Professional Guide

Best Oscillating Tool Blades for Wood: 2025 Expert Review

DJ

DR Joinery

Expert Joiner & Kitchen Specialist

Published 12 December 2025

The oscillating multi-tool, or 'waggler' as it's often called on site, has revolutionised how we fit kitchens. However, the tool is only as good as the blade attached to it. A dull blade can burn expensive timber facias or wander off the scribe line, ruining a custom panel.

Working in York's older properties, we deal with seasoned oak beams, intricate skirting boards, and walls that are never straight. We need blades that can undercut door jambs for flooring, trim cabinets to fit wonky alcoves, and cut through the occasional hidden nail without destroying the teeth immediately.

In this review, I've categorised three blade sets I've encountered: a budget-friendly bulk pack for rough work, a premium Bosch Starlock set for precision joinery, and a massive 102-piece problem-solving kit for every eventuality.

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Specs vs. The Real World

The Spec: "Universal Fit"

The Theory

"Manufacturers claim their blades fit 'universal' oscillating tools covering every brand imaginable."

The Reality

Whilst most fit, connection stability varies. Older style 'OIS' blades can slip on powerful modern tools. The Starlock system is the only one that truly locks solid for zero vibration.

The Spec: "Bi-Metal Wood/Metal Claims"

The Theory

"Standard bi-metal blades can cut through wood and embedded screws smoothly."

The Reality

Standard bi-metal blades will blunt quickly on hardened screws. For anything harder than a copper pipe or soft nail, you really need tungsten carbide teeth to survive more than one cut.

My Top 3 Recommendations

Three options to cover different needs and budgets

10Pcs Oscillating Tool Blades Professional Universal Oscillating Saw Blades Wood Multitool

Budget Pick
10Pcs Oscillating Tool Blades Professional Universal Oscillating Saw Blades Wood Multitool

June tech

At just £5.79 for ten blades, these are ideal 'sacrificial' blades. In kitchen renovations, you often need to cut through old silicone, plasterboard, or rough studwork where you might hit grit. I wouldn't use them for a precise scribe on a walnut worktop, but for demolition and first-fix joinery, they are excellent value.

Price£5.79 (at time of writing)
MaterialHigh Carbon Steel & Stainless Steel
Quantity10 Pieces
The Good
  • Extremely low cost per blade
  • Includes built-in depth markers (inches and mm)
  • Decent for soft timber and plastics
The Bad
  • Teeth will dull quickly on hardwoods like Oak
  • Not suitable for hardened screws despite 'universal' claims
  • Thinner gauge metal may flex during deep cuts

Installer Tip:

Use these when removing old kitchen cabinets. If you hit a masonry screw or a hidden staple, it doesn't matter because the blade cost pennies. Save your expensive blades for the finishing work.

Priced at £5.79 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Bosch 5-piece Starlock Tungsten Carbide Plunge-Cutting Blade/Segment Saw Blade Set

Quality Pick
Bosch 5-piece Starlock Tungsten Carbide Plunge-Cutting Blade/Segment Saw Blade Set

Bosch

This is what I keep in my main toolkit. The Starlock system clips on in seconds and has zero wobble, which is essential when scribing a filler panel against a crooked wall. The tungsten carbide teeth last significantly longer than standard blades, cutting through hard kitchen laminates without burning.

Price£29.98 (at time of writing)
Mount SystemStarlock (Quick Release)
MaterialTungsten Carbide & Bi-Metal
The Good
  • Starlock system ensures maximum power transfer and precision
  • Carbide teeth last 30x longer than standard steel
  • Includes a mix of plunge and segment blades
The Bad
  • Significantly more expensive upfront
  • Requires a Starlock-compatible tool to use the quick-change feature fully

Installer Tip:

When cutting a sink cutout or scribing a plinth, use the segment blade (the semi-circle one). It allows you to rock the tool gently for a very straight, controlled cut that minimalises tear-out on delicate laminate surfaces.

Priced at £29.98 at the time of writing

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PECHAM 102PCS Oscillating Multi tool Blade Set with Sanding Accessories

Problem-solving Pick
PECHAM 102PCS Oscillating Multi tool Blade Set with Sanding Accessories

PECHAM

This 102-piece set is a problem-solver because it includes everything from titanium-coated cutting blades to sanding pads. In kitchen fitting, we often have to sand inside intricate shaker cabinet corners where an orbital sander won't fit. Having a massive supply of sandpaper and various blade shapes in one box is incredibly convenient.

Price£13.03 (at time of writing)
Piece Count102 (Blades + Sanding)
CoatingTitanium Coated options included
The Good
  • Incredible volume of accessories for the price
  • Includes sanding pads essential for finishing tight corners
  • Titanium coated blades offer better heat resistance
The Bad
  • Not compatible with Starlock machines
  • Sanding pads can wear quickly if pushed too hard
  • Overwhelming number of pieces to organise in a tool bag

Installer Tip:

The Japanese tooth blades in this set are aggressive and fast. Use them for trimming the backs of cabinets or cutting timber grounds, but switch to a finer tooth blade if you are cutting a visible edge to avoid splintering the face grain.

Priced at £13.03 at the time of writing

Check Price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Japanese tooth and standard tooth blades?
Japanese tooth blades have sharp, beveled teeth designed for aggressive, fast cutting in wood. They are brilliant for framing and softwood but can leave a rough edge. Standard teeth are smaller and cut slower, but leave a finer finish, which is better for visible joinery in kitchens.
Will these blades fit my multi-tool?
Most modern tools use a universal fit (OIS) or Starlock. The June tech and PECHAM sets fit standard OIS mounts (Makita, Milwaukee, older Fein). If you have a newer Bosch or Fein with the Starlock system, they might accept OIS blades only up to a point, or not at all. The Bosch set reviewed here is specifically Starlock.
Can I use wood blades to cut laminate worktops?
You can, but the glue and hard surface of a laminate worktop will blunt a standard High Carbon Steel (HCS) blade almost instantly. For laminate worktops, you really should use a Bi-Metal (BIM) or preferably a Carbide blade to ensure the cut remains clean and straight.
Why do my blades smoke and burn the wood?
This usually happens for two reasons: the blade is dull, or you are applying too much pressure. Let the oscillation of the tool do the work. If you force it, friction builds up heat, burning the timber and ruining the blade's temper. Keep the tool moving slightly in the cut to clear the sawdust.

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