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Ever started a job thinking the blade you had would do the trick, only to end up frustrated and with a ruined material? Trust me, the blade makes a bigger difference than most people realise. Whether you’re scraping old paint, cutting hardwood, slicing metal, or using a multitool for fine trimming, the correct blade changes speed, finish, and safety. It’s like choosing the right spoon for soup versus cereal — the job gets done either way, but one result feels professional while the other feels messy.
Paint scrapers are simple but essential. They come in flat and angled profiles and are ideal for removing flaking paint, adhesive residue, or smoothing rough patches before repainting. Sizes vary, but typical scraper blades you’ll see are about 2.0" wide or 1.0" wide, which are great for corners and small spots. Look for hardened steel or replaceable heads for longevity.
Jigsaw blades are the go-to for curved cuts and detailed work. They come with different tooth shapes and lengths for wood, metal, and laminate. For wood work you might use a coarse-tooth blade for fast cuts or a fine-tooth blade for clean edges. Lengths can vary, but choose a blade compatible with your jigsaw model and the thickness of the material you’re cutting. A “Type X” or universal profile is common for general-purpose wood cutting.
Hacksaw blades are the stalwarts for metal cutting. A standard size you’ll encounter is 12", often sold in sets with different tooth pitches such as 24 TPI (teeth per inch) for finer metal work. Finer TPI gives a smoother finish on thin metal, while coarser TPI is faster on thicker sections. Blades are usually made of high-speed steel or bi-metal for a balance of durability and flexibility.
Oscillating multitool blades are the Swiss Army knife of blades: plunge cuts, grout removal, sanding, and even small demolition tasks. Sizes can be compact — for example, a 1.4" x 1.6" blade works well for tight spots. Look for sets that include wood, metal, and mixed-material blades so you’ve got the right tooth geometry for every job.
If you’re shopping in the UK, Expert Electrical is one of the retailers that stocks popular CK-branded blades. CK products commonly include items like the CK Paint Scraper in both 2.0" and 1.0" widths and CK hacksaw blades in 12" lengths with a 24 TPI option. Their multifunction blade sets — such as a 5-piece or 2-piece multitool set covering approximate plate sizes of 1.4" x 1.6" — are nice starter packs for general DIYers. CK jigsaw blades for wood and carbide options for hard materials are also widely available through specialist electrical and tool retailers.
Where you buy blades matters almost as much as which blade you buy. Expert Electrical is noted for stocking CK products and specialist ranges. But if you want a wider selection, consider stores like Screwfix, B&Q, Wickes, Toolstation, RS Components, Machine Mart, Homebase, and Amazon UK. Each has strengths: Screwfix and Toolstation for trade-grade options, B&Q and Wickes for DIY-friendly ranges, RS Components for professional replacements, and Amazon for fast variety. Comparing prices and checking pack contents helps avoid surprises at checkout.
Match the tooth pattern to what you’re cutting. Large, widely spaced teeth cut wood quickly but leave a rough edge. Small, dense teeth (high TPI) are best for metal or for fine, clean cuts in thin materials. If you’re working on mixed materials, opt for blades labelled “bi-metal” or “multi-material” that balance durability and cut quality.
Blade fit is a practical concern. Jigsaws and multitools each have proprietary fitting systems, so confirm compatibility before buying. For hacksaw blades, length is standardised — a 12" blade fits most common frames — but make sure the blade’s tension and flexibility match the thickness of what you’re cutting. Too short or too rigid and the blade will snap; too long and it can bend and chatter.
Look out for coatings like titanium or Teflon that reduce friction and extend life, especially on high-heat jobs. Materials such as high-speed steel and bi-metal extend blade life and handle repeated stresses without shattering. For heavy-duty or professional tasks, spending a little more on quality blades pays off in fewer replacements and cleaner results.
Here’s a simple cheat sheet: use a 2.0" paint scraper for stripping flaky paint and a 1.0" paint scraper for tight corners. Employ coarse-tooth jigsaw blades for rough framing cuts and fine-tooth jigsaw blades for veneers and laminates. Pick a 12" hacksaw blade with 24 TPI for thin sheet metal and a lower TPI for thicker metal tubing. Multitool blades work wonders for grout removal, trimming door casings, and cutting into plasterboard. If you’re ever unsure, think about the material’s density and the finish you want — that guides tooth choice every time.
Blades last longer with simple care. Keep blades dry and stored in a case to prevent rust. After use, wipe off residue and, if needed, lubricate metal blades lightly to prevent corrosion. Replace blades at the first sign of dullness — chasing work with a blunt blade ruins both the tool and the material. For safety, always wear eye protection and gloves, clamp your work, and ensure the tool is powered off when swapping blades. Safety is non-negotiable — a tiny slip with a sharp blade can stop a project quicker than you’d like.
If you’re a weekend warrior, multi-packs and budget brands might suit you fine — they’re cheaper per blade and often adequate for occasional jobs. However, for trade use or frequent projects, pro-grade blades from brands like CK, Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, Irwin, and Diablo hold up much better. Think of it like Kitchen Knives: disposable cheap knives are fine for occasional use, but a sharp chef’s knife transforms regular cooking. The same logic applies to blades — invest where you need reliability and precision.
When hunting a bargain, check the mix of blades included. A good value set gives a sensible balance: coarse and fine teeth for wood, an all-purpose metal blade, and at least one multitool option if it’s a general DIY set. Also check whether the set includes a storage case — that extra 1.0" difference in cost might save you time and replace lost blades. Finally, read product reviews from fellow DIYers to learn about blade life and expected finishes before you buy.
Blades do wear out, but you can still make greener choices. Buy multi-material, durable blades that need fewer replacements, and recycle old blades at metal recycling points where possible. Some professional workshops collect worn blades for scrap metal recycling. Choosing high-quality blades might be more expensive upfront but reduces waste in the long run and often offers better performance, meaning you finish jobs faster — a win for both your schedule and the environment.
Before clicking “buy,” run through this checklist: confirm blade compatibility with your tool, check the tooth type and TPI for the material you’ll cut, ensure the blade length fits the job, and decide if a single professional blade or a multipack gives you the best value. If you use a specific brand in your toolbox, add a matching blade brand to reduce compatibility surprises. A quick comparison across retailers — including specialist electrical suppliers like Expert Electrical and larger chains such as Screwfix or B&Q — helps land the best price and stock availability.
Want to get better at choosing and using blades? Watch short tutorial videos from tool brands, join local DIY groups or forums, and practise on scrap pieces before committing to your main workpiece. Many suppliers and tool manufacturers publish guides and cutting charts that explain the best TPI and blade geometry for specific materials. Learning a few simple rules now saves hours of frustration later.
Choosing the right tool blade is a small decision that makes a big difference. From the 2.0" paint scrapers and 12" hacksaw blades to compact multitool heads near 1.4" x 1.6", the right blade speeds up work, improves finish, and keeps you safer. Whether you buy from Expert Electrical, larger DIY chains, or specialist suppliers, a little planning goes a long way. Happy cutting!
Conclusion: With so many blade types and retailers in the UK market, being informed beats impulse buys. Match blade geometry to material, prioritise fit and quality, and use trusted stores for parts and specialist ranges. Your next project will thank you for it.
