Saws & Saw Blades

Frame Length and Blade Size

The length of the hacksaw frame determines which saw blades you can use. Common sizes are 150 and 300 millimetres. A junior frame of 150 millimetres is useful for tight angles and small workpieces. A steel frame of 300 millimetres gives more space and power for larger jobs. Choose the frame that suits the work you do.

Flexible or Hard Saw Blades

Saw blades differ in flexibility and hardness. Flexible blades bend without breaking. That is helpful when cutting curves or working with vibration. Hard blades stay sharp longer but break more easily if you force them. For straight cuts in metal, choose a hard blade. For irregular shapes, a flexible blade is better.

Tooth Pitch and Material

Check the tooth pitch before you start. Fine teeth are for thin material and hard metals. Coarse teeth cut faster in soft material. The wrong tooth pitch causes breakage or an uneven cut. Measure the thickness of the workpiece and choose the blade that matches. That way you cut cleanly and safely.

These saws belong with our Hand Tools. If you want to hold a workpiece first, look at Pliers and Hammers. For drilling holes before you saw, go to Drills.