Comparison Table
| Blade | Type | Width | Tooth Material | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dremel MM485BU | Flush-cut | 1-1/4" | Carbide | Hardened steel, nails, bolts |
| DeWalt DWA4250 | Flush-cut | 1-3/4" | Bi-metal | General metal, pipes, nails |
| Bosch OSL114C | Plunge-cut | 1-1/4" | Carbide | Embedded nails, screws in wood |
| Milwaukee 49-25-1263 | Flush-cut | 1-3/4" | Bi-metal/carbide | Demolition, nail-embedded wood |
| Imperial Blades IBOA270 | Flush-cut | 1-1/4" | Bi-metal | Budget metal cutting |
1. Dremel MM485BU Ultra-Saw Carbide — Best Overall
The MM485BU uses carbide teeth brazed onto the cutting edge, and the difference compared to bi-metal is dramatic. Where a bi-metal blade starts to dull after 5-10 cuts through 16d nails, the Dremel carbide blade maintains a clean cut through 50 or more. It handles hardened steel, stainless, and case-hardened fasteners that destroy bi-metal blades on contact. The 1-1/4" width is ideal for precision cuts in tight spaces — cutting flush with a surface to remove protruding bolts or trimming nail heads. The Starlock mounting system provides a rigid connection that reduces vibration and wobble at the arbor. If your oscillating tool uses a universal mount, Dremel includes an adapter. The cost per blade is higher than bi-metal. But the lifespan is so much longer that the cost per cut is actually lower if you are doing more than occasional metal work. Who this is for: Remodelers, plumbers, and anyone who cuts metal frequently with an oscillating tool. Who should skip it: If you only need to cut through a couple of nails once a year, a cheaper bi-metal blade is fine.
2. DeWalt DWA4250 Bi-Metal Blade (3-Pack) — Best Value
The DWA4250 is a workhorse bi-metal blade that handles copper pipe, galvanized nails, thin sheet metal, and conduit without drama. The 1-3/4" width gives you a wider cutting surface than the Dremel, which speeds up cuts through larger materials like copper DWV pipe. The bi-metal construction uses a high-speed steel tooth edge welded to a flexible spring-steel body. This combination lets the blade flex slightly without snapping — important in demolition work where you are cutting at odd angles. The universal fit works with DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Bosch, and most other oscillating tools. These come in a 3-pack, and you should plan to use all three on any serious project. A single blade lasts about 20-30 cuts through standard nails before the teeth round off. That is normal for bi-metal — just swap in a fresh blade and keep moving. Who this is for: General contractors and DIYers who need reliable, affordable metal-cutting blades for occasional to moderate use. Who should skip it: Anyone cutting hardened steel or doing high-volume nail cutting — move up to carbide.
3. Bosch OSL114C Starlock Carbide — Best for Embedded Nails
The Bosch OSL114C is designed specifically for plunge cuts through nail-embedded wood. The carbide teeth cut through both the wood and the embedded fastener in a single pass — no need to switch between a wood blade and a metal blade. This is a massive time saver during remodeling work where every piece of old trim has three nails in it. The Starlock mount provides the most rigid blade connection of any oscillating tool system. Less wobble means cleaner cuts and longer blade life. If you have a Bosch Starlock tool, this blade feels like it is part of the machine. Universal-mount users can use an adapter, but you lose some of the rigidity advantage. The blade is 1-1/4" wide with an aggressive tooth geometry that grabs both wood and metal effectively. It does run hotter than pure metal-cutting blades, so take a pause every few cuts when working through thick hardened fasteners. Who this is for: Remodelers removing old trim, subfloor, or framing that is full of hidden nails and screws. Who should skip it: If you are cutting exposed metal (not embedded in wood), the Dremel MM485BU is a better pure metal-cutting blade.
4. Milwaukee 49-25-1263 OPEN-LOK Carbide — Best for Demolition
Milwaukee designed the 49-25-1263 for demolition contractors. The carbide-enhanced teeth chew through nails, screws, and staples embedded in wood without slowing down. The OPEN-LOK mounting system is Milwaukee's proprietary quick-change system — blade changes take about one second without tools. On a demo job where you are burning through blades, that speed adds up. The 1-3/4" width gives you a larger cutting surface for faster cuts through subfloor and sheathing. The blade body is thicker than most competitors, which reduces flex and gives more aggressive cutting action. The downside is that thicker blade means wider kerf and more material removal, which generates more heat. If you use Milwaukee M18 oscillating tools, the OPEN-LOK system is a compelling reason to stay in-family. But these blades also work with universal mounts via an included adapter, so Makita and DeWalt users can run them too. Who this is for: Demolition contractors and remodelers tearing out nail-filled subfloor, lath, and old framing. Who should skip it: Finish carpenters or anyone doing precision metal cuts where kerf width matters.
5. Imperial Blades IBOA270 — Best Budget Bi-Metal
Imperial Blades is a US-based blade manufacturer that often gets overlooked next to the big tool brands. The IBOA270 is a solid bi-metal blade that costs less per blade than DeWalt or Milwaukee equivalents while delivering comparable cut quality. The 1-1/4" width and universal fit make it compatible with virtually every oscillating tool on the market. The bi-metal construction handles copper pipe, galvanized nails, conduit, and thin sheet metal. Blade life is on par with the DeWalt DWA4250 — expect 20-30 cuts through standard nails before swapping. Imperial Blades sells these in bulk packs, which drops the per-blade cost even further. If you go through a lot of oscillating blades on remodeling or plumbing work, buying a 10-pack of these is the most economical approach. Who this is for: High-volume users who want decent bi-metal blades at the lowest cost per blade. Who should skip it: Anyone who needs carbide performance — no amount of bi-metal blades will match carbide on hardened steel.
Tips for Cutting Metal with an Oscillating Tool
Let the blade do the work. Apply light, steady pressure. Pushing hard overheats the blade, dulls the teeth, and can cause the tool to stall or kick. Use the right speed. Most oscillating tools have variable speed. For metal, run at medium to medium-high speed. Full speed generates too much heat on thick steel. Score first, then cut. On sheet metal, make a light scoring pass to establish the cut line before cutting through. This prevents the blade from wandering. Keep a spare blade handy. Bi-metal blades dull suddenly, not gradually. When cuts start taking twice as long, swap the blade — do not push harder. Wear gloves. Cut metal edges are razor sharp. Leather gloves protect your hands when handling cut pieces.Bottom Line
The Dremel MM485BU carbide blade is the best oscillating blade for metal cutting, period. The upfront cost is higher, but the blade lasts so much longer that it pays for itself after a few dozen cuts. For occasional metal cutting on a budget, the DeWalt DWA4250 3-pack gives you reliable bi-metal performance at a fair price. And for demolition through nail-studded wood, the Milwaukee 49-25-1263 with OPEN-LOK mounting is the fastest blade-change system on the market.Frequently Asked Questions
What type of oscillating tool blade cuts metal best?
Bi-metal blades are the standard for cutting metal with an oscillating tool. They combine a flexible spring steel body with hardened high-speed steel teeth. For thicker metals or hardened fasteners, carbide-tipped blades last significantly longer but cost 3-4x more per blade.Can an oscillating tool cut hardened steel bolts and nails?
A standard bi-metal blade will cut mild steel nails and bolts, but hardened steel (like Grade 8 bolts or case-hardened screws) requires a carbide-tipped blade. Even with the right blade, oscillating tools cut slowly on hardened steel. For bolts thicker than 3/8 inch, a reciprocating saw or angle grinder is faster.How long does an oscillating tool metal blade last?
A bi-metal blade typically lasts through 10-20 cuts on nails or thin metal, or 3-5 cuts on thicker material like copper pipe. Blade life drops significantly on hardened metals. Carbide-tipped blades last 3-5x longer but eventually wear down too. Pressing too hard shortens blade life more than anything else.Are universal fit oscillating tool blades compatible with all brands?
Most oscillating tool blades now use the Starlock or universal open-back mount that fits Fein, Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, and Ryobi. However, some older tools use proprietary mounts. Check your tool's blade interface before buying. Starlock blades snap in without a bolt, while universal fit blades use a center bolt.Should I use a wide or narrow blade for cutting metal?
Use a narrow blade (3/4 inch to 1 inch) for precision cuts, flush cuts, and tight spaces. Use a wider blade (1-3/8 inch or larger) for longer straight cuts where you need stability. Narrow blades flex more and can wander on long cuts, while wide blades are harder to control in confined areas.Do oscillating tool blades make a good stocking stuffer?
Yes, for someone who already owns an oscillating multi-tool, because blades wear out and get replaced often. Check the mount first: many blades are universal fit, but Starlock and OPEN-LOK blades need a compatible tool. More ideas are in our tool stocking stuffers guide.
