DeWalt Oscillating Wood & General Purpose Combo (3 Pack)

Why I reached for this DeWalt 3‑pack

Oscillating multi-tools live or die by the blade you hang on the front. For a month of trim work, punch-list repairs, and a small kitchen update, I ran this DeWalt 3‑pack of wood and general-purpose blades as my everyday kit. It’s a simple assortment—one 1-1/4 in. plunge-point blade and two general-purpose bi-metal blades—but it covers the bulk of what I actually do with an oscillating tool: clean plunge cuts, flush-cutting trim and shims, and the occasional encounter with hidden nails.

Setup and compatibility

The blades use a universal, open-back fitment that slipped onto my DeWalt cordless multi-tool without drama. I also tested them on an older Bosch OIS-style interface (via a standard adapter) and they clamped securely with no play. If your tool uses a typical clamp-and-pin or lever-style, tool-free mechanism, these blades are shaped for fast changes. I can’t speak to Starlock-only bodies without adapters—these are not dedicated Starlock plates—so if you’re running an interface that requires a proprietary mount, check your tool’s compatibility first.

Once mounted, indexing was positive. The slotted interface let me set the blade angle in small increments, which is invaluable around corners and when working in tight, awkward spots.

Build and design details

All three blades are bi-metal with a high-speed steel cutting edge. That matters for one reason: survivability when you clip a nail. High-carbon steel (HCS) wood blades cut fast in clean wood but their teeth fold over almost immediately on metal. The HSS edge on these DeWalts is clearly harder and more chip-resistant. They’re not carbide; they won’t bulldoze through lag screws or hardened fasteners, but they’re meant to tolerate repeated glancing strikes on finish nails and brads—exactly the kind of thing you run into in real walls and floors.

DeWalt also coats the blades with a high-performance finish. In use, I noticed two things: slightly lower friction on long, warm cuts and less pitch buildup on resinous pine compared to uncoated blades. It’s not a miracle shield, but it does help the blade stay cooler and easier to clean. The 1-1/4 in. width is a sweet spot for control in plunge cuts and for keeping the tool’s footprint compact near obstacles.

Plunge cuts: accuracy and control

The plunge-point blade is the star of this set. The tip geometry makes it easy to score and commit to a plunge without the blade skating, especially on face-grain pine and primed MDF. Cutting in an electrical box opening through 1/2 in. drywall over 3/4 in. plywood, the entry was predictable and I didn’t overshoot the corners. For undercutting door jambs, I got a clean, flat cut with minimal fuzz even across oak thresholds. If you’ve ever fought a wide, dull blade that wants to wander, this narrower, pointed profile feels like a precision tool.

Technique tip: let the oscillation establish a kerf with light pressure, then feed. Over-driving a plunge will heat and blue the teeth, even on HSS.

General-purpose cutting in wood and composites

The two general-purpose blades handled the usual list: flush-cutting shims, trimming casing, cutting out toe-kicks, and notching cabinet backs. In SPF, poplar, and primed MDF, they cut fast and straight at medium-high speed. In 3/4 in. maple ply, I dialed the speed down a notch to keep heat in check; the finish improved and the blade tracked better.

Vibration was minimal on my cordless tool, and the cut feel stayed smooth as long as I didn’t bury the blade beyond its depth. Compared to bargain HCS blades, these didn’t burn as quickly and kept their edge longer through abrasive laminates and the glue lines in plywood.

Nail-embedded wood: how the HSS edge holds up

DeWalt claims increased life in nail-embedded wood versus an earlier generation. I didn’t quantify that, but I did set up a few realistic scenarios:

• Removing baseboard nailed into pine studs: hitting three 18-gauge brads and two finish nails, the blade slowed slightly on contact but kept cutting. Tooth tips stayed intact.
• Cutting a rotted window stool: contacted a pair of old, mild-steel finish nails; sparks flew, but the edge survived with only modest dulling.
• Mistake test: nicked a drywall screw head hidden in a jamb. That’s hardened steel, and it flattened two tooth tips. The blade still cut wood, but noticeably slower.

Bottom line: for finish nails, brads, and the occasional errant common nail, the HSS edge does what it’s supposed to. If your work is heavy demolition with constant fastener strikes, jump to carbide-tooth blades. These bi-metal blades are a solid middle ground for everyday remodeling where metal is an occasional hazard, not the target.

Heat, lifespan, and failure modes

Overheating kills oscillating blades, and it’s avoidable. At moderate speed with gentle feed pressure, I got several small projects out of the first general-purpose blade: a dozen flush cuts, two undercuts, a set of notches in ply, and a couple of plunge cuts—plus some incidental nail strikes—before I retired it for rougher work. The plunge blade lasted longer in clean wood because the cutting time per plunge is short and the tip design encourages a light touch.

I didn’t snap a blade, but any oscillating blade can break if pinched in a kerf and torqued sideways. Keep the cut path clear and avoid prying with the blade buried. If you sense binding, back out and widen the kerf rather than forcing it.

Day-to-day usability

• Quick changes: With an open-back slot, swapping blades is fast—especially on a tool-free clamp. I cycled through all three blades repeatedly without rounding the interface.
• Line of sight: The 1-1/4 in. width provides good visibility and control near layout lines.
• Cleanup: The coating helps; pitch and pine resin wipe off with a little mineral spirits. Uncoated blades usually need a scrape.

One practical gripe: there’s no case or sleeve in the pack, so plan a storage solution to keep edges from knocking around in your bag.

Where these blades shine—and where they don’t

Strengths:
- Accurate, low-wander plunge cuts thanks to the pointed profile
- Good edge life in wood, MDF, and plywood
- Survives light encounters with nails better than HCS wood-only blades
- Universal fitment that actually feels secure on common clamps

Trade-offs:
- Not intended for sustained metal cutting or hardened fasteners
- Bi-metal teeth will dull faster than carbide if you’re constantly in nail-embedded framing
- Only one plunge blade in the pack; if that’s your primary cut, you’ll want extras
- No limited warranty listed; these are consumables, but it’s worth noting

Tips to get the most from the set

• Let the blade do the work. High speed with light pressure keeps temperatures down and teeth sharp.
• Score your plunge. Use the tip to create a small entry slot before committing to depth for cleaner corners.
• Respect nails. If you feel chatter and see sparks, lighten up and let the HSS nibble through rather than forcing the cut.
• Keep it cool. On long cuts in hardwood or plywood, pulse the trigger or step the speed down one notch.
• Clean blades. A quick wipe removes resin that otherwise increases friction and heat.

Value and who it fits

For a three-pack from a major brand, the value is in the versatility. You get a dedicated plunge blade for precise work and two general-purpose pieces that can handle the rest of a typical remodeling punch list. If your week involves cutting clean wood and MDF with the occasional surprise nail, this set is a smart default. If your work is tile, grout, or heavy demolition through screw-laden framing, step up to specialty blades—carbide or diamond—for longer life.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt 3‑pack to carpenters, remodelers, and serious DIYers who need an everyday set for wood and common construction materials, with the resilience to survive the nails you didn’t know were there. The plunge blade delivers clean, accurate entries; the bi-metal teeth strike a practical balance between speed and survivability; and the universal fitment makes changes fast on most tools. It’s not a metal-cutting solution and it won’t outlast carbide in nail-heavy demolition, but within its intended use, it performs reliably and feels well sorted. If that matches your workload, this is a dependable, grab-and-go set to keep in your oscillating kit.