Whether you’re a DIYer or a professional contractor, the blades you keep in your kit make all the difference. The right blade lets you cut cleaner, faster, and safer—whether you’re working with wood, metal, or masonry.
Here are the 10 saw blades every toolkit should have, starting with 6 core essentials and 4 bonus blades to expand your capabilities. These are the must-have saw blades that give you precision and power on any project.
For a deeper dive into blade types and features, see our Ultimate Saw Blade Guide.
1. General-Purpose Combination Blade
- Suggested Blade:
- Perfect all-around blade that balances ripping and crosscutting.
- Carbide-tipped teeth deliver durability and clean, efficient cuts.
Great for: Everyday woodworking and general job site use.
2. Rip Blade (Fast Wood Cutting)
- Suggested Blade:
- Wide gullets and fewer teeth make it ideal for fast, aggressive cuts along the grain.
- Designed for power and efficiency in hardwoods and softwoods.
Great for: Framing, decking, and rough carpentry.
3. Crosscut Blade (Clean Finishes)
- Suggested Blade:
- High tooth count ensures smooth, splinter-free cuts.
- Excellent for finish carpentry and precision work.
Great for: Cabinetry, molding, and furniture projects.
4. Diamond Blade (Masonry & Tile)
- Suggested Blades:
- Dewalt 7" HIGH PERFORMANCE DIAMOND MASONRY BLADE
- Dewalt 7" DRY CUT DIAMOND BLADE
- Dewalt 12" SEGMENTED DIAMOND BLADE
- Cuts tile, stone, and masonry cleanly without chipping.
- Available in multiple sizes for different saws and applications.
Great for: Tile installation, bathroom/kitchen remodels, and masonry projects.
5. Metal-Cutting Blade
- Suggested Blades:
- Specialized geometry prevents overheating and extends blade life.
- Cuts pipes, conduit, and sheet metal with precision.
Great for: Plumbing, electrical, and fabrication.
6. Dado Blade Setup (for Joinery Work)
- Suggested Product:
- While a dado blade set is ideal for grooves and rabbets, a table saw requires the correct insert to use one safely.
- This JET dado insert ensures clean, safe cuts for professional joinery.
Great for: Cabinetry, shelving, and precision woodworking.
7. Band Saw Blades (Heavy-Duty Cutting)
- Suggested Blade:
- Built for power and durability in thick metal cutting.
- Compact design makes them versatile for shop or field use.
Great for: Metalworking shops and pro contractors.
8. Track Saw Blades (Precision Straight Cuts)
- Suggested Blade:
- Engineered for splinter-free, precise cuts in sheet goods and hardwoods.
- Delivers table-saw quality in a portable tool.
Great for: Cabinetmakers, remodelers, and woodworking pros.
9. Sawzall (Reciprocating Saw) Blades (Demolition Workhorses)
- Suggested Blade:
- Aggressive teeth tear through wood, nails, pipe, and metal.
- Bulk packs keep crews ready for heavy-duty demolition and job site challenges.
Great for: Demolition, plumbing, HVAC, and remodeling.
10. Jigsaw Blades (Curves & Detail Cuts)
- Suggested Blades:
- Bosch 10-PC. Deluxe Jig Saw Blade Assortment (T101B)
- Milwaukee 48-42-5190 3" 14TPI T-Shank Metal Cutting Bi-Metal Jig Saw Blades 5PK
- Handle curves, notches, and cutouts larger saw blades can’t reach.
- Affordable, flexible, and essential for small detail work.
Great for: DIY projects, hobby cuts, and fine detail work.
Pro Tip: Blade Maintenance
Your blades are only as good as their upkeep:
- Clean off resin and pitch buildup regularly.
- Sharpen or replace dull blades promptly.
- Store blades flat or in protective cases to prevent damage.
Dive into our blog How to Maintain and Sharpen Your Saw Blades for a step-by-step walkthrough.
Final Thoughts
The best toolkits combine essential saw blades with versatile extras. By stocking these 10 blades and accessories from Industrial Maintenance Supply, you’ll be ready to tackle virtually any project—wood, metal, or masonry.
For more technical details, explore our Ultimate Saw Blade Guide.
Explore More Saw Blades
Looking for more options? Explore our complete Saw Blade Collection to find circular saw blades, track saw blades, band saw blades, Sawzall blades, and more—all from trusted brands like Milwaukee, Dewalt, Bosch, and Alfa Tools.
Whether you’re cutting wood, metal, or tile, IMS has the saw blades professionals and DIYers trust most.