It is impossible to imagine a professional joiner or carpenter without a hacksaw for wood, and in everyday life it is used quite often. The widespread use of this tool has contributed to the emergence of various types of it, designed for specific operations.

To choose the right hacksaw, you should study its characteristics, imagine what exactly needs to be cut with it and how often it will be used.

Views

Like any common tool designed to perform a large amount of work, a hacksaw for wood is classified according to several parameters.

By type of cut and purpose

Hacksaws can be designed for cross-cutting, longitudinal (sweeping) or universal. Between themselves, these types differ in the shape of the teeth.

The teeth of saws intended for longitudinal cutting of wood have the form of an oblique triangle. The angle between them is from 45 to 60 °, which allows you to cut wood in only one direction, while maintaining an accurate and straight cut line. Most often they are used in the manufacture of furniture.

Hacksaws with teeth resembling an isosceles triangle are used to cross-cut wood. Sharpening at an angle of 45-55 ° makes it possible to cut workpieces both in the forward and in the opposite direction. This saw works most effectively on dry wood.

The universal hacksaw has two types of teeth - triangular and semicircular (while semicircular more than triangular). When the saw moves forward, long teeth set the direction, and wider, triangular teeth widen the cut, which allows sawdust and shavings to exit freely. The smaller the angle between these teeth, the more accurate the cut is.

Depending on the purpose, hacksaws for wood are classic, circular and spike. Classic saws are used for longitudinal or cross-cutting of wood. Circular saws for wood are designed for cutting holes. With the help of tenon saws, elements are formed for connecting individual parts.

By the size of the teeth

One of the main parameters of any hacksaw for wood is the size of the teeth. Size is understood as a step, that is, the distance between adjacent points. Depending on this parameter, the saws can have teeth:

• small;
• medium;
• large.

Hacksaws with fine teeth (from 2.0 to 2.5 mm.) Provide cutting of wood with high precision and are most often used for working with products of the smallest sizes.

Saws with coarse teeth (4 to 6 mm) are used to cut logs or beams.

Hacksaws with an average size of teeth (from 3.0 to 3.5 mm) are used when processing small parts.

There are also types of hand saws for wood with teeth arranged in groups of 6-7 pieces, separated from each other by intervals. This tool is used to process raw wood. Thanks to the space available, wet chips do not block the saw channel.

Classification by design

Structurally, hacksaws for wood are:

• narrow;
• standard;
• with backing;
• with an award;
• onion;
• folding.

They cut workpieces with narrow hacksaws, the thickness of which does not exceed 10 cm. They are also used for sawing branches in the garden, cutting out curved parts and other work. Structurally, these saws are a narrow blade with triangular teeth connected to an L-shaped handle.

The blade of a standard hacksaw (GOST 2615-84) can have any kind of teeth. Often they are equipped with sets of interchangeable blades designed for a wide variety of carpentry and joinery work.

When cutting hardwoods, the blades of the hacksaw can bend a lot. Saws are relieved of this drawback, the blades of which are equipped with a backing that acts as an additional stiffener. However, its presence does not allow making the cut deeper than the width of the blade itself.

A hacksaw with a reward looks like a plane. It has two handles and is used when it is necessary to make grooves or tenons. Moreover, the depth of these elements can be different.

A bow saw is a blade stretched over a base made in the form of a large arc. It is connected to the handle by means of a threaded or tension connection, which makes it possible to use different types of blades during operation. In turn, this makes it possible to single-handedly cut workpieces with complex cutting lines.

On the market you can also find folding hacksaws for wood. They are very light and small in size when folded, which makes it possible for outdoor enthusiasts to take them with them on a hike or fishing. This saw has a short, pointed blade with small teeth.

Other varieties

There are other types of wood hacksaws. Among them, a garden hand saw is distinguished, equipped with a narrow blade, for the manufacture of which they use chromium steel. It is equipped with widely spaced teeth, angled towards the handle. It is convenient to work with such a tool in cases when the emphasis during cutting has to be done on oneself.

There is a two-handed saw that is convenient for sawing large logs or cutting trees. Two people must work with it.

A hand chain saw is a short chain with hardened teeth and two handles at the ends. It is compact and suitable for hiking trips. You can work with her as one person or together.

A modern and versatile tool is an electric hawk, with which you can perform a large amount of different work. In some cases, it completely replaces the circular. Changing the canvases, they cut not only wood with it, but also plastic and metal.

main parameters

The effectiveness of using a hacksaw for wood largely depends on its technical characteristics. The main ones are:

• the material from which the saw blade is made;
• blade length and shape;
• the size and shape of the tooth;
• type of handle.

When choosing a tool, you need to pay attention to each element of the characteristic. Only in this case you will not have to regret the purchase.

Canvas material

The blade of modern hacksaws for wood is made from high-quality tool (alloy) steel with a high content of carbon and silicon (65G, 8HF, U7 ... U10). The hardness must be at least HRC 45. There are also models that use a combined, more wear-resistant blade with a cutting part (teeth) with increased hardness (HRC55… 60).

Length and shape of the blade

On the domestic market, you can find hacksaws for wood with a length of 250 to 650 mm in increments of 25 mm. This parameter is specified by GOST 2615-84 and depends on the distance between the teeth.

Note! It is necessary to choose a saw, guided by the rule: "The length of the blade should be 2 times the thickness (diameter) of the workpieces."

Otherwise, it will be uncomfortable to work with a hacksaw, since the short blade will jam inside the solid wood.

As a rule, hacksaws with a narrow blade are no more than 350 mm in length and are equipped with a large number of small teeth. Universal tools are completed with blades about 500 mm long with medium-sized teeth. Hacksaws with a wide blade are made with large teeth located at a great distance from each other (coarse pitch), their length can reach 650 mm.

Traditionally, a saw for wood looks like a triangle narrowed on one side. This tool can work with any type of wood. In addition, there are hacksaws adapted to work, for example, with tree branches or other objects located at some distance from the sawer. They are rounded and lightweight.

Tooth size and shape

The size of the teeth (pitch) of the hacksaw blade directly affects the productivity and accuracy of the tool. The larger the teeth, the higher the working speed, but the accuracy and quality of the cut deteriorates. On the other hand, using a fine-toothed saw guarantees a clean and even cut, but the speed is reduced.

Cutting accuracy is determined by the number of teeth per inch of blade length (TPI coefficient), that is, their density. Its value is marked on the side surface of the web (for example, 7x1 ″ or 7TPI). The higher the TPI, the smaller the step. So, 2TPI = 12 mm and 12TPI = 2 mm.

When choosing a hacksaw for wood, it must be borne in mind that the minimum thickness of the workpiece must be greater than the pitch of three teeth.

When working with a hacksaw on wood, the appearance of sharpened teeth is essential. In this case, teeth are considered standard, sharpened on both sides and having the form of an acute-angled or isosceles triangle.

Important! The latest generation of saws is equipped with non-standard hardened teeth. They have the appearance of a trapezoid and are distinguished by the presence of three sharpened edges and increased wear resistance. Blades with such teeth do not lend themselves.

Handle type

The type of handle and the material from which it is made largely determine the convenience of working with a hacksaw on wood. The saw is best equipped with a one-piece plastic handle with rubberized finger grips. The handle, made of two parts, is less comfortable, as it does not have sufficient rigidity.

Saw "Zubr Expert" is a versatile tool that can be used for both longitudinal and cross cutting of wood. The blade is 40 cm long and has hardened teeth set in a special way, spaced 5 mm apart.

The Banco Laplander 396-LAP mini saw is specially designed for outdoor use. The narrow, sharpened blade features Sandvik XT-shaped teeth for quality cuts along and across the grain. The folded length of the hacksaw is 23 cm, and it weighs only 200 g.

At first glance, a hacksaw is a fairly simple tool that does not require any special maintenance. Nevertheless, few people know about the criteria for choosing a saw and its types. Like other tools, a hacksaw has certain signs of quality and characteristics.

The main parameters of hand tools for cutting wood

A hacksaw is one of the most essential tools in every man's inventory. This device allows you to easily resize wood and plastic lumber. With the help of a hacksaw, you can perform a lot of operations in construction, saw down branches in the garden, shorten the hedge poles, and so on.

But when buying such, at first glance, a simple tool, not everyone thinks about how to make the right choice and what criteria should be taken into account. The hacksaw has its own special parameters that can affect the quality of work. There are four basic parameters when choosing a hacksaw: blade length, tooth size, steel type and handle type.

Blade length

For the convenience of work, the length of the hacksaw blade is chosen so that it is twice the size of the material at the cut. This allows you to efficiently remove sawdust during operation due to the fact that all the teeth of the blade will come out of the board / log. In addition, this ratio of the sizes of the hacksaw and lumber contributes to a greater range of motion of the hand. This, in turn, takes much less energy. In construction, a universal hacksaw with a blade length of 45-50 centimeters is most often used. To work with small blocks and boards, a canvas with a length of 30–35 centimeters will be sufficient.

Tooth size

This is perhaps the most important parameter. After all, the speed and accuracy of the cut depends on the size of the tooth.... The number of teeth per inch of blade is commonly referred to as TPI. For more accurate work with the material, it is necessary to use a hacksaw with a high TPI coefficient, that is, with a large number of teeth. When choosing a blade with a TPI of at least 7–9, and the distance between the teeth no more than 2–4 mm, the surface at the cut will be smoother and without torn edges. A blade with TPI 3–6, tooth spacing over 4 mm, will work well for working with large beams and garden trees. The use of such a hacksaw will reduce the effort expended and increase the speed of cutting the working material..

Tooth pitch correspondence table

1 TPI = 25.5mm	10 TPI = 2.5mm
2 TPI = 12mm	11 TPI = 2.3mm
3 TPI = 8.5mm	12 TPI = 2mm
4 TPI = 6.5mm	13 TPI = 2mm
5 TPI = 5mm	14 TPI = 1.8mm
6 TPI = 4mm	17 TPI = 1.5mm
7 TPI = 3.5mm	19 TPI ​​= 1.3mm
8 TPI = 3mm	22 TPI = 1.1mm
9 TPI ​​= 2.8mm	25 TPI = 1mm

Sharpening teeth

The usual triangular shape of the hacksaw teeth is taken as the standard one. The teeth are made in the form of an acute-angled triangle or isosceles, depending on the purpose of the cut. Such a blade can be sharpened with particular ease by repeating all the corners of the teeth. You can use such a blade for both longitudinal and cross-cut to avoid rough chipping.

Video: self-sharpening hacksaw teeth for wood

But modern hacksaws, unlike classic ones, have hardened teeth with a non-standard trapezoidal shape. These saws are endowed with increased strength and wear resistance. Their steel will not give in to sharpening, and it is very difficult to observe all the angles of the sharpened teeth.

Steel type

For the production of hacksaw blades, high-grade stainless steel is most often used. Usually saws for wood are made from steel with a hardness of HRC45. Very often, manufacturers combine steel in the blade. In a hacksaw with a combined blade, most of it is also made of steel 45, but the cutting part is made of steel 55 and 60. When the cutting edge is hardened, the wear resistance is increased. This type of tool can be easily distinguished from a conventional hacksaw by its dark hardened teeth.

The first forged saws were made in ancient Greece. Forging gave high metal hardness and improved tool quality.

Handle type

The ease of use depends on the correct choice of the saw handle. Handles are made of wood or plastic. A very important point - the surface at the place of the grip should be such that the hand does not slip. This is eliminated by making scars on the handle, or covering it with a rubber layer. The hacksaw can be either a classic cast or with a folding blade. The latter allows you to replace the canvas, which is very convenient.

How to choose a hand hacksaw

By combining all the basic parameters of the saw, everyone can easily decide for himself which one suits him best. When choosing a tool, you need to decide for yourself which saw is more suitable - carpentry or joinery. If the cutting speed is most important, then, of course, you need to purchase a carpentry. The carpenter's hacksaw has fewer teeth per inch for quick productivity and sawdust removal. If cutting accuracy is a priority, then you should use the carpentry.

The quality of a hacksaw can be determined in simple ways. First, you need to visually verify the flatness of the canvas. Then you need to bend the canvas with a little effort and release it as soon as resistance appears. After the blade plays back and calms down, you should again look at the evenness of the blade. If it deviates slightly from its original position, then the tool is of poor quality and it is not recommended to buy it.

If you are looking for a rip saw, you will need to choose a hacksaw with a sharp toothed angle. The teeth of such saws are sharpened only on one side, so the sawing will be done only in one direction - away from you.

When ripping, the sawing occurs parallel to the grain of the material. For rip sawing, circular hacksaws and bow saws work well.

Cross-cut saws are the most common. Their teeth are made in the shape of an isosceles triangle and are sharpened on both sides. This allows cutting in both directions..

When crosscutting, the material is cut across the grain. For such sawing, classic hacksaws, hacksaws with a backrest, and with a large thickness of material, two-handed saws are suitable.

The price of the saw is also an equally significant factor when choosing. A more expensive hacksaw provides a guarantee of reliability and wear resistance. Those saws, the price of which is much lower than the average, are made from cheaper raw materials and do not guarantee you a long-term service.

What types of hand saws are intended for what application

1. The classic hacksaw is the most common of all. It has a long and wide blade. If the blade is too long, the hacksaw may tilt to the side when cutting. Great care must be taken to avoid deviating the cutting line from the initial markings. Such a hacksaw is suitable for working with timber, boards, chipboard and so on.
2. A hacksaw with a back. This saw model has a rigid rib attachment that minimizes the frequency of the blade vibrations. And also such a hacksaw has finer teeth and a higher TPI. They are designed for cutting plywood, chipboard with a coating layer and cutting profile strips.
3. Fine saws have a reversible handle. They are needed for sawing grooves, grooves and sawing straight and profile strips.
4. Circular hacksaw, or a hacksaw with a narrow blade. It is also used for sawing grooves, as well as for sawing parts with rounded points and large holes.
5. A bow saw is well suited for cutting knots and rough pieces of material, as well as for sawing parts from plywood and wood. Such a hacksaw is distinguished by a thin blade fixed on both sides in the frame. It is worth noting that you need to work with it extremely carefully because of its increased fragility.
6. Reward - has two handles. The appearance of such a saw is a lot like a plane. It is used for cutting out spikes and grooves, deepening holes and slots in materials of any hardness.
7. Garden saw with a curved blade. Most often, for greater convenience, they are folded. This saw works well in the garden. The saw blade is made of chrome steel. Widely spaced teeth inclined in the direction of the handle will allow you to conveniently cut twigs and branches, focusing on yourself while cutting.
8. The two-handed saw has the highest performance. It has two wooden handles. To make a cut with such a saw for greater efficiency, you need two people. The two-handed saw is often used for sawing large logs and trees.
9. A hand or pocket chain saw is a small piece of chain with two handles at the ends. It is convenient to work with such a saw both alone and together. A log or branch is clasped by a chain and sawing with the help of handles. A hand chain saw, like a folding chain saw, works well in the garden.

Photo gallery: varieties of hand saws

Such a classic hacksaw can be easily sharpened.This hacksaw has hardened teeth and increased wear resistance.
Such a saw has an adjustable handle, which will allow you to work at the desired angle The bow saw is well suited for cutting out parts from plywood This type of hacksaw is similar to a plane and is used for cutting thorns and slots Two-handed saw is suitable for cutting large logs
Garden saws with a curved blade work well for cutting branches and small tree branches
The hand-held chain saw is compact and well suited for cutting logs on the hike and branches in the garden

Thus, having carefully studied all the nuances regarding hand hacksaws, everyone will be able to choose the most suitable option for themselves. Choosing the right tool will ensure you a quality and enjoyable job.

Updated: 19.09.2019 11:10:35

Expert: Lev Kaufman

* Review of the best according to the editors of the site. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Despite the abundance of electric tools for cutting materials, traditional hacksaws are also used in human activities. With their help, you can quickly cut workpieces of different density. At the same time, you do not need to unwind the electric wire, refuel the equipment with gasoline, the tool does not take up much space in the trunk of the car. The low price allows not only professionals, but also home craftsmen to have hand tools. Today there are many different models, expert advice will help you make the right choice.

How to choose a quality hacksaw

1. For working with wood, both one-handed and two-handed models are suitable. It is better to cut off branches with a tool with narrow saber-shaped blades. And working with boards or blocks is more convenient than a classic hacksaw with a wide, even blade. You can quickly prepare firewood using a traditional two-handed saw.
2. To work with harder materials based on wood and cardboard (laminate, parquet, chipboard, MDF, etc.), a special hacksaw is required. She has a different blade shape, hardness and sharpening of the teeth.
3. To cut popular gas silicate blocks, you must use a special coarse-toothed hacksaw. The cutting part is equipped with carbide inserts, which retain their sharpness even after the construction of several buildings.
4. A hacksaw for metal, on the contrary, is completed with narrow blades with the smallest teeth. Most often, such a tool has a frame structure.
5. There are special hacksaws for cutting drywall. They have a special tooth configuration to make an even cut.
6. When choosing a hacksaw, it is important to pay attention to the convenience of the handle. They come in many shapes and are made from traditional and modern materials. The main thing is to have a reliable and comfortable grip.
7. Since during long-term operation from friction there is a strong heating of the blade, only carbon and high-speed steel grades are able to maintain hardness and sharpness. The hardness of the cutting edge should be at the level of 60-65 HRC, and the blade itself should be 45 units.

Our review includes 14 of the best hacksaws. When compiling the rating, the opinion of experts and user reviews were taken into account.

Rating of the best hacksaws

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best hacksaws for wood	1		1 895 ₽
	2		1 857 ₽
	3		1 260 ₽
	4		1,049 ₽
	5		649 ₽
The best hacksaws for aerated concrete	1		3 400 ₽
	2		1 080 ₽
	3		920 ₽
The best hacksaws for metal	1		2 850 ₽
	2		649 ₽
	3		1 390 ₽
Best drywall hacksaw	1		2 085 ₽
	2		1 625 ₽
	3		1,062 ₽

The best hacksaws for wood

It is better to choose a hacksaw for wood depending on the purpose. The saw is universal if it has a blade with a length of 450-500 mm with an average size of teeth. It is more convenient to cut the garden with a shortened bow or circular model. And only a long two-handed saw can handle logs. The experts have selected several quality products.

The Swedish Bahco 2600-16-XT11-HP hacksaw can handle different materials on a wooden base. The model of the universal type is designed for cross-cutting, although longitudinal cutting will also be possible in skilled hands. The experts praised the unusual geometry and long-lasting sharpness of the teeth, giving the model the first place in our rating. It should be noted the presence of a low-friction coating, it reduces friction during operation. This has a positive effect not only on the worker's fatigue, the canvas heats up less. In addition, the protective layer prevents corrosion. The handle has a two-component structure, it has a comfortable grip and reliable attachment to the canvas.

Users are particularly fond of the quality cut. The disadvantages include the blackening of the cut at the initial stage of application.

Dignity

• high quality;
• light weight (0.45 kg);
• comfortable handle;
• perfect cut.

disadvantages

• high price.

The Stanley 2-20-180 hacksaw was created especially for laminate flooring. The manufacturer made the blade from a high-strength quick cut. The latest heat treatment technology is used to harden the teeth. It allows you to withstand high loads without additional sharpening. At the same time, working with hand tools is quick and comfortable. The American hacksaw is light enough (0.46 kg), the blade length (450 mm) is enough for cross-cutting laminate and parquet boards. The tool is well held in the hand thanks to the ergonomic two-component handle.

Finishers praise the Stanley 2-20-180 hacksaw, highlighting the quality of the materials used and an even cut. In terms of cutting speed, a hand tool is not inferior to a jigsaw, winning in accuracy. The model is in the second position.

Dignity

• high-quality manufacturing;
• precise cut;
• unique hardening of teeth;
• long service life.

disadvantages

• high price.

The Fiskars 124810 bow saw is designed for pruning trees in the garden. The model has a collapsible design, the cutting blade can be changed quickly and without keys. The hacksaw is not very light (0.77 kg), so it will be tedious to cut branches with an outstretched arm. If necessary, you can help with the other hand by grasping the metal arch. For a comfortable grip, the manufacturer made special grooves for the fingers. The saw frame is protected from corrosion by a paint-and-lacquer coating. With a hacksaw length of 700 mm, it is optimal to work with branches with a diameter of 50-80 mm.

The users have no special complaints about the quality of the hacksaw, except that there is a slight shift of the canvas to the side. But the main problem for domestic owners is finding spare canvases. Therefore, the hacksaw ranks third in the ranking.

Dignity

• light weight;
• comfortable grip;
• compactness;
• high quality canvas.

disadvantages

• there are no spare canvases on sale.

The Gross 23100 circular hacksaw is capable of working with different materials. This is not only wood, composites (laminate, MDF, chipboard, etc.), but also various polymers (polyurethane, expanded polystyrene). The saw is designed by a renowned German manufacturer and manufactured in Taiwan. The main part of the product is a Japanese steel cutting blade. The teeth are 3D sharpened, so the cut is high quality and the cutting speed is high. A polymer coating is used to protect the canvas from rust. The grip is based on durable plastic, the grip has a special soft pad.

Many craftsmen have in their arsenal a circular saw Gross 23100. They note the lightness (0.188 kg) and compactness of the model. Only the performance of the hacksaw is severely limited. The model does not make it into the top three of the rating.

Dignity

• lightness and compactness;
• 3D teeth;
• affordable price;
• comfortable handle.

disadvantages

• low productivity.

The two-handed saw, which used to be in every home, today has become a real rarity. What should motivate the buyer to purchase the Zubr 1524-100? It's not just nostalgia or a desire to get in shape. First of all, the low price attracts. The second point that worries travelers, fishermen or hunters is its compact size and mobility. Removing a fallen tree from the road or preparing a few logs for the camp is as easy as two people. With the right skill, even one person can make a cut. The blade looks simple and practical, the sharp 2D teeth instantly dig into the wood.

The wooden handles are somewhat upsetting for fastidious users, for which it is inconvenient to hold the tool, as well as the working position during sawing. The product closes our rating.

Dignity

• compactness;
• practicality;
• low price.

disadvantages

• wooden handles;
• uncomfortable posture when cutting.

The best hacksaws for aerated concrete

Foam and aerated concrete blocks have become a popular building material for the construction of walls. Coarse-toothed hacksaws are used to cut the dense structure. The length of the blade varies in the range of 500-700 mm, the teeth must be tipped with carbide. Experts have identified several good models.

A necessary tool for a bricklayer is a hacksaw for aerated concrete. The IRWIN 10505549 saw is designed for long-term work with block materials. The safety margin is enough for the construction of several houses. The blade is 700 mm long and is made of 1 mm thick Swedish steel. The cutting part is made using TGT technology (triangular sharpening), every second tooth is carbide-soldered. For comfortable work of the operator, the manufacturer has equipped the hacksaw with a soft ergonomic handle. It is connected to the canvas using a screw fastening. During storage and transport, the blade is protected by an interactive case.

Users refer to the saw as one great asset. With its help, an accurate and smooth cut is possible, the tool has been serving for many years. The model ranks first in our ranking.

Dignity

• Swedish steel;
• carbide-tipped teeth;
• triangular sharpening;
• ergonomic handle.

disadvantages

• high price.

Decent quality at an affordable price allowed the Zubr 15157-70 hacksaw to take second place in the ranking. To work with hard material, the manufacturer has applied several new technologies. The steel sheet is protected from corrosion and mechanical stress by an anti-friction coating. Special large teeth are "VK8" carbide-tipped. To connect the carbide to steel, a special brazing technology was used. The blade is attached to the 2-piece handle with 3 screws. High impact plastic combined with a soft polymer pad. It is possible to store the hacksaw in a suspended position thanks to the hole in the edge of the blade.

The builders note the high-quality production of the saw, the reasonable price. But in order to get an even cut, it is necessary to adapt to the slipping of the blade.

Dignity

• carbide teeth;
• suspension hole;
• acceptable price.

disadvantages

• there is a shift of the canvas to the side.

At the most affordable price, the STAYER 2-15096 aerated concrete hacksaw is sold in the domestic market. The German-Chinese instrument is suitable for home craftsmen who build houses, garages and outbuildings with their own hands. Unlike the leaders in the rating, the model has a shorter steel blade (500 mm), protected by an anti-friction coating. Coarse teeth with carbide inserts are spaced 20 mm apart. The plastic handle has a rubberized insert, which makes the work comfortable. The hacksaw can be hung during storage thanks to the hole in the blade.

In the reviews, users consider the hacksaw to be the most suitable option for home construction. Only it is difficult to make longitudinal cuts because of the short blade.

Dignity

• low price;
• ergonomic handle;
• sharp carbide teeth.

disadvantages

• teeth quickly become blunt;
• short web.

The best hacksaws for metal

The narrow and thin blade of a hacksaw for metal is able to penetrate into the most inaccessible places where it is impossible to get close with a grinder. It will be easier to make cuts in different directions if you can turn the blade to the desired angle. Here are some effective tools.

A unique hacksaw for metal professionals is the Bahco 325. It has a sturdy aluminum frame with a spring tension mechanism. This design allows you to quickly and conveniently replace the hacksaw blade. After installation, the cutting element is centered, resulting in a perfect balance. The blade can be installed at an angle of 55 degrees. The manufacturer equips its product with a Sandflex bimetallic blade 300 mm long. Due to its high hardness, sharp sharpening remains for a long time.

The Bahco 325 hacksaw is considered by artisans to be the best tool for cutting metal. Experts highly appreciated the quality of the product, giving it the first place in our rating.

Dignity

• high quality;
• aluminum frame with spring mechanism;
• bimetallic blade;
• two cutting corners.

disadvantages

• high price.

The experts gave the second place in our rating to the Stanley 0-20-108 hacksaw-transformer. The manufacturer has developed a unique frame design that allows you to choose one of five configurations depending on the cutting conditions. With the help of a file, it is possible not only to saw metal workpieces, but also to align the edges. The blade can also be rotated 45 degrees. The basis of the hacksaw is a fiberglass-coated steel frame. It has a special compartment for storing the cutting blade. The tool can be held with both hands and one. A two-piece handle provides a comfortable hold.

The hacksaw has earned praise for its versatility and from consumers. Bright coloring is also a plus of the model. But the build quality does not allow the product to surpass the leader.

Dignity

• multifunctionality;
• ease of use;
• stylish design;
• strength.

disadvantages

• poor quality assembly;
• great weight.

A simple and affordable hacksaw Gross 77604 took third place in our rating. The model has a steel frame protected from corrosion by a paint-and-lacquer coating. The manufacturer has equipped his product with a lever mechanism, he is responsible for the maximum tension of the cutting blade. The blade can be rotated 45 and 90 degrees. The bimetallic blade is made of carbon steel, to which a fast cutting strip with teeth is welded. Thanks to the specially shaped grip and rubberized insert, it is convenient to hold the tool, reducing fatigue during long sawing.

Users in the reviews are flattering about the quality of the materials used, the reasonable price and the lever mechanism. But the quality of the canvas leaves much to be desired.

Dignity

• beautiful appearance;
• robust construction;
• comfortable to hold in hand;
• tension lever mechanism.

disadvantages

• the canvas wears out quickly.

Best drywall hacksaw

When cutting drywall, the hacksaw has to go through the paper structure, and then the gypsum. Therefore, the blade must not only be hard and sharp, but also have a certain configuration of teeth. A hacksaw with a classic shape is suitable for craftsmen, and for novice finishers it is better to use a compact and lightweight tool in the form of a knife. Experts advise paying attention to the following models.

The Stanley 2-20-149 hacksaw has a robust design. It is designed to make precise and even cuts in difficult materials such as gypsum boards and panels. For the manufacture of the blade, the manufacturer used high-strength high-speed steel U8A. Experts drew attention to the triangular sharpening of the teeth; for hardening, the cutting part was subjected to selective heat treatment. The handle not only has a comfortable shape and a pleasant to the touch surface. The angle between the cutting edge and the line of the worker's hand is very well chosen. The model becomes the winner of our rating.

Users have no complaints about the quality of the hacksaw. With its help, it is possible to smoothly and quickly make cuts in drywall.

Dignity

• triangular sharpening of teeth;
• convenience at work;
• two-piece handle;
• anti-friction coating.

disadvantages

• high price.

The Swedish plasterboard hacksaw is distinguished by a special configuration of the cutting part. First, there is a line of small teeth (GT geometry), and then several groups of teeth (4 each), alternating with depressions, follow. Thanks to this distribution of cutting elements, it was possible to increase the sawing efficiency due to the timely removal of chips and dust. The blade length is 600 mm, which is optimal for working with drywall. It is very convenient to work with the hacksaw, one of the reasons for the comfort is the two-component handle.

Many finishers use the Swedish hacksaw, praising the quality of the workmanship and the efficiency of the application. Serious problems arise only with the sharpening of the blade. The experts gave the instrument the second place in the rating.

Dignity

• unique configuration of the cutting part;
• two-component handle;
• durable canvas;
• efficient sawing.

disadvantages

• complex sharpening.

The most compact and convenient tool for cutting drywall is the IRWIN 10505705 hacksaw. The American manufacturer made it in the form of a large knife, the blade of which has teeth. The total length of the model is 345 mm, of which 150 mm falls on the blade. In addition to drywall, the tool copes well with wood and plastic, which makes it versatile. The blade is made of strong steel and is tapered towards the end. This shape allows the craftsman to cut different shapes. The lightweight hacksaw (0.13 kg) is easy to hold in your hand thanks to the two-component handle.

Many users rave about the compactness and lightness of the hacksaw. It has an affordable price and does not interfere during work. The disadvantages include low performance when executing large-scale projects.

Dignity

• compactness and lightness;
• narrow blade;
• low price;
• comfortable handle.

disadvantages

• poor performance.

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

In the arsenal of a home craftsman, there is always a functional and easy-to-use circular electric saw. But there are situations when you need to saw off a part and perform a small amount of woodwork, but there is no time or desire to unfold and connect the unit. In these cases, a hacksaw is excellent. But we will consider in more detail how to choose a hand saw for wood, so that it is convenient to use and easily “gnaws” any wood species.

• Parameters of teeth on the blade
• Types of hand saws for wood
• Option # 1 - narrow
• Option # 2 - regular
• Option # 3 - with backing
• Option # 4 - bow
• Tool recommendations

Tool specifications

The saw is rightfully considered the ancestor of a large family of hand tools. Since the creation of the first type of tool from iron, the saw has undergone many changes, having managed to acquire numerous "sisters" capable of performing dozens of jobs.

In the household, it is impossible to do without "toothy helpers": they are indispensable when pruning a garden, small carpentry and joinery

Hand saws for wood differ in many ways: blade size, steel grade, tooth shape, handle design. Let's dwell on each parameter in more detail.

How should a hacksaw blade look like?

The main part of the tool is a hacksaw blade. The first thing to look for when choosing a product is the length of the canvas. The possibilities of its application largely depend on this parameter. At the same time, the longer the blade, the more spring it is, which also complicates the process, especially when working with hard wood species such as ash, maple or oak.

Long stroke allows less effort when sawing, since more teeth are cut in one stroke

For sawing small elements such as plinths, bars or narrow slats, you can do with a hacksaw with a blade length of 25-30 cm.When planning to use the tool for more serious construction work, choose a product with a blade of 45-50 cm.

When determining the length of the hacksaw blade, be guided by the rule that the length of the saw is 2 times the diameter of the processed elements. If you do not follow this recommendation, you will only complicate your work. The teeth of a short hacksaw will seize inside the wood, and each will have to make a lot of effort to advance the tool to free the sawdust. Uncomfortable work will cause premature fatigue.

Traditionally, the width of the fabric of the product varies in the range of 10-20 cm. Models with a narrower fabric are not allowed for technical reasons, since they fail at the slightest bend. But it should be borne in mind that too wide canvases are inconvenient for manual work.

Of no small importance is the material for making the canvas, which is most often the role of alloy steel, as well as its degree of hardening.

Tool alloy steel with a high silicon and carbon content is used for hacksaws:

• 65G, 60 C2A;
• 8 HF, 9 HF, 9 XC;
• U7, U7A, U8, U8A, U8G, U8GA, U9A, U10

Metal hardening is carried out due to the action of an alternating magnetic field on it, in which a high-frequency electric current appears. Spreading over the surface, it heats up the surface layer of the metal, which is quenched after cooling.

The standard parameter is considered to be the hardness of the metal at 45 HRC, but it is still preferable to choose products, the hardness of the fabric of which is 55-60 HRC. A hacksaw with a blade of high hardness will have sufficient flexibility, but at the same time high stability of the teeth. On visual inspection, such a tool can be identified by the darkish shade of sharpened teeth.

Parameters of teeth on the blade

The determining indicator of the productivity of the tool and the accuracy of cutting wood is the size of the teeth.

The teeth of a hacksaw for woodworking have a double function: they cut the wood and at the same time remove the sawdust

Cutting accuracy is determined by the TPI, the number of teeth per inch.

There is an inverse relationship between these technical parameters:

• blades with large teeth set a high speed of work, but the saw cut is rough and sloppy;
• Fine-toothed hacksaws guarantee a clean and precise cut, but at a relatively low working speed.

When determining the required size of the teeth, you should be guided by the type of material to be processed. For example, for work with chipboard, where high cutting accuracy is required, choose a tool with a high TPI 7-9, and for sawing logs and work in the garden, where the cleanliness of the cut is not so important - TPI 3-6.

When choosing the optimal hacksaw option, be guided by the rule that the minimum log thickness should in any case be greater than the pitch of three teeth

If we compare a hardened and a regular tooth, the difference is that in the first version, subject to domestic use, the product does not dull for a long time. But a hacksaw with a hardened tooth cannot be re-sharpened. When it starts to cut badly, you just have to throw it away.

A regular tooth lends itself to sharpening. It can be periodically performed using a special file marked with an accident (for sharpening saws). To sharpen the blade, it is enough to perform a few movements on each tooth.

Depending on the type of teeth used, there are three types of hand saws:

For rip sawing. The products are equipped with teeth in the form of an oblique triangle and look like hooks. The tool allows you to cut wood along the grain. Such saws are sharpened on both sides of the tooth, due to which they are able to cut both when going forward and in the opposite direction.

For cross cutting. The teeth of the instruments are made in the form of isosceles triangles. This design makes it easy to saw the material both when the cutting edge is carried forward and backward. But this type of tooth is only suitable for working with dry pieces, not fresh wood.

For mixed sawing. The products have a combined composition, in which triangular edges are combined with slightly elongated semicircular notches. This solution allows, when the hand moves forward, the semicircular teeth perform a guiding cut, and when returning, it expands the channel in triangular shape, removing chips and sawdust from it.

Some types of modern tools are equipped with teeth that are trapezoidal. This solution allows you to make the blade more durable and wear-resistant.

But it should be borne in mind that sharpening such a blade is very problematic, since it is difficult for trapezoidal teeth to give the desired shape. This significantly reduces the service life of the product, after which it is necessary to change the blade or purchase a new tool.

For cutting fresh branches, it is more convenient to use blades equipped with triangular teeth, processed with parallel sharpening, in which each element is sharpened only on one side and in a staggered manner

Often on the market you can find a modernized type of hacksaws.

Upgraded hacksaws are easy to distinguish by groups of teeth located on the blade, between which the gaps are clearly visible

Modernized hand saws are effective for cutting raw wood. Wet chips through the gaps between the teeth in the process of cutting easily come out of the cut, without hindering the movement of the tool.

Types of hand saws for wood

Option # 1 - narrow

A small, narrow saw is a design that consists of a straight, flat blade and a handle. She performs delicate work: through cuts, cut out curved parts.

This type of tool is designed for sawing wooden blanks, the thickness of which does not exceed 8-10 cm, sawing small branches and small work in the garden

In the manufacture of narrow models, manufacturers install blades with triangular double-sided teeth, or with parallel sharpening. The disadvantage of the tool is that when pressed during operation, the blade can deviate from a given direction.

Option # 2 - regular

A standard hand saw can be equipped with any type of teeth and is often equipped with replaceable blades of various types and designs.

To be able to saw off workpieces at a certain angle using a standard hand saw, you have to purchase special miter boxes

But despite the declared versatility of their use, it is not advisable to use saws of this type in the manufacture of furniture.

Option # 3 - with backing

Both narrow and conventional saw blades tend to bend as the material becomes stiffer. In these cases, it is effective to use canvases equipped with a backing, which acts as a kind of stiffening rib.

Hand saws equipped with a back are designed to create shallow cuts in a wooden surface of any thickness

The backing prevents the saw from making a cut deeper than the width of the blade, since it prevents the blade from going further into the tree.

Option # 4 - bow

Bow-type saws are more bulky devices that act as an analogue of a jigsaw.

The main purpose of this type of saw is to create an accurate cut when working with surfaces located at any angle.

Due to the solidity of the design and the threaded connections of the handles, the bow-type saws are able to easily overcome knots, cutting along radii and curved patterns.

Depending on the purpose and design of the saw, there may be:

• swinging - for longitudinal cutting;
• transverse - for sawing blanks across the wood fiber;
• circular - for cutting holes, making rounding and curly sawing;
• thorns - for cutting connecting spikes, as well as cutting out simple geometric shapes on the workpiece.

Only with an onion-type hacksaw can you cut the material up and down, sawing workpieces with complex lines and performing the work alone without involving an assistant.

The procedure for choosing a hand saw for wood is quite simple:

Determine the purpose for which the tool will be used. For carpentry work, choose products with fine teeth, which provide high cutting accuracy, for carpentry work, choose blades with coarse teeth.

Application frequency. If the hand saw will only be used for one-off work, choose a tool with hardened teeth. The service life of this type of product is quite large. In addition, you do not have to worry about sharpening and setting the teeth during operation.

Uniformity of the web. As you inspect the tool, try to gently bend the blade to a 30-45 ° angle and then release it. Re-inspect the blade: the slightest deviation at the bend point, even within 2 mm, indicates poor metal quality.

Product cost. As with the choice of other tools, keep in mind that high-quality models from leading brands are always much more expensive than consumer goods. This overpayment acts as a kind of guarantee for the durability and durability of the saw. But for one-time work, it makes no sense to spend money on an expensive tool.

Conventional handles are made of plastic. Prefabricated plastic handles made of two halves are not rigid enough. It is much more convenient to work with a tool with a one-piece handle, which is equipped with a rubberized pad for fingers. The presence of a rubber insert allows for a tighter grip, preventing the formation of calluses on the palm.

Pay attention to the design of the tool handle: it is desirable that it has an ergonomic shape that allows you to correctly transfer force to the blade

On sale there are products with standard and crossover handles. The second option is convenient in that it allows, if necessary, to replace the worn-out canvas with a new one.

Keep in mind that not all hand saws are sold already sharpened. And this seemingly trifle largely determines how soon you can start working.

There are many companies that make hacksaws on the market. Judging by the reviews, they have proven themselves well: the Zubr hacksaw of domestic production, Gross Piranha of joint German-Chinese cooperation, Irwin Xpert made in the USA. They are famous for their decent quality at a low price, which ranges from 10-20 USD.

Finally, we suggest you watch a video with tips for choosing:

Related Posts

Until now, there is no such tool as a hacksaw for wood, or when working with it you experience a lot of inconvenience, it's time to fix the situation and get a good saw, having understood in detail all the characteristics of the tool.

Hacksaws for wood differ in the size of the blade, steel grade, the shape of the teeth and the handle. Now in more detail about each aspect.

Blade characteristics: length, width, hardness

Particular attention should be paid to the hacksaw blade. The cutting capabilities of the saw itself depend on its quality characteristics. If the blade is long, then when sawing hard wood: oak, ash or maple, difficulties will arise, since the blade will spring, which will require more effort to get the job done.

When it is necessary to perform work on sawing small elements: baseboards, slats, then a blade length of up to 30 cm will be sufficient.To sawing thicker bars or even logs, you will need a tool with a cutting length of at least 45 cm.

Here is the simplest rule for determining the optimal length of the blade, which will allow you to minimize the effort spent when cutting: the length of the cutting part should be twice the thickness of the part to be cut. A hacksaw that is too short will constantly get stuck inside the piece being cut, and you will quickly get tired.

As for the width of the canvas, then we choose the golden mean. If it is too narrow, then there is a risk of breaking the tool during its bending, and when working with a blade that is too wide, inconvenience will arise. The width should be between 10 and 20 cm.

The hacksaw blade is made of tool alloy steel, grade U10, U8GA, U8G, U8A, U8, U7A, U7, 9 XC, 8 HF, 9 HF, U9A, 60 C2A, 65G.

The admissible parameters of the hardness of the alloy of the cutting part of the saw are considered to be 45. But still, choose a blade that has large parameters in terms of hardness: 55-60 HRC. Such a tool has the necessary flexibility and at the same time strong teeth. These teeth have a characteristic darkish tint.

Determine by teeth

We are interested in the dimensions of the teeth. There is such a coefficient: "TPI" (the number of teeth of the blade per inch). For example, to work with chipboard, the TPI should be around 7-9 (meaning 7-9 teeth per inch). If the work is mainly gardening: sawing logs, branches, then rarer teeth are also suitable - from 3 to 6 teeth per inch.

Saw blades with sparse and large "teeth" can set a high cutting speed, however, at the same time, the cut will be chipped. The blade, where the number of teeth is larger and their size is smaller, on the contrary, leaves behind a clean cut, without burrs, but the working speed is quite low.

Don't be too quick to conclude that the best wood saws have hardened teeth. Indeed, at home, the use of such a tool for a long time does not lead to tooth wear. However, it will no longer be possible to sharpen them again. When the teeth become dull, the tool will only have to be thrown away.

But you can sharpen an ordinary, non-heat-treated tooth. To sharpen a saw, it is enough to take a special file marked with an abbreviation of three letters: accident (for turning saws), and walk it over each tooth.

Video: saw sharpening technique

There are several types of hacksaws:

• Longitudinal. Has an oblique tooth. Seen from the side, it looks like a hook. They are used when sawing large wooden elements along the fibers. The tooth in such saws is sharpened on both sides, which makes it possible to cut not only in one direction.
• Transverse. Has a tooth in the shape of an isosceles triangle. Double-sided sharpening. This makes it possible to cut in two directions. Suitable for sawing only dry wood.
• For mixed sawing. It has triangular teeth, alternating with elongated, semicircular teeth. This shape of the edge of the blade allows you to effectively cut with semicircular teeth when moving forward, while triangular teeth when moving backward expand the cutting groove, while removing the sawdust and shavings formed at the cutting site. Designed for infrequent use.
• Trapezoidal. Has three cutting edges. Sawing manually with this type of teeth is a pleasure - effortless, quick and easy. However, sharpening this type of tooth is very difficult, and in some cases even impossible.
• Upgraded. The teeth are located on the edge of the blade in groups, with characteristic gaps between them. They are used when sawing raw wood. The gaps between the groups of teeth allow wet chips to easily exit the cutting area without clogging the cutting edge.

The following types of hacksaws can be distinguished:

	Narrow. Designed for smaller jobs: cutting curved wood elements no more than 8-10 cm thick. Very convenient for gardening to remove small branches.
	Regular. On a canvas of this type, different types of teeth, both modernized and trapezoidal, can be present. Convenience is that the canvases are replaceable. However, due to inaccurate cutting, it is not recommended to use it in the manufacture of wooden structures.
	With an obushkom. This cutting tool received this name because of the characteristic stiffening rib that runs along the edge of the upper part of the blade. This allows you to avoid unwanted bending of the cutting part of the hacksaw during work. They are used in works where it is necessary to make shallow and accurate cuts in the workpiece.
	Luchkovaya. It is somewhat reminiscent of a jigsaw, with which it is possible to easily make a curvilinear and accurate cut, even in the presence of knots.

Also saws are:

• Sweeping. Used for ripping.
• Transverse. Used for cross cut.
• Circumferential. Used when making holes, curved sawing.
• Spike. Used to cut connecting tenons.

The most popular among tourists is the folding saw. It looks like a large folding knife with a serrated blade snapped into the handle. Firstly, there is no need for a special cover, and, secondly, such a saw takes up little space. Such folding saws are able to cut a tree trunk up to 14 cm, which makes it an indispensable tool on long hikes.

So, we examined the main types of hacksaws for wood: in their purpose and characteristics, they are very different from each other. Therefore, before buying a tool of one type or another, ask yourself a few questions:

1. For what purpose. If for carpentry work, then the blade should be with a fine tooth. If you do carpentry - with a large one.
2. How often will it be applied. If from time to time, it is better to take with a hardened tooth.
3. What is the quality of the metal. Bend the canvas at an angle of 30–45º, then let it flatten again. If after that it visually did not return to its original position, then the quality of the metal of the cutting part of the hacksaw leaves much to be desired.
4. What is the price. If the product is expensive, then it is not consumer goods. It is better to pay for durability and durability than to simply throw away the saw, and with it the money. However, for infrequent use, you can take a cheaper tool.

The tool handle should also not be forgotten when choosing a saw. It is better to buy a tool with a solid handle, where, as a rule, there is a rubberized insert for the fingers. These rubber pads allow for a tighter grip with the hand, which will save you from the appearance of calluses.

Video: technical characteristics of hacksaws for wood