Hacksaws

About Hacksaws

Hacksaws are essential hand tools found in virtually every tradesperson's toolkit and home workshop across the UK. Designed primarily for cutting metal materials including steel pipe, copper tube, conduit, and sheet metal, modern hacksaws are remarkably versatile tools equally capable of sawing through plastic piping, wooden dowels, and composite materials. The classic hacksaw design consists of a sturdy metal frame that holds a replaceable blade under tension, allowing for precise, controlled cuts in materials that would quickly damage conventional wood saws.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks professional-grade hacksaws from renowned manufacturers including Bahco, Facom, Irwin, and DeWalt, alongside excellent value options from Draper, Sealey, and Faithfull. Our range includes standard full-size hacksaws with 300mm blades for general metalworking, junior hacksaws with 150mm blades for confined spaces, and specialist designs including adjustable hacksaws, mini hacksaws for ultra-tight access, and ergonomic models with cushioned grips that reduce hand fatigue during extended use.

Applications

Hacksaws are indispensable tools across numerous trades and applications:

• Plumbers and heating engineers – cutting copper pipe, plastic waste pipes, and steel barrel nipples
• Electricians – trimming steel and plastic conduit, cutting trunking and cable tray
• Mechanical engineers and fitters – general metalworking and fabrication tasks
• Maintenance technicians – repairs and modifications across various materials
• Motor mechanics – cutting exhaust pipes, brackets, and seized fixings
• Steel fabricators and welders – preparing metal sections for welding and assembly
• Carpenters and joiners – cutting metal fixings, brackets, and occasional metalwork
• DIY enthusiasts and homeowners – general repairs, renovations, and maintenance projects

Choosing The Right Hacksaws

Size and type: Standard 300mm hacksaws provide maximum cutting capacity for general workshop use, whilst junior hacksaws excel in tight spaces under sinks, behind radiators, or in electrical enclosures. Many professionals keep both sizes in their toolkit for complete versatility.

Frame quality: Professional-grade frames from manufacturers like Bahco and Facom feature robust tubular steel construction that maintains blade tension during heavy use. Look for comfortable, ergonomic handles with cushioned grips that reduce hand fatigue, and ensure the tensioning mechanism operates positively even when wearing work gloves.

Professional vs DIY use: For daily site work, invest in premium hacksaws from brands like Bahco or Irwin – superior build quality and reliability quickly justify the modest additional cost. For occasional home use, quality mid-range options from Draper or Faithfull deliver excellent value and long-term reliability.

Blade compatibility: Ensure your chosen hacksaw accepts standard blade sizes (300mm or 150mm) for easy replacement blade availability. MyToolShed.co.uk offers an extensive range of hacksaw blades to complement your frame selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What TPI blade should I use for different materials?
A: For general metal cutting and pipework, 24 TPI blades provide an excellent balance of speed and finish quality. Use 32 TPI blades for thin materials, sheet metal, and conduit. For thicker steel sections and solid bar stock, 18 TPI blades cut more quickly with less effort.

Q: What's the difference between standard and junior hacksaws?
A: Standard hacksaws use 300mm blades and provide maximum cutting capacity for general workshop use and larger diameter pipes. Junior hacksaws use 150mm blades and offer superior manoeuvrability in confined spaces, plus better control for precision work and flush cutting.

Q: Why do hacksaw blades keep breaking?
A: Common causes include insufficient blade tension, excessive downward pressure, twisting during cuts, or using worn blades. Ensure proper blade installation with teeth pointing forward, maintain even cutting pressure, and allow the blade to do the work rather than forcing it through material.