For a compact portable band saw that takes 32-7/8-inch, .020-inch blades, such as the Makita XBP04Z, the DEWALT DW3983C (18 TPI) and DW3984C (24 TPI) are bi-metal 3-packs with 8% cobalt Matrix II teeth. Pick 18 TPI for thicker pipe walls and solid stock and 24 TPI for thin-wall tube and strut. Check your saw’s manual for blade length first: DeWalt’s own DCS378 mid-size saw takes a longer 35-3/8-inch blade, so these don’t fit it.
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A spare band saw blade needs two matches: the tool geometry and the material being cut. Keep those decisions separate when refilling the truck.
Portable band saw blade choices compared
| Blade | Maker-listed identity | Consider when |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DW3983C | 32-7/8-inch length, .020-inch thickness, 18 TPI, 3-pack | The saw accepts the exact geometry and the job calls for 18 TPI |
| DEWALT DW3984C | 32-7/8-inch length, .020-inch thickness, 24 TPI, 3-pack | The same geometry is required, with 24 TPI appropriate to the work |
| Other portable-saw lengths | Different exact parts for different saws | Use the actual saw manual; “compact” is insufficient |
The two linked packs differ only in tooth pitch. Blade length is set by the saw: our portable band saw guide lists 35-3/8 inches for the DeWalt DCS378, 32-7/8 inches for the Makita XBP04Z and 44-7/8 inches for full-size deep-cut saws, from each maker’s manual. Makita’s XBP04Z page (makitatools.com) lists 32-7/8-inch compact blades as its accessories.
DW3983C: the 18 TPI option after fit is confirmed
Choose DW3983C when the saw accepts its exact blade specification and the blade-selection guidance calls for 18 teeth per inch for the actual work. The manufacturer’s product listing (sbdinsideraccess.stanleyblackanddecker.com) identifies the 32-7/8-inch, .020-inch, 18 TPI three-pack as a bi-metal portable band-saw blade.
Skip it when the saw needs another loop length, width or thickness, or the material and section call for another tooth pitch. A compatible length alone does not establish that every remaining blade specification is correct.
The selected new offer matched DW3983C in its title, model and part-number rows and was sold by Amazon.com. Compare the delivered carton and blade marking with the order. Keep the full C suffix; similar identifiers can describe another blade configuration.
Check DEWALT DW3983C on Amazon →
DW3984C: the 24 TPI alternative for a matched job
Choose DW3984C when the saw accepts the same identified geometry and the job’s blade chart calls for 24 TPI. The manufacturer’s exact listing (sbdinsideraccess.stanleyblackanddecker.com) distinguishes this pack from the 18 TPI version. Both offers were checked as separate products, not assumed to be interchangeable variants of one listing.
Skip it as an automatic upgrade for every material. More teeth per inch do not establish a better result for every section or alloy. Follow the saw and blade selection information for the actual cut.
Confirm the complete specification before stocking a replacement. A higher tooth count will not correct a blade that is the wrong length, width or thickness. Keep the required geometry separate from the material-selection decision in the order notes.
Check DEWALT DW3984C on Amazon →
Start with the saw’s model and type
Record the saw’s full model and type or revision from its label. Keep the correct regional manual with it. A battery platform, general size category or cutting-opening dimension does not identify the blade loop.
Read the manual’s blade length, width and thickness together. Compare all three with the blade manufacturer’s exact product specification. If a manual, listing or carton disagrees, obtain maker confirmation before using the blade rather than choosing whichever number looks familiar.
Do not use shipping-package dimensions as blade geometry. A product page can show carton height and width alongside a loop length in its title. Label the measurements clearly so a compact package does not become a mistaken blade-size choice.
For the related saw-selection decision, see our portable band saw guide. Buying blades for a tool already on the truck still starts with that actual model, not another saw from the same brand.
Deep-cut and compact labels can hide different lengths
Compare two specific Milwaukee examples: 48-39-0521 (milwaukeetool.com) is identified as a 44-7/8-inch 18 TPI standard/deep-cut pack, while 48-39-0529 (milwaukeetool.com) is identified as a 35-3/8-inch 18 TPI compact pack. Those are different loop lengths even though the tooth count is the same.
These are size examples, not checked purchase recommendations here. Do not read the shared brand, 18 TPI designation or similar package design as proof that either fits a particular saw.
A list headed “fits most portable saws” still needs the exact tool and blade dimensions reconciled. Retain the maker’s full product code with the stored blade. A loose loop without an identifier is harder to match safely during a service call.
Where multiple crews use different saws, label the storage by exact blade specification and tool. Keeping each compatible class separate is more reliable than grouping all blades under one “compact” label.
Choose tooth pitch from the actual material section
Identify the material, its actual section and the intended cut. Solid stock, a thin-wall tube and an open strut section are different geometries. Nominal pipe diameter alone does not describe the wall the teeth will encounter.
Use the applicable maker’s selection chart for tooth pitch and operating conditions. Record the wall or section dimensions the chart calls for. A blade recommended for one steel section should not become a blanket recommendation for every pipe of that outside size.
The LENOX blade selector (portal.lenoxtools.com) is another maker resource for identifying blades by application. Use a selector only for the models and conditions it covers; do not transfer a result to another brand without matching the complete specification.
This page does not give one universal TPI-by-wall-thickness chart. The useful purchase record is the actual material and section, the approved blade code and the saw’s permitted settings. Resolve an unidentified alloy or coated material before choosing a blade.
Bi-metal, carbide and the finished pipe end
The two linked DEWALT examples are bi-metal blades. Select another construction only when the maker specifies it for the work and saw. A carbide label is not a general compatibility or performance upgrade.
Keep the intended result in view. Cutting support material, preparing a threaded-rod length and preparing pipe for a connection have different follow-up requirements. The saw blade does not replace the connection-system instructions for the pipe end.
Inspect and prepare the cut as the pipe and fitting makers require. Our copper deburring guide covers a related preparation tool. A clean-looking saw cut is not evidence that the tube is ready for every connection method.
Do not transfer a blade’s broad metal-cutting description to an unverified material, hazardous coating or active service. Identify and make the work safe before cutting, with qualified help where the service or material requires it.
Installation, condition and recurring blade problems
Use the exact saw manual for blade changes, tension, tracking and guards. Isolate the tool’s power source as instructed before adjustments or blade handling. This selection guide does not replace that model’s operating procedure.
Inspect blades and the saw as required before use. A recurring tracking problem, damaged tooth line or broken blade needs diagnosis. Repeatedly fitting another loop without checking the cause can leave the original problem unresolved.
Have damaged guides, wheels, tires or other tool components assessed through the maker’s service process. Do not use a blade modification or improvised tension setting to compensate for a defective tool.
Keep the work properly supported and the cut within the saw’s instructions. Do not cut an operating, pressurized or unidentified line. A saw’s ability to reach the pipe does not establish that the service is isolated or the location is safe.
A refill order the crew can verify
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- Record the saw. Full model, type and correct manual.
- Record the blade geometry. Length, width and thickness in a clearly labeled set.
- Record the job. Material and actual wall or section, rather than nominal pipe size alone.
- Choose the tooth pitch. Use the applicable maker guidance.
- Verify the exact offer. Full model suffix, package quantity and seller.
- Check the delivery. Keep marked, compatible blades with their instructions and storage label.
Recheck the order whenever a crew changes saw models. A spare purchased for the previous saw may remain in the same truck bag, but its history does not establish fit for the replacement tool.
Frequently asked questions
Will any compact band saw blade fit a compact saw?
No. Match the exact model’s required blade length, width and thickness. Compact is not one universal blade size.
Are DW3983C and DW3984C the same tooth pitch?
No. The maker identifies DW3983C as18 TPI and DW3984C as24 TPI; both examples are in the 32-7/8-inch length class.
Does more TPI always cut better?
No. Choose tooth pitch for the actual material and section using the relevant maker guidance.
Can nominal pipe size determine the blade?
Not by itself. Identify the wall or section geometry and material as required by the selection chart.
Should I keep replacing a blade that runs off?
Have the cause assessed using the exact tool instructions and service process. An incorrect blade or damaged tool component needs resolution.
How we chose
This document-based guide makes no claim of hands-on testing. We read exact manufacturer product listings and Milwaukee size examples. On October 14, 2026, the two linked standard new offers were in stock, sold by Amazon.com and matched their full model and part identifiers. Confirm the current delivered blade and exact regional saw manual before use. Read our selection method and about Plumbing Picks.
Primary sources
- SBD/DEWALT DW3983C (sbdinsideraccess.stanleyblackanddecker.com): manufacturer listing with length, thickness, 18 TPI and pack.
- SBD/DEWALT DW3984C (sbdinsideraccess.stanleyblackanddecker.com): manufacturer listing with length, thickness, 24 TPI and pack.
- Milwaukee 48-39-0521 (milwaukeetool.com): 44-7/8-inch 18 TPI deep-cut size example; no checked offer selected.
- Milwaukee 48-39-0529 (milwaukeetool.com): 35-3/8-inch 18 TPI compact example; page decimal field differs slightly, use exact drawing/manual.
- LENOX blade selector (portal.lenoxtools.com): maker application-selection resource, not cross-brand fit evidence.