T-shank and U-shank are two different jigsaw blade fittings. T-shank, usually held by a tool-free clamp, is the common standard on current jigsaws; U-shank is the older fitting, usually held by a screw or lever clamp. Many saws take only one type, but some clamps accept both — check your saw’s manual.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | T-Shank | U-Shank |
|---|---|---|
| Blade Change Time | 5–10 seconds (no tools) | 30+ seconds (requires screwdriver or hex key) |
| Stability | Better — blade is more secure | Looser — prone to vibration if pins aren’t tight |
| Interchangeability | Use T-shank blades specified for the exact saw model; check the manual’s blade requirements. | Narrower range, but still made (for example Bosch’s 5-piece U-shank set, 2 608 667 855) |
| Common Era | Common standard on current jigsaws | Older saws; some current saws accept both |
| Cost | Standard pricing | Smaller choice of blades |
Recommended Jigsaw Blades
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Check fitment & current price on Amazon (affiliate links).
Before you buy: check that the size, fitting/bore and maximum-rated speed marked on the accessory match what your tool’s manual specifies. We have not physically tested these products; listings are compiled from published specifications. These are affiliate links.
T-Shank: How It Works
A T-shank blade has a single flat piece of metal at the base shaped vaguely like the letter T (or an upside-down L). The saw’s chuck has a spring-loaded slot that grips the shank. To change a blade:
- Pull or swing open the chuck lever
- Insert the blade’s shank into the slot
- Close the lever — done
No tools needed, no screws to tighten, no pins to align. The blade is mechanically secure because the spring compresses around it.
U-Shank: How It Works
A U-shank blade has a U-shaped cut-out at the end of the shank, and some also have a small hole below it. It is usually held by a screw or a small lever clamp. To fit a blade:
- Slide the shank into the clamp
- Push the blade all the way down
- Tighten a screw or twist a lever to lock it in place
If the blade isn’t fully seated or the screw isn’t tight, you’ll get vibration and poor cut quality. It’s fiddly and slower than T-shank.
Can You Use T-Shank in a U-Shank Jigsaw?
Not in a saw whose clamp takes only one type — the shank shapes are different. Some jigsaws have a clamp that accepts both; your manual will say.
U-shank blades are still made, though the range is smaller than for T-shank.
How to Tell Which Your Jigsaw Uses
Method 1: Look at the clamp
- T-shank: The clamp has a vertical slot (no holes visible)
- U-shank: The blade is held by a screw or small lever clamp
Method 2: Confirm the specified blade fitting
- Disconnect the saw from its power source before checking or changing a blade.
- A failed T-shank fit does not identify the clamp as U-shank. Check the exact model’s manual and do not force a blade into the clamp.
- Use only the blade fitting specified for the model. Some clamps accept both types: BLACK+DECKER lists the BES601-GB as accepting U- and T-shank blades.
Method 3: Check the manual
- Most manuals specify shank type in the accessories section
Which Brands Made Which Shank Type?
T-shank modern models: Makita (all DJV series), DeWalt (DCS series), Milwaukee (M18 JSA), Bosch (PST/PFZ), Ryobi (RJS)
U-shank legacy models: DeWalt (older corded models), Milwaukee (older lines), Bosch (very old PST models), Makita (older models)
Current models from the major brands take T-shank blades; some also accept U-shank.
Why Did the Industry Switch?
T-shank is faster, easier, and more reliable. Tool-free blade changes mean you’re more likely to actually change blades when they dull (rather than push a dull blade beyond its life). The clamping mechanism is also more secure, reducing vibration and improving cut accuracy. That is why T-shank is now the common standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a reduction adapter to make U-shank blades fit my T-shank saw?
Use the blade fitting specified for your exact model. A T-shank-only clamp requires T-shank blades, while a manufacturer-specified dual-shank clamp may accept both without an adapter. We have not verified an approved adapter for other combinations.
Are T-shank blades more expensive?
No — they’re usually cheaper because they’re widely available. U-shank blades are still sold, though in a smaller range.
If I’m buying a used jigsaw, what should I check?
Ask the seller whether it’s T-shank or U-shank. If U-shank, only buy if you’re getting a bundle of blades with it. Otherwise, buying new T-shank saws is more practical — they’re cheap and blades are readily available.
Do all modern jigsaws use T-shank?
T-shank is common on current jigsaws, but the exact model’s specification determines compatibility. Some current clamps accept both U- and T-shank blades; BLACK+DECKER’s BES601-GB is one documented example.
Where to Buy Jigsaw Blades
Whether you need T-shank or U-shank blades, Amazon has a wide selection from top brands:
Buy T-Shank Jigsaw Blades on Amazon
Buy U-Shank Jigsaw Blades on Amazon
Buy Bosch Jigsaw Blades on Amazon
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 →