Tool Blades - Other

Top Tool Blades in the UK: A Shopper’s Guide to Jigsaw, Multitool, and Scraper Blades

Why the right tool blade matters more than you think

If you’ve ever wrestled with a dull blade that splinters wood or tears metal, you know how much a blade can make or break a job. The right tool blade turns a frustrating afternoon into a tidy, satisfying session. It’s not just about sharpness — it’s about tooth geometry, blade width, and the material it’s made from. Those tiny differences govern cut speed, finish quality, and how long a blade lasts, which can save you time and money on every project.

Spotlight on Expert Electrical: what they stock and why it’s useful

One of the UK suppliers you’ll see frequently is Expert Electrical, known for stocking a range of CK-branded blades and scrapers. Their lineup includes jigsaw blades optimised for wood cutting, multitool blade sets ideal for renovation work, and a selection of paint scrapers that suit both rough and fine stripping. If you need a compact multitool blade to cut out a small section of dry wall or a wider scraper to remove old paint from a door, this kind of retailer has practical, trade-ready options.

CK jigsaw and multitool blades: what to expect

CK’s jigsaw blades often highlight tooth profiles like the Type X for aggressive, fast cuts in wood. For multitools, their sets include small rectangular blades around 1.4 by 1.6 inches and larger options near 1.1 by 2.2 inches, which cover plunge cutting, sanding, and scraping needs. Buying branded blades brings consistency: predictable tooth patterns, hardened steel suitable for repeated use, and compatibility across many popular power tool brands.

Paint scrapers and the practical sizes you’ll use

Paint scrapers might seem simple, but size matters. CK’s scrapers in the range include narrow 1.0 inch rosewood-handled scrapers for delicate corners, and wider 2.0 inch blades for stripping large panels or window frames. Narrow scrapers let you work around trim and tight details, while the wider blades speed up broad surface work — think of them like a toothbrush versus a broom for surfaces.

Where to shop: top UK retailers for tool blades

Beyond specialist outlets, the UK market offers plenty of reliable places to buy blades. The right retailer depends on whether you’re a tradesperson stocking up in bulk or a DIYer grabbing the one blade you need for a weekend job. Popular options include Screwfix, Toolstation, B&Q, Wickes, Homebase, RS Components, and Amazon UK — each brings a different mix of price, availability, and brand depth.

Screwfix — trade-focused variety and bulk options

Screwfix is a go-to for many tradespeople because of its wide range and fast availability. You’ll find multipacks of jigsaw blades, multi-tools, and scraper blades with warranties and often trade discounts. If you tend to burn through blades on site, buying a multipack can be both convenient and cost-effective.

Toolstation — quick picks for pros and DIYers

Toolstation combines competitive prices with local branches across the UK, making it handy for last-minute needs. Their selection often includes branded blades as well as reliable mid-market alternatives. Toolstation is great when you need a couple of different blade types quickly without hunting online.

B&Q and Wickes — DIY-friendly and easy to find

B&Q and Wickes are household names for DIY supplies and tend to stock blades aimed at general consumers and weekend projects. Expect clear labelling for materials like wood, metal, and multi-material blades, and tools positioned for beginner to intermediate users. These retailers often pair blades with advice and in-store displays to help you choose the right item.

Choosing blades by material and task

Picking the right blade is largely about matching the blade to the material and the cut you want. Wood blades are different to metal blades; multi-material blades sit somewhere between. Think about whether you want speed, a smooth finish, or the flexibility to cut through composites — each priority points to a different blade type.

Wood blades: speed vs finish

If you need a fast, rough cut in softwood, go for a coarse-tooth blade like the Type X jigsaw blades often used for through-cuts. For hardwood or veneered panels where a clean edge matters, look for finer-tooth blades or ones labelled for clean cuts. Finer teeth give smoother edges but cut slower and can clog on resinous woods.

Metal and multi-material blades

Cutting metal calls for blades with hardened teeth and a finer pitch to avoid catching. Multi-material blades use tooth geometries and bi-metal construction to handle materials like plastic, aluminium, and thin sheet metal. These are perfect when a single blade needs to perform many tasks without frequent swapping.

How to match blade type to your tool

Compatibility is an easy detail to overlook. Jigsaws and multitools often use specific mount systems — T-shank versus U-shank for jigsaws, and proprietary vs universal attachments for multi-tools. Always check the blade mount type; a sharp blade is useless if it won’t fit your machine. Most UK retailers list compatibility clearly, and branded retailers like Expert Electrical commonly carry blades that fit popular tool lines.

Budgeting and buying strategy

Are you a one-off DIYer or a professional who uses blades day in, day out? Your buying approach should change accordingly. For occasional use, a smaller pack of versatile multi-material blades and a couple of scrapers will do. For trade use, buying in bulk, choosing harder-wearing alloys, and keeping spare blades on the van will reduce downtime and cost per cut.

When to pay more

Premium blades introduce longer life and cleaner cuts, especially in thicker or abrasive materials. If you’re working with expensive timber or doing fine carpentry, the extra cost per blade can pay off in reduced sanding and touch-ups. For demolition or rough work, cheaper blades are acceptable — they may snap, but they’re cheaper to replace.

Tips to extend blade life and save money

Blade longevity isn’t just about quality — it’s about how you use and maintain the blade. Use the right speed setting on your tool to avoid overheating, clamp materials firmly to prevent binding, and let the blade do the work rather than forcing it. Cleaning blades after use and storing them dry will prevent rust and keep them performing longer.

Sharpening and reuse

Some blades can be resharpened; others are better replaced. High-quality bi-metal blades are sometimes re-profiled by specialists, but for most users, replacing a worn blade is more practical. If you’re preserving an expensive blade, consider a local sharpening service or invest in a small sharpening kit for certain scraper types.

Safety and maintenance when working with blades

Blades do the cutting — but safety is your responsibility. Use eye protection, gloves where appropriate, and ensure guards are in place. Replace blades that show excessive wear, missing teeth, or warping. For scrapers, secure the handle and keep fingers away from the edge; for power blades, disconnect power before swapping blades to avoid accidents.

Final thoughts: make your next buy count

Choosing the right tool blade in the UK is a balance of task, tool compatibility, and budget. Specialist suppliers like Expert Electrical provide branded choices such as CK jigsaw and multitool blades and a range of paint scrapers in practical sizes, while larger chains like Screwfix, Toolstation, B&Q, and Wickes offer breadth and convenience. Decide whether you need speed, finish, or flexibility, match the blade to your tool, and follow simple maintenance steps to stretch the life of each blade. With the right approach, every cut can be cleaner, faster, and more satisfying — and that’s the heart of good DIY and trade work.