Quick Summary: We have picked the Ares Right Angle Hacksaw as the best hacksaw due to its precise angle cutting abilities, the ergonomically designed handle, and the hi-carbon flexible steel blade. It comes with a lock nut to keep the blade firmly in place for safety and precise cuts. It is also very durable and versatile.
A hacksaw is a handy tool, especially when you know that you have a lot of work using different materials, for example, in construction.
You can use a hacksaw for the longest time. The only thing that you may have to do is replace the blades once in a while, which depends entirely on the frequency of use of the hacksaw.
One thing that determines a hacksaw’s ability to accomplish a task is the strength of the frame; that is why it is essential to choose a hacksaw depending on whether it has a fixed structure or a flexible structure.
You should highly consider going for the one with the adjustable plane that it leaves room for flexibility since it can use different kinds of blades. Also, it is better to go for the best hacksaw that has a quality grip.
This quality means that when you hold it at the handle, it fits well and does not slip. When the grip is right, you will have an easy time operating the hacksaw. Also, you will get your work done on time and in a safe way. Selecting the right blade is essential, and you should ensure that the blade you choose is made up of sturdy material.
As you check on the blade’s quality, check for a blade with a high tooth rate per inch. More TPI means that you will have an easy time cutting through the material. For more information and assistance selecting the best hacksaw, please keep continuing reading.
Quick Navigation:
- Comparison of 10 Best Hacksaws
- Reviews of 10 Top Hacksaws
- How to Choose the Right Hacksaw
- Hacksaw vs Hand Saw vs Coping Saw
- Final Verdict
Reviews of 10 Top Hacksaws
Here’s a list of the top hacksaws on the market today:
Best Overall
1. Ares 70098-3-D Right Angle Hacksaw
What You Will Love: You can easily turn the blade to the angle you need, lock it in place for a straight cut.
This Ares 70093-3-D hacksaw allows you to cut precise 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degree angles. You can use the lock nut to secure your angle position.
Thanks to this, you need not worry about having crooked lines. The frame is designed in such a way that it can easily be turned upside down and sideways.
On the downside, some users state that it is not as precise as advertised. At around $20, it is a very budget friendly option.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Provides multiple angle options
- Lock nut to keep blades safely in place
- Ergonomic handle
- Hi-carbon flexible steel blade
Cons:
- Does not provide precise tension as advertised
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Best Budget
2. Klein Tools Hacksaw with Reciprocating Blades
What You Will Love: It provides tension up to 30,000 PSI, and it has convenient storage in the handle.
Klein Tools Hacksaw provides professional performance at an affordable price. The blades are very high tension with 24 TPI.
This causes the bi-metal blades to make fast and precise cuts. The handle provides easy storage for extra blades.
However, the blades are not really secure in the handle, so make a lot of noise while you are sawing.
If you choose this option, you might want to take the blades out of the handle while you use the saw.
Pros:
- Tension up to 30,000 PSI
- Fast and precise cuts
- Blades with 24 TPI
- Bi-metal blade
- Blade storage in the handle
- Affordable
Cons:
- Blade storage in handle does not keep blades from moving back and forth
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Best for Toll-less Blade Change
3. Milwaukee 48-22-0012 Compact Hand Operated Hacksaw
What You Will Love: The ergonomic handle is covered with rubber that provides an excellent grip and is very comfortable.
The Milwaukee 48-22-0012 Compact Hand Operated Hacksaw is a user friendly tool that allows for versatile cutting.
The 10 inch blade cuts both wood and metal, and it lets you change the blade without tools.
At around $16, it is a very affordable option. The only stated issue is that some users have received their tool with loose parts, and some others have stated that the parts came loose very quickly.
If you choose this option, be sure that you tighten the parts on a regular basis.
Pros:
- Tool free blade change
- Affordable
- Rubber ergonomic handle provides great grip
- Included 10 inch blade can cut through metal and wood
Cons:
- Might have loose parts or parts might loosen often
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Best Mini Hacksaw
4. Capri Tool 12 Inch Mini Hacksaw
What You Will Love: You can use both 10 inch and 12 inch blades
The Capri Tool Mini Hacksaw is a great choice for those with little storage space. It is compact, lightweight, and tough.
It is reported to be easy for women and those with weak hands to use it.
The mini hacksaw is constructed from durable aluminum, and the ergonomic handle provides comfort and an easy grip.
It can fit both 10 inch and 12 inch blades, which provides the user some versatility. It is very affordable at less than $20.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Fits 10 or 12 inch blades
- Light yet durable aluminum body
- Great for tight spaces
- Ergonomic handle
- Bi-metal heavy duty blade
- Compact
- 24 TPI
Cons:
- Some have stated that the blades worked better when only pulled in one direction
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Best for Cutting in Tight Spaces
5. Dewalt DWHT20547L 5 In 1 Hack Saw
What You Will Love: This awesome tool gives you five tools in one, giving you versatility and extra storage space.
The Dewalt 5-in-1 Hacksaw really does give you five tools in one, which can be great for those who are running out of storage space in their toolbox or tool shed.
It has a sturdy construction, and tension high enough for 330 LBS. At around $30, it is very affordable and attainable for most budgets.
The only real complaint I could find about this hacksaw is that it can be a bit difficult to change blades, and it does not come with instructions on how to do so.
Pros:
- 5 saws in 1
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Affordable
- 45 or 90 degree blade angle
- High tension for up to 330 lbs
- Low profile lets it fit in tight spaces
Cons:
- May be difficult to change blades
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Best Wood Cutting Hacksaw
6. Irwin 218HP300 12 Inch Combi-Saw
What You Will Love: This is a combination saw which provides the ability to cut both wood and metal.
The Irwin 12 Inch Combi- Saw is a useful saw to have around.
Instead of needing two separate saws, this one comes with both a wood cutting and a hacksaw blade that provides for versatile uses.
Even better is the fact that it is compact enough to easily store. The handle provides a non- slip grip and a knuckle guard.
The only potential downside is that though the frame is welded, some users state that it is too wobbly. This combination saw usually costs less than $20, so it is an excellent deal.
Pros:
- Comes with both a wood cutting and a hacksaw blade
- Stable welded frame
- Knuckle guard
- Can cut large metal and pipes with a large diameter
- Compact- easily stored
- Great price
- No slip grip
Cons:
- It might be a bit too wobbly for some users’ comfort
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Best Metal Cutting Hacksaw
7. Lenox Tools 20975-975 Mini Frame Hack Saw
What You Will Love: This mini hacksaw is durable and tougher than many other mini hacksaws.
The Lenox 20975-975 mini hacksaw is a compact yet tough tool to keep in your tool box.
The 10 inch blade is made with 24 TPI, meaning that it provides cuts as sharp as many larger saws.
It is designed for lightweight cutting and sawing in tight spaces. It has a durable and corrosion resistant aluminum handle, and usually runs under $10.
The only downside I could see is that it is only designed for a 10 inch blade. Anything larger will be too floppy.
Pros:
- 24 TPI
- Comes with one 10 inch blade
- Good for lightweight cutting of unhardened tool steel and stainless steel metal
- Very affordable
- Aluminum handle
- Compact size
- Corrosion resistant
Cons:
- Must stick with the original blade size
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Best Professional Hacksaw
8. Bahco 325 Professional Hacksaw with Ergo Handle
What You Will Love: It has a spring loaded blade release that actually won this hacksaw the Silver Award from the Industrial Designers Society of America.
The Bahco 325 Professional Hacksaw is a well-loved and highly recommended tool.
It has a very comfortable, ergonomically designed handle. It is designed for quick blade changes, and provides very high blade tension.
Unfortunately, if you are not careful during tensioning, the blade can break. Take your time and pay attention as you tighten your blade. The award winning spring loaded blade release makes quick work of blade changes.
At over $45, it is definitely a higher priced option than some others, but it is built well enough that users state it is worth it.
Pros:
- Ergonomic handle
- High blade tension
- Spring loaded blade release
- Fast blade change
- Comes with shatterproof blade with 24 TPI
Cons:
- Higher price
- Blade can break during tensioning if you are not careful
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Best Multi Function Hacksaw
9. METAKOO MHO1H Frame Hacksaw
What You will Love: This high tension hacksaw frame can accommodate three different kinds of blades. The three are usable on metal, plastic, and wood. The structure also includes a regular hacksaw and a narrow hacksaw to allow you to work in tight spaces. When I come to change either of the three blades, it just takes a quick button press.
Nothing makes work interesting other than knowing that the tools you are using make this possible for you. That is the case with this tool.
It has an ergonomic handle that feels comfortable on your hand. Also, the design on the handle ensures your safety as you use it.
User Friendly
The handle has a non-slip quality, which makes the grip comfortable and secure.
Sturdy Blade
This feature is useful, especially when it comes to cutting metal.
Easy Blade Replacement
Replacing the blade is, therefore, a safe and quick process.
Multi Angled Cuts
This feature allows you to make even the most complicated cuts.
Pros:
- The ergonomic handle and button release for the blade makes it easy to operate
- This hacksaw is durable since most of its parts are steel
- The fact that it facilitates multifunctionality makes it a convenient tool
Cons:
- Some features of this hacksaw, like the handle my loosen
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Best for Comfortable Grip
10. AIRAJ12 In Adjustable -Tension Hacksaw
What You will Love: This hacksaw is one of the best and most comfortable hacksaws to use since it comes with a handle that has a rubber grip. Using it ensures that you suffer minimal fatigue and injuries to your palms. This kind of hold is also convenient when you have to alternate cutting to make precise cuts.
The tension of the blade is adjustable. This trait comes in handy when you have to change the edge or when you want to improve the practicality of cuts.
The cutting angle of the blade is also adjustable for standard and flush cuts. All options to adjust the blade tension and curves make it a convenient hacksaw for construction, handicrafts, and several woodworking projects.
Adjustable Cutting Angle
You can make the most exciting cuts with this blade.
Quality Material
It has rubberized gripping. Gripping it is easy when cutting. It can last a while before requiring any repairs.
Adjustable tension
It makes working with it more practical and flexible.
Pros:
- The hacksaw is easy to use
- It has a comfortable grip
- Efficient since it has adjustable features like blade tension and cutting angle
- Durable since most of its parts are high-quality stainless steel
Cons:
- Blades may require changing often
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How to Choose the Right Hacksaw?
When you are searching for a hacksaw for your tool collection, consider the following characteristics:
Sturdy Frame
You can choose either a fixed frame or an adjustable frame on a hacksaw. Fixed frames require one specific blade length while an adjustable frame can use different blades lengths.
Regardless of whether you choose a fixed or an adjustable frame, it is best to find one made from metal. This is very sturdy which is excellent for safety and making work easier.
Quality Grip
A quality grip is one that fits well in your hand and is comfortable enough for long uses. A rubber handle is a great choice because it can be soft in the hand and used in both cold and wet climates.
The handle also needs to be wide enough that your hand is not scrunched up.
Ease of Handling
The better the construction and the grip, the easier a hacksaw is to handle. The easier it is to handle, the quicker the work gets done and the safer the whole process.
Type of Blade
When purchasing or replacing a hacksaw blade, you want to make sure that the blade is made from sturdy- not flimsy- materials.
Additionally, you want to find blades with a high rate of teeth per inch (TPI). The higher the TPI, the easier the blade can cut through the material.
Screw or Clamp Mechanism
You want to be sure that the mechanism intended for holding the blade to the frame should be easy to tighten. Tools come loose over time, so you need to be sure that you have the ability to keep it tightened without too much extra work.
Also, the more well constructed the mechanism is, the longer it takes to come loose.
Expenses
You can keep a hacksaw for a significant amount of years if you find one that is constructed well. In fact, my great grandfather’s is still being passed around the family.
As you will probably need to only buy once in your lifetime, consider investing in a very well made one.
Well made does not always mean the most expensive, but try not to buy the cheapest option available- unless, of course, it is the most well made option.
Hacksaw vs Hand Saw vs Coping Saw
Technically, hacksaws and coping saws are two types of hand saws. However, most people consider a handsaw its own type. For the sake of explanation, we will treat a handsaw as a separate entity.
Hacksaws are those that are a c- shape on which you add the blade and it becomes a d- shape. A hacksaw has very fine teeth and thin blades, which are held tense and sturdy in between the ends of the saw.
Its construction makes a hacksaw better suited for cutting metal, and sometimes cutting PVC pipe, though some people use them as a more versatile cutting tool.
A coping small is similar to a hacksaw in its shape and the tension which holds the blades tense. The difference is that a coping saw has thinner and smaller blades that are meant to cut angles into materials such as wood or plastic joint. The blade of a coping saw can be changed in different directions depending on the angle you need.
Last is what everyone calls a hand saw. These are the saws that have a solid construction, and they are often used to cut wood.
The blade look similar to a sheet of metal that is flat on one side and has teeth on the other. These are great for cutting branches or two by fours and so on.
All three saws are handy, and they can almost be used completely interchangeably. However, it is always best to have the correct saw for the job to make things easier and safer.
Final Verdict: Best Hacksaws
Hacksaws are incredibly helpful tools for any projects that involve cutting hard plastic, metal, or wood.
If you are currently considering or shopping for a hacksaw, you want to choose one that gives you enough tension and TPI. The information here can be used to help you purchase the best hacksaw for your projects and your needs.
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