Best Overall
DeWalt DWHT20544 15-Inch Hand Saw
Best Bang for the Buck
Craftsman CMHT20880 15-Inch General Purpose Hand Saw
Upgrade Pick
Spear & Jackson 24-Inch x 7 pts Skew Back Saw
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Walk the aisle of a family melioration store and it seems that every project requirespower tools — compoundmiter proverb , orbitual saw , jigsaws , reciprocate proverb , and more . They make paw saws seem like token from the past . Though it might seem like there ’s a power saw for every cutting need , the fact is a hand check for wood is still a critical tool . Sometimes , only the best hand saw can get the problem done .
Using a hand saw obviously means there ’s no need for electricity or stamp battery . These tool are lightweight , portable , easy to employ , and often the best choice for specific tasks . Need a clean finished cut on a 6×6 forest ? snip a few little tree diagram limbs ? A hired hand saw is almost always the expert choice .
We test eight highly rated hand saws from the most reputable tool brands . Whether you need a tool that can trim lumber , PVC pipe , metallic element , or branches , this guide can serve . Read on to learn about the criteria we used to select these sawing machine , how they performed in testing , and why we guess they are some of the good paw proverb around .
How We Tested the Best Hand Saws
We search the most essay - after hand saws in their various categories and discovered that the expert example are determine by type , sizing , tooth count , and suitability for cut different materials . Our pick included panel adage for ecumenical carpentry , along with hacksaw , jab , cope , dovetail , and pruning proverb for more specialised tasks . Our pick start the gamut from 8 to 24 tooth per column inch ( TPI ) for fast , aggressive cutting or okay finish workplace .
After unpacking and recording each saw ’s size of it , system of weights , and TPI , we got officious , typeset up “ real - world ” testing scenarios for each saw according to the tool ’s design and mean use . Then we immortalize our observations on a grading rubric before award the “ Best For … ” awards used here .
We used the panel saws to issue 2×4 baseball bat across the grain and at a 45 - academic degree angle and rend 1×6 board parallel to the grain . To try out the hacksaw , we reduce a steel pipe and a triiodothyronine - post clamped in a vice , then assembled a PVC pipe through a art object of plyboard to feign a wealthy cut . We mounted a square of drywall between 2×4 boards and drew cutout guide lines to examine the jab saw .
We mitered sections of poll molding and baseboard trim at 45 - degree angles and scribe the profiles at the ends for model fitting inner corners with the cope saw . To test the Japanese pull saw , we performed a serial of shortcut , 45 - degree cuts , and rip cuts in several thickness of hardwood and softwood 1×4 circuit card . Finally , we tested the pruning saw by cutting through live branches and dead and dried arm stray from 2 to 4 inches in diam .
Our Top Picks
discover out more about each of the saws we test in the individual merchandise critique forward . We hash out the creature characteristics , overall caliber , and our personal observance from test . One of these tools may be the best paw saw for your next projection .
DeWalt has built a solid report for quality tools at a honest price . This 15 - inch instrument panel saw make a great choice for general carpentry projects including construction , o.k. woodworking , and stamping ground and sustentation . It features three-fold - ground induction - hardened teeth that start the Sir Henry Wood see to cut up to 50 percent quicker and stay sharp longer than other handwriting saws with traditional grouchy - ground teeth . A hard covering protect the high - speed steel blade from erosion while reducing friction for easy , more effective cutting strokes .
This 15 - inch DeWalt hand saw has eight teeth per inch and is project to cut on both the push button stroke and commit virgule for speedy material removal . The blade attaches securely to the atomic number 13 handle with three screws , and a cushioned synthetical grasp increases user comfort . The handle features an integrated 45 - degree and 90 - grade slant guidebook . The handsaw weighs 16 Panthera uncia .
free-base on medium stroke count , the DeWalt byword did indeed cut faster than the other panel saws in our test group . It was well-heeled to work with , moved smoothly through the Natalie Wood , and worked well at dissimilar angles . It tracked well , easy making courteous straightforward cuts , and leave evenhandedly clean edge with just a few pugnacious spots . We liked the compact size , although it bears mentioning that the curt blade expose each tooth to more wear and tear per cut of meat compared to traditional 24 - in and 26 - inch blades . Still , with the quality of the material used to make this byword , we anticipate a good , long working life-time under typical work conditions .
Get the DeWalt 15 - inch paw saw atAce Hardware , The Home Depot , orAcme Tools .
One advantage of handwriting saws is that they are n’t as pricey as galvanising hand saws , and this 15 - column inch Craftsman creature is one of the most cheap models available . Yet it does n’t compromise efficiency for monetary value . It features an 8 TPI tooth configuration with threefold - ground teeth that edit deeply on the downstroke and milder on the backstroke for fast , smooth material remotion . With its generalization - hardened tooth , the carbon blade blade will stay sharp for a long time .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe
For tot ascendency , this date brag a burly handle , collapse user something substantial to hold , as well as a rubberized grip for greater solace when saw thicker board . The hold also features build - in 90- and 45 - level angle for drawing sporty and precise gash lines with the boring side of the leaf blade . This lightweight handwriting saw weighs just 11 ounces .
We were strike by the Craftsman hand see ’s libertine and precise cutting power . In brand - raw shape , it cut nearly as tight as the DeWalt saw , both on the single - separatrix test and in the average cam stroke - per - cut test . However , the blade blade is a notch downhearted in tone , so we would have a bun in the oven it to dull more or less sooner than our Best Overall pick ; it ’s also more susceptible to rust fungus if left exposed to the elements . periodic user who put in the power saw white and dry may never know a dim leaf blade .
The saw moved well , even through deep cut in thicker wood , and go away fairly fair edges . The handle felt comfortable in hand and aligned well with the brand for effective work . We notice that the semisynthetic handle seemed to be mold directly to the blade , so it should remain skillful and slopped for a retentive clip . Overall , this saw presented an splendid price - to - quality value .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe
Get the Craftsman handwriting reckon atLowe’sorMSC .
Classic figure stay relevant when it come to high - tone hand shaft . This panel see from Spear & Jackson incorporate traditional fabric and craftsmanship for outstanding versatility in the workshop or on the jobsite . The 24 - inch sword with its lightweight skew - back innovation propose a longer , more effective fancy stroke than shorter saws as well as excellent residue . The classic triple - riveted wooden handgrip offers a dependable , well-to-do handgrip .
This is the only back see we examine that features resharpenable cross - ground teeth and a carbon - blade blade . Carbon brand is known for good edge retentiveness and how easy it takes on a keen boundary when sharpening . friendly tooth geometry and 7 TPI make this encounter a salutary option for both tide rip saw and cut across rough - sawn lumber . The adage weighs 1 pound 6 ounce .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe
We liked the long brand on the Spear & Jackson panel see . The added length was especially helpful in come down fatigue duty while cutting wider and thicker board . Although we did not make enough cuts to dull the sword ( that may have taken a few days ’ work ) , we would expect this image to stay on sharp longer than the shorter model simply because a longer blade and more saw teeth means less wear per tooth .
On the other hand , this saw thin marginally dull than the DeWalt when we calculated the average strokes per slice and adjust for the departure in blade duration . But this saw outshined the other panel power saw in the rip saw test , so it make the right choice for versatility as well as total working sprightliness for those willin
Get the Spear & Jackson hand realize atAmazon .
Photo: acehardware.com
Best For Metal
Lenox HT50 High Tension Hacksaw
When it comes to effectively trim alloy , a high-pitched - tension leaf blade is all important to insure a consecutive track . But how much tension is enough ? This metal saw from Lenox creates blade tension up to 50,000 pound per square column inch ( PSI ) to enable make a straight cutting through even the toughest materials . The comfortable rubber grip gives the user ample ascendence of this small sawing machine .
The saw offer plenty of cool features , including a convenient storage cavity for up to five blades and a bracket for a second blade that turns the tool into a jab byword . The saw comes with a 12 - inch 24 - TPI bimetal hacksaw sword , and it weighs in at 1 pound 9 ounces .
We test the Lenox HT50 on tubular blade pipe , a steel tetraiodothyronine - C. W. Post , and for flush cutting 4 - inch polyvinyl chloride pipework . In each event , the mellow tensile long suit of the leaf blade angle bracket prevent binding and twisting , even when the steel became pinched in the workpiece near the remainder of a cut . It cut quickly and accurately every time .
Photo: lowes.com
Another gracious feature article was the option to rise the blade either unbowed or at a 45 - level slant . The angled blade mount made it much easier to flush cut the PVC organ pipe down to the plyboard surface from which it extended , without marring the wood .
The saw did not come with a dig saw steel , so we test that feature with a 6 - in reciprocating saw steel that we had in our shop . It wreak , but maneuvering the heavy saw body behind the smallish blade feel a piece cumbersome .
Get the Lenox hand saw atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orAcme Tools .
Photo: amazon.com
Best For Drywall
DeWalt DWHT20540 Jab Saw
Comfort is preponderant in quality hand-held tools , specially for dirty Book of Job like hacking through drywall . Without a motor , the sawyer ’s arm does all the work — so one reason why we wish this DeWalt jab see is its molded rubberise grip , which provide a firm , strong hold .
Thanks to aggressive tooth geometry at 8 TPI , this look makes quick piece of work out of wallboard cut Book of Job . It zip through projects with less feat and can ignore through other building fabric , too , include plastic . And , with its induction - harden teeth , the leaf blade should stay crisp through many projects . The saw blade measures 6.5 inch long , and the shaft ’s full system of weights is just 4.5 ounces .
When we tested the DeWalt poke saw , several helpful features suffer out . The bakshis of the sawing machine was not as all right as some others we ’ve used , but the added metal and sharpness made for a strong configuration that perforate ½-inch drywall easy . A flat spot at the rear of the handgrip offered a commodious spot to strike for added military force . The long triplex - footing saw tooth cut into the drywall cleanly without deplume the theme at the edge of the cut . The cushioned handgrip was prosperous to grip and made it easy to hold the leaf blade for straight or curving cutting off .
Photo: amazon.com
Our only critique , which is oddly common among this kind of sawing machine , is that it does not come with a blade cover . The needlelike peak and knifelike teeth can wreak havoc on a soft - sided tool bag and peril injure anyone caught unaware . It ’s a top - notch tool when needed , but be sure to store and ecstasy with caution .
Get the DeWalt jab hand witness atAce HardwareorThe Home Depot .
Best for Precision Cut
Irwin 6½-Inch ProTouch Coping Saw
When cut taut curves and ornate patterns in wood , a apprehend byword is the hand control of pick . The Irwin ProTouch hook come across comes outfit with a sharp 20 TPI mellow - hurrying blade steel that makes extra - clean cuts in hardwoods and deal alike . The matte bar steel skeletal system and ergonomic triangular grip provide striking comfort and guiding control for pro - prize results .
This see comes with a replaceable sword held in place by strong steel pins . Fine- and common - toothreplacement blade are readily available . Simply twist the grip to the leftfield to remove the sword or to the right to increase blade tension . The saw skeletal frame mensurate 5.5 inches inscrutable with a 6.5 - in blade . The saw weigh 10 troy ounce .
We liked the tone of quality and lastingness from the Irwin coping saw . The flat bar brand soma furnish importantly stronger blade surety compared to round out sword systema skeletale on competing designs we have previously used . The thick steel steel - retention pins also felt much more durable than other good example , and they held their status without twisting as we reduce around pissed curves .
Photo: amazon.com
The padded handle felt well-to-do , and the triangular visibility made it well-off to control than a regular orotund handle . The admit blade made squeamish fair cut as expected . While there are few difference of opinion among the useable make out byword example , this one offers some overnice convenience and precision - edit ability that user will appreciate .
Get the Irwin hand picture atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orAcme Tools .
Best For Woodworking
Suizan 7-Inch Japanese Ryoba Pull Saw
Most Western - style power saw cut on the push throw . This Nipponese hand saw flip the handwriting with a brand that cut on the pull stroke . What ’s the vantage ? Pull saw allow for more precise start , which help with cutting accuracy . This saw also feature a sparse blade , countenance it to cut effortlessly through wood .
This Japanese pull power saw volunteer two power saw in one : a hunky-dory - tooth side that attain politic crosscuts and a flip side that includes tumid , more strong-growing teeth for rip cut . These features make this tool one of the best hand saws for woodworking . Made of premium - quality Nipponese steel , both blade are extremely tart and durable . A rubberized handle offer plenty of adhesive friction for excellent control .
We tested the Suizan Japanese Ryoba see with a serial of crosscuts , rip cuts , and 45 - level tilt cuts in oak and cedar . As recommended by the manufacturing business , we used the fine - tooth boundary for crosscuts and the common - tooth bound when cut with the cereal .
Photo: amazon.com
With a few heedful start slash , the power saw track cleanly and made improbably exact straight excision . The sparse blade and knifelike tooth worked fairly sharply , specially considering the eminent tooth count . The duration of the saw , 16 inch in aggregate , and the wrench - CVA innovation feel totally different from the other saws , but it was well balanced . It was not a difficult alteration for us .
Another unique aspect of the thin blade was its flexibility , which tolerate it to make sporty wealthy cut without marring the nerve of a display panel . With such versatility and light cutting power uncommitted from one tool , woodsman could speedily find this as their elementary mitt saw .
Get the Suizanpull sawatAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Best for Camping
Silky Gomboy 240 Folding Saw
Landscapers and outdoors enthusiasts apprize the convenience of a broken folding saw for lop ramification , blazing trails , and thin out wood for the campfire . The Silky Gomboy folding saw offer the fast-growing cutting action and broken lastingness need for a farsighted working spirit in the state of nature . It features a 240 - mm ( 9 - inch ) slue blade with seven razor - crisp tooth per in , weighs 9.5 ounces , and comes with its own bash - carry cocktail dress .
This folding see features an orangeness rubber overmold grip . It ’s easy to see when repose on the grass or the timber base and slip - immune in sweaty hands or damp weather . The vane lock firmly in the loose and closed positions for safe operation . three-fold - edge ground teeth in a non - set configuration make for suave and belligerent thinning in unripened or dead wood . The chrome - plated candle ground blade offer recollective - term durability , and it ’s replaceable when it eventually wear out down .
In our tests , the Silky Gomboy see felt very perdurable and easily cut through branch ranging from 2 to about 4 inches chummy . The folding figure and wide-eyed bounce - lever tumbler locking machine work swimmingly and well . The in - line configuration act much better than a stem realize in narrow-minded branch intersections and tender similar , possibly better , overall cut ability .
Photo: amazon.com
We peculiarly liked the curved blade design . It kept the dentition in link with the Mrs. Henry Wood through the full range of every saw stroke . This combine with the aggressive tri - ground tooth geometry made for degenerate , efficient cutting action .
We also mention the economic value of the “ non - set ” blade : a hollow ground configuration with the thickness of the blade being greatest at the teeth , slightly thin along the spine , and thinnest along the distance of the midriff . This design feature reduced rubbing , further increasing efficiency , and prevented the sword from stick in the Ellen Price Wood .
Get the slick deal saw atAmazon , The Home Depot , orCabela ’s .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When ChoosingaHand Saw
When selecting their first hand consider or its switch , shopper will want to keep these thoughtfulness in creative thinker .
Types of Hand Saws
Learning about the power saw types available can help users be more mindful of what they need . register on for the case of deal saws presently available :
Teeth
A helping hand saw ’s teeth determine how quickly it cuts through wood and how clean a cut it makes . Tooth count is normally name to in TPI , also called points per column inch . The fewer tooth per inch , the big the teeth will be and the larger the spaces ( or gullets ) between them .
common - tooth brand have one to seven teeth per in . These blades can snub through big piece of material quickly but not smoothly ; the big teeth tear some of the woods ’s fibers , leaving a crude finish .
Blades with 10 or more teeth per column inch have pocket-sized teeth with few gullets in between them . With more tooth per inch , the brand makes a smoother cutting . But , since users are pulling more tooth through the wood , they ’ll use a lot more power to slice through it .
Blade
Hand byword blade are made out of a hardened steel metal that prevents the dentition from mute too quickly , much like axes . While they use similar stuff , the shapes of blades can vary importantly , depending on the type of saw and its role .
Flex
Most manus proverb have constitutional flex , imply the blade will bend . A byword ’s flex can make straight snub hard . Saws with a duncical blade will be more rigid but take more effort to cut through the material . Thinner leaf blade , on the other script , will go through the material more quickly , but they have more flex .
Some saw are designed to sweep over this flex dilemma through design that add support to the leaf blade . metal saw , for instance , feature a frame that keep the blade on both sides . An adjusting screw on the frame produce tension on the blade to prevent it from flexing while cutting harder material , such as metal .
Tension
right blade tension is crucial to making a straight and even cut . When the see blade is pressed against a solid target , it should bend slightly . A well - made saw leaf blade will have a consistent curve when bent , meaning it should n’t turn at a sharper slant in any one spot . When the blade is relinquish , it should forthwith rupture back to straight .
Some manus sawing machine are designed to make tension on the leaf blade . For exercise , hack saw blade boast a atomic number 6 - shaped frame that connects to both terminal of the slight byword blade . A tension adaptation reserve users to increase the tension of the blade , making it more rigid . Some saws can create sword tension up to 50,000 pounds per square inch , creating the rigidness needed to cut harder materials like metal .
Handle
yield that a hand see is work manually , the handgrip is almost as important as the steel . A check with a poorly contrive handle will be difficult to control and uncomfortable to use .
Many power saw are plan with ergonomic molded handgrip with rubber grips to maximise control and ease . But that is n’t the grammatical case with all mitt saws . Some manufacturers design their saws with the classic , and esthetically pleasing , stained - woodwind handles . While this design may sacrifice comfort , display a handsaw with this clip - honored looking certainly adds character to a shop .
Length
distance refers to the prune blade and does not include the hold . A longer byword will dilute through more material on a undivided stroke , meaning few slash are necessitate to complete a cut . Longer saw also run to supply a more even and consistent cutting line . That said , learn duration mainly descend down to personal preference . A larger soul with a long grasp may sense more comfortable with a 26 - inch proverb , while someone with a short reach may prefer a 15 - inch carpenter’s saw .
FAQs
If you still have questions about your new hand saw , check out these plebeian queries and their answers .
Q.How do you start a saw cut?
Use your thumb to assist line up the saw blade with the cut line of products . commence with the teeth close to the handle . check that to start the cut next to the line of merchandise , on the waste side . Make a few back cuts until you create a delineate opening in the Natalie Wood . Position the saw at a 45 - arcdegree angle with the stuff . With your elbow close to your trunk , bulge with a few short advancing throw to intensify the cut . Then start making long strokes .
Q.How do you sharpen a hand saw?
Tosharpen a handsaw in good order , clamp the adage ’s blade in a frailty between two scrap wood slice with the blade side face up . check that the clamp grips the brand closely to the cutting bound . practice a double - cut alloy single file to file the tooth until they are unvarying in summit .
Q.How do you lubricate a hand saw?
To prevent rust , lubricate your proverb after every function . you could expend a kind of lube , let in WD-40 , gun crude oil , or paste wax . In addition to preclude the metal from oxidizing , the lubricant will also forbid sap buildup and help the leaf blade slide through the Sir Henry Wood .
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Keeping your pasture green and your industrial plant thriving does n’t just take a green quarter round — it starts with the ripe tools and supply .
