Best Overall
DeWalt DWHT20547L 5-in-1 Multifunction Hacksaw
Best Bang for the Buck
Craftsman CMHT20138 12-Inch Solid Frame Hacksaw
Best Compact
Capri Tools 12-Inch Mini Hacksaw
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The metal saw is a time - essay hand tool for cutting through metal material such as pipes , studs , and rebar . The good hacksaw for metal should be firm and durable , and the substance abuser should be able to modify blade and adjust the blade tension with simpleness .
Hacksaws miss the “ glamour ” of other saws , but there is plenty to consider when buy or using one . For example , the intense rubbing whencutting through metalcauses a hacksaw blade to become warm , which can make it expand . When it does , the tension will start to untie , and the user will need to conform the tensity to fasten it before continuing .
This purchaser ’s guide includes some of the most important criterion to bear in mind while shopping for a raw metal saw . We used these criteria to describe and field - test nine terrifying choices for consideration . Read on to learn more about hacksaws and why we recommend these model as among the best hacksaws usable .
How We Tested the Best Hacksaws
In compiling our templet for the good hacksaws , we scrub the cyberspace for cue , keeping in judgement all the ground anyone would need such a cock . Our outlook came from lookup railway locomotive results , reputable tool brands , retailer passport , and top user reviews . We research more than 30 metal saw before pare down the list to the eight found here .
We ascertain that the ripe hacksaw must offer excellent cutting operation for the price , as well as versatility for use in different setting . We note that these tools typically descend with a ecumenical - economic consumption blade that can be supersede easy and cheaply for better performance on unlike materials . Our tests therefore focalize on the hacksaw build rather than the steel . In sum , we spent 5 hours testing the power saw in this guide .
We place up three tests in which every proverb was used to edit the same materials in the same way as all of the others . The first test involved rationalize 4 - inch premature ventricular contraction pipage that was laid across sawhorses and retain in position by hand . The 2d test was cutting ½-inch rebar clamp in a work bench bench vise . The third test was affluent - geld 16d frame nail that had been partially hammer into a 2×4 stud . We replicated each cut three time for each power saw .
We recorded the physical measurements of each saw , including blade length , insure weight , and throat deepness . Our subjective observance answer question regarding user comfortableness , maneuverability , difficulty of switch blades , and what we perceived to be the good exercise for each saw . We then scored each metal saw on a rubric based on our annotation and compare them to derive up with the honor titles shown in the usher .
Our Top Picks
To realise a spot in our lineup of some of the best hacksaws , each of the comply role model had to meet a eminent touchstone of quality , strength , and carrying out . Ahead , find out how each one performed in our hands - on tests .
We chose the DeWalt 5 - in-1 multifunction hacksaw as our top picking because of its rugged build and versatile functionality . The saw features a stout sword figure with ergonomic rubber grip at the rear and front of the frame . Though the product listing states just one hacksaw blade , there are two blades include : a 12 - inch 24 - TPI bimetal sword and a 6 - in 6 - TPI reciprocating saw steel . The saw is like a transformer , as it can flip from being used as a hack saw to being used as a jab saw .
The byword ’s foundation conformation securely holds the blade at 330 pound of tension and offer a maximum 4¾-inch throat clearance for trim back large material . For more convenience , the adage can be reconfigured easily for low - profile , long - give , or 45 - level - slant sawing . Moreover , the front handle can be take out from the frame and charge with the reciprocate saw blade for use as a thrust saw .
In our trial , the DeWalt had adequate throat clearance to make substantial cutting through 4 - inch PVC pipe , although the included 24 - TPI bimetallic blade is good suited to slew metal . In the 45 - degree form , it was fairly easy to flush - cut nails bulge out from a vertical 2×4 paries stud . The blade also held steady enough to trend through ½-inch rebar . We did experience some wobble and shakiness , but the cuts were mostly smooth and blank throughout .
The one intention defect we notice was the stiff sliding mechanism below the handle that ca-ca it somewhat difficult to change blades . Also , with so many useable option , we were surprised at the lack of exonerated instructions for reconfiguring the adage .
The only other saw we screen with exchangeable functionality was a Stanley hacksaw , but it held its sword with less tension in the basic configuration , which led to a less quiet operation . The DeWalt ’s high tension and 45 - stage setups were very interchangeable to the Lenox and Klein Tools saws , but those saws were more exact because of their significantly high tensile strength . take all together , the DeWalt hack saw offer great newspaper clipping capableness for unlike options , with custom shape for drug user comfort .
Photo: Mark Wolfe
Get the DeWalt hacksaw atThe Home Depot , Ace Hardware , orNorthern Tool + Equipment .
Take reward of the welfare of a hack saw without spending a lot of money . The Craftsman 12 - inch metal saw has a full satisfying - metal material body for durability , even with frequent exercise , and supports blade tension up to 225 pounds . It also comes with a orotund wing freak at the pedestal of the hold for quick tensioning adjustments .
The hacksaw has a carbon steel 24 - TPI blade that is perfect for thin out most metals and bear all standard 12 - inch blades , which can be ordered online or see at any home advance entrepot . The magnanimous pistol - clench hold is ergonomically swerve for comfort , and the sawing machine come with the ability to change state the blade 90 degrees for easy flush cutting off .
Photo: Mark Wolfe
In our tests , the Craftsman hacksaw deport time value beyond its price . The lightweight metallic element frame was resonant of the classic pistol - handgrip metal saw that were once omnipresent , but with an update D - hold and textured fictile grip that felt more secure and comfortable than the old dash . Square steel - backing tholepin held the vane securely , either parallel with the frame or perpendicular ( 90 stage ) to it for flush cutting . The power saw ’s simpleness made it fast and easy to exchange blades or adjust the slant .
The include atomic number 6 brand blade did a fantastic job cutting PVC piping and a sound job on rebar . Flush cutting was effectual at the 90 - degree scope but less prosperous compare to the saws that were capable of 45 - level cutting . Although we had to put to work a little dumb to avoid wobble and palpitation due to scummy blade latent hostility , this lightweight saw make a slap-up budget - friendly pick for occasional use where preciseness is not command .
Get the Craftsman hacksaw atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orFleet Farm .
Photo: Mark Wolfe
For metal slip in tight spaces , the Capri Tools mini hack saw does n’t let down . Its more or less adapted design accommodate either 10 - inch or 12 - column inch hacksaw blades . Though this mini power saw does n’t have a tension adjustment ( most of the blade extends in front of the frame ) , it holds the blade firmly for clean cut action .
The saw comes with a 12 - inch 24 - TPI leaf blade , and it features an ergonomic padded grip to abbreviate mitt fatigue and see to it a pissed grip on the saw . It ’s lightweight ( less than 7 ounces ) but astonishingly durable . The Capri Tools see is a standout for cutting bars and poles in areas where a stock hack saw just wo n’t outfit .
In our exam , the design of the Capri mini hacksaw made it easy for us to start a gash at the indorse rear of the blade and complete cuts through deeper stuff such as PVC using the brand pourboire . The steel in full extends to 8.5 inch , freely beyond the backing . It did a quick and competent job on the 4 - inch PVC pipework . Because of blade flex at the point , we used the rear of the blade exclusively when it came metre to trim back rebar , which worked out fine although slower than that of conventional hack saw . Flush cutting worked well if we were patient and methodical to avoid placing excessive imperativeness on the steel peak .
Photo: homedepot.com
This inexpensive saw is made of two patch of stamped blade that are rivet together . Such a building get for a whippersnapper saw with a very flat ½-inch - chummy profile . It check easily into a typical tool corner . The hole inside the handle is larger than the saw blade so that when it is retract , the blade moves around at heart . As a result , the saw is slightly less precise than the Milwaukee mini hack saw we tested but a great choice because of its longer reach .
Get the Capri Tools hack saw atAmazon , The Home Depot , orLowe ’s .
Best for Professionals
Stanley FatMax 5-in-1 Hacksaw
From a name synonymous with quality shaft come the Stanley FatMax 5 - in-1 hacksaw . This versatile tool can be configured for 90- or 45 - degree sawing and low - visibility or offer - scope cuts . The saw accept 12 - in blades , and its front grip also can be removed for utilization as a jab saw . One 24 - TPI sword and one 6 - TPI reciprocating go through blade come with the saw purchase . The saw body offers onboard storage space for up to five extra blades .
The comfort grip handle on the Stanley deoxidize manus fatigue and helps the user achieve and keep a fast suitcase for the drawn-out task of cutting metal . pro or DIYers can absent the front division of the saw to turn it quick into a jab ( reciprocating - form ) saw for attain into tight post . tensity adaptation requires a Phillips - pass screwdriver .
The Stanley FatMax 5 - in-1 hacksaw looks similar to and is closely precisely the same as the DeWalt , but it matter a few apothecaries' ounce less and claims only 220 Lebanese pound per straight column inch ( psi ) of maximal blade tenseness . In our tests , these dispute did not translate to a detectable variability in performance . Stanley delivered splendid versatility , in force - to - splendid turn out performance , and excellent enduringness .
Photo: amazon.com
We reduce through a 4 - in PVC pipe , sliced off sections of ½-inch rebar , and cleanly peak - cut nail protrude from a wall stud . The slight flex of the blade led to some issues with vibration in the work piece , but the cuts were close to straight and fairly clean . Also like the DeWalt , no instructions for reconfiguring the saw were included , but a mechanically tend DIYer will work out it out quickly enough .
We did n’t bang the stiff - sliding blade - attachment chemical mechanism , but again , we worked it out . Overall this heavy - duty hacksaw would make a great choice for consistent hard enjoyment and even some abuse .
Get the Stanley hacksaw atAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Best for Crafting
Pasco 4290 Tiny Tim Hacksaw
The Tiny Tim Hacksaw live up to its name — it ’s just 10 inch long , from tip to top . It holds a compact 6 - in leaf blade , which is a good size for cut little metal , such as copper tube , or even for cutting modest sticks and dowel pin rod . In addition , it consider less than 4 ounces .
The Tiny Tim saw features a one - piece material body that holds the steel and forms the saw ’s handle . The handle serving is coated in vinyl to make transfix more comfy and to proffer a bit of nonslip traction . The angular front part of the flesh activate the user to cut down metal tube in tight spots . Although this hacksaw may be just the ticket for crafters , it ’s not large or sturdy enough to cut bigger metal pipes and rods .
The Tiny Tim metal saw is ideally contrive for cutting slight gauge cloth . It was right smart too small for our 4 - inch PVC cutting test , since the throat deepness taper from 2 in to 0 , so we scaled down to ¾-inch pipe instead . We perform our standard test on ½-inch rebar and wealthy - cut nails . Overall performance was good , with low - to - temperate vibration and skillful preciseness on most cut .
Photo: amazon.com
The lightweight wire - handgrip design made for excellent manoeuvrability , and the see store well on a pegboard or in a putz box or drawer . Changing the blade requires either inviolable hands to flex the stiff hold or a set of slideway - lock pliers to make the squeeze . The blades have curt C. W. Post on either end that slide into slots in the saw hold and are held in place by leap pressure .
Get the Pasco hacksaw atAmazonorBig Frog Supply .
Best Small
Milwaukee 48-22-0012 Compact Hacksaw
The Milwaukee compendious hack saw stores and works well in cramped after part . Its unique directly cut design accommodates either 10 - in or 12 - inch hacksaw brand . The blade skid into the handle and cursorily set in or out with the flip of a lever tumbler .
The saw comes with a 10 - inch 24 - TPI blade . It features a cast - aluminum physical body and an ergonomic rubber nonslip grip to reduce handwriting fatigue duty . At just more than 8 ounce , it is lightweight but amazingly durable . This Milwaukee meet excels at cutting metal , plastic pipe , or credit card pole in cozy spaces where other saws will not go .
In testing , we prefer the duncish , round handle of the Milwaukee compact metal saw over the likewise designed but flimsy and lighter Capri Tools model . The solid cast - aluminum saw frame featured a snug time slot that allowed the blade to slip freely in and out , without allowing excess movement when sawing .
Photo: amazon.com
The toolless blade - attachment organisation was easy to practice , strong , and exceedingly convenient . The 10 - inch blade adjusts longer or shorter by releasing the lock lever , sliding the vane further into or out of the handle , and relocking . The costless outer space beyond the attachment point graze from ¾-inch to 5¾-inches — enough to veer a 4 - column inch PVC pipage . This saw cut at about the same rate as the Capri Tools mannikin did , but with better preciseness because of scale down blade movement . This tool is a heavy choice for frequent user .
Get the Milwaukee hacksaw atAmazon , The Home Depot , orNorthern Tool + Equipment .
Best Heavy-Duty
Klein Tools 702-12 High-Tension Hacksaw
gamy blade tension protects against bend and twisting for faster , cleaner cutting under tough conditions . The Klein Tools mellow - tensity hack saw has adjustable blade tension up to 30,000 Irish pound for truehearted , precise cuts . Moreover , a slot on the front of the frame let user attach a reciprocating see steel for function as a jab saw .
The kit follow with a 12 - in 24 - TPI bimetal hacksaw leaf blade and a 6 - inch 24 - TPI bimetal reciprocating visualize blade . Two set of sword mount accommodate straight or 45 - grade cutting . Rubber grip make the saw more comfortable and less likely to slip . An onboard storage compartment confine additional proverb blade at the ready , to interchange a broken sword or when a different blade character is required .
When we essay the Klein Tools metal saw , we started by tensioning the blade as tightly as potential by hand . Without a tool to test the pressure , we could note only that it was tight enough to strongly resist manual twisting or bending by handwriting .
Photo: amazon.com
When we cut the 4 - column inch PVC pipe , it was easier to wind up the cut because of a generous pharynx astuteness , deeper than that of the DeWalt or Stanley hacksaws reviewed in this guide . With less interior taper , the Klein Tools hacksaw had a throat depth greater than 4 inch along 7.5 inches of the vane , while DeWalt and Stanley , which tapered more , had a 4 - column inch or greater throat depth for 5.25 inch . The longer length allow for longer cutting solidus , which made the work go quicker .
Additionally , we mark the ease and precision of the cuts . On polyvinyl chloride and steel alike , the tight blade displace much more smoothly and with less vibration compared to other models . This metal saw was by all odds built to tackle harder Job with ease .
Get the Klein Tools hacksaw atAmazon , The Home Depot , orAcme Tools .
Photo: amazon.com
Best High-Tension
Lenox HT50 High-Tension Hacksaw
The advanced stress ascendance on the Lenox 12 - inch mellow - tension hacksaw will have users saw through Browning automatic rifle and cutting metal thresholds without a glitch . Turn the latent hostility knob on the 12 - column inch saw blade to reduce blade tension for making neat , sharp cuts easily . With its durable material body and rubberise secure - clench handle , the Lenox hacksaw take a crap the deletion for the best overall hacksaw for most users .
The byword weighs about 1.85 pounds , sizeable enough to confine up to metallic element cutting but not so ponderous as to be cumbersome . It comes with one steel with 24 TPI and elbow room to stash away five blades in the sawing machine ’s handle . The Lenox view will also commute to a jab saw when fitted with a 6 - column inch Lenox reciprocate blade ( not included ) .
The Lenox gamy - latent hostility hacksaw made smooth , clean gash with ease . The blade tensioner was much easy to manoeuvre than the one on the Klein Tools saw because of its attitude above the grip and its chunky , easy - to - grip size and cast . pronounce from the high - pitched sound of the brand when plucked , it was much more taught than any of the other adage .
Photo: amazon.com
Weighing less than 2 Irish pound and fit out with a supertight blade , the Lenox ascertain was a pleasure to work with . Like the other conventional hacksaw , the blade could be get on straight or at a 45 - grade slant . It easily made straight , clean gash in all phases of our test . It especially stand out in the 4 - column inch PVC examination because it had the most coherent throat depth of all the sawing machine we tested : greater than 4 inch along 8 inch of the vane . Although it miss the versatility and tight maneuvering that some of its competitors handle , the Lenox was a top contender for focal ratio and preciseness on formal hacksawing projects .
Get the Lenox hacksaw atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orAcme Tools .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Hacksaw
The hacksaw is well identifiable by its hundred - regulate systema skeletale , which is design to have got a fragile blade by secure it at both end . bet on the private hacksaw , the blades can normally be inserted with the cutting tooth guide in either direction , which provide the user to trend using either a pulling or a pushing move — whichever respectable suits the specific cut billet . As a rule , however , hacksaws often mold well when their teeth are oriented in a forward-moving contour , which allows the exploiter to cut on the forward ( push ) stroke rather than reduce on the feebleminded ( drag ) apoplexy .
Although hacksaws — likemiter box — are straightforward hand tool that do n’t come with a pot of bells and whistling , for the right press cutting results , it ’s ideal if the user chooses a sword that is substantially suited to their newspaper clipping needs . In add-on , before starting , the user should reckon whether they ’ll be able to bind the cloth securely as they cut . If not , using clampscan secure the cloth to keep it from moving while saw .
Blade Type
Hacksaw blades are deal by their pitch , which indicates how many tooth a brand has per inch . Standard hacksaw sword amount with 12 to 32 teeth per in ( TPI ) . Typically , longer blades have few tooth per in , while shorter steel have eminent TPI counts .
Fixed vs. Adjustable Frame
A ready - build hacksaw is made from a solid opus of steel , and it holds just one - size of it blade , such as a 10 - in steel or a 12 - inch vane . An adjustable - anatomy metal saw comes with the power to lengthen or shorten the frame to hold different - size blades . Both types of hacksaws include pins , clamps , or wing nuts for plug the blade in billet .
However , even adjustable metal saw typically adjust to hold leaf blade that are within only a distich of inch of one another . For example , an adjustable 10 - column inch hacksaw will ordinarily adjudge blade only up to 12 inches long . It usually wo n’t accommodate diminished 6 - inch blade . However , exceptions survive , and a few type will hold up both recollective and light blades .
Handle Design
The most common type of handgrip on a hacksaw is a pistol grip , which allows the user to firmly apprehend the grip to exert maximal pressure sensation when saw . A few fashion model feature a straight stick - character clutches in line with the saw blade — often called a “ jab saw . ” These handles are more common on belittled or minisawsthat are used to turn off thin metal .
Both type of handles often boast padded or rubber nonslip grip that help the exploiter compass the hold without slipping and boil down hand fatigue . When choosing a hacksaw , keep in judgement that a pocket-size hairgrip may not be comfortable — even with a comparatively short saw . The handgrip should be magnanimous enough for the user to get a unfaltering hold for the best results .
Material
Hacksaws ordinarily are made from lightweight carbon steel or aluminum alloy and feature a variety of materials for handles , such as wood and molded polyethylene .
Like many drill bits and saw blade , the best hack saw blade often are made from high - f number steel ( HSS ) , which hold in admixture such as tungsten and molybdenum that can withstand the high-pitched temperature created by clash . A lot of heat can be generated when saw through a brand organ pipe , so blades made from HSS will last longer than older carbon paper steel – type blade .
Length
Most hacksaws accept blades between 10 and 12 inch long , although compact models will take on steel as short as 6 inch . A few styles come with the power to extend the blade past the end of the build for use as a jab byword . Although these hacksaw still take stock - size blades , they also accept reciprocating blades , and they are well suited for saw in tight spots with just the tip of the blade when the entire saw frame is too large or cumbersome to fit .
Weight
Hacksaws vary in weight from a few oz. for mini models to 2 quid or more for standard modelling that keep back full - size of it blades . A heavier saw bestow stability when cutting thickset metal tobacco pipe and bars , but a lightweight model is greatly appreciated by those using a hacksaw overhead . Still , most metal saw are comparatively light in weight compare to otherhand tools .
Additional Features
drug user wo n’t bump a plenty of extras to choose from when rat for hacksaw , but a few alternative are deserving checking out :
FAQs
A hacksaw is a straightforward hand puppet that does n’t involve knowledge or a particular attainment to use . While hacksaws are made specifically to cut metal , such as pipes and rods , they ’re also suitable for cutting small wood and credit card items . Those looking for a hacksaw with a specific determination in mind will likely have some questions .
Q. How do you choose a hacksaw?
First , select a frame that ’s worthy for the workplace you ’ll be doing — for most DIY project , a stock frame that accommodates a 10- or 12 - in blade is good . For crafts , a smaller one is preferable . Next , select a blade that suits the material being cut — coarse steel reduce quickly but get out notched ends . o.k. blades leave behind quiet - cut ends but command more time and effort to burn through the stuff .
Q. Can a hacksaw cut nails?
Yes , in fact , a common way to disassemble woods furniture , crate , or other nailed item is to cut the nail between the two adjoining boards with a hack saw .
Q. Can you use a hacksaw for wood?
A hacksaw can make cross - grain cuts in wood in a arrest . It ’s best become for cut little items , though , such as dowels or slender board .
Q. What is a high-tension hacksaw used for?
High - tension hacksaws are used for like purpose as lower - tension hacksaws — to cut back through metal pipes and rods . However , a eminent - tension saw concur the blade tighter , keeping it from flex , which pelt along the cut operation .
Q. How do you handle a hacksaw?
When the blade is set up with the teeth facing forward ( the most rough-cut configuration ) , hack saw cut on the push stroke . In some cause , the user may want to plow the blade around , in which case , the byword will cut on the clout stroke .
Q. Do hacksaw blades get dull?
Hacksaw blades can and do get dull , but today ’s high - focal ratio steel helps them stay put sharp longer . A steer for making metal saw blades last longer is not to saw too rapidly — between 40 and 60 strokes per arcminute is about right . Any quicker than that , and the steel can become overly red-hot and muted ( or click ) .
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