Rating of the best jigsaw blades (files) for 2020

In a home workshop or when doing repairs on your own, it is often necessary to cut some material quickly and evenly. For this type of work, a manual or electric jigsaw is used. The tool makes simple and straight cuts in metal pipes or drywall sheets, and copes with the function of filigree carving or sawing oval and rectangular holes.

A variety of manipulations are performed with jigsaw files with certain characteristics. Universal carving blades exist, but they perform the simplest operations and quality and speed suffer during processing. It is important to choose the right type of sawing material according to the description for specific work and tools.

Jigsaw blades: marking to help

Buying the right sawing consumable can be confusing for a non-professional person. You can always ask the question: “What are the consumables? Which company is the best product? " Many brands produce specialized types for wood, iron, plexiglass, plastic. It is important for a carpenter or home craftsman to understand the purpose of purchasing products and selection criteria that will help determine the desired functionality.

Alphanumeric markings on the canvas and tail coloring will help you make the right choice. Each symbol indicates the performance and application area, taking into account the processing material.

The first letter is the shank type:

• The T-shaped model is the most common among many manufacturers;
• U-shape for older models of screw or shoe type power tools;
• M - special model with two holes, only for Makita;
• F is standard rectangular shape with one Fein hole.

The second number is the size of the canvas:

• 1 - short, up to 7.5 cm;
• 2 - average, 7.5 - 9 cm;
• 3 - long, 9 - 15 cm;
• 7 - maximum, from 15 cm.

The penultimate letter is the size of the teeth in ascending order of size:

• A - small;
• B - medium;
• C, D - large.

The last letter is the special properties of the cutting blade:

• X - progressive pitch of teeth;
• R - reverse or reverse teeth;
• О - especially thin edge of the back of the canvas;
• R - ensuring the most accurate cut;
• F - made of double alloy for extra strength.

Additional markings on the blade: what is important to pay attention to

Jigsaw equipment is supplied individually, and in the form of universal sets of several blades: for soft and hard wood, for metal, plastic. Responsible manufacturers add supporting information to the consumable to avoid selection errors.

Material letters

1. HM - extra strong alloys;
2. .HCS (CV) - carbon composites;
3. HSS - high speed metal;
4. CV - chrome vanadium steel alloy;
5. BM (BiM) - bimetallic structure of strong alloys and high-speed metal, the most durable and wear-resistant.

Decoding of the quality characteristics of the cutting edge

1. Wood - softwood works;
2. Hardwood - hard wood and PVC plastic;
3. Metall - cutting of steel alloys and metalworking is possible;
4. Inox - work with stainless material;
5. Plaster, Fiber - fiberglass blanks;
6. Alu - for aluminum processing;
7. Soft-material - soft rubber and carpets;
8. Acrylic - acrylate and polycarbonate composites.

The purpose of the jigsaw consumable can be determined by the color of the tail:

• gray color - works with wood materials;
• blue - metal alloys;
• red - plastic surfaces;
• white - for wood and metal;
• black - ceramic, steel, soft and fibrous materials.

Sawing a tree

Jigsaw blades of hand and power tools are made of iron. Conventional steel blades are designed to handle soft and less durable materials. Sharp, serrated edges made from reinforced composites have a wide functionality and cut metal and other raw materials.

For especially strong structures with complex processing - granite stone, marble, porcelain stoneware tiles - files with diamond dusting or coated with super-hard alloys are used.

A wide range of saw blades are available for cutting wood blanks and provide different types of cuts:

• a clean cut without chipping furniture or laminate boards will provide a cutting edge with a small spacing of fine teeth less than 3 mm.
• a fast cut at high speed of large blocks without observing accuracy will produce a long and wide blade with a significant set of large teeth up to 6 mm.
• curly cutting is performed with a short, narrow blade with a beveled back for improved passage of rounded elements, with fine teeth up to 2 mm.

We cut metal

An electric jigsaw is ineffective in working with metal. The laborious and slow process of cutting iron is carried out with blades with wavy cutting parts of the group setting up to 3 mm.

The thinner the sheet, the smaller the teeth are required.

Cutting metal workpieces requires HSS and BM jigsaw reinforced steel mixes. When repairing thick-walled water pipes, an extended tooling is used.

We process plastic

Working with PVC requires care. Unplug the pendulum. The minimum speed of the power tool, and a consumable with large cutting elements will not allow crumbs of heated material to clog and disable the blade. A short insert with medium teeth ensures a clean and even cut.

Decorative works

Cutting fragile bathroom tiles or durable but shattering marble can only be done with diamond-coated or abrasive-coated, toothless ceramic blades. The higher the grain size of the spraying, the better the cut will be, but the speed of work will decrease.A smaller percentage of abrasives provokes the appearance of chips on ceramics.

Hand jigsaw blade marking

The hand jigsaw is a simple arc design with end mounts for a replacement consumable. The saw blade of a power tool differs from the saw blade for a jigsaw in the way of fastening. The flat ends do not have an end pin and are easily secured with nuts or levers in the grooves of the arcuate tool.

There are several basic parameters for hand files:

1. TPI is the number of teeth per inch. The larger the quantity, the better the cutting edge, but the speed of work slows down. The average number of teeth is 6 per centimeter.
2. The set of teeth simplifies sawing and prevents jamming in the workpiece. The kerf is increased, but edge chips are minimized. Not all specimens have this feature.
3. The size range of files is presented in 12 numbers. No. 0 with small teeth makes curved complex patterns, No. 12 processes workpieces up to 20 mm.
4. Working blade types:

• standard, with the same equally directional elements and equal tooth pitch. Used for straight cuts that do not require precision and smooth edges;
• with a double tooth they work slowly, but do not overheat and leave an even cut without chipping and a small amount of waste;
• with a skipped tooth are characterized by high speed and prevent jamming in the workpiece. They heat up less during the cutting process and remove chips well;
• with a reversible (reverse) tooth pointing up. Provides a perfect bottom cut of the part, which is important in jewelry;
• spiral teeth are located along the entire diameter. Allows you to make complex curly cuts at low speed, without interruptions in the process.

Selection of hand jigsaw files for the material

Replacement material is sold in a set of several. Saws are made from a variety of raw materials, they cut metal, wood or plastic blanks. Cuts can be of different quality, clean, filigree or rough.

• Thick wood blocks or plastic will quickly cut a standard blade with coarse teeth (6-7 per cm) or binary teeth. Additional sanding of the edge of the wood will be required.
• To obtain maximum evenness and smoothness of the edge of fiberboard, finishing or facing materials, a fine-toothed working surface (10 elements per cm) is used.
• A laminated multi-layer board or chipboard is cut by a consumable with a reverse gear stroke. The cut is obtained without small cracks and wood chips.
• Filigree work will be done by a spiral blade for precise curly cuts that does not get stuck and turns well.
• Metal is sawn with a particularly durable blade with many (9-10 per cm) small teeth. The working speed is small, but with a certain skill it can cut a ten-millimeter steel plate or a thin sheet of tin.
• PVC, polycarbonate or plexiglass board will neatly shorten, without splitting the material, cutting equipment with small toothed elements.

Caution - fake!

Modern manufacturers offer a huge range of replacement materials for power tools and power jigsaws. The average cost for a set of products of well-known brands or new ones can differ tenfold.

It should be remembered that trusted firms value their reputation and monitor the quality of the consumables produced. Large manufacturers offer an assortment for the amateur and professional. But even budget options have excellent performance characteristics.

Carefulness when buying will reduce the likelihood of a mistake in choosing fake files of famous brands:

• a counterfeit blade made from poor quality raw materials may have chips, slight damage or traces of rust;
• clear edges of the web are possible with high quality production, the rounded end part indicates a violation of the process during underground stamping;
• blurry, distorted inscriptions are easily erased;
• no branded packaging;
• low price compared to the original product.

A fake wears out quickly, breaks down. A counterfeit accessory can damage the workpiece or cause injury to the craftsman. Therefore, how much a product costs is not decisive when choosing a tooling.

Top 5 quality universal jigsaw kits

The recognized leaders in the manufacture of files have not changed since 2019. The high quality and characteristics of popular models are checked daily at construction sites, furniture production and home repairs. The rating of universal configurations, based on the opinion of buyers, will tell you which consumables are better to buy.

5th place. Stayer Station Wagon 159488-H5

Average price: 132 rubles.

The manufacturer produces a wide range of hand and power tools. In Russia since 1999. Many buyers recognize the quality and reliability of products and vote for them with increasing demand.

Saw consumables are made of resistant carbon steel, which provides flexibility and long service life, a special protective coating on the cutting edge allows you to maintain the sharpness of the blade.

• main types of cuts: clean, fast, curly;
• processes chipboard, metal, wood, plywood, fiberboard;
• 5 pieces per set;
• T-shaped shank;
• budget brand.

• not found.

4th place. "DeWALT" DT 2294

Average price: 739 rubles.

The 90-year history of the company is an example of the reliability of the designed equipment. Powerful, durable and precise power tools are complemented by high performance accessories. For it, carbon and bimetallic types of steel are used. The recognizable yellow and black colors have become a symbol of Swiss quality.

• for wood and metal blanks;
• 3 types of cutting: clean, fast, shaped;
• universal tail section;
• 10 pieces per set.

• high price;
• confusing markings.

3rd place. Set "Gross" 78295

Average price: 738 rubles.

German quality has been repeatedly confirmed by numerous buyers. The company produces tools for the professional processing of all types of wood, fiberboard, chipboard, PVC up to 60 mm, laminate boards and high-quality canvases for it. Durable chrome vanadium steel cutting surfaces have a long service life. Wear-resistant, with increased hardness.

• perform the main types of cuts: rough, fast, clean;
• for metal and wood surfaces;
• T-shaped European shank;
• 10 pieces per pack.

• high price.

2nd place. Set "Bosch" Mixed Wood and Metall 2609256746

Average price: 599 rubles.

The company "Bosch" takes a strong place in the leaders of manufacturers of consumables for power tools. The widest assortment allows you to choose both a single copy of the product and a specific set. Modern alloys extend the life of the product.

The company has implemented its own labeling, which is also used by other manufacturers. Manufactured in Switzerland or the UK, the T-shank is compatible with Makita, Hitachi, AEG, Metabo and more power tools.

• various files for metal, aluminum, several types of wood;
• information packaging;
• 10 pieces in a set, 2 of each type;
• universal shank;
• middle price category.

• one type of cut - fast.

1 place. Set "Makita" A-86899

Average price: 350 rubles.

A Japanese brand of power tools and high quality accessories for professional and private use. Durable steel compounds make the files resistant to mechanical wear, bending and creasing.

• for wood, metal, plastic;
• T-shaped shank;
• cut type: rough, clean, fast;
• 5 pieces per pack.

• incomprehensible marking;
• high price.

Top 5 popular models of wood saws for electric jigsaw

5th place. PRACTICE 035-837

Average price: 180 rubles.

A young Russian company appeared in 2003, but already has its own audience of admirers. Consistently high quality of tools and consumables for them, constantly expanding range allows you to quickly conquer the market

For blade equipment for wooden blanks, high-strength carbon steel is used, which is resistant to mechanical damage. A wide range of sizes allows you to choose a blade for workpieces of various thicknesses.

• processes wood and plywood;
• type of cut: rough, fast;
• universal tail section.

• high price;
• 2 pieces included.

4th place. CMT JT234X-5

Average price: 711 rubles.

Italian brand with 40 years of history produces cutting tools and accessories. Products are manufactured in Italy, Spain and the United States. The factories operate according to the international standard, the process is controlled by the highest class operators.

High-hardness steels and alloys of Swiss and Luxembourgish origin ensure stable and high-strength cutting surfaces. Signature orange coating extends durability in the toughest conditions.

• quantity in a set of 5 pieces;
• universal shank;
• working length 90 mm.

• high price;
• only for wood processing;
• 1 type of cut: clean.

3rd place. VIRA T111C552025

Average price: 49 rubles.

The manufacturer produces hand tools and consumables in accordance with Russian GOST and DIM certification - the German quality standard.

Cutting blades are made from high carbon tool steel. Resistant to cracking and kinking, they have reliable strength and flexibility.

• processes wood, plastic and plywood;
• length 75 mm;
• T-shaped shank;
• low cost.

• one type of cut - fast;
• in a set of 2 pieces.

2nd place. BOSCH 2607011463h

Average price: 49 rubles.

Saw blades for different types of wood are made from HSC carbon steel. Milling or grinding the teeth allows you to make different cuts.

• several types of cutting: precise, fast;
• in a set of 15 pieces;
• T-shaped shank;
• the set includes saws for regular wood and hardwood;
• low cost.

• a large set for a small amount of work.

1 place. MAKITA A-85793

Average price: 310 rubles.

The Japanese company closely monitors product quality. Manufacturing of components from reinforced composites increases the service life. The milled tooth blade can make several types of cuts. The flexibility and strength of the web prevents creases.

• two types of cutting - accurate and fast;
• European type of shank;
• length 70 mm;
• in a set of 5 pieces;
• low price.

• for wood processing only.

Top 5 popular hand tool file models

Hand tools in modern realities are used in amateur workshops or in children's kits for creating piece things from wood blanks. The most popular consumables are saws for different types of wood.

5th place. HOBBI

Average price: 214 rubles.

Products of the company ORMIS, dynamically developing in the markets of Russia and Kazakhstan. Equipment made of quality materials complies with the international DIM standardization. Passes a mandatory quality control system.

• stable and durable bimetallic composition;
• enhanced flexibility;
• for wood;
• 10 pieces per pack;
• low price.

• not.

4th place. FIT set 130 mm

Average price: 218 rubles.

The Canadian manufacturer manufactures mechanical and power tools, the necessary components. All products comply with American and European standards. Modern technologies and high-quality tool type of alloy make the products reliable and in demand.

• long service life;
• 20 pieces per pack;
• low cost.

• not found.

3rd place. DREMEL 2615MS50JA

Average price: 420 rubles.

The company has been making universal tools for 95 years. The equipment of high precision and for a whole range of operations is very compact, lightweight and has excellent performance.

Saw blades for wood are made of durable composites and can process plastic, laminate, fiberboard, chipboard. A long cut is formed.

• high-quality consumable material;
• a wide range of processing types;
• long-term operation;
• resistance to bending and breakage;
• 5 pieces per set.

• high price.

2nd place. PEBARO set

Average price: 149 rubles.

Since 2000, the German company has been one of the best in the production of tools and accessories for hobbies and children's creativity. The company's products are distinguished by high reliability, durability and safety of use.

• made of high quality steel composite;
• for plastic and wood;
• 12 pieces per pack;
• low cost.

• not.

1 place. ROS135 mm

Average price: 169 rubles.

Customers appreciate the wide and constantly growing assortment of the company and high Russian quality at affordable prices.

Tooling is manufactured with high tensile strength for extended service life. The special sharpening of the teeth ensures precision in work and high speed.

• heavy-duty blade structure;
• precision sharpening of the working surface;
• 50 pieces per pack;

• not.

How to choose the best and most reliable jigsaw blades?

A review of popular brand models allows you to find the best option for your wallet and the amount of work to be done.

Simple guidelines and convenient labeling will help you make the right choice. Retail stores and many specialized construction online sites will help you decide where to buy cutting consumables. Study reviews from real customers, compare products by price and order a jigsaw tool online from an online store.

Very often, rejection of cheap counterfeit products in favor of branded products justifies itself. The additional costs when buying consumables will pay off with the high cut quality, the absence of additional processing, the speed of the process and the absence of injuries at work.