By Even though you’re probably not going to use a hacksaw every day, it is still a must-have of every DIY toolkit. Most of the time it just knocks around at the bottom of your box, rarely used, and only pops out occasionally to disappear again. However, any DIY enthusiast who likes these kinds of projects simply can’t do without it, as even though a hacksaw is not the most popular choice of tool, there are many jobs you come across where it is the perfect option.
However, before you buy a hacksaw, it is vital to invest some time into learning the basics. There are many features that define a good hacksaw, and not all of them suit for certain types of jobs. Knowing the difference between hacksaws helps you avoid errors and low-quality tools. Read on to be able to shop with confidence and find exactly what you need. Besides, we found the best hacksaws on the market that deliver what they promise.
What About Bigger Hacksaws?
Hacksaws are the type of saws that are specifically designed for cutting metal, and sometimes, plastic. You have probably seen large hacksaws because they are an absolute must in all DIY toolboxes. There are also angle grinders and power saws that can do what traditional hacksaws cannot. So, if there are so many hacksaws on the market, why do you even need a hacksaw?
The simple answer is since hacksaws are small, they are also very accurate and precise, and take no room in a toolbox. With a hacksaw, you can carry out jobs that bigger hacksaws cannot handle. Hacksaws can punch above their weight, so why taking a larger hacksaw when your little tool is waiting for you?
What A Hacksaw Can Do
Here are the most common types of jobs that may not be frequent, but will always get you reaching for your hacksaw.
Cutting a door threshold strip
Every time you need to cut a door threshold strip to size, you need to use your hacksaw.
Cutting down metal spindles
When you need to fit a door with new handles, the new handle always comes with a spindle. The spindle is the bar that connects two handles. Most of the time, the spindle is just too long for your door, and you cannot use the old spindle with the new handles because they are always of a different size. Of course, you can get a large hacksaw to cut them down, but it is much more convenient to get your hacksaw out of the toolbox.
Cutting through a copper pipe
As a rule of thumb, the best tools for cutting down copper pipes are pipe slices and cutters. However, sometimes you need to cut down a pipe in a very tight space, and pipe slices simply wouldn’t fit, so the only tool that can help you is your hacksaw.
Cutting a door threshold
With a hacksaw, you won’t have problems cutting wooden, plastic or metal threshold. And precise cutting is important here because it is a finishing touch to a new floor. A hacksaw ensures the best finish.
Cutting curtain tracks
Hacksaws are the best tool for cutting a certain track to a proper length before fixing it. Unlike heavier hacksaws that require a lot of strength, with a smaller saw you will finish the task in minutes.
Cutting roller blinds to size
Speaking of curtains, whether you have a wooden dowel or a metal tubing, you should use a hacksaw to precisely cut the roller section to the proper length.
Draught excluders
Whether you have plastic, metal or wooden draught excluders, you should use a hacksaw to cut them to a proper size.
How To Choose the Best Hacksaw for Your Need
You may think that all hacksaws are well made, inexpensive and simple, and the one you have bought is everything that you will ever need. However, many hacksaws break too quickly and can’t do the job. As ridiculous as it sounds, some manufacturers just over-engineer them. Now you can find hacksaws with ergonomic handles, pistol-type grips, special screws for tightening tension, and so on. All of these features, even though they can be convenient, are not necessary. Most importantly, the hacksaw should be made of quality materials.
As simple as it sounds, you can never go wrong with a simple metal frame design. Changing blades is really simple, and metal parts rarely break (blades still break, of course, but blades are inexpensive). We recommend choosing quality metal frame hacksaw, with hardened steel blades and that’s all you need.
Blade
Like a blade on any other hacksaw, you can quickly change blades on a hacksaw. However, hacksaw blades are much smaller and thinner, thus they break down more often. The typical blade is approximately 5.9″. If you take a closer look at the blade, you will find two small pins, one on either end of the blade. They are necessary to change blades. They also hold a blade in the frame.
Cutting stroke
Hacksaw blades have small teeth that cut less material with each stroke. The teeth have shallow gullets which means the cutting will take a longer time, but you will have more control over the direction and depth of each cut. As a result, you get a more accurate finish compared to bigger hacksaws. If you turn your hacksaw on one side, you will also find that the teeth a set in a wavy line.
A hacksaw does push strokes, which means that you should always place the blade in the frame with the teeth pointing away from a hacksaw’s handle.
Teeth form
As we said, the teeth on a quality hacksaw are in a wavy line. Professionals say that it is necessary to make cuts that are wider than the blade. If your hacksaw doesn’t have this teeth form, it will be stuck in the material.
Types of Material You Are Going To Cut
If you don’t know how to choose a blade for a material you’re going to cut, get a blade with 18 teeth per inch if you’re going to cut soft metal and plastic. If you’re going to cut steel, choose blades with 20-30 teeth per inch. The higher this number, the slower the hacksaw will cut, but the more precise finish you will get.
Hacksaw Handle
Most hacksaws have a straight handle and we think it is the most convenient. It is a perfect handle for delicate work, which is the type of job you often need a small saw for. The straight handle can be conveniently turned in the user’s hand, meaning you have complete control over the cuts you’re making.
You will not use a hacksaw for aggressive cutting, thus you won’t apply aggressive force to the saw and a curvy handle is unnecessary.
Eclipse 70-14J Hacksaw
This hacksaw features a high-quality epoxy coated steel frame with a 32 TPI blade. The hacksaw is great for cutting steel and tubing which is less than 1/8″ thick. The blade is made of quality spring steel and has milled teeth for greater precision. With this saw, you’re sure to get high cutting accuracy. Besides, blades will serve you longer.
This is a small tool that is perfect for cutting metal and plastic. With its simplicity, durability, and convenience, this hacksaw will be waiting for you in your toolbox to handle all kinds of different jobs.
Things We Like
- Epoxy coated steel frame
- High quality
- Spring steel blade
- 32 TPI cutting blade
- Precision-milled teeth
Things We Don’t Like
It is a bit harder to change blades compared to other hacksaws in the list
Michigan Junior Hacksaw
This is a modern hacksaw that features a frame made of durable zinc-plated steel and a pistol-grip styled, ergonomic handle. The handle also has the nut to replace and tension the blade. This hacksaw comes with the 32 TPI blade. This hacksaw is perfect for beginners and hobbyists, while the previous model is better for professionals and regular use.
This unusually rigid handsaw has a grip made of plastic (thus it will last less than the metal handle, but the price is also cheaper). The hacksaw has a rectangular-section bow made of galvanized steel. The pins are inserted into special slots so you can change tension within a minute.
The depth of the bow allows for 68mm deep cuts. You can use this hacksaw for a variety of tasks and it will earn its place in your toolbox. You can also get special blades (purchased separately) for metal and wood.
Things We Like
- Uni-Steel Frame
- Small Size
- Lightweight
- Comes with 6 24 teeth per inch blades
Things We Don’t Like
The plastic handle isn’t for professional use
Pro-Grade 31910 Mini Hacksaw
This mini hacksaw is specifically designed for small projects in different materials, including metal, wood, and plastic. You can easily insert saw blades into the slots in the frame using pins and then tension it.
With the pin system, you can ensure high tension for precise tracking of your cuts. The blades that come with a hacksaw are very sharp, with hardened teeth. The hacksaw is made of quality materials and is definitely worth the price. And did we mention that it comes with a lifetime warranty?
Things We Like
- 6 blade angle settings
- Sturdy construction
- Increased stability & strength
- Lifetime Warranty
- Perfect for cutting plastic, metal, and wood
Things We Don’t Like
Not for HSS steel
BAHCO 268 Mini Hacksaw
The length of the blade is 6 inches; it is smaller than other hacksaw blades listed here. This model features a solid steel frame and chrome filled handle fitted with fiberglass to ensure maximum comfort and good grip.
The hacksaw comes with a shatterproof and reliable 10-inch metal blade with 22 teeth/inch. It also has a simple blade tensioning screw for your convenience.
With the adjuster nut and 32 TPI blade, it is a sturdy little tool that will serve you for many years.
Things We Like
- Supplied with a quality blade
- Made of quality materials
- Small and lightweight
Things We Don’t Like
The handle is not solid
Stanley Junior Hacksaw
This is a handy hacksaw. It delivers maximum comfort for the most accurate cut. Robust and lightweight, it features a steel frame, molded handle, and lower blade tensioner. You can easily change the blade using a lever that is incorporated in the handle. The throat is deep enough for good work capacity.
The hacksaw comes with a blade that can cut through plastics, metals, and pipes. This simple yet durable hacksaw is a must-have for your toolbox.
Things We Like
- Molded grip handle
- Square steel frame
- Quick blade changing
- Lower blade tensioner
- Deep throat
Things We Don’t Like
The finish makes it look cheaper
Am-Tech Junior Hacksaw
Am-Tech produces quality hand tools offering comprehensive products for professionals and hobbyists alike. This hacksaw is not an exception. It is made of quality aluminum and the blade is made of steel. The hacksaw has a square handle for a convenient grip. The blade is adjustable and can be switched to 55 degrees for different jobs.
The hacksaw comes with a spare 12″ blade. We recommend beginners getting this tool because it is the best combination of quality and price.
Things We Like
- Provides sure grip
- Lightweight construction
- Adjustable blade
- Chrome coated handle
Things We Don’t Like
It’s a bit harder to change blades (compared to other models in the list)
The winner
Stanley Hacksaw with a molded handle and a steel frame. It is perfect for both professionals and hobbyist, it lasts a lifetime and blades are hard to break.
