Which Multi-Tool Blade Do I Need for Wood, Nails or Metal?
Start with what you are cutting, then check the blade fits your exact machine. A wood blade, a wood-and-metal blade and a grout-removal blade are different tools, even when their attachments look similar.
For a clean timber cut, consider a blade specified for wood and the finish required. If the timber may contain nails, choose a blade explicitly rated for that combination. For metal, check the material and thickness the individual blade can cut; “bi-metal” describes its construction, not unlimited metal-cutting ability.
A quick blade-selection table
| Job | Starting point | Check before cutting |
|---|---|---|
| Clean timber or man-made board | Wood-rated carbon steel blade | Fine or coarse teeth, cut quality and blade width |
| Timber containing nails | Wood-and-metal-rated bi-metal blade | The permitted fixings and metal thickness |
| Metal section or sheet | Blade expressly rated for that metal | Material type, thickness and manufacturer limits |
| Tile grout or mineral material | A suitable abrasive, carbide-grit or diamond-grit accessory | Its stated application; not an ordinary wood blade |
Carbon steel and bi-metal: what changes?
The TIMCO coarse wood blade uses carbon steel and is offered in 32mm and 69mm widths. Its job is wood cutting. Do not use it to find out whether a hidden screw is present.
Our TIMCO bi-metal straight blades provide wood-and-metal options in several widths. TIMCO’s MT10BI product information identifies a high-speed-steel cutting edge and quick-release fitment. Read the specific blade’s application information alongside the material description.
Does “universal” mean it fits every multi-tool?
No. Check the attachment system on your machine and the accessory’s compatibility information. Quick-release open-back blades and the Starlock family are not all interchangeable, and a manufacturer name by itself is not enough to establish the fit.
Find your tool’s model number, identify its accessory interface, and compare that with the blade. Use an adaptor only if the tool manufacturer permits it for that combination. Our supplier’s blade categories help identify blade families, but the machine manual decides attachment compatibility.
Choose width and teeth for the cut
A narrow blade can help when an opening is small or the cut needs careful placement. A wider blade covers more of a straight cut at once, but still needs room to enter and move. Measure the planned cut rather than buying solely by the largest width available.
Coarse and fine tooth patterns serve different finishes and materials. Compare the blade’s intended use, usable cutting depth and access around the workpiece. A multi-tool is useful for awkward cuts, but it does not remove the need to check what is behind the surface.
If a blade burns or stops cutting
Stop and check the blade, material and settings. A worn edge, unsuitable tooth pattern, excessive pressure or trapped waste can all spoil a cut. Follow the tool and accessory instructions on operating speed, keep the work supported and isolate power before changing blades.
Browse our multi-tool blades by the job you need to do. For mixed work, choose a set whose individual blades cover your actual materials rather than assuming every blade in a multipack cuts everything.
