Jab Saws

About Jab Saws

Jab saws are essential hand tools designed specifically for cutting and piercing plasterboard, drywall, and similar sheet materials. Also known as plasterboard saws or drywall saws, these versatile tools feature a distinctive pointed tip that allows tradespeople to puncture directly into material without pre-drilling. The aggressive tooth pattern makes light work of cutting access holes for electrical sockets, light switches, and pipework in plasterboard walls and ceilings.

MyToolShed.co.uk stocks quality jab saws from trusted brands including Stanley, DeWalt, Irwin, Faithfull, Draper, and Marshalltown. Whether you need a basic fixed-blade model for occasional DIY use or a professional-grade folding jab saw with integrated rasp features, you'll find options suitable for both trade professionals and home renovators. The blade design typically features a narrow profile with hardened teeth that cut on both push and pull strokes, making them incredibly efficient for working in confined spaces.

Applications

Jab saws are indispensable tools across numerous trades and applications:

• Electricians (Sparkies): Creating cutouts for socket boxes, switch plates, and lighting fixtures in existing plasterboard walls
• Plasterers and Drywall Installers: Cutting access holes and trimming plasterboard during installation and finishing work
• Plumbers: Cutting access panels and holes for pipework, radiator valves, and service access points
• Carpenters and Joiners (Chippies): Trimming wallboard and creating precise openings during first-fix and second-fix stages
• Kitchen and Bathroom Fitters: Cutting holes for extractor fans, waste pipes, and service access in boarded walls
• General Builders: Essential for renovation work, repairs, and general site cutting tasks involving plasterboard
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home renovators tackling plasterboarding, electrical upgrades, or bathroom installations

Choosing The Right Jab Saws

Blade Design: Consider whether you need a fixed or folding blade. Folding models like the Stanley FatMax Folding Drywall Jab Saw offer excellent portability and safety for mobile tradespeople, whilst fixed-blade options provide maximum rigidity for heavy-duty applications.

Handle Comfort: For regular professional use, invest in models with ergonomic soft-grip handles that reduce hand fatigue during extended cutting sessions. The Draper Soft Grip Hardpoint Plasterboard Saw exemplifies this feature, providing secure grip even when working overhead or at awkward angles.

Build Quality: Professional tradespeople should prioritise premium brands like DeWalt, Irwin, or Marshalltown that offer superior blade retention and reinforced jab points. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks both professional-grade options and mid-range models from Faithfull and Draper that offer excellent value for DIY users.

Additional Features: Some models, such as the DeWalt Folding Jab Saw with Rasp, include rasp edges for smoothing and finishing cut edges. Double-edged blades offer greater versatility but require more careful handling.

Safety Information

Always wear safety glasses when cutting plasterboard to protect against fine dust particles. Before puncturing plasterboard, use a cable and pipe detector to locate hidden electrical wiring and plumbing—cutting into live cables or water pipes poses serious risks. For folding models, ensure the blade locks securely before use and fold away when not in use. Keep your free hand well clear of the blade path and maintain stable footing, particularly when working from ladders. Replace blunt or damaged blades promptly to maintain safe, efficient cutting performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a jab saw and a padsaw?

Jab saws feature a reinforced pointed tip designed to puncture material without pre-drilling, whilst padsaws typically require a pilot hole to start cutting. Jab saws also have more aggressive teeth specifically suited to plasterboard rather than fine woodwork.

Do I need a folding or fixed-blade jab saw?

Folding models offer superior portability and safety for mobile tradespeople, easily fitting into toolbelts or pockets. Fixed-blade versions provide maximum rigidity for heavy-duty applications. Site workers usually prefer folding models, whilst workshop-based users may opt for fixed blades.

Can I use a jab saw to cut materials other than plasterboard?

Yes, most jab saws available at MyToolShed.co.uk can cut various materials including timber, chipboard, and thin plastics. However, they're optimised for plasterboard and similar soft sheet materials. For regular woodworking, dedicated wood saws will provide better results.