Choosing the right saw blade might seem straightforward, but compatibility matters more than most people realise. Unlike cordless saw batteries, which lock into a specific tool’s chuck, saw blades come in competing standards — and picking the wrong one won’t just give you poor results, it could damage your saw or create safety issues.
This guide covers the three main types of cordless saw blades: jigsaw blades, circular saw blades, and reciprocating saw blades. For each type, we’ll explain the compatibility standards, which brands fit what, and how to avoid buying blades that simply won’t work in your saw.
Quick Overview: Saw Type, Compatibility Factor & Universal Fitment
| Saw Type | Key Compatibility Factor | Mostly Universal? |
|---|---|---|
| Jigsaw | Shank type (T-shank vs U-shank) | Yes — T-shank is now the standard across all major brands |
| Circular Saw | Arbor hole size (usually 16mm or 20mm) | Mostly — arbor size varies by saw, not always by brand |
| Reciprocating Saw | Shank type (SDS or pin-slot) & length (standard vs long) | Mostly — some vintage/budget saws use pin-slot instead of SDS |
Jigsaw Blades
Jigsaw blades are the most straightforward. Almost all modern cordless jigsaws — Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, and Ryobi — use T-shank blades, which means you can use any T-shank blade in any T-shank jigsaw. A few legacy models used U-shank instead, but those are now uncommon in the UK market.
What does vary is the teeth per inch (TPI), tooth material, and blade composition — factors that determine what you can cut. A 6-tooth high-carbon blade is perfect for rough wood cuts but useless for metal; a 24-tooth bi-metal blade cuts clean laminate but will wear out fast on old wooden pallets.
For detailed blade recommendations by brand and a full rundown of blade types, see our jigsaw blade compatibility guide.
Circular Saw Blades
Circular saw blades are where brand doesn’t matter — instead, the arbor hole size determines fitment. Most UK cordless circular saws use a 16mm arbor hole, but some larger models (particularly Makita XGT) use 20mm. You cannot force a 16mm blade onto a 20mm arbor, so checking your saw’s specifications before buying is essential.
Beyond the arbor size, blade selection depends on what you’re cutting: tooth count, material composition, and blade diameter (usually 140mm, 150mm, or 190mm for cordless saws).
For a complete breakdown of circular saw blade compatibility, arbor sizes by brand, and material-specific recommendations, see our circular saw blade compatibility guide.
Reciprocating Saw Blades
Reciprocating saw blades (also called sabre saw blades) use one of two shank systems: SDS (a press-fit system common on modern Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee models) or pin-slot (an older system still found on some budget saws and some Bosch models). SDS and pin-slot blades are not interchangeable — you must match your saw’s shank type.
Within each shank type, blades come in standard (100mm) and long (150mm) lengths. Standard blades fit all SDS saws; long blades fit some SDS saws but not all, so check your manual.
For detailed reciprocating saw blade guidance, brand-by-brand shank compatibility, and the best blades for different materials, see our reciprocating saw blade compatibility guide.
Brand Quick Reference
Here’s which blade types each brand uses in their cordless saws:
| Brand | Jigsaw Blades | Circular Saw Arbor | Reciprocating Saw Shank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita | T-shank | 16mm (most), 20mm (XGT) | SDS |
| DeWalt | T-shank | 16mm | SDS |
| Milwaukee | T-shank | 16mm | SDS |
| Bosch | T-shank (invented it) | 16mm | Pin-slot (GST) & SDS (UniversalSaw) |
| Ryobi | T-shank | 16mm | SDS |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any T-shank jigsaw blade in any jigsaw?
Yes. All modern cordless jigsaws use T-shank. The blade will fit mechanically. What you should pay attention to instead is the blade’s TPI (teeth per inch), material, and tooth design — these determine how well it cuts and what materials it’s suitable for.
What’s the difference between 16mm and 20mm arbor holes?
The arbor is the spindle that holds the blade onto the saw. A 16mm arbor hole matches a 16mm spindle; a 20mm arbor hole matches a 20mm spindle. These are not interchangeable. If your saw has a 16mm arbor and you buy a blade with a 20mm hole, the blade will rattle or won’t fit at all. Check your manual or the saw’s nameplate before buying blades.
Are SDS and pin-slot reciprocating saw blades interchangeable?
No. SDS (Slotted Drive System) is a press-fit standard used on most modern Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee reciprocating saws. Pin-slot is an older system with two pins that lock into slots. The two systems are not compatible. If you’re not sure which your saw uses, check the manual or look at the blade holder — SDS has a slot; pin-slot has two circular holes.
Can I use a long reciprocating saw blade in a saw designed for standard blades?
Not reliably. Standard SDS blades are 100mm; long blades are 150mm. Some saws can accept either, but many cannot — it depends on the chuck and stroke length. Check your manual before trying a long blade. Using the wrong length can damage the blade holder or affect cutting performance.
Do I need to buy blade sets from the same brand as my saw?
No. For jigsaws and most saws, compatibility is determined by the mechanical interface (arbor size, shank type) rather than brand. A Makita jigsaw works perfectly with Bosch, DeWalt, or Milwaukee T-shank blades. That said, some brands (particularly Ryobi) report occasional fitment issues with third-party blades, so checking reviews before buying can help.