Selecting the right multitool blade is a task that often begins with good intentions and ends in frustration. Hardware stores are filled with endless options, each claiming to be the best.
The packaging is full of jargon, promising precision, durability, and a seamless cutting experience that makes you wonder why we ever struggled with saws in the first place. And yet, you stand there, staring at the steel wall and wishing for a sign.
One blade does not fit all. A blade that slices through wood easily will turn to dust at the sight of hardened metal. The wrong choice means botched projects, wasted money, and the kind of embarrassment that lingers long after the tool is put away. The goal is efficiency, but the road to it is paved with bad decisions and dull edges.
Multitool blades are about knowing their strengths, weaknesses, and limitations. Here are five blade types that cover almost every cutting need if used correctly.
1. Bi-Metal Blades
Bi-metal blades are the golden retrievers of the multitool world—reliable, dependable, and will cut anything. They combine two metals, high-speed and high-carbon steel, ensuring they won’t break under pressure. They’re great for cutting nails, metal pipes, and tough materials that will ruin other blades.
Multi tool blades like this last longer. While a standard blade dulls faster than a cheap razor, a bi-metal blade keeps its edge longer and requires fewer replacements. If you enjoy buying things you don’t need, you may be disappointed, but the rest of us will appreciate it. The teeth stay sharp after multiple uses, which is a big deal when dealing with stubborn materials.
The only downside?
They’re more expensive. But, as with everything worth having, quality comes at a cost.
2. Carbide Blades
Some materials refuse to cooperate. Hardened screws, cement board, and fiberglass laugh in the face of lesser blades. A carbide blade, however, is not so easily dismissed. With a cutting edge coated in tungsten carbide, it turns stubborn materials into mere suggestions.
Carbide-tipped teeth quickly work on hardened surfaces without excessive wear. Other blades may start strong but whimper under pressure, losing their edge and forcing unnecessary replacements. A carbide blade, on the other hand, holds up against abuse, maintaining its sharpness long after lesser blades have surrendered.
Durability comes at a price—both literal and figurative. Carbide blades are expensive, and while their longevity makes up for it, their rigidity makes them prone to snapping under too much force. A heavy hand can turn a premium blade into an expensive mistake. When used correctly, though, they’re worth every penny.
3. Plunge Cut Blades
Some jobs require a blade that can go in without hesitation. Plunge-cut blades are for those jobs—cutting wood, drywall, and soft plastics without a hole to be drilled first. They give you clean entry into a surface, perfect for electrical box installations and flooring adjustments.
The sharp, tapered teeth give zero resistance, so there are no ragged cuts. A plunge-cut blade is quick, clean, and accurate—like a surgeon’s scalpel. Whether cutting out or trimming material flush to a surface, these blades are accurate where standard blades can’t be.
Misuse causes problems. Applying too much pressure can cause binding, and using the blade on materials beyond its intended scope results in rapid dulling. Used correctly, plunge-cut blades give you total control in tight spaces, which is why they are essential for precision work.
4. Segment Blades
A straight blade is good until it’s not. Some cuts require a different approach that allows for controlled, gradual movement without overcutting. Segment blades with a semi-circular shape do that. Whether trimming wood, cutting drywall, or removing grout, they allow precision without damage.
The flat edge prevents overcuts, making them perfect for tasks that require control. Where standard blades cut wild, a segment blade cuts measured and deliberate. Drywall, for example, suffers at the hands of an over-enthusiastic blade and leaves gaps where there should be clean lines. A segment blade prevents that.
There are limitations. The curved shape makes plunge cuts difficult, and if you expect a blade that can do everything, you’ll be disappointed. But the segmented blade is essential for those who know what it’s for. It doesn’t try to be everything, which is why it works.
5. Scraper Blades
Cutting isn’t always the goal. Sometimes, it’s removal—peeling away layers of stubborn stuff rather than cutting through them. Scraper blades are for that. They tackle everything from hardened glue and caulk to old paint that won’t budge.
Rigid scraper blades are the heavy hitters, prying up tough adhesives with brute force. Flexible scrapers adapt to the surface, making them perfect for removing material without damage. Using the right one makes the difference between an easy job and a battle with a putty knife.
Choosing the wrong scraper means frustration. A flexible blade won’t stand a chance against dried adhesive, and a rigid one will gouge delicate surfaces.
Bottom Line
A good multitool blade turns a headache into a breeze. The right blade saves time, effort, and sanity; the wrong one turns an easy job into a battle. Each blade serves a purpose, whether it’s the durability of a bi-metal blade, the brute force of carbide, or the controlled precision of a segment blade.
Knowing when to use each one is the difference between craftsmanship and chaos. The right tool makes the work smoother, the results sharper, and the hassle minimal.
