Saw Blade Compatibility Guide
Choosing the right saw blade isn’t just about the material you’re cutting — it’s about whether the blade physically fits your saw. Jigsaw blades come in two incompatible shank types. Circular saw blades have different bore sizes and diameters. Even reciprocating saw blades, which are mostly universal, have important differences that affect performance. This guide covers every major saw blade compatibility question so you never buy the wrong blade again.
Key Takeaway
The three things that determine saw blade compatibility are: shank type (for jigsaws — T-shank vs U-shank), bore size (the centre hole on circular/mitre blades — must match your saw’s arbor), and blade diameter (must not exceed your saw’s maximum). Get any of these wrong and the blade simply won’t fit.
Jigsaw Blade Compatibility
Jigsaw blades are the most common source of compatibility confusion. There are two shank types — T-shank and U-shank — and they are not interchangeable. T-shank blades will not fit a U-shank jigsaw, and vice versa. The good news: almost every modern jigsaw made since the early 2000s uses T-shank, so if your jigsaw is reasonably recent, T-shank blades are what you need.
Key rule: If your jigsaw was made after 2000, it almost certainly uses T-shank blades. U-shank is a legacy format found only on older or very cheap jigsaws. When in doubt, check the blade clamp mechanism — T-shank jigsaws have a quick-release lever or button; U-shank jigsaws use a screw clamp.
For a detailed comparison of both systems, see our full guide: T-Shank vs U-Shank Jigsaw Blades. And if you’re wondering whether all jigsaw blades are universal within the same shank type, we answer that in Are Jigsaw Blades Universal?
Circular Saw Blade Compatibility
Circular saw blade compatibility depends on two measurements: the bore size (centre hole diameter) and the blade diameter. Both must match your saw. The bore size must be an exact match — a blade with a 30mm bore won’t fit a saw with a 20mm arbor without a reduction ring. The blade diameter should match your saw’s rated size, though you can sometimes use a slightly smaller blade.
Common Bore Sizes (UK)
| Bore Size | Typical Saw Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 16mm | Compact/mini circular saws | Less common, used on small plunge saws |
| 20mm | Cordless circular saws (most common) | Standard on most 18V cordless circular saws |
| 25.4mm (1″) | Some older corded saws | Imperial standard, becoming less common in UK |
| 30mm | Mitre saws, table saws, larger corded saws | The European/metric standard for larger saws |
Many blades include reduction rings (also called bore bushings) — thin metal rings that sit in the bore to adapt a larger hole down to a smaller arbor. A 30mm bore blade with a 20mm reduction ring will fit a 20mm arbor saw. Always check what reduction rings are included before buying.
For the full breakdown of bore sizes and which saws use which, see: Circular Saw Blade Bore Sizes Guide. For help choosing the right diameter, see: Circular Saw Blade Sizes.
Mitre Saw Blade Compatibility
Mitre saw blades are circular saw blades sized for mitre saws. The most common sizes in the UK are 216mm (8½”) for compact mitre saws and 254mm/305mm (10″/12″) for sliding mitre saws. Almost all mitre saw blades have a 30mm bore. The key compatibility rule: your blade diameter must match your mitre saw’s rated size exactly — you cannot fit a 305mm blade on a 216mm mitre saw.
See our detailed guide: Mitre Saw Blade Sizes Guide
Reciprocating Saw Blade Compatibility
Reciprocating (recip) saw blades are the most universal of all saw blade types. Almost every reciprocating saw on the market uses the same standard ½” universal tang (also called a 1/2″ universal shank). This means a Bosch recip blade will fit a DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, or Ryobi reciprocating saw — and vice versa. There are very few compatibility concerns with recip blades.
Good news: Reciprocating saw blades are genuinely universal. As long as the blade has a standard ½” universal tang (which virtually all do), it will fit any brand of reciprocating saw. Focus on choosing the right TPI and material for your cutting task rather than worrying about compatibility.
For more detail on choosing the right recip blade, see: Reciprocating Saw Blade Guide
Browse by Topic
- T-Shank vs U-Shank Jigsaw Blades — the key compatibility difference explained
- Are Jigsaw Blades Universal? — short answer: within the same shank type, yes
- Circular Saw Blade Bore Sizes — 16mm, 20mm, 25.4mm, and 30mm explained
- Circular Saw Blade Sizes — which diameter fits your saw
- Mitre Saw Blade Sizes — 216mm, 254mm, and 305mm guide
- Reciprocating Saw Blade Guide — the most universal blade type
- Can You Use a Smaller Circular Saw Blade? — what happens and when it’s safe
- Saw Blade Types Guide — TPI, tooth patterns, and materials explained
- Saw Blade Compatibility Chart — quick-reference table for all saw types
Recommended Saw Blades
| Blade | Type | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch 10-Piece Jigsaw Blade Set | T-shank jigsaw (mixed) | All-round jigsaw starter set | View on Amazon |
| Saxton TCT 165mm x 20mm 80T | Circular saw blade | Fine cutting in wood — fits most 18V cordless saws | View on Amazon |
| Trend CSB/16560 165mm 60T | Circular saw blade | Extra-fine finish, 20mm bore | View on Amazon |
| Saxton TCT 216mm x 30mm 100T | Mitre saw blade | Fine crosscuts on 216mm mitre saws | View on Amazon |
| Bosch Reciprocating Saw Blade Set | Recip saw (mixed) | Universal fit — wood, metal, demolition | View on Amazon |
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