Online Retailers vs Trade Counters: Which Is Right for You?
There’s no single “best” place to buy jigsaw blades in the UK. Your choice depends on what you need, how quickly you need it, and how much you buy.
Advantages of Online
- Wider selection (20+ blade types vs 5–10 in-store)
- Price comparison across retailers in seconds
- Home delivery (usually next day)
- Buy single blades or full packs without pressure
- Customer reviews and ratings for guidance
- No travel time
Advantages of Trade Counter
- Immediate availability (no waiting for delivery)
- Staff expertise (they know the difference between T101B and T101D)
- Bulk discounts for regular customers
- Trade account options (pay-later schemes)
- Local shop (supporting your community)
- Can see and feel the blade before buying
Recommendation: For occasional DIY use, buy online. For regular professional work, establish a trade account at a local stockist for bulk discounts and fast access.
Screwfix — Convenience and Consistency
Screwfix has 600+ stores across the UK. If you need a blade today, Screwfix is probably your best bet for speed.
Blade Selection
Screwfix stocks 15–20 different jigsaw blades at any given time. The range includes:
- Bosch T-series (most common)
- Makita A-series (less common, may need to order)
- Curve-cutting blades
- Metal-cutting blades
- Wood blades
- Some larger packs (10–pack assortments)
Pricing
- Single blades: £1.50–3.50
- 5-packs: £5.00–8.00
- 10-packs: £8.00–14.00
Prices are consistent across all Screwfix locations. Occasionally, they run “weekend deals” — watch for 20% off power tool accessories.
Delivery and Pickup
- In-store pickup: Same day (if in stock)
- Home delivery: Next day (£3.95) or free on orders over £40
- Click & Collect: Order online, pick up in 30 minutes at your local store
Trade Account
Screwfix does not offer formal trade accounts with credit terms. However, they have a loyalty card program that gives cashback on purchases (1% on most items).
Verdict
Best for: Emergency blade purchases, convenient location near you, casual DIYers. Avoid if: You need a specific specialist blade not in stock or you want bulk discount pricing.
Toolstation — Range and Trade Discounts
Toolstation has 500+ stores in the UK and a strong online presence. They’re particularly good for tradies.
Blade Selection
Toolstation stocks 25–30 jigsaw blade types, including:
- Bosch T-series (full range: T101B, T101D, T118A, etc.)
- Makita A-series blades
- Milwaukee T-shank blades
- DeWalt T-series blades
- Specialty blades (scroll cuts, metal, plastic)
- Large packs (10 to 20-packs)
Selection is noticeably better than Screwfix. Stock is typically consistent.
Pricing
- Single blades: £1.20–3.00
- 5-packs: £4.50–7.00
- 10-packs: £7.00–12.00
Prices are often 10–15% cheaper than Screwfix for equivalent blades. Trade pricing (if you have an account) can save a further 5–10%.
Trade Account Benefits
- Payment terms: Net 30 (pay within 30 days of invoicing)
- Bulk discounts: 5–10% for orders over £50
- Dedicated account manager (for large orders)
- Access to staff-only pricing on some items
Setting up a trade account is free and requires a business registration or sole trader details. Takes 24 hours online.
Delivery
- In-store pickup: Same day (if in stock)
- Home delivery: Next day (usually £4–5) or free on orders over £50 for account holders
- Click & Collect: 30 minutes at local store
Verdict
Best for: Tradespeople and regular DIYers, bulk purchases, trade accounts. Avoid if: You need next-day delivery to a location with no Toolstation within 5 miles.
Amazon UK — Selection and Convenience
Amazon UK stocks 50+ jigsaw blade types from multiple sellers, making it the largest online selection in the UK.
Blade Selection
- Bosch (all T-series variants, plus older U-series)
- Makita (A-series, B-series)
- DeWalt (full range)
- Milwaukee (all models)
- Metabo, Festool, Festool specialty blades
- Budget brands (for comparison shopping)
- Multi-packs (5 to 100-packs)
- Blade sets with storage cases
If a blade exists anywhere in the UK market, Amazon likely has it.
Pricing and Prime
- Single blades: £0.80–3.50 (depending on brand and seller)
- Prime delivery: Free next day (if you have Prime membership, £14.99/year)
- Standard delivery: £3.49–5.99
- Sponsored sellers often offer discounts: 15–25% off packs
Watch for warehouse deals (open-box or customer returns) — often 20–30% cheaper. Quality is the same if still sealed.
Returns and Guarantees
- 30-day returns (full refund for wrong blade or defect)
- Customer reviews help identify which blades are actually good quality
- Verified purchase reviews are most reliable
Drawback
Pricing varies wildly by seller. The same Bosch T101B might be £1.50 from one seller and £4.00 from another. Always compare before adding to basket. Watch out for sellers outside the UK — delivery can take 2 weeks.
Verdict
Best for: Specialist blades, bulk purchasing, price comparison, specific brands. Avoid if: You need a blade urgently (delivery is usually 24–48 hours with Prime, but not guaranteed same-day).
eBay UK — Bulk Packs and Bargains
eBay is a mixed bag. You’ll find genuine bargains (especially from bulk sellers liquidating stock), but also counterfeit blades. Buy carefully.
Pricing
- Single blades: £0.50–2.00 (often cheaper than retail)
- 10-packs: £3.00–8.00 (exceptional value)
- 50-packs: £12–25
Caveat: Counterfeit Risk
eBay has counterfeit jigsaw blades, especially from sellers in China claiming to sell Bosch or DeWalt. Counterfeit blades:
- Dull very quickly (2–3 cuts)
- Shank is not straight or correctly hardened
- Teeth are poorly formed (uneven, misaligned)
- Packaging is fake (spelling errors, wrong fonts)
How to avoid: Only buy from sellers with “Royal Mail eBay Seller” badge or UK-based sellers with 100,000+ feedback. Check the listing for a Returns window. Genuine sellers offer 30-day returns; counterfeiters don’t.
Verdict
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers stocking up, buying in bulk, saving money on value packs. Avoid if: You can’t verify the seller’s reputation or need a blade urgently (delivery often takes 5–7 days).
FFX (Facom-Facom-Xtools) — Independent Tool Specialist
FFX is a UK-based independent tool retailer with a strong reputation and excellent customer service.
Blade Selection
- Bosch (complete range)
- Makita (A-series, some specialty blades)
- DeWalt (full range)
- Milwaukee (limited stock)
- Specialist/premium blades Festool (Carvex)
Stock is curated — not everything is available, but what they stock is quality.
Pricing
- Single blades: £1.40–4.00
- Packs: Competitive with Toolstation
FFX often has seasonal sales — Spring and Autumn tend to be cheaper.
Delivery
- UK delivery: 2–3 working days (free on orders over £30)
- Excellent customer service (phone support available)
Trade Accounts
FFX offers trade accounts with credit terms and volume discounts. Good for contractors and large workshops.
Verdict
Best for: Knowledgeable buyers who value service and reliability, trade accounts. Avoid if: You need next-day delivery or want the absolute cheapest price.
ITS (International Tool Supplies) — Bulk and Wholesale
ITS is UK-based and specialises in tool accessories. They’re geared toward bulk buying and trade accounts.
Pricing
- Single blades: £1.10–3.50
- 10-packs: £7.50–12.00
- 50-packs: £30–50 (excellent value for workshop stocking)
Bulk Discount Tiers
| Order Value | Discount |
|---|---|
| £50–100 | 5% off |
| £100–500 | 10% off |
| £500+ | 15% off (+ dedicated account manager) |
Delivery
- Standard: 3–5 working days (free on orders over £50)
- Express: 1–2 working days (£15)
Verdict
Best for: Workshops, tool hire shops, bulk purchasing, wholesale buyers. Avoid if: You’re buying a single blade (minimum order often £20).
Machine Mart — High-Street and Online
Machine Mart has 20+ physical stores across the UK plus a strong online shop.
Blade Selection
- Bosch (main range)
- DeWalt (some models)
- Generic brands
Stock is limited compared to Toolstation or FFX, but adequate for most users.
Pricing
- Single blades: £1.50–3.50
- Packs: £6.00–12.00
Prices are mid-range — not the cheapest, not premium.
In-Store vs Online
In-store selection is smaller than online. If you’re near a store, check their website first to confirm they have what you need in stock.
Verdict
Best for: Convenience if you’re near a store, general blade needs. Avoid if: You need a specific specialist blade or want the best price.
Price Comparison: Same Blade, Different Retailers
Let’s compare prices for three popular blades across UK retailers (March 2026):
| Blade Model | Screwfix | Toolstation | Amazon UK | eBay | FFX | Machine Mart |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch T101B (10 TPI) | £2.25 | £1.85 | £1.50 | £0.90 | £2.10 | £2.40 |
| Bosch T118A (24 TPI) | £2.50 | £2.00 | £1.70 | £1.10 | £2.35 | £2.75 |
| Bosch 10-pack assorted | £14.00 | £10.50 | £8.00 | £5.50 | £12.00 | £13.50 |
Key insight: Amazon and eBay offer the best single-blade prices if you’re willing to wait 2–3 days. Toolstation offers the best balance of price and convenience. Screwfix and Machine Mart charge a premium for immediate availability.
Sets vs Individual Blades: When to Buy Each
Buy Individual Blades If:
- You already know exactly what you need (specific TPI, specific material)
- You only do occasional DIY work
- You’re supplementing an existing collection
- You want to test a brand before committing
Cost: £1.50–3.50 per blade. Verdict: Good for one-off projects or urgent purchases.
Buy Blade Sets If:
- You’re stocking a workshop or tool hire business
- You do regular DIY or are a tradie
- You want a mix of TPI (wood, metal, plastic all covered)
- You’re buying as a gift for someone learning
- You want to reduce per-blade cost
Cost-per-blade in a set: Often 40–50% cheaper than individual blades. A 10-pack at £10 costs £1 per blade; the same blades individually cost £2.50 each.
Verdict: If you know you’ll use 5+ blades over the next 6 months, buy a set. If you’re uncertain, buy 2–3 individuals first.
What Sets Usually Include
- Basic set (5 blades): Mix of 6, 10, and 14 TPI wood blades. Good for general carpentry.
- Medium set (10 blades): Wood blades (4–14 TPI) + 2 metal blades. Covers wood, MDF, metal.
- Pro set (20+ blades): Complete range of TPI, specialty blades (scroll, curve, metal, plastic). Overkill unless you’re a professional.
Recommended budget set: Bosch 10-pack assorted (around £8–12 online). Covers most jobs.
Seasonal Deals and Black Friday Discounts
Best Times to Buy
- Black Friday (late November): 20–40% off. Screwfix, Toolstation, Amazon all participate. Set price alerts.
- January Sales: 15–30% off tool accessories. Retailers clear stock before spring season.
- Spring (March–April): New DIY season. Occasional promotions but not widespread.
- Summer (July–August): Mid-year clearance (5–15% off). Slower period for tool sales.
- Autumn (September–October): Back-to-work and prep-for-winter. Scattered deals.
How to Track Deals
- Amazon price tracker apps: CamelCamelCamel (free) alerts when prices drop on any Amazon listing.
- Email newsletters: Subscribe to Toolstation and Screwfix emails for exclusive discount codes.
- Affiliate and cashback sites: Quidco and TopCashback offer 1–5% cashback on power tool purchases.
- Trade account discounts: Even without a sale, trade accounts save 5–10% year-round.
Stockpiling Strategy
If you use jigsaw blades regularly, buy during Black Friday or January sales and stockpile. A single Bosch T101B costs £2.25 full price but might be £1.50–1.80 during a sale. If you buy 50 blades at 35% off, you save £35 and have a 2-year supply.
Summary: Where to Buy by Your Situation
| Your Situation | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Need blade today | Screwfix (in-store pickup) | 600+ locations, same-day pickup, consistent stock |
| Regular DIY (monthly use) | Toolstation | Best price-to-convenience balance, trade account optional |
| Professional tradie | Toolstation trade account | 5–10% discount, net 30 terms, bulk options |
| Bulk purchase (50+ blades) | ITS or eBay | Lowest per-blade cost, free delivery on large orders |
| Want specific specialist blade | Amazon UK | Largest selection, price comparison, reviews |
| Want best price, can wait 2–3 days | Amazon or eBay (verified sellers) | Often 30–40% cheaper than high street |
| Value service and advice | FFX | Expert staff, curated selection, excellent returns |
| Stocking a workshop | ITS or Toolstation (bulk order) | Tiered discounts, reliable delivery, variety |
Final Tip: Establish a Preferred Supplier
If you use jigsaw blades more than twice a year, pick one or two preferred suppliers and stick with them. Benefits:
- Staff recognize you and can advise quickly
- You build loyalty for better pricing (informal discounts)
- You know their stock and ordering patterns
- Trade accounts accumulate faster (volume discounts kick in sooner)
- Easier to compare prices (you know what you paid last time)
For most UK tradespeople, Toolstation is the best all-around choice — competitive pricing, wide selection, trade account option, reliable delivery, and strong customer service.
For immediate needs or occasional DIY, Screwfix offers unbeatable convenience — you’ll find a store near you and get a blade the same day.
For specialist blades or bulk purchasing, Amazon UK provides the widest selection — especially if you’re willing to wait 2 days and compare prices.
See the main jigsaw blade guide for help choosing the right blade type and TPI for your project.
