosch T118A (24 TPI) | Fine teeth prevent binding and overheating on metal. |
| Tight curves in thick wood | Bosch T101A (10 TPI) | Narrow blade for manoeuvrability, medium aggression. |
| Hardwood curves and details | Bosch T101A (10 TPI) | Good for slow, precise curves. Better finish than 6-TPI. |
Understanding Bosch Blade Markings
Bosch T-series blades follow a simple naming convention:
- T101 = general jigsaw blade (standard proportions)
- T118 = metal-cutting blade (higher TPI)
- Second letter (A, B, R, etc.) = tooth count and material
- B = Basic / 6 TPI / rough cuts
- A = All-purpose / 10 TPI / general use
- AO = All-purpose Optimal / 10 TPI / budget option
- BR = Bi-metal Reverse / 14 TPI / clean cuts on laminate
Example: T101BR = General jigsaw blade, bi-metal, reverse-tooth, 14 TPI.
Key Points for Bosch Jigsaw Owners
T-shank is universal: Bosch invented the standard, so all modern jigsaws use it. Any T-shank blade (Bosch, Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee) fits your PST 18 LI or GST 18V-LI perfectly.
Bosch blades are highly available in the UK: Bosch T-series blades are the most widely stocked jigsaw blades in UK tool shops and on Amazon. You’ll find every type readily and often at good prices.
Blade performance depends on TPI and material, not brand: Two T-shank blades from different manufacturers with the same tooth count and material will cut identically. The choice of TPI (teeth per inch) and blade type (standard vs. reverse-tooth) matters far more than the brand name.
Build a small inventory: Keep a few different Bosch blades on hand: T101B (6 TPI, demolition), T101A (10 TPI, general), T101BR (14 TPI reverse, laminate), T118A (24 TPI, metal).
Related Pages
For more on saw blade compatibility across brands:
- Complete jigsaw blade compatibility guide
- Saw blade compatibility guide — jigsaws, circular saws, reciprocating saws
- What jigsaw blades fit Makita jigsaws?
- What jigsaw blades fit DeWalt jigsaws?
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Bosch invent the T-shank jigsaw blade?
Yes. Bosch developed the T-shank standard (also called “Bosch shank”) and it has become the universal standard for cordless jigsaws. Because Bosch owns the standard, Bosch blades work in any modern jigsaw, and any brand’s T-shank blade works in Bosch jigsaws.
What’s the difference between Bosch T101A and T101AO?
Both are 10-TPI bi-metal blades for general wood cutting. The T101A is the standard; the T101AO is a value version (slightly lower cost, same performance). Both cut identically. Use whichever is cheaper at the time.
Can I use Makita or DeWalt blades in my Bosch jigsaw?
Yes, absolutely. All T-shank blades fit all T-shank jigsaws. Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Bosch blades are completely interchangeable.
What does “reverse-tooth” mean on the T101BR blade?
The T101BR (reverse-tooth) blade has some teeth pointing backward. It cuts on both the downstroke and upstroke, preventing chip-out on the top and bottom surfaces of veneered or laminated boards. This produces a much cleaner edge than a standard blade but cuts more slowly.
Can I use the same blade for wood and metal?
Not effectively. A wood blade (like T101A, 10 TPI) will dull very quickly on metal and produce poor results. Always use a metal-specific blade with high TPI (like T118A, 24 TPI) for metal cutting.
Which Bosch blade is best for beginners?
Start with the Bosch T101A (10 TPI bi-metal). It’s forgiving on most materials, produces decent results, and is the most readily available. Once you understand your needs, expand to specialty blades like T101BR (laminate) or T118A (metal).