Ever tried cutting cement board with the wrong tool? It’s a dusty, frustrating mess that can ruin your project and your tools. Cement board, also known as HardieBacker or WonderBoard, is a tough material. It’s great for bathrooms and kitchens because it resists moisture, but cutting it cleanly can be a real challenge.
Many DIYers get stuck when it’s time to choose a jigsaw blade. You see all sorts of blades, and it’s hard to know which one will actually cut through that gritty cement board without falling apart. Using the wrong blade means slow progress, jagged edges, and a lot of wasted time and energy. Plus, you might damage your jigsaw itself!
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly which jigsaw blades are best for cement board. We’ll break down what makes a blade good for this job, so you can cut with confidence and get that perfect finish. Get ready to tackle your cement board projects with the right tools!
Our Top 5 Jigsaw Blade For Cement Board Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Jigsaw Blade For Cement Board Detailed Reviews
1. Diablo Carbide Jig Saw Blade for Fiber Cement & Plaster – T-Shank
Rating: 8.9/10
Tackle tough jobs with the Diablo Carbide Jig Saw Blade for Fiber Cement & Plaster. This blade is built to last and cut smoothly through challenging materials like fiber cement and plaster. Its special design helps it stay sharp and perform well, even when you’re working on demanding projects.
What We Like:
- TiCo Hi-Density Carbide: This makes the blade super strong and last much longer than regular blades, up to 50 times! It keeps cutting well for a long time.
- Optimized Blade Design: This design stops heat and sticky stuff from building up. This means cleaner cuts and the blade stays cooler, which makes it last longer.
- Perma-SHIELD Non-Stick Coating: This coating helps the blade glide easily. It also protects the blade from heat, sticky buildup, and rust, making it perform better and last longer.
- T-shank Design: It fits most jig saws, so you can easily put it on and take it off. This makes it convenient to use.
- Maximum Performance: Works great in both battery-powered and corded jig saws. It’s excellent for cutting hard materials like fiber cement and plaster.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 4-inch length might be too short for some very deep cuts.
- While durable, the specialized nature means it might be harder to find than generic blades.
This Diablo blade is a powerful tool for anyone working with fiber cement or plaster. It delivers excellent performance and durability for a better cutting experience.
2. Bosch T141HM1 1-Piece 4 In. 6 TPI Carbide-Tipped Special for Fiber and Plaster T-Shank Jig Saw Blades
Rating: 8.7/10
Tackle tough materials with the Bosch T141HM1 jig saw blades. These blades are built for speed and power when cutting through challenging substances like plaster, cement board, and fiberglass. Their special carbide-tipped teeth make quick work of even thick materials, saving you time and effort on your projects.
What We Like:
- Cuts fast through plaster and cement board.
- Carbide-tipped teeth last a long time.
- Works well for construction and home improvement jobs.
- Designed for thick materials, up to 2 3/8 inches.
- Good for cutting fiberglass and plasterboard.
What Could Be Improved:
- Comes as a single blade, so you might need to buy more for bigger jobs.
If you need to cut through hard materials, these Bosch blades are a solid choice. They deliver the performance you need for demanding renovation tasks.
3. Carbide Jigsaw Blade T Shank Set 8 Fiber Cement Jigsaw Blades for Hardie Siding Tools for Drywall Jigsaws for Fiberglass New Strong Steel T Shank Carbide Grit Jigsaw Blades Set for Low Density Tile
Rating: 8.7/10
Tackle tough materials with the Carbide Jigsaw Blade T Shank Set. This 8-piece set features blades designed for abrasive jobs. They work well with fiber cement, Hardie board, and even certain plastics like Plexiglas. You can also use them on low-density tile, marble, and slate. These blades have a carbide grit instead of traditional teeth. This means they wear down slower and cut smoothly.
What We Like:
- These blades are made from stronger steel. This helps them last longer when cutting rough materials like cement backer board.
- They are great for Hardie plank siding. They will outlast regular toothed blades on this material.
- The carbide grit makes them excellent for cutting Plexiglas and Lexan. They don’t snag or dull like toothed blades, leaving a smooth finish.
- You can use them for cutting marble, slate, travertine, and low-density wall tile.
What Could Be Improved:
- These blades are not for dense tile or porcelain. You will need a diamond saw blade or tile cutter for those materials.
This set offers a durable solution for many cutting tasks. They are a smart choice for anyone working with abrasive building materials.
4. CMT Orange Tool JT141HM-3 JIG SAW BLADES FIBER & PLASTER
Rating: 9.5/10
Tackle your home improvement projects with confidence using the CMT Orange Tool JT141HM-3 Jig Saw Blades. These blades are built tough for cutting through a variety of materials, making them a valuable addition to any DIYer’s toolkit.
What We Like:
- These blades use quality materials. They give you outstanding performance.
- They are made for cutting plasterboard and fiber cement boards.
- You can also use them for glass fiber reinforced plastic/epoxy.
- The blades cut through Eternity, MDF, and HDF too.
- They have a good cutting length of 2-61/64 inches.
- The blades have 6 teeth per inch for a smooth cut.
- Side-set teeth help prevent binding.
- You get three blades in one package.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cutting length is specific and might not be ideal for all projects.
- The 6 TPI might not be aggressive enough for very thick or dense materials.
These CMT jig saw blades are a reliable option for many cutting tasks. They offer good performance and versatility for your construction and renovation needs.
5. Bosch T130DG 1-Piece 3-1/4 In. 30 Grit Diamond for Hard Tile T-Shank Jig Saw Blades
Rating: 8.6/10
Tackling tough tile jobs just got a whole lot easier with the Bosch T130DG 1-Piece 3-1/4 In. 30 Grit Diamond Jig Saw Blades. These blades are built tough to cut through some of the hardest materials you’ll encounter. If you’re a pro tile installer or work with materials like porcelain, granite, marble, or even glass, these blades are designed to make your work smoother and faster.
What We Like:
- Clean Cuts: These blades deliver clean cuts in tough materials like grade 5 porcelain, granite, and marble.
- Versatile Material Handling: They handle slate, glass, and cement board with ease, working with thicknesses from 3/64 to 1/2 inch.
- Diamond Power: The 30-grit diamond matrix is bonded to the blade edge, letting you cut through the hardest and most abrasive stuff.
- Pro-Grade Solution: They are an ideal choice for professional tile installers and other specialized trades who need reliable performance.
What Could Be Improved:
- Single Blade Pack: The pack only contains one blade, so you’ll need to buy multiple if you have a big project.
- Specialized Use: These are very specific blades for hard materials; they aren’t the best choice for softer woods or plastics.
For anyone regularly cutting hard tile and stone, the Bosch T130DG blades are a powerful tool. They offer a durable and effective solution for demanding cutting tasks.
Choosing the Right Jigsaw Blade for Cement Board
Cement board is a tough material. It’s great for bathrooms and kitchens because it resists moisture. Cutting it can be tricky. The right jigsaw blade makes a big difference. It helps you get clean cuts and saves your tools from damage. This guide will help you pick the best blade for your project.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a cement board jigsaw blade, check for these important features:
- Tooth Count: More teeth usually mean cleaner cuts. But for cement board, you want teeth that are tough and spaced a bit apart. This helps clear dust. Look for blades with around 24 to 36 teeth per inch (TPI).
- Tooth Design: Blades made for abrasive materials are best. Carbide grit or diamond grit teeth are excellent. They can handle the hard minerals in cement board. Some blades have a special zig-zag or hook tooth pattern. This helps cut through the material smoothly.
- Blade Length: Make sure the blade is long enough for the depth of your cement board. Most common cement boards are ½ inch thick. A blade that is 3-4 inches long usually works well.
- Shank Type: Jigsaws have different shank types. The most common are T-shank and U-shank. Check your jigsaw to see which one it uses. You need a blade that matches your saw.
Important Materials
The material of the blade is super important for cutting cement board.
- Carbide Grit: This is a very hard material. Blades with carbide grit teeth are designed for cutting tile, stone, and cement board. They wear down slowly. They provide a long-lasting cutting edge.
- Diamond Grit: Even harder than carbide grit, diamond grit blades offer the best durability for cement board. They can cut through the toughest materials with ease. They are a great choice for frequent or heavy-duty use.
- High-Speed Steel (HSS): While HSS is good for wood and metal, it’s not the best for cement board. It can dull quickly and overheat. You might be able to make a few cuts, but it’s not ideal.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a blade better or worse for cement board.
- Tooth Hardness: Harder teeth, like carbide or diamond, last much longer. They cut through cement board without losing their sharpness too fast. Softer teeth will wear out quickly.
- Blade Thickness: A thicker blade is more stable. It’s less likely to bend or break during cutting. This leads to straighter cuts. Thinner blades can be more flexible but might not be as durable.
- Heat Dissipation: Cement board is abrasive. Cutting creates friction and heat. Blades with features that help dissipate heat will last longer. Some blades have special coatings or slots to manage heat.
- Brand Reputation: Well-known brands often use better materials and manufacturing processes. This usually means a higher quality blade. Reading reviews can help you find reliable brands.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using the right blade makes cutting cement board much easier.
- Ease of Use: A good blade will cut smoothly. You won’t have to push too hard. This reduces fatigue. It also makes the job more enjoyable.
- Cut Quality: You’ll get cleaner edges. There will be less chipping or crumbling of the cement board. This is important for a professional look.
- Tool Longevity: Using the correct blade protects your jigsaw. It prevents the motor from overheating or the blade holder from getting damaged.
- Projects: These blades are perfect for installing backer board in bathrooms for tile. They are also useful for kitchen backsplashes. Any project that requires cutting cement board will benefit from the right blade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best type of jigsaw blade for cement board?
A: The best type of jigsaw blade for cement board has carbide grit or diamond grit teeth. These teeth are very hard and can cut through abrasive materials.
Q: How many teeth per inch (TPI) should a cement board blade have?
A: For cement board, blades with around 24 to 36 TPI are usually recommended. This tooth count helps clear dust and provides a good balance of speed and cut quality.
Q: Can I use a regular wood cutting jigsaw blade on cement board?
A: No, it is not recommended. Regular wood cutting blades will dull very quickly and can get damaged. They are not designed for abrasive materials like cement board.
Q: Will a diamond grit blade cut faster than a carbide grit blade?
A: Generally, yes. Diamond grit is harder than carbide grit, so diamond blades can often cut faster and last longer on very tough materials like cement board.
Q: How do I prevent the cement board from chipping when cutting?
A: Use a blade designed for abrasive materials, like those with carbide or diamond grit. Cutting at a moderate speed and supporting the cement board well can also help reduce chipping.
Q: Do I need to use a special technique when cutting cement board with a jigsaw?
A: Yes, it’s helpful to use a steady, moderate speed. Support the cement board firmly to prevent vibration. Let the blade do the work; don’t force it through the material.
Q: How long will a carbide grit blade last when cutting cement board?
A: The lifespan depends on the quality of the blade and how much cutting you do. A good carbide grit blade can last for many linear feet of cement board cutting, but it will eventually wear down.
Q: Should I wear a mask when cutting cement board?
A: Absolutely. Cutting cement board creates a lot of fine dust, which can be harmful to your lungs. Always wear a dust mask or respirator, safety glasses, and gloves.
Q: Can I use a jigsaw blade with a zig-zag tooth pattern for cement board?
A: Some zig-zag tooth designs can work well for cement board, especially if they are made with carbide grit. They help clear dust and provide a smoother cut.
Q: Where can I buy jigsaw blades specifically for cement board?
A: You can find these specialized blades at most home improvement stores, hardware stores, and online retailers that sell tools and accessories.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!