It is difficult to imagine the arsenal of tools of a home craftsman or mechanic without a hand saw. Another name for it is a hacksaw. With this tool you can cut down branches in the garden, shorten pickets for a fence and do a lot of other work where you need to change the length of a wooden product: laminate flooring, farm boards, etc.
You may not have thought about it, but the correct choice of a hacksaw determines not only its service life, but also the ease of use and quality of the cut. Let's consider the main parameters of the correct choice of this tool, which is necessary for household and carpentry activities.
Hacksaw rating
For testing, we selected a tool that can be found in every hardware store. We studied the quality and features of the product, ergonomics during use. When compiling the rating, we took into account user reviews, opinions of professional carpenters, mechanics, and gardeners. The main attention was paid to the following characteristics:
- Fabric – the quality and basic parameters of steel were studied;
- Purpose – a specialized and universal tool was tested;
- Teeth – analyzed the size, shape and their compliance with the processing material;
- Handle – should fit comfortably in your hand and not slip while sawing;
- Equipment - they produce kits with a carrying and storage case and a sharpener.
Low metal strength, poor sharpening quality, mechanical defects in the handle - a tool with such a defect was excluded from our rating.
The best manufacturers of imitation timber
The best hacksaws for wood
Boards, timber, floor lath, eurolining - all these materials are cut using a hand saw. The wood is processed along and across the grain, which is taken into account by tool manufacturers. A carpenter with 23 years of experience found out which hacksaw was better for wood. Out of 9 samples, the craftsmen chose 4 options, which attracted attention with the quality of the blade, good sharpening and ergonomic handles.
Armero A531/400
The model of the famous Spanish company was created for working with wood and blanks made from this material. The blade is made of tool carbon steel with a high chromium content, this has improved hardening. The metal holds its edge well, which reduces the cost of routine maintenance. It has good elasticity and resistance to mechanical stress. The protective coating prevents corrosion.
The length of 40 cm makes the saw convenient for cutting 150-200 mm boards, facing strips and moldings. Medium tooth size and pitch (9 pcs per inch), 3D factory sharpening ensures a neat cross cut. Works well with wood of different densities. Does not tear fibers and does not require strong pressure when sawing.
Advantages:
- Light weight;
- Does not deform during operation;
- Low price;
- High performance;
- Difficult to blunt.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
The saw has a two-component handle made of impact-resistant and anti-slip material. The shape takes into account the anatomical features of the palm: the instrument fits well in the hand and does not leave calluses during intensive use.
Gross Piranha 24111
A good hand saw for wood with a fine tooth (frequency 11-12 per inch), developed by German engineers. Easily copes with different species, can be used for cutting chipboard, fiberboard, HDF, laminate. Can be used for cutting expanded polystyrene. Equally effective for transverse and longitudinal cuts of dense, loose wood. Durability is ensured by carbon steel with a protective coating that contains corrosion inhibitors.
It has a 3D sharpening, the edge is treated with Teflon, which reduces the applied physical effort. The cut is smooth, according to user reviews, and is not inferior in quality to processing with a circular saw. The two-component handle is made of rubberized plastic and provides a secure grip. When used for a long time, it does not require effort and does not get stuck in the wood.
Advantages:
- Good sharpening;
- Protective case included;
- Storage hole on hooks;
- Suitable for fine finishing.
Flaws:
- Overcharge.
Irwin Xpert 10505538
The American brand hacksaw is made in Denmark. The blade is made of tool steel 1 mm thick. This makes the model reliable, durable, and tough. A special coating with inhibitors protects against corrosion. At the beginning of the blade there are small teeth that make cutting easy. The main blade is a medium-sized hardened tooth with 3D sharpening and special holes that increase the rate of chip removal.
The handle is two-component, made of impact-resistant polymer and rubberized material. It is secured with three bolts and does not loosen during intensive use. The side surfaces of the handle are made with strict adherence to angles of 45 and 90 degrees, which allows you to avoid wasting time using a measuring tool when cutting boards. Design features make sawing with raw wood easier.
Advantages:
- High performance;
- Wear resistance;
- Hole for hanging during storage;
- Sharp sharpening;
- Clean, neat cut.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Bison Expert 15168-18
Small folding wood saw for auxiliary work on a construction site, cutting branches. The hacksaw blade is made of heat-treated carbon tool steel and is protected from external aggressive factors by an anti-corrosion coating. Medium-length teeth are arranged in increments of 9 pieces. per inch. The profile of the cutting edge and the length make it easy to cope with sawing 50x50 mm timber and trimming molded products.
The handle is a two-component format, made using durable materials and taking into account the anatomy of the human hand. Does not slip out in wet weather or when force is required. The blade folds and locks securely, providing a high level of safety. A good option for a hiking trip.
Advantages:
- High quality steel;
- High-quality factory sharpening;
- Possibility to replace the blade;
- Sawing raw wood.
Flaws:
- Not suitable for intensive use.
Principle of operation
Common to all types of hand-held electric saws for wood is the principle of wood processing - cutting fibers using metal cutting teeth. This principle applies to both hand and gasoline saws. The difference is in how the working parts of electric saws are arranged, how the teeth are secured and what shape they have.
The working parts of electric saws - the teeth of circular saws, hacksaw blades or reciprocating saws - are most often wedge-shaped or trapezoidal in shape, can be flat or complex in shape, and have one or more cutting edges.
Modern technologies for manufacturing electric saws make it possible to use special alloys and high-carbon steel grades for the production of saws, which make it possible to increase the service life of the tool and increase its productivity.
By design, the working bodies can be:
- With a disk working body;
- In the form of a saw blade, single or double-sided;
- In the form of a saw chain mounted on a special bar.
Circular saws usually have triangular, wedge-shaped and trapezoidal teeth of complex shape. On the working surface, one or two cutting edges are sharpened with teeth set. The operating principle of this electric saw is to cut wood fibers by rotating the disk around its center. The teeth alternately bite into the wood, removing part of the fibers with the cutting edge of the tooth.
Reciprocating saws use a reciprocating movement of the working body. Depending on the saw setting, the movement can be either 3 cm or 5 mm. To use a reciprocating saw, saws are selected that differ in their purpose and are used:
- for working with wood:
- for cutting plastic and particle boards;
- used for working with aluminum or thin sheet metal.
Chain saws are a closed flat chain with teeth of complex shape; it is driven by a chain drive gear from the saw motor. The saw chain moves endlessly along the guide bar. The cutting is carried out by teeth located in the form of linings on the chain on the right and left sides of the chain. For this type of power tool, chains are selected not depending on the direction of cutting the wood fibers, but depending on its strength.
The best hacksaws for metal
A special feature of a manual hacksaw for metal is a short and narrow blade with a very small multi-directional tooth. The blade is fixed in a steel frame, replacement is carried out quickly. The tool is characterized by mandatory hardening and the use of high-speed steel. The cutting element is under constant high thermal loads and periodically fails, so several blades are needed to complete the task. Used in home and locksmith workshops.
Vira 801010
The metal model is lightweight; the body is made of durable, corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy. The structure is rigid and does not deform under load. A cutting element 30 cm long is installed; the set includes a 24 TPI blade made of heat-resistant tool steel. The screw clamp allows you to fix the file at a convenient angle.
The handle is made of impact-resistant plastic and rubberized material, fits well in the palm of your hand and does not slip. According to reviews, the profile reduces the load on the hand during intensive and prolonged work. There is no play in the handle, which has a positive effect on the quality of the cut. Designed for processing metal workpieces.
Advantages:
- Quick blade replacement;
- Low price;
- Anatomical handle;
- High strength.
Flaws:
- Not the most reliable blade included.
Matrix 77593
A metal hacksaw for a blade 30 cm long. To replace the cutting element, a screw clamp is provided, with which you can vary the angle of inclination. Two positions are available - 55 and 90 degrees, which expands the application possibilities. The delivery set includes a bimetallic blade with a fine tooth, which ensures accurate cutting of workpieces.
The rigid, reinforced frame has a rectangular cross-section and is protected from corrosion by powder coating. The design has a cavity - this container can store 5 replacement sheets. The tension mechanism securely fixes the blade, which contributes to precision when performing metalwork.
Advantages:
- Light weight;
- The tensioning mechanism does not become loose during use;
- Effectively processes laminate, chipboard;
- Low price;
- Comfortable handle.
Flaws:
- Weak fixation of the container stopper.
Stanley Heavy Duty 1-20-110
It has a durable steel frame that is resistant to deformation and mechanical stress. There is a container in the upper part in which you can store replacement blades. The blade is mounted using a screw spring mechanism, which makes the tension stable. The rigidity of the structure improves productivity and allows the processing of metal workpieces made of hard alloys.
The handle has an anatomical shape and is made of rubberized material. When sawing, it does not slip, does not rub, or cut the palm. The inclined frame design optimizes force. It is equipped with a blade made of tool hardened steel, the teeth are small, frequent, and sharply sharpened. The blade has increased wear resistance.
Advantages:
- Increased service life of all structural elements;
- Reliable fixation of tension force;
- Light weight;
- Carefully cuts metal;
- Good protection against rust.
Flaws:
- Overcharge.
The best garden hacksaws
A hand saw for pruning garden trees is used by summer residents, owners of personal plots, and personnel of municipal municipal services. A special feature of the design is a small, tapered blade, the shape of which is convenient for use in the branchy crown of trees. The size and shape of the tooth make sawing dry and wet wood equally effective. Some models are equipped with devices for cutting at high heights.
Skrab 28154
Garden saw for processing tree crowns. Equipped with a lightweight, durable telescopic aluminum rod that extends up to 5 meters. The pole saw is equipped with a hook that limits slipping, allowing you to quickly and accurately saw off a branch at a great height. The handle is rubberized, made of anti-slip material and provides a comfortable grip. According to user reviews, its shape reduces the load on the hand when working without a barbell.
The blade is made from hardened tool steel, resistant to wear. Protective anti-corrosion coating prolongs service life. The teeth with variable pitch are sharpened and easily cope with branches with a diameter of 10-15 cm. High quality steel stabilizes the quality of the cut. This allows you to do without additional wiring and sharpening.
Advantages:
- Light weight;
- It is convenient to work among branches;
- Blade protection cover;
- Free return.
Flaws:
- Soft metal limiters.
Grinda 8-151853
The model is designed for routine maintenance of garden trees. It has an ergonomic curved handle, the shape of which simplifies sawing in cramped conditions. The handle is made of two-component plastic, does not slip, does not rub during intensive use. There is a hole for hanging storage.
The 30 cm long blade is made of carbon steel and has a chrome-plated surface that is resistant to corrosion. Reverse bevel teeth are designed for cutting dry and wet branches. Induction hardening and triangular sharpening ensure high performance. Supplied with a plastic sheath with belt mounts.
Advantages:
- Good at sawing workpieces of various types;
- Long service life;
- No constant sharpening required;
- Sawing effortlessly.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Opinel №12
The world-famous French knife manufacturer produces the best garden saws. Wear-resistant tool steel with increased strength, 1 mm thick, is used for production. The model has a folding design, which makes it relevant for summer residents and tourists. It is equipped with a vibrating locking ring that protects against accidental folding and serious injuries.
The fine, double-pointed tooth effectively cuts through dry and damp wood. The “pull” working movement allows you to reduce physical stress on the user. The handle is made of beech wood and is highly durable and resistant to shock loads. The shape of the handle takes into account the specific anatomy of the user's palm.
Advantages:
- Long service life;
- Reliable folding mechanism;
- No regular sharpening required;
- Copes well with branches of any thickness.
Flaws:
- High price.
Selection by purpose
In addition to taking into account the main types of saws, the choice of a hacksaw for wood should be made upon request for a specific type of work:
- Swing for longitudinal sawing;
- Transverse copes well with wood across the grain;
- Tenoning for cutting grooves, tenons and technological recesses in products;
- Circular for cutting holes of different shapes;
- Folding hacksaw for wood
These types of wood hacksaws generalize the above tool models. The choice should be made according to the main purpose for which the selected type of tool is purchased. For the household, it is advisable to purchase a saw with replaceable blades or have several hacksaws of different types in your arsenal .
How to decide
This amount of new information is not easy to put into practice, so we will give you some tips on how to consistently choose the right saw.
- The first factor to consider is what sawn material will be used and what is the desired quality of the cut. Carpenters who work with small wood products choose small saws with a short blade. For a carpenter, it is better to use large teeth and a blade - this master does not require high precision work, speed is a priority. A folding garden hacksaw is ideal for summer residents who will only cut through trees and shrubs.
- Frequency of application. Determine how often you will need to use the tool. If the need arises rarely, take a saw with hardened teeth; if the need for sharpening often arises, use ordinary steel.
- The quality of the steel must be high for a tool with any frequency of use. The higher the class of metal, the better the quality of the product. Before purchasing, take the tool in your hands and carefully bend the blade to 450. Good metal is elastic and, when the end of the saw is released, it will restore its shape without displacing the central axis. If you notice a deviation, return the hacksaw to the seller.
- In this case, price is a guarantee of quality. Of course, provided that the seller is honest and does not offer you a fake. A good product cannot be cheap. Choose in the middle price range, if your wallet allows it - don’t skimp on an expensive saw. Select a manufacturer based on its trust rating and give preference to its products in the store. In most cases, this tactic allows you to avoid buying something unknown instead of a good tool.
- Take the hacksaw tool in your hand. You should feel comfortable holding it. The material used can be solid plastic with a rubberized handle.
By following these simple rules, you can easily choose a wood hacksaw that suits your needs.
The best Japanese hacksaws
The best steel for cutting tools is made in Japan. The Japanese hand saw has an original shape and works when pulled towards itself. The fabric is flexible, durable, and small in thickness. The original mixed tooth shape ensures a very accurate cut. Used for cutting precise grooves, sawing complex tenons, suitable for working in the garden, with decorative materials.
Stanley FatMax 0-20-501
A Japanese wood saw has two cutting edges. Designed for high-precision carpentry work. Provides accurate cutting of cross fibers. Edges with pitches of 7 and 14 TPI allow you to choose the best option, taking into account the density of the wood being processed and the requirements for sawing speed. The blade is flexible, convenient for performing operations in difficult, cramped situations, when there is a shortage of space. Quick replacement of the cutting element is provided.
Equipped with an ergonomic two-component anti-slip handle. The textured surface provides a secure grip. There are holes for easy hanging storage. The absence of play in the handle ensures precision when performing complex cuts.
Advantages:
- High performance;
- Clean cut;
- Long service life;
- Corrosion resistance;
- Wear resistance.
Flaws:
- It is necessary to adapt to flexibility.
Bahco ProfCut PC-9-9/17-PS
The products of the famous Swedish brand are manufactured for a European holding company in Japan. Carbon steel with high wear resistance is used, which ensures long service life. The model is designed for angular and longitudinal cuts of wood of different densities. The unique tooth shape allows you to make a neat cut. Quality - allows you to refuse scheduled sharpening.
The cutting planes are located on both sides, have a pitch of 6-8.5 and 17 TPI. This allows you to perform intensive sawing or make high-precision cuts. The cutting width is less than 1 mm, the absence of chips and burrs allows it to be used when creating decorative elements. The two-component handle fits well in the hand, providing a secure grip.
Advantages:
- Flexible, durable metal;
- Easy replacement of the cutting element;
- Good hardening quality;
- Accurate longitudinal cut;
- Light weight.
Flaws:
- Shortage of replacement sheets.
The best circular saws
How to choose a hacksaw
To buy a good hacksaw, you need to take into account the scope and intensity of use, requirements for the quality of the cut, and the strength characteristics of the materials. The length and quality of steel used for production are assessed. Performance depends on the shape and size of the teeth, the ergonomics of the handle, and the presence of outlet channels. Only taking these features into account can you buy a good tool that will help solve your problems.
Purpose
They produce different types of hacksaws for working on wood, metal and alloys, which differ in the heat-resistant characteristics of the blade and the size of the teeth. For garden work, they produce models with specific ergonomics, which allow you to comfortably cut branches in the crown of trees and care for tough bushes. For thin, neat cuts of small width, Japanese saws are designed, which resemble abutment models. With their help you can perform complex carpentry work.
Canvas
It is made from tool steel of different grades, which is characterized by strength, flexibility, and resistance to thermal loads. To further improve technical characteristics, the best manufacturers use hardening. The metal must be protected from corrosion. Performance and scope of application depend on the length. Models 25-35 cm are used in the garden, when working with 100x100 mm timber or narrow boards.
It is better for roofers and carpenters to choose a tool with a length of more than 40 cm, this will ensure high productivity and allow them to work with timber 150x150 mm and boards 20-25 cm wide.
Shape and size of teeth
A large wood hacksaw is used for sawing boards, timber used in the installation of power structures, and large-sized workpieces. Large teeth provide high performance, but the cutting width can be several millimeters. For accurate work with eurolining, baseboards, tongue-and-groove floorboards, and fillets, models with a medium tooth are recommended. The best choice for a finisher is a saw with small ones at the beginning of the blade and medium ones along the main length. This format will help you make neat cuts.
The shape in the form of an isosceles triangle is intended for cross cutting. For longitudinal cutting, models with teeth in the shape of an asymmetric triangle are used. A pointed tooth with a ground top is universal, sawing equally well along and across wood fibers. With a pronounced tilt in only one direction, it will be easier to work with the tool, but only in one direction.
Lever
Should provide a comfortable, secure grip. Manufacturers of professional models take into account the anatomical features of the palm, which reduces the vibration load on the hand and eliminates calluses. To prevent the handle from slipping, a composite compound of two materials is used in production: impact-resistant and rubberized plastic. The blade is attached in several places, which protects against play and strong vibrations during the sawing process.
The best manufacturers of laminated timber
Characteristics
The main task of this type of tool is cutting wood and wood processing materials. For this purpose, hand-held electric saws are used, the design of which is based on an electric motor, gearbox, working element and safety devices.
Electric saws can be either universal or highly specialized. This primarily depends on the power of the electric motor and the design of the working element. Hand chainsaws are considered the main universal tool for carpentry, firewood, and gardening. To work with lumber in the form of boards or particle boards, circular and reciprocating saws and jigsaws are used. For small carpentry work, reciprocating saws and a jigsaw are usually used.
An important point in selecting an electric saw is the ability to customize it for specific types of tasks and the ability to change the working tool. For specific work, for example, to process an unedged board, special types of circular saws are used that are capable of making fast and even longitudinal cuts. Depending on the thickness of the board and the setting of the electric saw, the depth of cut is set in a circular saw, and the blade for a transverse, longitudinal or thin, groove cut is set in a reciprocating saw.
It is generally accepted that saws with a more powerful engine - more than 2 kW - are professional, and those with a power less than 2 kW belong to the household category.
Which hacksaw is better
A tool designed for carpentry work is poorly suited for caring for trees, and cannot handle metal workpieces at all. There are no universal models, so the VyborExperta.ru team recommends the following brands, taking into account the scope of application:
- Armero A531/400 – for woodworking in the home workshop;
- Gross Piranha 24111 – the choice of a professional carpenter;
- Vira 801010 – for a locksmith workshop;
- Skrab 28154 – for treating tall trees in the garden;
- Opinel No. 12 – the choice of summer residents and tourists;
- Stanley FatMax is a professional solution for complex tasks.
All the models presented in the review are worthy of buyers’ attention, but only the most reliable, productive and convenient tools were awarded the title of best in their class.
Tool selection
Ideal for home use, for example, caring for a large garden, for preparing firewood for a bathhouse, for various tasks in a small workshop, having the entire arsenal of electric saws. So, a jigsaw, reciprocating saw and hacksaw are perfect for making crafts. To cut boards and picket fences, you cannot do without a circular saw. But working in the garden or preparing firewood for a bathhouse requires a chain tool. A chainsaw is not the best option here. It requires gas, it is more powerful and it is not as safe as an electric one. For example, cutting branches on a tree with a chainsaw will be very difficult, but you can cut firewood with an electric chain saw.
The choice of an electric saw depends, first of all, on the tasks it will have to perform, its weight and how comfortable it is to hold it in your hands. If the electric saw is comfortable to hold, it means that you won’t need to put in a lot of effort when working, which means you can make more cuts. And of course, the power of the saw - the more powerful the engine, the more capabilities the tool has, the more reliable its operation and the longer its service life.
