Carbide-Tipped
Affiliate link — we may earn a commissionCarbide-tipped means small pieces of tungsten carbide are brazed onto the cutting edges of a steel tool body. Tungsten carbide is much harder than steel and holds a sharp edge 10 to 20 times longer. Circular saw blades, router bits, hole saws, and masonry drill bits all come in carbide-tipped versions. The carbide tip does the cutting while the steel body provides structure and flexibility. When a carbide tip breaks off (usually from hitting a nail or dropping the tool), the blade keeps spinning but that tooth stops cutting. A blade with missing tips cuts unevenly and should be replaced or sent for repair.
Why It Matters
Carbide-tipped blades and bits are the standard for power tools because they last. A plain steel blade dulls in a fraction of the time. The price difference is $5 to $10 on most blades, and the lifespan difference is 10x or more. Always buy carbide-tipped unless you specifically need a disposable blade for demolition.