15 best hacksaws – rating 2021

The best hacksaws for metal

To cut metal, it is necessary to use the thinnest cutting blade, with a large number of small teeth with three-sided sharpening. Hacksaws rarely have a one-piece design, since the life of the blade is very short, and it has to be changed often. The best hacksaw for metal is a combination of high-quality cutting blade and holder. It should be understood that cutting metal is very difficult, and the better the holder is made, the faster the process will go.

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 for pruning the garden, small carpentry and joinery work

Hand saws for wood differ from each other 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 be?

The main part of the tool is a hacksaw blade. The first thing you should pay attention to 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 springy it is, which also complicates the process, especially when working with hardwoods such as ash, maple or oak.

The long stroke makes it possible to apply less effort when sawing, since a large number of teeth are cut in one stroke.

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

When determining the length of the hacksaw blade, follow the rule that the length of the saw exceeds the diameter of the processed elements by 2 times. If you do not follow this recommendation, you will only complicate your work. The teeth of a short hacksaw will stick inside the wood, and everyone will have to make a lot of effort in order to advance the tool to free it from 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 of manufacture of the blade, which is most often alloyed steel, as well as its degree of hardening.

For hacksaws, tool alloy steel with a high content of silicon and carbon grades is used:

• 65G, 60 S2A;
• 8 HF, 9 HF, 9 HS;
• U7, U7A, U8, U8A, U8G, U8GA, U9A, U10

Hardening of the metal is carried out by exposing it to an alternating magnetic field, in which a high-frequency electric current appears. Spreading over the surface, it heats the surface layer of the metal, which hardens after cooling.

The standard parameter is the metal hardness of 45 HRC, but it is still preferable to choose products whose web hardness is 55-60 HRC. A hacksaw with a high hardness blade will have sufficient flexibility, but at the same time high tooth stability. With an external examination, such a tool can be identified by the darkish shade of sharpened teeth.

Blade tooth parameters

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

The teeth of a hacksaw for woodworking perform a dual function: they cut wood and simultaneously remove sawdust

Sawing accuracy is determined by the “TPI” indicator – the number of teeth per inch.

There is an inverse relationship between these technical parameters:

• canvases with large teeth set a high speed of work, but the saw cut turns out to be rough and sloppy;
• hacksaws with fine teeth guarantee a clean and precise cut, but at a relatively slow working speed.

When determining the required tooth size, one should be guided by the type of material being processed. For example, for work with chipboard, where high precision of the cut is required, choose a tool with a high TPI of 7-9, and for sawing logs and gardening, where the cleanliness of the cut is not so essential, choose a TPI of 3-6.

When choosing the best hacksaw option, follow the rule that the minimum log thickness should in any case be more than a three-tooth pitch

If we compare a hardened and ordinary tooth, then the difference lies in the fact that in the first variant, subject to domestic use, the product does not dull for a long time. But a hacksaw with a hardened tooth can no longer be sharpened again. When she starts to cut badly, she will just have to be thrown away.

A normal tooth can be sharpened. Periodically, it can be performed using a special file marked with an accident (for sharpening saws). To sharpen the blade, it is enough to perform several movements on each tooth.

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

1. For longitudinal sawing. 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 have sharpening on both sides of the tooth, due to which they are able to cut both when passing forward and in the opposite direction.
2. For cross cutting. The teeth of the tools are made in the form of isosceles triangles. This design makes it easy to saw through the material both when the cutting edge is drawn forward and in the opposite direction. But this type of tooth is only suitable for working with dry blanks, but not fresh wood.
3. For mixed sawing. Products have a combined composition in which triangular edges are combined with slightly elongated semicircular notches. This solution allows, when moving the hand forward, semicircular teeth to perform a guide cut, and when returning, to expand the channel with triangular ones, removing chips and sawdust from it.

Some types of modern tools are equipped with teeth that are made in the shape of a trapezoid. This solution allows you to make the canvas 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 sawing fresh branches, it is more convenient to use blades equipped with triangular teeth processed by parallel sharpening, in which each element is sharpened only on one side and in a checkerboard pattern

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

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

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

The best custom hacksaws

Non-standard hacksaws can cut not only metal or wood, but also other materials such as laminate or foam concrete. The difference lies not only in the shape and configuration of the blade, but also in the formatter of the saw itself. For example, a triangular blade with a very small and very frequent tooth is used to cut a laminate. This allows you to cut without chips and other errors. There are also more exotic tools, for example, designed specifically for cutting branches from trees. There are quite a lot of similar designs on the market, so we settled on the five most interesting options.

Web material

The most common material is steel, but it is also divided into types:

• Carbon steel is an alloy composed almost entirely of iron with the addition of carbon. It is not hard and cheap, can be sharpened.
• High-alloy steel: here, additives can make up to 50% of the entire alloy, such a blade will last much longer than the rest, but you can’t even call such a cheap hacksaw.
• High speed steel: heat-resistant, very strong and, compared to other types, cuts faster. Most often, in hardware stores you can find hacksaws with just such a canvas.

Reliable ZUBR 4-15178 330 mm

The tool allows you to cut wood of medium thickness. A metal sheet 330 mm long can move in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Teeth made of tool steel with a size of 3-4 mm and a pitch of 3.5 mm have a trihedral sharpening.

The cut is made quickly and smoothly. The design of the handle allows you to change the angle of fixation.

Reviews

The tool works well. Easy to cut forward and backward. Not suitable for cutting synthetic materials.

Pros:

• sawing forward and backward;
• trihedral sharpening;
• hardened teeth;
• steel handle;
• the ability to change the angles of fixation of the handle;
• long service life.

Minuses:

• no interchangeable sheets;
• do not cut plastic and other synthetic materials;
• no cover.

BAHCO Superior 2600-16-XT11-HP 400 mm for universal work

The hacksaw is comfortable and functional. It is designed to perform a wide range of tasks. With its help, you can saw wood, plywood, hardboard and even chipboard. The length of the steel blade is 400 mm. Teeth with a size of 7-8 mm and the same pitch are made using a special type of hardening. Their shape is triangular, which allows them to maintain their sharpness for a long time (sharpening is not required for several years, even with frequent use).

The handle is made of plastic with the addition of rubber, so the palm does not slip during operation. Feature of the tool: the handle allows you to mark the corners at 45 and 90 degrees. The canvas is coated with a special composition that prevents the formation of corrosion processes.

Reviews

The convenience of working with different materials, including plywood, is noted. Easy move – when pressed normally, the blade does not deviate from the specified direction.

Pros:

• increased reliability and durability of sharpening;
• the ability to mark corners;
• special trihedral sharpening of cloves;
• sheet protective coating.

Minuses:

• high cost of replacement sheets.

STANLEY FatMax 2-20-528 380 mm with special handle

The hacksaw is designed for woodworking only. The length of the canvas is 380 mm. The handle is reinforced with aluminium. Also, its shape resembles a palm, making it convenient to hold the tool in your hand. The canvas is made of strong steel. Corrosion is prevented by a special coating. The tool can be used in the country or at home, in production. Teeth with a size and a pitch of 7-8 mm are hardened and have a trihedral sharpening.

The tool is suitable for professionals, but it will be useful for beginners as well.

Reviews

The hacksaw moves easily and quickly during sawing, the teeth do not get stuck, as friction is reduced. Safe to use, you can cut wood in the longitudinal and transverse direction.

Pros:

• the handle is reinforced with aluminum;
• trihedral sharpening of teeth;
• resistance to friction and wear;
• anti-corrosion coating;
• on the handle there is a marking that allows you to measure angles of 45 and 90 degrees;
• protective cover included;
• hard canvas.

Minuses:

Vira 801300 300 mm for beginners

The hacksaw is intended for work on dry wood. The model belongs to durable, convenient and reliable garden tools, allows you to quickly cut knots, harvest wood for a fire or fireplace. The size of the teeth is 10-11, the pitch is 11 mm. The length of the canvas is 300 mm.

An affordable tool of excellent quality is suitable for solving everyday problems in the country and in the countryside.

Reviews

The owners point out that in everyday life the tool is quite durable. Allows for fast rip cuts. The handle is ergonomic, hands do not slip, as rubber is applied on top. I like a strong steel blade, a good and smooth ride. Suitable for dry wood only.

Pros:

• affordable cost;
• easy movement during sawing;
• steel sheet;
• ergonomic handle design.

Minuses:

• works only with dry wood;
• there is no trihedral sharpening and no coating of the blade with an anti-corrosion layer.

Electric saws

Criteria for the right choice of electric saws

To obtain the desired result in the work of a power tool, it is necessary to provide:

• weight – stationary or dynamic work ahead;
• ease of use;
• power – especially important for large diameter cuts and durable materials;
• the ability to work from a battery, preferably with an indication and a quick charge function;
• cutting depth;
• canvas material,
• teeth – type, pitch;
• maintaining the frequency under load;
• replacement consumables;
• ergonomics.

The number of blades varies from one to two. A pair of blades is considered the most powerful equipment of the device; in the case of oncoming movement, vibration is damped and sawing cleanliness increases.

For volumetric cuts (brickwork, aerated concrete), a tool with a drive of 1 kilowatt or more is intended.

When making cuts on various materials, you should pay attention to the keyless replacement function.

With different thicknesses of the processed canvases, it is necessary to adjust the sawing depth. This function will increase the wear resistance and guarantee the accuracy of the cut.

The pendulum stroke can be turned off to reduce vibration and increase the quality of the cut, not every model “boasts” of such an opportunity.

It is not difficult to check the compliance of quality and price in a particular category by tracking test demos and reading reviews.

Do not overload a low-power electrical appliance with excessive amounts of work, in order to avoid failure of cutting blades and motors.

The stroke frequency characterizes the movement of the saw blade in its translational-rotational direction. A powerful model can “give out” 3000 strokes per minute. The adjustment function is a big plus, guaranteeing the optimal mode for each individual material.

A good specialist knows that the maximum load on the electrical appliance occurs at the moment the tool is turned on and off. The soft start function smoothes the starting current, which, with a power of 1600 W, ensures a uniform start to work.

Teeth, in the amount of 12-14 per inch, are suitable for cutting metal, metal pipes. 18 teeth per inch is required to cut through cast iron.

The ten-tooth rig is used for woodworking.

Sales leaders

Makita (Japan)

• universal model for working in narrow spaces, due to the longitudinal arrangement of the gearbox in conjunction with a narrow canvas;
• AVT technology dampens vibration with a counterweight.

DeWalt (USA)

• high engine power;
• housing made of high-tech plastic processing.

Metabo (Germany)

• vibration suppression by means of the Metabo VibroTech mass compensator;
• Vario-Constamatic adjusts the number of revolutions according to the proposed load;
• an extended list of possible jobs thanks to the saw blade program.

Bosch (Germany)

• vibration control;
• lack of openings on the front of the case to contain dust;
• ergonomics;
• good value for money.

Gross Piranha 24119 550mm Japanese Steel

Lightweight and compact tool for sawing wood and synthetic materials. The teeth are made using laser technology, taking into account international standards, so sharpening lasts for a long time. The size and pitch are 7-8 mm. Steel sheet, length – 550 mm.

The handle does not slip, as it is made of plastic and additionally rubberized. The movement of the tool is light and smooth. There is no deviation from the specified direction of the blade. Durability is also ensured by special high-carbon Japanese steel.

Lightweight and durable hacksaw designed for a wide range of work with various materials.

Reviews

The tool cuts wood, laminate and synthetic materials with ease. Long service life even with increased daily loads.

Pros:

• the working edge of the blade has a segmented structure (the size and shape of the teeth alternate);
• you can work with wood of varying degrees of humidity;
• the canvas is solid and durable;
• Includes a plastic protective cover.
• low chance of tooth chipping.

Minuses:

• storage case not included.