T-shank and U-shank are two incompatible jigsaw blade standards. T-shank is modern (standardised since ~2005) and offers tool-free blade changes and better stability. U-shank is older and requires screwing or pinning the blade into place. Modern saws use T-shank; older saws use U-shank. They’re not interchangeable.
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 | Fits any T-shank saw (universal across brands) | Limited — most suppliers have stopped making U-shank |
| Common Era | 2005 onwards (all modern saws) | 1990s–early 2000s (legacy saws only) |
| Cost | Standard pricing | Hard to find — premium pricing if available |
Recommended Jigsaw Blades
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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 two small holes at the base. The saw’s clamp has two corresponding pins. To fit a blade:
- Align the blade’s holes with the saw’s pins
- 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?
No. A T-shank blade won’t fit into a U-shank clamp (the shank shape is wrong). Similarly, you can’t use a U-shank blade in a T-shank saw. They’re mechanically incompatible.
If you inherit or buy a U-shank saw, you’re stuck with whatever blade supply still exists for that shank type — which is dwindling.
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 clamp has two small holes where pins sit
Method 2: Try a blade
- Attempt to insert a T-shank blade
- If it slides in and grips with the lever, you have T-shank
- If the slot doesn’t match the blade shape, you have U-shank
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 (pre-2005 models)
If you own a brand-new saw from any major manufacturer, it uses T-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. U-shank is legacy because T-shank is objectively better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a reduction adapter to make U-shank blades fit my T-shank saw?
No. Mechanical adapters don’t exist for this, and any makeshift solution would be unsafe (blade could come loose during cutting). If you own a T-shank saw, you need T-shank blades.
Are T-shank blades more expensive?
No — they’re usually cheaper because they’re widely available. U-shank blades (when you can find them) are more expensive because demand is low.
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?
All cordless and modern corded jigsaws use T-shank. If it was made after 2005, assume T-shank unless the manual says otherwise.
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 →