Your oscillating multi-tool is only as good as the blade you bolt onto it. A $200 tool with a cheap blade will get outperformed by a $60 tool running premium carbide every single time. Whether you’re cutting nail-embedded lumber during a demo, making precision plunge cuts in hardwood flooring, or slicing through copper pipe in a tight wall cavity, the right blade makes the difference between a clean job and a frustrating mess.
We tested and researched the top oscillating blades across every material and price point. Here are our picks for 2026, covering everything from professional carbide to budget-friendly sets that actually hold up.
| Award | Model | Price | Rating | Why We Picked It | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Carbide Overall | Diablo DOU125CGP3 (3-Pack) | ~$38 | 4.7/5 | 50x longer life than bi-metal, universal fit | View Deal |
| Best Value Set | DEWALT DWA4216 (5-Piece) | ~$30 | 4.6/5 | Proven bi-metal kit with storage case | View Deal |
| Best for Wood | EZARC Japanese Tooth (10-Pack) | ~$20 | 4.5/5 | Cleanest cuts in hardwood, great price per blade | View Deal |
| Best for Metal | DEWALT DWA4209 | ~$13 | 4.5/5 | Titanium-coated bi-metal, built for metal cuts | View Deal |
| Best Premium Carbide | Bosch OSL114C Starlock | ~$22 | 4.6/5 | 30x life, Starlock 3D interface, Swiss-made | View Deal |
| Best Budget Set | WORKPRO 25-Piece Kit | ~$25 | 4.4/5 | Everything you need for under $1/blade | View Deal |
Carbide vs Bi-Metal: Which Do You Need?
This is the single most important decision when buying oscillating blades, and it comes down to what you’re cutting and how much you’re willing to spend.
Bi-metal blades combine a flexible alloy steel body with high-speed steel (HSS) teeth. They’re the workhorse of the oscillating world. Good bi-metal blades handle wood, drywall, PVC, thin metal, and light-duty nail strikes without complaint. They’re affordable enough that you won’t wince when you burn through one on a tough cut. For general DIY work, trim carpentry, and light remodeling, bi-metal is all you need.
Carbide-tipped blades use tungsten carbide teeth brazed or laser-welded onto the blade body. Carbide is dramatically harder than HSS, which means these blades can chew through hardened nails, screws, bolts, cast iron, stainless steel, and cement board without losing their edge. Manufacturers like Diablo claim up to 50x longer cutting life compared to standard bi-metal. The tradeoff is price: a single carbide blade can cost what you’d pay for a 5-pack of bi-metal.
When carbide is worth it: Demolition work with nail-embedded lumber, cutting through subfloor screws, any project where you’d burn through multiple bi-metal blades in a day, or cutting hardened metals like stainless fasteners and cast iron pipe. If you’re a contractor who uses an oscillating tool daily, carbide pays for itself in a week.
When bi-metal makes more sense: Clean wood cuts, drywall, PVC plumbing, occasional use, and any time you need a variety of blade sizes on hand without spending a fortune. A $25-30 bi-metal set covers 90% of what most DIYers encounter.
Universal vs Brand-Specific: Compatibility Guide
Most oscillating tools today use a universal or “open” interface, sometimes called OIS (Oscillating Interface Standard). Universal blades fit DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Ridgid, Ryobi, Porter-Cable, Craftsman, Rockwell, and dozens of other brands. If your tool has an open-back anchor with a hex bolt or quick-release lever, universal blades will work.
Bosch Starlock is the exception. Starlock uses a 3D interface where the blade snaps into a three-dimensional fitting instead of clamping around a flat arbor. This design transfers more torque, reduces vibration, and enables tool-free blade changes in about one second. There are three Starlock tiers:
- Starlock: Standard accessories for light to moderate tasks
- Starlock Plus: Larger blades for deeper cuts
- Starlock Max: Heavy-duty accessories for the most demanding applications
The good news: Starlock blades are backward-compatible with OIS tools from Bosch, Fein, and select Milwaukee and Makita models. The bad news: universal (non-Starlock) blades won’t fit a Starlock-only tool. If you own a newer Bosch or Fein oscillating tool, check whether it’s Starlock-only before buying universal blades.
Bottom line: If you don’t own a Bosch or Fein tool, buy universal-fit blades. If you do, Starlock blades give you the best performance, but universal blades will still work on most Bosch models made in the last several years.
Our Top Picks
Diablo DOU125CGP3 AMPED Demo Demon — Best Carbide Overall
Price: ~$38 (3-pack) | Rating: 4.7/5
The Diablo Demo Demon has become the go-to carbide oscillating blade for contractors and serious DIYers, and for good reason. The TiCo Hi-Density carbide teeth deliver up to 50x longer cutting life versus standard bi-metal blades, which isn’t just marketing fluff — users consistently report cutting through dozens of embedded nails, hardened screws, and even small bolts before needing a replacement. The curve contact edge creates a pilot point for cleaner plunge cuts with less vibration, which is a genuine advantage when you’re making precision cuts in finished spaces.
The universal fit means these work with every major tool brand. At roughly $12.50 per blade in the 3-pack, they cost about 3x what a premium bi-metal blade runs, but they last far longer in any material harder than clean softwood. For demo work, remodeling, and any job where you’re cutting blind into walls or floors and don’t know what you’ll hit, these are the blades to have loaded.
Pros
- Up to 50x longer life than bi-metal in hard materials
- Curve contact edge reduces vibration and improves plunge cuts
- Universal fit works with all major brands
- Handles nail-embedded wood, metal, screws, and plastics
Cons
- 3x the cost of premium bi-metal blades
- Overkill for clean wood or drywall cuts
- 1-1/4″ width only — no wider sizes in this model
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade Width | 1-1/4″ |
| Cutting Depth | 1-1/2″ |
| Material | TiCo Hi-Density Carbide |
| Fitment | Universal (OIS) |
| Pack Size | 3 blades |
| Best For | Nail-embedded wood, metal, general purpose |
Bottom Line: The Diablo DOU125CGP3 is the blade to buy when you need one blade that handles everything from clean wood to hardened nails. The price premium pays for itself after the first job where you’d have burned through multiple bi-metal blades.
DEWALT DWA4216 5-Piece Kit — Best Value Set
Price: ~$30 (5-piece set) | Rating: 4.6/5
The DWA4216 is the set that belongs in every oscillating tool case. You get five blades covering the most common tasks: two 1-1/4″ bi-metal general purpose blades, one 1-1/4″ wood-cutting blade, one 4″ titanium-coated general purpose blade for wider cuts, and a rigid scraper for adhesive and caulk removal. The bi-metal construction uses a high-speed steel cutting edge that handles wood, drywall, PVC, and light metal without breaking a sweat, and DEWALT’s titanium nitride coating on the larger blade extends its life in abrasive materials.
The universal fitment works across all major brands with no adapter needed, and the included ToughCase container keeps everything organized in your tool bag. These are the blades you’ll reach for 80% of the time — they won’t outperform carbide on hardened metal, but for the typical remodeling and DIY work that makes up most oscillating tool use, this set delivers pro-level quality at a price that makes sense.
Pros
- Covers wood, metal, scraping — one kit handles most jobs
- Titanium nitride coating extends blade life
- Includes ToughCase for organized storage
- DEWALT quality at a competitive price
Cons
- No carbide blades — struggles with hardened fasteners
- Only five pieces; you may want extras of the 1-1/4″ size
- Scraper blade is basic compared to dedicated scrapers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Piece Count | 5 (2 GP blades, 1 wood, 1 wide, 1 scraper) |
| Blade Material | Bi-Metal with HSS edge |
| Coating | Titanium Nitride (4″ blade) |
| Fitment | Universal (OIS) |
| Storage | ToughCase included |
| Best For | General remodeling, wood, drywall, light metal |
Bottom Line: The DWA4216 is the Swiss Army knife of oscillating blade sets. It won’t win any single-category competition, but it covers the widest range of tasks at the best price. Start here, then add specialty blades as you need them.
EZARC Bi-Metal Japanese Tooth (10-Pack) — Best for Wood
Price: ~$20 (10-pack) | Rating: 4.5/5
If you’re doing flooring, trim work, or any project where clean cuts in wood matter, Japanese tooth blades are a game-changer. EZARC’s arc-edge design uses triple-ground Japanese teeth that cut on the pull stroke, producing dramatically cleaner surfaces than standard alternating-set teeth. The 2-11/16″ extra-wide blade gives you a wider cutting face for faster work on baseboards and door casings, and the bi-metal construction — high-speed steel teeth on a flexible alloy body — lasts about 5x longer than cheaper CRV (chrome vanadium) blades.
At roughly $2 per blade in this 10-pack, you’re getting premium cutting performance at Amazon-native brand pricing. These blades are purpose-built for wood and plastic — don’t use them on metal or nails, as the fine Japanese teeth will chip. But for their intended purpose, they produce cleaner results than blades costing 3-4x as much. Keep a few in your bag alongside a carbide blade for unknowns, and you’re covered for almost any finish carpentry situation.
Pros
- Triple-ground Japanese teeth for exceptionally clean cuts
- Extra-wide 2-11/16″ blade for faster cutting
- Bi-metal construction lasts 5x longer than CRV
- Outstanding value at ~$2 per blade
Cons
- Not for metal — Japanese teeth will chip on nails
- Arc edge design takes a cut or two to get used to
- Universal fit only — no Starlock version available
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade Width | 2-11/16″ (extra-wide) |
| Tooth Type | Triple-Ground Japanese |
| Material | Bi-Metal (HSS teeth, alloy steel body) |
| Fitment | Universal (OIS) |
| Pack Size | 10 blades |
| Best For | Hardwood, softwood, plastic, clean finish cuts |
Bottom Line: The EZARC Japanese Tooth blades are the best wood-cutting oscillating blades you can buy for the money. If clean cuts matter more than nail-cutting ability, these belong in your kit.
DEWALT DWA4209 Titanium Metal Blade — Best for Metal
Price: ~$13 | Rating: 4.5/5
When you need to cut metal — copper pipe, steel brackets, aluminum flashing, or galvanized ductwork — the DWA4209 is the blade to reach for. The titanium nitride coating resists heat buildup, which is the number one killer of metal-cutting blades. Metal generates significantly more friction than wood, and an uncoated blade will dull and overheat in minutes. The TiN coating keeps the cutting edge cooler and sharper for noticeably longer, even in continuous cuts through copper and thin steel.
The bi-metal construction with a high-speed steel cutting edge handles the range of metals you’ll encounter in residential and light commercial work. The 1-3/8″ width is the sweet spot for plumbing and electrical work — wide enough for efficient cutting, narrow enough for tight spaces behind walls. Universal fitment means it works with any oscillating tool, and at around $13, you can afford to keep a few spares handy. For heavy-duty metal cutting (rebar, thick bolts, stainless), step up to the Diablo carbide. For everything else, this DEWALT gets the job done.
Pros
- Titanium nitride coating resists heat buildup in metal
- Handles copper, steel, aluminum, and galvanized materials
- Affordable enough to stock multiples
- Universal fit, no adapter needed
Cons
- Bi-metal won’t last as long as carbide on hardened steel
- Single blade — no multi-pack option readily available
- Not ideal for stainless steel or thick bolts
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade Width | 1-3/8″ |
| Coating | Titanium Nitride (TiN) |
| Material | Bi-Metal with HSS edge |
| Fitment | Universal (OIS) |
| Pack Size | 1 blade |
| Best For | Copper pipe, steel brackets, aluminum, ductwork |
Bottom Line: The DWA4209 is the dedicated metal-cutting blade to pair with your general purpose set. The titanium coating makes a real difference in longevity and heat management when cutting metal all day.
Bosch OSL114C Starlock Carbide — Best Premium Carbide
Price: ~$22 | Rating: 4.6/5
Bosch’s Starlock carbide blade is the precision option in this roundup. Swiss-made with Bosch’s proprietary 3D Starlock interface, this blade delivers 30x the cutting life of standard bi-metal and transfers torque more efficiently than any universal-fit blade can. The difference is tangible — less vibration, faster cuts, and more control, especially in plunge-cut situations where you’re starting a cut in the middle of a surface. The carbide teeth handle metal, copper, wood with nails, drywall, and tile.
The Starlock interface is both this blade’s greatest strength and its limitation. On a compatible Bosch or Fein tool, blade changes take about one second with no tool required, and the 3D fit eliminates the wobble you sometimes get with flat-clamped universal blades. But if you’re running a DeWalt, Makita, or Milwaukee tool, you’ll need to confirm your model accepts Starlock accessories (most Bosch OIS tools from the last several years do accept Starlock, but not all). If you’re a Bosch user, this is the best carbide blade you can buy. If you’re not, the Diablo offers comparable cutting performance with universal compatibility.
Pros
- Swiss-made precision with 30x life vs bi-metal
- Starlock 3D interface eliminates blade wobble
- Tool-free one-second blade changes on compatible tools
- Handles metal, wood with nails, tile, and drywall
Cons
- Starlock interface limits compatibility with some tools
- Higher price per blade than universal carbide options
- Only 1-1/4″ width available in this model
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade Width | 1-1/4″ |
| Material | Carbide-tipped |
| Interface | Starlock (backward-compatible with OIS) |
| Origin | Swiss-made |
| Pack Size | 1 blade |
| Best For | Metal, wood with nails, tile, precision plunge cuts |
Bottom Line: If you run a Bosch or Fein oscillating tool, the OSL114C is the best carbide blade you can buy. The Starlock interface delivers a noticeably better cutting experience, and the Swiss-made quality is evident in every cut.
WORKPRO 25-Piece Oscillating Blade Kit — Best Budget Set
Price: ~$25 (25-piece set) | Rating: 4.4/5
If you need a complete oscillating blade arsenal without spending DEWALT or Bosch money, WORKPRO’s 25-piece set is hard to beat. At roughly a dollar per piece, you get wood-cutting blades, metal-cutting bi-metal blades, a carbide blade for hard materials, a grout removal rasp, sanding pads with sandpaper, and a scraper — essentially everything an oscillating tool can do, covered in one box. The blades use CR-V steel and bi-metal construction with a black electrophoretic coating for corrosion resistance.
Let’s be honest: these won’t last as long as DEWALT or Diablo blades per cut. The steel quality and tooth geometry are a step behind the premium brands. But the math works in your favor — you get so many blades that even if each one lasts 60-70% as long as a premium blade, you come out ahead on total cutting capacity per dollar. For homeowners tackling a weekend project, landlords doing occasional maintenance, or anyone who wants a fully stocked blade kit without committing to any single brand, this set delivers genuine value. Universal fit works with DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Ryobi, Craftsman, and more.
Pros
- 25 pieces for under $1 each — unmatched value
- Covers wood, metal, sanding, scraping, and grout removal
- Universal fit for all major tool brands
- Good starter kit for new oscillating tool owners
Cons
- Individual blade quality below DEWALT/Diablo tier
- Sandpaper grits are limited
- May dull faster on hardwood and metal
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Piece Count | 25 (blades, sanding, scraper, rasp) |
| Blade Materials | CR-V, Bi-Metal, Carbide |
| Coating | Black electrophoretic |
| Fitment | Universal (OIS) |
| Best For | DIY homeowners, occasional use, starter kits |
Bottom Line: The WORKPRO 25-piece set is the best way to fully equip your oscillating tool for under $25. Individual blade quality is a step behind the pros, but the variety and value are impossible to argue with.
Full Specs Comparison
| Model | Type | Width | Material | Fitment | Pack | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diablo DOU125CGP3 | Carbide | 1-1/4″ | TiCo Carbide | Universal | 3 | ~$38 |
| DEWALT DWA4216 | Bi-Metal | Various | HSS Bi-Metal + TiN | Universal | 5 | ~$30 |
| EZARC Japanese Tooth | Bi-Metal | 2-11/16″ | HSS Bi-Metal | Universal | 10 | ~$20 |
| DEWALT DWA4209 | Bi-Metal | 1-3/8″ | TiN-Coated Bi-Metal | Universal | 1 | ~$13 |
| Bosch OSL114C | Carbide | 1-1/4″ | Carbide-Tipped | Starlock/OIS | 1 | ~$22 |
| WORKPRO 25-Piece | Mixed | Various | CR-V/Bi-Metal/Carbide | Universal | 25 | ~$25 |
Prices are approximate as of February 2026 and may vary by retailer.
How to Get the Most Life from Your Blades
Oscillating blades are consumables, but how you use them determines whether you get 10 cuts or 100 cuts from each one. Here are the practices that separate the pros from the blade-burners:
Let the blade do the work. The number one mistake is pressing too hard. Oscillating tools cut by vibrating back and forth at high speed — excessive pressure actually slows the cut by dampening the oscillation and generating unnecessary heat. Apply light, steady pressure and let the teeth do their job. You’ll cut faster and the blade will last dramatically longer.
Match the blade to the material. Using a wood blade on metal is like using a butter knife on a steak — it’ll technically work, but you’ll destroy the blade in the process. Keep dedicated wood, metal, and general-purpose blades organized and labeled. The 30 seconds it takes to swap blades will save you $10 in premature replacements.
Use the right speed setting. Higher isn’t always better. For metal cutting, reduce your tool’s speed setting to minimize heat buildup. For wood, you can run at full speed. Most oscillating tools have variable speed for a reason — use it.
Clear the kerf. On deep plunge cuts, periodically back the blade out to clear sawdust and debris from the cut. Packed debris increases friction, generates heat, and causes binding that can break teeth.
Know when to quit. A dull blade doesn’t just cut slowly — it generates excess heat that can burn wood, damage the tool’s motor, and even cause the blade to snap. If you’re pushing harder and cutting slower, swap the blade. Carbide blades dull more gradually than bi-metal, but they still eventually need replacement.
Store blades properly. Loose blades rattling around in a tool bag will chip and dull each other. Use a blade case, a dedicated pouch, or even individual blade sleeves to protect the cutting edges. A $40 blade that dulls in your bag is a $40 lesson in organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my oscillating tool blades?
There’s no fixed schedule — it depends on what you’re cutting and how much pressure you apply. A quality bi-metal blade might last 10-20 cuts in softwood but only 3-5 cuts in metal or nail-embedded lumber. Carbide blades last significantly longer. Replace any blade when you notice the cutting speed dropping noticeably or when you have to press harder to get through the material. A sharp blade should cut with light pressure.
Can I use Makita blades on a DeWalt oscillating tool?
Yes. Both Makita and DeWalt use the universal OIS interface, so any universal-fit blade works on either brand. The same goes for Milwaukee, Ridgid, Ryobi, Craftsman, Porter-Cable, and Rockwell. The only exception is Bosch Starlock blades, which use a different 3D interface — though Starlock blades are backward-compatible with most Bosch OIS tools. If you need a new tool to pair these blades with, check out our oscillating tool roundup.
Carbide vs bi-metal for demolition work — which is better?
Carbide, without question. Demo work means cutting through unknown materials — nail-embedded lumber, old screws, metal brackets, lath and plaster. Bi-metal blades will work but dull quickly on hardened fasteners, and you may burn through several blades per day. Carbide blades handle all of these materials and last dramatically longer. The higher upfront cost saves money on replacement blades within the first day of heavy demo work.
What oscillating blade width should I use?
For most plunge cuts and general work, 1-1/4 inch is the standard size. It’s wide enough for efficient cutting while narrow enough for controlled plunge cuts. Use wider blades (2-1/2 inch or larger) for flush-cutting baseboards, door casings, or any cut where you want maximum contact. Narrower blades work better in tight spaces and for detail cuts.
Are cheap oscillating blades worth buying?
It depends on the job. For occasional DIY use — trimming a door casing, cutting a pipe, or removing grout — a budget blade set from WORKPRO or similar brands works fine. You get many blades for the price and can afford to treat them as disposable. For professional or daily use, investing in quality bi-metal or carbide blades from DeWalt, Diablo, or Bosch will save money in the long run through longer blade life and faster cuts.
Can oscillating tools cut through nails and screws?
Yes, but use the right blade. Bi-metal blades can cut through occasional nails and light screws but will dull quickly if nails are a primary material. Carbide-tipped blades like the Diablo Demo Demon are specifically designed for cutting nail-embedded wood and handle screws, bolts, and hardened fasteners far better. For the toughest fasteners like hardened lag bolts or stainless steel screws, carbide is the only reliable option.
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