14 best hacksaws for wood, rating 2021 based on reviews

How to choose a hacksaw for wood

The choice of saw, whether for gardening work or for repair and construction purposes, should be approached responsibly. After all, if you buy the wrong tool, at best there will be difficulties in working, it will be difficult to achieve the desired result, and at worst there is a risk of injury.

Experienced carpenters advise paying attention to the working surface of the hacksaw - the blade. Before purchasing, be sure to find out what kind of steel is used in the saw. A blade with good hardening and correctly sharpened teeth will be much more effective in use than a tool with a poor working base.

A hand saw is without a doubt a necessary tool in the household.

There are different types of hacksaws for woodworking, which differ in many ways. For example, the ease of sawing and the service life of a hacksaw depend on the blade. In total, when buying a hacksaw for wood, you should pay attention to three components:

1. Blade (steel grade, length);
2. Teeth (their size, shape, distance between them);
3. Handle model.

Length and size of the canvas

You need to choose a hacksaw for wood based on your needs: for cutting small, not large building materials, a 300 mm hacksaw is enough. If the purpose of the purchase is repair, use in the country, or, especially, construction, it is advisable to choose a saw with a base of 450 - 500 mm. Also, we must not forget about the “golden rule” of choosing a hacksaw: the length of the tool must be at least twice as long as the workpiece being cut.

The most common hacksaws - with blade lengths from 350 to 600 mm - are medium sizes. It is believed that up to thirty-five centimeters these are mini-saws, and over 60 cm – large ones. The success of working with wood depends on the correct choice of blade length.

If you take a tool that is shorter than optimal, you will have to put more effort into cutting. By choosing a blade that is too long, the saw will spring back and also create additional difficulties.

Classic hacksaw with a comfortable and ergonomic handle

Tooth size and shape

This property of the saw affects the main factor of the tool - its purpose. The right size can be easily selected using the TPI coefficient. This is a special scale showing the number of teeth per inch of working length of the blade. Often this coefficient is indicated directly on the working surface of the tool.

Advice! Hacksaws with large teeth are well suited for roughing, initial work on construction sites, and sawing trunks. Working with small cutters will take more time and effort, but the quality will be higher.

Wood saw with double action blade

Differences between incisors in appearance

The triangular tooth configuration is considered standard. Variations are allowed: acute or isosceles triangle. The advantage of such teeth is that they are easy to sharpen. The cut is quite neat without any rough notches.

It is best to use a hacksaw with triangular cutters for transverse or longitudinal cuts.

Tempered blade-shaped cutters with the correct layout can cope with any type of wood

Another important point that you should pay attention to before purchasing a saw is the teeth of the blade. Cheap models use regular cutters, while expensive ones use higher quality hardened teeth. This characteristic will affect the cutting speed and accuracy.

The option with a hardened cutter is good because of its energy consumption - you don’t have to sharpen anything yourself, because the saw will be as sharp as possible. However, a non-hardened cutter can always be sharpened “to suit you” (or when it becomes dull), which cannot be done with hardened teeth.

With small cutters the cut will be more accurate, but the work will take more time; with large ones, on the contrary, you can saw off faster, but the result will be a rough cut.

Sharpening saw teeth is a difficult task, so if you do not have enough experience, it is better to entrust this task to a professional

Handle design

The design of the handle is an important characteristic that affects the quality and safety of work. Handles come in different shapes, depending on the purpose of the hacksaw. They can be made from different materials: wood, plastic, metal or rubberized.

There are 2 types of handles:

• reversible (with the ability to easily change the canvas)
• classical.Important! An awkwardly held hacksaw will slip in your hands, bend and move poorly through the source material, which can lead to injury.

The efficiency of work directly depends on how well and comfortably the hacksaw handle is made.

Material requirements

To ensure that the hacksaw can serve you for a long time, you should choose a model whose blade and handle are made of high-quality materials. Such a hand saw will of course cost more, but you are unlikely to achieve a quick and high-quality cut with a cheap option.

A stainless steel hacksaw will last for decades

Kinds

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

By type of cut and purpose

Hacksaws can be designed for cross cutting, longitudinal cutting (swing) or be universal. These types differ from each other in the shape of their teeth.

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

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

A universal hacksaw has two types of teeth - triangular and semicircular (with semicircular ones larger than triangular ones). When the saw moves forward, the long teeth set the direction, and the wider, triangular ones widen the cut, which allows sawdust and shavings to escape unhindered. The smaller the angle between these teeth, the more accurate the cut.

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

By tooth size

One of the main parameters of any hacksaw for wood is the size of the teeth. By size we mean pitch, that is, the distance between adjacent points. Depending on this parameter, saws may have teeth:

• small;
• average;
• 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 large teeth (from 4 to 6 mm) are used for cutting logs or beams.

Hacksaws with medium tooth sizes (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 existing gaps, wet wood chips do not clog the cutting channel.

Classification by design

Structurally, hacksaws for wood are:

• narrow;
• standard;
• with butt;
• with a reward;
• archery;
• folding.

Narrow hacksaws are used to cut workpieces whose thickness does not exceed 10 cm. They are also used for sawing branches in the garden, sawing 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 type of teeth. They are often equipped with sets of interchangeable blades designed to perform a wide variety of carpentry and joinery work.

When processing hard wood, hacksaw blades can bend greatly. Saws whose blades are equipped with a backing that acts as an additional stiffener are free from this drawback. However, its presence does not allow making a 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 in cases where it is necessary to make grooves or tenons. However, the depth of these elements may vary.

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

You can also find folding hacksaws for wood on the market. They are very light and small in size when folded, which allows outdoor enthusiasts to take them with them on a hike or fishing trip. 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 chromium steel is used. It is equipped with widely spaced teeth inclined towards the handle. This tool is convenient to use in cases where you have to focus on yourself while cutting.

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

A chain hand saw is a short chain with hardened teeth and two handles at the ends. It is compact and suitable for use on backpacking trips. You can work with it either by one person or by two people.

A modern and universal tool is an electric hacksaw, with which you can perform a large volume of various works. In some cases, it completely replaces a circular saw. When changing blades, they use it to saw not only wood, but also plastic and metal.

Technical characteristics of hacksaws

According to GOST, wood hacksaws intended for carpentry and joinery work (hand cutting of wood) must meet certain technical characteristics.

The state standard specifies what materials the blade and handles can be made of, and what the connection between the working surface and the handle should be. The permitted dimensions of the tool and its individual parts are also indicated. There are requirements for sharpening and spacing of cutters, the minimum permissible sharpening rate to the front and rear edges of the tool.

Top best hacksaw models

When choosing a hand saw for wood, there are many factors to consider. First, the purpose for which the tool will be used. Secondly, the components of a hacksaw: saw blade, size and shape of teeth, handle (it should be comfortable). The saw should be user-friendly and sharp. Below is a list of the best hand tools for woodworking , according to parameters and according to customer opinions.

STANLEY JET CUT SP 2-15-288

Carpenter's saw, blade size - 50 cm, teeth suitable for longitudinal and transverse cuts. Gross weight - 0.5 kg.

BISON "EXPERT"

Woodworking devices from the ZUBR company are represented by the following models:

• EXPERT 15071-45: cross-cut saw, blade length - 45 cm, tooth pitch - 3.5, weight - 0.34 kg.
• EXPERT 15071-40: cross-cut saw, length - 40 cm, pitch - 3.5, weight - 0.33 kg.
• EXPERT 15073-45: cross-cut saw, length - 54 cm, pitch - 5, weight - 0.34 kg.

STANLEY OPP 1-20-089

Carpentry tool, blade length - 38 cm, hardened teeth. Gross weight - 0.5 kg.

BAHCO 396-LAP

The length of the canvas is 19 cm, folds, has an anti-corrosion coating, and is fixed in the closed and open state. Gross weight - 0.215 kg.

Encore Wolf 9858

For cross-cutting wood, blade size is 40 cm, tooth pitch is 4 mm, sharpened at three angles, which is a big plus for speed of work. Gross weight - 0.35 kg.

Anchor Beaver 9857

Metal blade made of high-strength steel, for longitudinal and cross cuts, length - 50 cm, teeth sharpened at two angles, therefore quite versatile. Gross weight - 0.5 kg.

IZHSTAL 030108-050

For carpentry work, blade size - 50 cm, pitch - 6.5 mm, designed for two types of cutting. Gross weight - 0.46 kg.

Device for setting hacksaw teeth - HelpLaw

A hand saw, despite the variety of electric tools, still remains one of the most popular devices when working with wood.

It is characterized by its low cost, compactness and immediate readiness for use. The use of a hacksaw is especially important when there is no source of electricity.

In order for sawing to be done quickly and correctly, you need to know how to sharpen a hacksaw on wood at home if you don’t have a sharpening machine or a grinder.

Signs that your saw is dull

Given the fact that a hacksaw is subjected to constant loads during use, its teeth become dull over time. The efficiency of working with a blunt instrument is noticeably less. In addition, you should not use such a hacksaw for the following reasons:

• productivity decreases. When sawing wood, more of the craftsman's effort and time are spent;
• the accuracy of work performance deteriorates. It is almost impossible to cut wood smoothly and accurately with dull teeth. It is especially difficult to work with such a saw in the garden;
• danger of using a hacksaw. During operation, the tool will get stuck, move off the cutting line, or jam, which increases the likelihood of injury.

The hacksaw needs to be sharpened urgently if a characteristic dull sound appears, the tips of the teeth are rounded, and it is impossible to cut wood. If the tool has become difficult to work with, then it is better to stop sawing, inspect it and begin to resolve the issue of sharpening.

Basic Rules

When sharpening a wood saw with your own hands, you need concentration, a good eye, and skills in working with a file. Despite the apparent complexity of the process, if you follow the recommendations, this manipulation can be done quite simply, although not quickly. To sharpen a hacksaw at home, you need to spend an hour or two, but you can do it faster if you get good at it.

Hacksaws are also sharpened with a grinder, but many craftsmen have a negative attitude towards this method. Firstly, it is unsafe, and secondly, you can damage the incisors more than sharpen them.

Preparation

The blade must be securely fixed in a vice. You can also sharpen on your knees or a stool, but holding the hacksaw is so inconvenient. The place where sharpening is carried out should be well lit; for safety reasons, gloves should be worn. Nothing extraneous, such as a TV, should distract from work.

To restore the performance characteristics of carpentry tools, it is necessary to use only a high-quality file. Usually a triangular file is used, and for the small teeth of a garden hacksaw a special tetrahedral file is provided.

The edges of the incisors must be cleaned with a needle file or a file that has a fine velvet notch. If you have to use a used file, then first clean it with a steel brush.

A small layer of coating is ground off the incisors. During their processing, the file should not slip, but cling to them well. If this does not happen, then the file is not suitable for processing or the blade cutters are overheated. For sharpening, you should take another tool. If the repeated attempt is unsuccessful, it is recommended to change the hacksaw.

Sharpening

To sharpen a hacksaw on wood with a file correctly, hold its handle with your right hand and hold the end with your left. The tool is directed at the teeth of the blade at an angle (like a bevel). The pressure should be uniform, smooth and only in a certain direction (usually away from you).

If possible, it is advisable to ensure that the removed layer of metal is of the same thickness. To do this, it is recommended to move the tool an equal number of times and with equal pressure. This way you can maintain the height, steps and angles of the teeth after processing.

It is necessary to remove burrs that appear on the edges of the tooth with a damp whetstone or with a file with a velvet notch. If left, they will reduce the sharpness of the teeth and chip when cutting wood materials, which will worsen the quality of the manipulations performed.

When sharpening is finished, check the sharpness of the teeth by sawing a piece of wood. If, when inspecting the saw blade, the cutters do not shine, then all actions were done effectively and the hacksaw is ready for use.

Sharpening hacksaw teeth for crosscutting

To bring back the sharpness of crosscutting tools, it is more effective to use a triangular file with a personal cut and an angle of 60°.

After clamping the blunt hacksaw in the setting, begin processing the left edge on the first cutter. It is recommended to fix the blade at an angle of 45-50° relative to the working plane.

The file is installed parallel to the surface of the work table at an angle of 60-75 °.

Restorative manipulation of blunt incisors is carried out in several passes. The first step is to sharpen the left edges of the odd cutters, and then the right edges.

After passing the odd-numbered cutters, the tool is deployed in the sharpening device to begin processing the even-numbered teeth that are in the far row.

When working with crosscut saws, it is important to control the sharpness of the cutting edges.

Gross Piranha 24101

The most comfortable handle Country: Germany (made in China) Rating (2021): 4.6
If the definition of a professional hacksaw can be applied to a wood hacksaw, then this is exactly the model we have in front of us. The German manufacturer took into account all the nuances and used them in their product. Here the teeth are sharpened on three sides, and the teeth themselves are hardened, which allows them not to become dull over a long time.

In addition, this is a universal tool that can be used to cut not only wood, but also plywood, as well as laminate. The teeth on the blade are very small and extremely sharp, which allows you to make a very thin cut without chipping and even along the wood fibers. The manufacturer also paid a lot of attention to the ergonomics of the tool. The handle is plastic and has a rubber insert at the grip site. Working with such a tool is easy and convenient, even for a long time.

Tooth shape and how it affects performance

There are different types of woodworking materials, so it is entirely appropriate to produce blades with different tooth shapes. Let us find out in detail what types of teeth these are.

1. Universal oblique teeth - designed for longitudinal sawing of wood. The teeth have the shape of an oblique triangle or hook. Such teeth are sharpened on both sides and at an angle of 60 degrees. A tool with oblique teeth is distinguished by its productivity, as well as its efficiency in sawing wood not only across, but also along

2. Chisel-shaped - such teeth are also called chisel-shaped, and they look like right triangles. You can find such a tuyere of teeth in tools such as axing saws or rewards. Sharpening of teeth is carried out only on one side, and sawing is carried out only in one direction when moving away from you
3. Dagger-shaped teeth - look like an isosceles triangle. Used for cutting in two directions. The teeth on such blades are set apart at equal distances. The tool can be used for both longitudinal and cross cuts
4. Wolf teeth are special teeth that are designed exclusively for sawing raw wood. The special design of the cutting links made it possible to achieve maximum efficiency when cutting raw wood. The secret of high productivity is that the sizes of the depressions between the teeth alternate, so when moving the blade along the wood, sawdust is effectively removed from the cut site
5. Ground teeth - grinding the top of the links reduces productivity, but at the same time improves the quality of the cut. Such blades are not suitable for cutting trees, but no work with laminate is complete without them.
6. Japanese tooth is a special form of links that looks like wedges directed in the opposite direction. Such tools do not require additional setting, since the teeth are quite thick and durable. When sawing wood, such teeth show high efficiency, and the cut is performed primarily towards itself. This tooth shape is called Japanese not because its design was invented in Japan, but because it is in that country that it is customary to saw in the direction not from oneself, but towards oneself. This is a great option for those looking for a good mid-priced hacksaw

This is interesting!
Do you know what effects sawing with a hacksaw on wood away from you or toward you?
When sawing away from you, shavings or sawdust from the cut site are released in the opposite direction from the master. The higher the efficiency of the tool, the correspondingly more expensive it is. The most expensive are hacksaws with wolf teeth and Japanese teeth. For the home, a tool with a classic shape of cutting links is quite enough.

BARTEX Expert-TPD-16

Best Price Country: China Rating (2021): 4.6

A hand saw is not the most expensive tool, but even among them there are often products that are quite expensive. It’s difficult to say whether it makes sense to overpay, especially if you don’t use the tool that often. And we have before us the most budget option, the price of which is less than 400 rubles.

Despite its cheapness, the model has hardened teeth, and judging by the reviews, this is indeed the case. True, sharpening here is only on two sides, that is, cutting will be somewhat more difficult than with three-sided sharpening. It is worth understanding that sharpening teeth on three planes is quite difficult, and many manufacturers avoid this step in order to reduce the cost of their products. Yes, it’s impossible to call this hacksaw the best, but it is the cheapest, and this is its main advantage.

Vira 800240

Three-sided sharpening of teeth Country: Russia (made in China) Rating (2021): 4.7

A professional hacksaw, in addition to three-sided sharpening of the teeth, also has a hardened blade. And this is a very complex technological process, since it is the teeth that need to be hardened, and not the entire blade. If you harden the entire blade, it will simply break under load, and the hardening process leads to a significant increase in the cost of the tool. But not in this case.

Here we have the best hacksaw for wood in terms of price-quality ratio. As they write in the reviews, the teeth here are truly hardened, and this is not an empty advertising statement. They are sharpened on three sides, and do not become dull for a long time and do their job perfectly. And as an added bonus, there is a ruler scale on the back of the blade. As they say, it’s a small thing, but it’s nice.

STANLEY JETCUT 2-15-283

Top Choice Country: China Rating (2021): 4.9

Here is a hand-held wood saw made by a popular Chinese brand that deserves respect for the quality and durability of its products. Not the cheapest option on the market, but it has a whole list of advantages. For example, three-sided sharpening, which allows cutting while cutting the blade in both directions. Considering the blade length is 450 millimeters, such a tool will quickly deal with any wooden workpiece.

Also in reviews of this product, they often mention a comfortable handle made of hard plastic and with a rubber insert in the grip area. This is the most convenient hand tool that you can work with for a long time and not experience fatigue. In addition, the blade is made of hardened steel, which means it will not often become dull, as happens with cheaper analogues.

The right approach to choosing a hacksaw

Works in which hacksaws are used are divided into carpentry and joinery. In carpentry, accuracy is more important, while in carpentry, speed is more important.

First of all, you should pay attention to the quality of the metal of the blade; to do this, we take the hacksaw in our hands and bend it 30-45 degrees. This must be done as carefully as possible, since low-quality metal is very easy to break.

After carrying out this operation, let's look at the bend; if a slight deviation appears there, then the metal of this product is of very low quality.

The most important criterion when choosing your hacksaw is the price. Naturally, the choice before you is a cheap Chinese hacksaw of poor quality or an expensive saw from a well-known brand. However, having overpaid once, you will no longer have to constantly change the blade or buy a new tool. Major brands pay close attention to the quality of steel and hardening used in their blades.

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The main tasks of the teeth are to remove sawdust and, directly, to cut the wood itself.

Teeth with a TPI setting of up to seven are fast and easy to use. Therefore, the choice of a hacksaw should depend entirely on your own needs.

Best Custom Hacksaws

Non-standard hacksaws can cut not only metal or wood, but also other materials, such as laminite or foam concrete. The difference lies not only in the shape and configuration of the blade, but also in the shaper of the saw itself. For example, to cut laminate, a triangular blade with a very small and very frequent tooth is used. This allows you to cut without chips or 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.

Bow saws for wood

The slightly strange appearance of this type of hacksaw does not in any way affect the performance and quality of work. A special feature of this type is the ability to work both in the garden when pruning trees and with lumber blanks.

1

Bahco “ERGO”

Rating: 4.9

Average price 1952 rub.

A good medium sized bow saw for home use. The traditions of the European instrument of this type are embodied - a lightweight tubular frame and a handle with finger protection.

The saw blade is made of tool steel. Unlike other types of hacksaws, their use in pruning trees also means that the blade is coated with a protective layer against corrosion. This copy belongs to a professional instrument. The tension is screw-type, on the handle, which is much better than fixing it with a clamp. Maximum tension force – 120 kg. Canvas length 53 cm.

2

Fiskars 1000615 (124810)

Rating: 4.7

Average price 1319 rub.

Premium quality saw from the Finnish company Fiskars. The long length is designed for a wide range of work, including heavy work in the garden. Despite its impressive size, it weighs only 770 grams.

The shape of the teeth is also noteworthy - the use of the so-called “Kremlin” tooth, when small teeth are combined 2 into one, with a deep cut. The handle is ergonomic, with rubber inserts. The advantage of the tool is its excellent quality and ease of use.

3

STANLEY Raker Tooth 1-15-379 530 mm

Rating: 4.8

Average price 560 rub.

Large bow saw for a private home. Impressive dimensions – 640 mm – significantly expand the application possibilities. The blade is made of tool steel, the tension on the frame is carried out by cocking the lever of the handle.

The length of the canvas is 530 mm.

The handle is equipped with finger protection with a rubberized part for a comfortable grip with your fingers. The cutting edge is hardened teeth with an “American” profile. Designed for working with raw wood, it perfectly provides both transverse and longitudinal cuts. It cuts branches and twigs well.

4

GRINDA for wood, 530 mm / 21

Rating: 4.6

Average price 276 rub.

A small bow saw for working in confined spaces. In fact, this is an indispensable hacksaw for working in the garden from ladders.

Tool steel blade. Tension is carried out by a lever on the handle. The handle is protected with additional protection. The teeth are hardened and of regular shape. The positive aspects include high-quality sharpening of the cutting edge of the saw.

TOP hacksaws with blade

To obtain a perfectly even cut, special types of hacksaws are used in carpentry and joinery - backed saws. Today this type is represented by saws on the blades of which a reinforcing profile is installed - a butt. Thanks to this, the canvas remains as smooth as possible during operation and does not bend.

1

BAHCO NP-12-TEN

Rating: 4.9

Average price 1110 rub.

A small tool for finishing work on workpieces where a particularly smooth cut is required. The blade length is 300 mm, which is enough to work with small and medium-sized workpieces. The handle is monolithic and non-removable. The teeth are hardened, the shape is universal for both longitudinal and transverse sawing.

The backing is made of a separate metal plate, secured by double crimping. The saw is intended for both professional and home use. Thanks to the hardened cutting edge, it does not require sharpening.

2

STAYER0 mm

Rating: 4.8

Average price 445 rub.

A saw for wood in the signature stayer style. Saw blade 350 mm long. The handle is standard for all STAYER saws - impact-resistant plastic with a rubber lining. The blade is fastened with bolts. The blade has hardened teeth of a universal type. Laser sharpening. Teeth pitch 12.

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Let's say we need to adjust a wooden plinth or trim the garden. It would seem that we take a hacksaw and saw. What kind of hacksaw do we use for wood? No, the question is not an idle one at all. To be convinced of this, just go to any construction supermarket or online store that sells tools. Dozens of models are presented to our attention. And their differences are not only in logos and prices.

It seems like a simple tool, but no, if you make the wrong choice, at best, you won’t get the expected pleasure from your work. At worst - as the author of the comment on the forum: “It seemed to me that the saws were sold ready for use, i.e. already sharpened and divorced.” So how to choose a hacksaw for wood? What should you pay attention to: brand, length or price? We will try to answer this question in this article.

Content

1. Main characteristics
2. How to choose?
3. Models that you should definitely take a closer look at.

Main characteristics

The canvas is of primary importance in this tool. The ease of use of the product and its service life will depend on the grade of steel, the correct hardening procedure and successful sharpening. The choice of a hacksaw for wood is based on four basic characteristics:

• blade length;
• tooth size;
• steel type;
• handle type.

The first criterion is the length of the canvas . It depends on the needs of the buyer, for small bars, boards, etc. A 280 - 300 mm hacksaw is quite sufficient. For construction or summer cottages, a sheet of 450 - 500 mm is more appropriate. There is more. When selecting a model, you must clearly know what size wood you are going to cut. The rule is this: the length of the hacksaw should be twice the length of the largest workpiece for which it is intended. You can do less, but ease of use will be lost. This is due to several reasons:

• this ratio allows all the teeth of the hacksaw to completely come out of the log during cutting, and this is an effective removal of sawdust (it will not become clogged);
• It’s easier on the hands; with more sweeping movements the hand doesn’t get so tired.

​The size of . The accuracy of the cut and its speed will depend on this characteristic. The pattern is this: a small tooth means a clean and precise cut, but less speed; larger - a rough cut at much higher speed and less fatigue. This characteristic on hacksaws is referred to as “TPI,” which stands for the number of teeth per inch (almost 30 mm). The higher the TPI value, the more “delicate” the cut will be. For example, for working with chipboard and fiberboard, this value should be at least 7 - 9. The cut surface will be smoother without a “ragged” edge.

For garden work, cleanliness of the cut is not so critical, especially for trimming or sawing logs. A more important characteristic for such work is the cutting speed and the effort to be expended. For this we need a hacksaw with a TPI value of 3-6, the distance between the teeth is from 4 to 8 mm.

The classic tooth shape is a triangle. As a rule, such saws are of the sharpened type. The latest generation of hacksaws with hardened teeth have a trapezoidal shape. They are initially designed with increased strength and wear resistance. When it gets dull, we go buy a new hacksaw or change the blade. No matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to sharpen it: repeating the sharpening angles is extremely difficult, and such steel cannot be filed. Provided that the production technology is followed.

Steel type . The standard metal hardness for a wood hacksaw is 45 HRC. Steel with a hardness of 55 – 60 HRC is used for the teeth. This type of hacksaw combines the flexibility of the blade with high resistance to tooth wear. They are easy to recognize by their characteristic appearance - the teeth have a darker shade than the rest of the surface of the blade. These hacksaws are of the non-sharpenable type. If the teeth are not hardened, they can be straightened and sharpened.

Handle . The number of calluses on your hands depends on its ergonomics. There are two handle options: reversible or classic. The first option allows you to change blades, for example, in the Bahco Superior EX-19-XT9-C wood hacksaw model.

How to choose?

First of all, it is necessary to determine what type of tool is needed: carpentry or carpentry. Joiner's cut has a more precise and clean cut and is used primarily for dry wood. The cutting speed for this type of tool is not the main characteristic.

When choosing a length, focus on your needs, i.e. what size timber or log are you going to cut? If the tool will not be used often, for example, in a summer cottage, choose one with hardened teeth. The service life of such a saw is long. In addition, properly sharpening and setting teeth is its own science, and mastering it for seasonal work in the garden may not be advisable.

The quality of the canvas can be checked upon purchase. To do this, take a hacksaw and see how smooth the canvas is. Next, bend the canvas until you feel resistance and release. The bending force should be slight, do not break it. After this, look at the evenness of the blade at the bend; if the deviation is more than 2 mm, the steel is not of very high quality.

The teeth of a hacksaw have a dual role:

• cut wood;
• remove sawdust.

The smaller the number of teeth per inch, the faster the cutting speed and the less clogging with sawdust. Hacksaws with up to 7 teeth provide high productivity with little user effort. True, accuracy will suffer from this. But even here it is necessary to look for a middle ground, because The greater the distance between the teeth, the smaller the cutting surface. Accordingly, productivity will decrease. The best option would be the following rule: the minimum thickness of the bar should be greater than the pitch of three teeth. Otherwise it will be torment, not cutting.

Hacksaws can be used with longitudinal and transverse cutting methods. Longitudinal blades can be easily recognized by the angle of the teeth; such saws cut only from themselves. Usually their length does not exceed 50 cm, they have an acute cutting angle - 75 - 800. Most of the models presented in stores can be classified as cross-cut hacksaws. They have sharpening on both sides of the tooth. This allows you to cut both forward and backward.

One of the determining criteria for choosing a hacksaw for wood is price. As with everything else, quality products from leading brands will cost more than Chinese brands. This overpayment, in fact, guarantees the durability and wear resistance of such a tool. And with hardened teeth, this is very important; the overall service life of such a tool will depend on it. It cannot be sharpened. Leading manufacturers exercise more stringent control when choosing steel grades and hardening technology. And as we discussed above, even the shape and pitch of the teeth of such a tool will influence a lot. Starting with convenience and effort expended, ending with the accuracy and evenness of the cut.

Models you should definitely take a closer look at

The models below have earned very good reviews, both according to the results of specialized tests of the tool, and according to the users themselves. For convenience, all models will be in increasing price categories, from budget to professional wood hacksaws.

The Bison Expert wood hacksaw has a very comfortable plastic handle. The teeth are hardened, triangular in shape with two cutting edges. Suitable for both longitudinal and cross cuts. The length of the blade, as well as the number of teeth per inch, is selected by the user independently; there are different variations of this model. It cuts any type of wood well. This tool is suitable for carpentry work because... controllability and cutting accuracy are excellent. For the garden, you can choose a model with a lower TPI value. Cost from 12 to 15 USD.

The Gross Piranha wood hacksaw is also available in several versions. Blades Available in different lengths (from 400 to 550 mm) and different numbers of teeth. The saw is made of hard steel 52 HRc, teeth, hardened 66 HRc with triangular laser sharpening. It cuts smoothly and cleanly. The Piranha wood hacksaw has a Teflon coating, which significantly improves the glide of the blade and allows you to get clean cut edges. The cost of this tool is 12 – 15 USD.

Stanley General Purpose wood hacksaw . This instrument is produced by a French company, has good quality and is not a high price (about 12 USD). Designed for both longitudinal and cross cutting. Length 500 mm with TPI 8. Hardened teeth. The cut is easy, without additional effort. An excellent purchase for a summer cottage.

Irwin Xpert hacksaw. A very good tool for a reasonable price, from 20 USD. The cut was easy, the cut was even and smooth. When sawing hardwood, the force on your hand does not increase significantly. Good ergonomics of the handle. Length 500 mm, teeth, hardened with proprietary geometry, TPI 8.

Sandvik wood saws (in the past), and now a well-known tool under the Bahco brand. Bahco saws with proprietary XT geometry have practically no equal; this is already a category of professional tools. The Bahco ProfCut PC-19-File-U7 model is noteworthy. This is one of the few saws that can be sharpened. Convenient, 475 mm long hacksaw. Sawing smoothly and easily. Cost from 20 USD

By the way, you can get Bahco quality and save money by purchasing a hacksaw under the “Tescha” brand. This instrument comes to Russia from two countries. If you purchase one marked “made in Sweden”, you will have in your hands a tool from the Bahco factory, with its level of quality.

Types of hacksaws for wood

When wondering how to choose a hacksaw for wood, first of all you need to start from what you are purchasing it for.

1. If you need a hacksaw for plywood, then just choose the classic - an inexpensive option, where there are always variations with a base and cutters.
2. If the tool is planned to be used for various types of work (repairs at the dacha or in the apartment), then the advantage will be that it is included in a set of replacement blades. By changing the working base depending on your goals, you can use one saw to make straight, transverse, and figured cuts, and trim trees and shrubs.

When choosing a hacksaw, it is important to pay attention to all its components, because its performance properties will depend on this. It is better to buy a stainless steel tool - the price is more expensive, but the service life will be longer.

blade teeth

In addition to the hacksaw blade itself, the size of the teeth for sawing is also important. The accuracy of the process will be indicated by one indicator - the number of teeth per inch of blade space. If there are large teeth, the sawing speed will be very high, but the cut itself will look bad.

Small teeth give a more even and smooth cut, but the speed when using them is very low. As in the case of the length of the canvas, you can determine the optimal value only by determining the material you are working with.

When cutting chipboard or plywood, for example, high precision cutting is required, so the size of the teeth should be minimal; a small hacksaw will do.

Depending on how the teeth are arranged on a hacksaw, there are three different tool options.

The first is used for longitudinal sawing and here the teeth look like oblique triangles.

The second option is for cross cutting, teeth in the form of isosceles triangles.

And there is an option for different sawing, which contains both types of teeth. The pitch of the hacksaw teeth is also important.

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The best all-purpose hacksaws

The scope of application of this tool is very wide - universal hacksaws can work with a wide variety of materials.

Haupa 150 mm 200285

5★★★★★editorial assessment

98% of customers recommend this product▶See review

A tension saw has a pistol grip and can cut metal, plastic or wood. The blade length is 150 mm. The instrument weighs only 164 grams.

Advantages:

• Good workmanship;
• Replaceable cloth;
• There is a saw tension screw;
• Comfortable grip.

Flaws:

• High price.

The hacksaw is suitable for various metalworking jobs, and its light weight and ergonomics allow you to cut for a long time without fatigue.

Bison “Molniya-7” 500 mm 1537-50 z01

4.9★★★★★editorial assessment

95% of customers recommend this product▶See review

A reliable and high-quality hacksaw is equipped with large straight teeth that are sharpened on both sides. The cut is precise even when cutting soft wood.

Advantages:

• High-quality steel sheet;
• Two-component comfortable handle;
• Pulse hardening of teeth;
• Durability.

Flaws:

• The blade may bend during operation.

The instrument has hanging holes for easy storage. Otherwise, this is just a good-quality and multifunctional hacksaw that always gives high-quality results.

Bahco PrizeCut 350 mm

4.8★★★★★editorial assessment

89% of customers recommend this product▶See review

The hacksaw is designed for cutting plastic, wood, chipboard, aluminum and laminate. The length of the canvas is 350 mm. Narrow, hardened dagger teeth ensure high-quality cutting. The sharpness of the cutters is maintained for a long time, and even when working with plastic, a perfectly even cut is obtained. This compact tool can handle everything except steel materials.

Advantages:

• Weight 215 grams;
• Durability;
• Clean cut;
• Fine and strong teeth;
• Reliable fastening of the canvas.

Flaws:

• Not the most reliable handle.

This hacksaw is often used for finishing cuts in wood, but other materials can also be used.

Sibrteh 24025 170 mm

4.7★★★★★editorial assessment

86% of customers recommend this product▶See review

The steel blade is easy to move and can be rotated 360°. This simple but multifunctional tool allows you to perform various tasks and act as a hand jigsaw. The canvas is easy to change, and a special mechanism regulates its tension.

Advantages:

• Two-component handle;
• 5 canvases included;
• Compact size and light weight – 250 grams;
• Budget cost.

Flaws:

• When working for a long time, your hand gets tired.

The Sibrtech hacksaw is suitable for cutting out shapes from wood, plastic or plywood.

How to sharpen a hacksaw

When working with wood in various ways, a tool such as a hacksaw is actively used. Over time, the cutting surface of the tool wears out, and the process of sawing wood becomes more and more difficult. Wear of the working edge is as follows:

• the pointed tops of the teeth are rounded;
• their side cutting edges become dull.

As a result, the tool loses functionality and needs to be sharpened.

How to determine when a hacksaw needs sharpening?

People with extensive experience can easily determine this moment by the sound made by the tool during operation, as well as by the change in color of the teeth. Beginners need to pay attention to the following signs:

• working with a hacksaw becomes difficult and requires great physical effort;
• it becomes very difficult to make perpendicular cuts in wood;
• it becomes difficult to hold the canvas along the line during operation, it begins to deviate in different directions;
• The hacksaw blade often jams.

Teeth setting

The setting of the saw is the deviation of the tops of the teeth from the plane of the blade. The teeth, one after another, are deflected in different directions: odd teeth in one direction, even teeth in the other.

You need to know that the quality of the wiring has a strong influence on the sawing process. Therefore, all teeth must be bent in different directions alternately by the same amount, otherwise:

• if some teeth are deflected at a greater angle than the rest, they will interfere with the movement of the tool and wear out faster;
• if the deviation is less than necessary, then the width of the cut will not allow the blade to move freely.

To set the saw teeth, a special tool is used - a setter. The simplest wiring looks like a small metal plate with a handle. It has a slot, the width of which is slightly larger than the thickness of the hacksaw blade. The teeth are set as follows:

• the saw is clamped in a vice so that the jaws of the vice end at the base of the teeth;
• then the teeth are alternately placed in the setting slot and, bending in the middle part, are moved to the side at a given angle;
• Periodically, the quality of the wiring is checked visually or using a caliper;
• To check the quality of the setting, the jaws of the vice are moved apart to the width of the setting and the saw is pulled between them (in this case, excessive bending of any tooth will not allow the blade to move freely between the jaws).

Checking the height of the hacksaw teeth

Therefore, before sharpening the hacksaw, you need to check the height of the cutting elements. This is done as follows:

• Place a sheet of paper on a flat and smooth surface and press the saw tightly against it;
• the profile is clearly imprinted on the paper, and the teeth become clearly visible;
• if higher teeth are found than the rest, then the saw is clamped in a vice and they are shortened to the desired height using a flat file.

Sharpening a hacksaw

For sharpening you will need the following tool:

• vice;
• hammer;
• calipers;
• pliers;
• emery block;
• sandpaper.

You should also have the following types of files in your arsenal:

• flat and diamond-shaped with a medium-sized notch;
• triangular file;
• triangular with velvet notch;
• needle files with notches of different calibers.

For sharpening, a special device is used that allows you to fix the blade at angles of 45 and 90 degrees. If you need to sharpen a cross saw, proceed as follows:

• the canvas is fixed at an angle of 45 degrees;
• sharpening is carried out with a triangular file with an apex angle of 60 degrees;
• the file is directed onto the hacksaw tooth at an angle of 60 to 75 degrees;
• first, with several movements of the file away from you, the left edges of the odd teeth are processed;
• After this, the hacksaw is turned over and the left edges of the even teeth are processed.

When sharpening a longitudinal hacksaw, proceed as follows:

• the canvas is fixed vertically;
• for sharpening, a rhombic file with a fine notch is used (needles can be used);
• during sharpening, the file is directed strictly parallel to the table;
• otherwise the process is similar to the previous one.

Burrs that appear on the edges of the teeth must be removed using an emery block or a file with a velvet cut.

The process of sharpening a saw for the first time is quite difficult, so it is better to carry it out in complete silence and with maximum concentration. It’s worth doing this a few times, and then things will become habitual and go “like clockwork.”

Source: https://diskmag.ru/instrument/kak-zatochit-nozhovku.html