By Tony Carrick | Updated May 7, 2021 10:10 PM

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Oscillating tools are the multi-tool of saws, capable of performing diverse tasks ranging from cutting and grinding to scraping and sanding. But an oscillating tool will only perform these functions well when fitted with the proper blade. Oscillating tool blades come in various shapes and sizes, from fine-tooth straight models that make precision plunge cuts to large circular blades for long straight cuts. More specific types include blades with carbide teeth that can cut through hard metal, Japanese blades for executing smooth cuts through wood, and even diamond-coated blades for grinding through tile grout.

With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to determine the most suitable saw blade for the job. This guide will plunge deep into the crucial features to consider when shopping for the best oscillating tool blades and highlight some of our top favorites.

Understanding an oscillating tool blade’s shape and consistency is crucial to getting the most out of it. Ahead, learn about these and other characteristics of oscillating tool blades.

Their small size makes oscillating tool blades ideal for cutting in places where circular saws, jigsaws, and other conventional saws are too big to do the job.

Oscillating blades can cut many different materials, including metal, plastic, wood, masonry, and drywall. Universal blades can cut plastic, wood, or soft metals. Blades designed specifically for metal are capable of cutting through harder metals, while Japanese-style saw blades are adept at making smooth cuts through wood.

Some blades feature scraper edges ideal for removing caulk or for pulling up old wallpaper or linoleum. Special diamond-coated blades are suitable for grinding through mortar and cement.

To avoid confusion, most manufacturers print what materials the blade can cut through on the sides of the blade.

Because of their ability to cut through various materials—and their ability to make plunge cuts—oscillating tool blades are often ideal for small jobs, such as cutting openings out of drywall, trimming baseboards, cutting pipes, grinding out old grout, and lopping off nail heads.

Oscillating saw blades are made from a variety of metal types.

High-carbon steel has a higher carbon content, which makes the steel harder and stronger. A high-carbon blade is sharper and will hold its edge longer.

Carbide is a steel alloy that includes tungsten, which makes it much harder than other steel alloys, giving it a longer life and faster cutting speed.

Bi-metal blades consist of two different types of steel: conventional steel, which comprises the body of the saw blade, and high-speed steel, which is used for the teeth and holds its hardness even at high temperatures.

As with a carbide blade, a bi-metal blade cuts more quickly and is more durable than other steel alloys. Keep in mind that bi-metal blades and carbide steel blades typically cost more.

Blades designed for wood have a Japanese saw-blade style, which features blade teeth that cut in both directions. Speciality blades with diamond coatings are suitable for grinding through brick, cement, and even glass.

Some blades feature a black electrophoretic finish, which improves the blade’s wear while protecting it from corrosion.

Cutting blades come in three different types: plunge-cut blades, segment saw blades, and scraper blades.

Some tools have added features designed to improve usability or extend the life of the blade. Most straight-edge blades feature metric and imperial measurements on the sides, making it easier to gauge the depth of a cut.

Since oscillating saw blades tend to wear out quickly, most blades have a quick-release system. This allows the operator to quickly change blades on the fly, which can be particularly useful for applications such as grinding out grout or cutting metal, which can wear an edge out in less than an hour.

Oscillating blades attach to the oscillating tool via a C-shaped piece located on the inside of the blade. Grooves cut into the piece are designed to fit most oscillating tools, all of which have universal mounting bracket patterns.

That said, not all oscillating tools will work with all blades. Some brands use Starlock blades, which use a special star-shape to fit the blade to the tool. Starlock fittings create a tighter connection, allowing for better power transfer between the blade and the tool. The Starlock system also doesn’t require a hex key, making blade changes much faster. Only certain blades are compatible with Starlock oscillating tools.

The oscillating blades below take into account the above considerations to cut the field to some of the best models by discipline.

Oscillating blade tools face harsher conditions than most manual saws. This is largely due to the amount of friction the oscillating motion of the tool creates. From Vtopmart, these blades are thicker than most and are made of high-carbon steel, which helps them hold their edge longer than typical oscillating saw blades. This 20-piece kit is also versatile, with six different kinds of saw blades for cutting metal, wood, and plastic. Compatible with most brands of oscillating tools, the blades feature ong, wavy teeth to allow for faster, smoother cutting.

Those who use oscillating tools on a regular basis can go through a lot of blades. This bang-for-the-buck set of 50 includes a variety of blades for cutting wood, metal, plastic, and soft metal. Each blade has metric measurements on one side and imperial measurements on the other, allowing for precision cuts. The blades’ universal mounting design fits most (but not all) oscillating tools.

This 24-piece set comes with blades in a variety of types—standard-tooth, Japanese-tooth, and precision-tooth. Each blade is made of high-carbon and stainless steel. Each also features an electrophoretic black finish that adding an extra layer of strength in the form of corrosion defense.

Removing grout is a laborious process that can quickly wear out some of the best grinding blades. With its carbide construction, this DEWALT blade is extra hard, able to hold its edge longer and cut more easily through stiff grout. That’s also thanks to this blade’s innovative wave shape, which chews through grit up to twice as fast as other blades while also creating wider cuts, eliminating the need to make multiple passes. Note that even though this is a DEWALT blade, it’s compatible with most major brands of oscillating tools.

Being able to quickly swap out oscillating tool blades is crucial to keeping your project moving forward. These blades from HERRKA pop quickly out, making changing blades on the fly easy. They’re also compatible with a wide range of popular oscillating tool brands.

This set includes seven different types of saw blades, including three circular blades for cutting through plastic, metal, and wood. Each blade’s purpose is clearly labeled on its side, eliminating confusion. Each blade also has metric and imperial measurements for quick reference.

Although this may not be the biggest set of oscillating blades on the market, its 15 pieces include a diverse collection of blades, varied in their size, shape, and teeth type. The included trio of 3½-inch blades are best suited for cutting larger pieces of wood, soft metal, or plastic. The included bi-metal blades can handle denser woods and harder metals. The set’s three general-purpose blades offer a narrower 2⅝-inch profile handy for cutting in smaller spaces. Depth markers on the blade allow for precise cuts, while labels take the guesswork out of selecting the right blade for the job.

If you’re wondering about what oscillating tool blades can cut or how long they last, read on for answers to these and other commonly asked questions.

Most oscillating tool blades are universal, allowing them to fit most oscillating tool from most brands. Newer Starlock oscillating tools are one exception, however. Blades that fit this type of oscillating tool must be Starlock compatible.

Oscillating tools can easily cut through nails and screws when fitted with a metal-cutting blade.

This can vary, depending on what the oscillating blade is cutting. Cutting through metal or drywall will wear out a blade much faster than cutting through wood. Running the oscillating tool at a higher speed will also heat the blade to a higher temperature and cause it to wear out more quickly. With lighter-duty use, a blade can last for an entire day or longer. In heavy-duty applications, a blade can wear out in less than 1 hour.

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