In this guide we’ll look at the best hacksaws.
We’ve compared construction material, blades, tensioning mechanism and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
Every product we recommend is carefully researched, fact checked and tested where possible. If you buy from a link, we may earn a small commission. Learn more.

The UK's bestHacksaws2022 Review
What Are The UK's Best Hacksaws?
Read Our Hacksaw Reviews
Stanley 020108 FatMax 5-in-1 Hacksaw
FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FEATURES |
| RATING | PRICE |
|
Stanley 020108 FatMax 5-in-1 Hacksaw Review
We think the Stanley 020108 FatMax 5-in-1 Hacksaw is the best hacksaw on the market thanks to its sturdy construction, comfortable ergonomic handle and multi blade positioning.
This is a very robust, heavy duty hacksaw. This Stanley FatMax hacksaw features a sturdy frame that is strong and thick but still reasonably lightweight. It has a blade tension of 100 kg which should cope with the toughest metal cutting tasks. The metal hand saw can be adjusted to five positions making it a really versatile cutting tool. The hacksaw blade can be set to 45 and 90 degree positions and a 45 degree access saw position. The hacksaw also comes with a pad saw blade that can be set at two different positions.
The metal hand saw takes standard 12″ (300 mm) blades. The saw itself comes with two blades and includes on board storage to keep the blades safe and handy for use. The hacksaw dimensions are 43 x 3.51 x 19 cm.
The pad saw blade is ideal for rough cutting especially in awkward locations where there is not enough room for standard manoeuvring.
The Stanley hacksaw also makes a good pruning saw for the garden.
Irwin I-125 High-Tension Hacksaw
FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FEATURES |
| RATING | PRICE |
|
Irwin I-125 High-Tension Hacksaw Review
The Irwin I-125 High-Tension Hacksaw has blade tension of 125 kg, metal frame and comfortable soft grip handle.
This professional hacksaw is very sturdy and well made, yet still lightweight and comfortable to use. The 125 kg blade tension means this hacksaw is up to the toughest of jobs and cuts a straight line every time. The 12″ blade can be set at 90 and 180 degrees and it is easy to change and tension.
The Irwin hacksaw has a comfortable soft grip handle as well as a soft grip at the end of the saw to facilitate two handed use. It also has on board blade storage so spare blades are always handy.
This is a great quality hacksaw that is up to tough tasks and offers great value for money.
Facom FCM601 601 12-inch 300mm Hacksaw
FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FEATURES |
| RATING | PRICE |
|
Facom FCM601 601 12-inch 300mm Hacksaw Review
The Facom FCM601 601 12-inch 300mm Hacksaw has a design that allows it to be used two handed, as well as a comfortable handle and high blade tension.
This hacksaw has an impact resistant resin and steel frame and a blade tension of 80 kg. The metal saw has comfortable handles at both ends so it can be used two handed. The 12″ 24 TPI blade that comes with the saw is easy to change and tighten.
Overall, this hacksaw is sturdy, light, easy to use and cuts an accurate line.
Gardena Sierra Combisystem Hacksaw
FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FEATURES |
| RATING | PRICE |
|
Gardena Sierra Combisystem Hacksaw Review
The Gardena Sierra Combisystem saw is an ideal hand saw for pruning trees and large shrubs as it is tough, light and effective.
This Gardena saw is designed for the garden and does a great pruning job, especially on green wood. It can be used on its own or in conjunction with the combisystem handle. The tapered design of this handsaw means it is easy to get this saw between branches. The 360 degree rotating blade also helps to ensure you can achieve the right cutting angle no matter how congested the shrub or tree foliage. The hardened blade is really sturdy and resists twisting. The 350 mm blade also has precision machined peg and raker teeth, and replacement blades are easily available. The blade tension can be easily adjusted, and the handle is comfortable to use.
Bahco 319 Hacksaw
FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FEATURES |
| RATING | PRICE |
|
Bahco 319 Hacksaw Review
The Bahco 319 Hacksaw is an inexpensive metal hacksaw that still sturdy, effective and comfortable to use.
This Bahco hacksaw has a robust frame with a steel core. It also has a comfortable non slip handle which is easy on the hands and provides good grip. The tension on the blade is good and the saw cuts a true line. There is also a tensioning mechanism in the handle that is easy to use. The saw takes standard 12″ (300mm) blades and comes with one blade included. This Bahco hacksaw is nice and compact and can access tighter corners than some other hacksaws.
This is a great little hacksaw that is the ideal addition to your toolbox for occasional use and will come in handy for a range of household and DIY tasks.
AIRAJ Multi-Purpose Hacksaw Frame with Seven Saw Blades
FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FEATURES |
| RATING | PRICE |
|
AIRAJ Multi-Purpose Hacksaw Frame with Seven Saw Blades Review
With a whole range of hand tools from pipe cutters to hedge shears, AIRAJ know all about what makes a decent all-rounder bit of kit. Their multi-purpose hacksaw frame is a seriously handy thing to have around. Whether you’re tackling steel, wood, or even bone, it’s one of the best hacksaws in this price range.
The frame itself is made from steel and aluminium alloy that gives the saw rigidity without making it too heavy. There’s a comfy soft grip handle on the back side, and just enough room to work with if you’ve got medium size hands.
The best thing about this saw is how easy it is to swap out blades. There’s a lever on top that releases the blade tension. It makes blade changes swift and easy to do one-handed. You also get seven blades- three wire saws, two big tooth blades, and two small tooth blades.
STANLEY Dynagrip Heavy Duty Hacksaw 1 20 110
FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FEATURES |
| RATING | PRICE |
|
STANLEY Dynagrip Heavy Duty Hacksaw 1 20 110 Review
I’d guess that almost anyone who’s tried out a bit of DIY has heard of the STANLEY brand. Famous for their knives and other hand tools, they also make one of the best heavy-duty hacksaws available right now. The 1 20 110 Dynagrip hacksaw is a powerful bit of kit with some clever features.
The Dynagrip handle is what makes this a very comfortable saw to use. The rubberised rear handle contains elastomer which makes it fit well to the hand and allows for a sure grip. You can adjust the blade to cut at both 90° and 45°, and even reposition the blade so it sticks out the front of the saw for cutting in tight spots.
This is a handy saw to have on hand when you need to cut through metal, plastic, or wood. There are plenty of different blades available, and you can adjust the tension with the lever underneath the grip section. You can even store spare blades inside the saw body!
Presch 300 mm Metal Saw
FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FEATURES |
| RATING | PRICE |
|
Presch 300 mm Metal Saw Review
German engineering firm Presch make quality hand tools. Their 300 mm metal saw is no exception, it sports an ergonomic handle, high blade tension, and two cutting angles for flush cutting purposes. It’s a premium bit of DIY kit that will no doubt improve almost any tool kit.
The blue and orange rubberised handle is well shaped and puts your hand into the optimum cutting position. Thanks to the chunky design, it’s rigid and allows the blade to be highly tensioned. Some users have had issues with the blade retaining pegs, but overall, it’s a capable saw.
The tensioning system is quite clever on this saw. Instead of a lever, the rear portion of the handle can be pulled out and turned to increase or decrease pressure. The included bi-metal blade has 24 TPI and should be ideal for cutting through wood and plastic as well as metals.
How to Choose The Best Hacksaw
Design and construction
Most hacksaws or metal cutting hand saws have a metal construction that is sturdy and impact resistant, yet light to use. In addition, the best hacksaws have a comfortable ergonomic soft grip handle that makes them nice and grippy as well as comfortable to use. Some hack saws have a grip at each end so they can be used two handed.
Hacksaws consist of a metal frame that holds a thin but strong blade tight across a gap. This blade can often be angled for different purposes. Some hacksaws come with built-in storage for spare hacksaw blades like the Stanley 020108 and Irwin I-125 hacksaws.
Blades
Standard hacksaws like the Bahco 319 take a 10″ or 12″ blade and most brands will take any brand of blade. You can also buy different hacksaw blades for cutting different materials such as wood and metal. In addition, you can get hack saw blades with different numbers of teeth for rougher or finer cuts. If you want to achieve a smooth finish, look for a higher TPI (teeth per inch) ratio like that on the Gardena Sierra Combisystem. For thick heavy pieces, you will require a metal blade with a lower number of teeth per inch. The best hacksaw blades are thin but very strong and have precision machined teeth for accurate cuts.
Hacksaw blades are generally made from carbon steel, bi-metal or HSS steel. Hacksaw blades can be quite brittle so bi-metal blades were developed to minimize the risk of fracture. HSS steel is heat treated to create a hard cutting edge and a shatter resistant back.
Tensioning mechanism
Hacksaws have a tensioning mechanism which ensures that the thin metal blade is held taught and you achieve an accurate cut without wobbling or meandering. Hacksaws have a variety of tensioning mechanisms and the easiest to use is an integrated tension wheel that is built into the handle of the saw.
The higher the blade tension the more accurately you will be able to cut, even tough materials. For instance, the Facom FCM601 hacksaw has an 80 kg blade tension which makes it one of the best hacksaws you can buy.
Hacksaw FAQs
What is a hacksaw used for?
A hacksaw is effectively a fine-toothed handsaw for metal. The equivalent handsaw for cutting wood is usually the bow saw. A hacksaw has a C-shaped frame that holds a metal blade under tension. A screw or similar mechanism can be used to adjust the tension.
A hacksaw is mainly used to cut metal such as bars, pipes and rods. It is also very useful for cutting plastics, such as plastic pipes and conduit. Some hacksaw blades can also cut wood, tiles and glass.
A hacksaw can be used to cut both straight and curved lines.
How do I change a hacksaw blade?
When fitting a hacksaw blade the blade is usually mounted with the teeth facing forward from the handle so that they cut on the push stroke. The blade can be fitted the opposite way round so that it cuts on the pull stroke.
To remove the old blade, loosen the wing nut near the hacksaw’s handle until it is loose enough for you to remove the old blade from the frame. Some hacksaws have an adjusting wheel rather than a wing nut. Lift the blade off the retaining pins at each end of the frame.
Place the new blade onto the retaining pins, ensuring the teeth are pointing the right way round. You will usually want them pointing away from the main handle.
Re-tighten the wing nut until the blade is tight.
Test the blade on a piece of scrap metal. If the blade bends or flexes during the cut tighten the wing nut further.
Conclusion
Hacksaws are very useful for a range of tasks and are especially suited to cutting metal and plastic pipes, conduit, metal bars and the like. They are an essential hand saw for many trades and a really useful item for the competent DIYer who occasionally undertakes major tasks such as kitchen and bathroom refits. They’re also useful for smaller jobs such as cutting curtain poles or wardrobe rails to fit.
We would recommend the Stanley 020108 FatMax 5-in-1 Hacksaw as it is strong and well made, has a comfortable handle and features two blades and multi-blade positioning for extra versatility.
Related Articles
-
Metabo KGS216M Sliding Mitre Saw Review
Harry DunctonUpdated March 18, 2022
-
Evolution R210CMS Compound Mitre Saw Review
Harry DunctonUpdated March 18, 2022
-
Einhell TC-MS 2112 Compound Mitre Saw Review
Harry DunctonUpdated March 18, 2022
-
Bosch Professional GCM8SJL Sliding Mitre Saw Review
Harry DunctonUpdated March 18, 2022
-
DeWalt DWS774-GB Sliding Mitre Saw Review
Harry DunctonUpdated March 18, 2022
-
DeWalt DCS391N-XJ XR Cordless Circular Saw Review
Harry DunctonUpdated March 10, 2022
-
Bosch PKS 55 Hand-Held Circular Saw Review
Harry DunctonUpdated March 10, 2022
-
Makita DHS680Z 18V Brushless Circular Saw Review
Harry DunctonUpdated March 10, 2022
-
Ryobi R18CS7-0 18V ONE+™ Cordless Circular Saw Review
Harry DunctonUpdated March 18, 2022
-
Evolution R185 CCS Circular Saw Review
Harry DunctonUpdated March 18, 2022
-
Makita HS7601J Hand-held Circular Saw Review
Harry DunctonUpdated March 10, 2022
-
The Best Pole Saws
Derek SmithUpdated June 15, 2022
-
The Best Tile Cutters
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Japanese Saws
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Coping Saws
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Bow Saws
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Tenon Saws
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Hole Saw Sets
Harry DunctonUpdated May 3, 2022
-
The Best Mini Circular Saws
Harry DunctonUpdated June 22, 2022
-
The Best Chop Saws
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Jigsaw Tools
Harry DunctonUpdated June 22, 2022
-
The Best Mitre Saw Stands
Harry DunctonUpdated June 20, 2022
-
The Best Hand Saws
Harry DunctonUpdated June 23, 2022
-
The Best Saw Horses for Log Cutting
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Morticers
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Band Saws
Harry DunctonUpdated June 23, 2022
-
The Best Plunge Saws For The UK Market
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Reciprocating Saws
Harry DunctonUpdated June 23, 2022
-
The Best Scroll Saws For The UK Market
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Circular Saws
Harry DunctonUpdated June 28, 2022
-
The Best Mitre Saws
Harry DunctonUpdated June 27, 2022
-
The Best Table Saws
Harry DunctonUpdated June 29, 2022