When you want to cut through materials such as metal, plastic, or steel, a hacksaw is the right tool that you need. It offers precision and efficiency, however it is available in different versions for different tasks. Do you know hacksaws are designed differently depending on the task requirements? In this blog, we will provide in-depth information about different types of hacksaws, their uses, and how to choose the right one for your project.
What Is A Hacksaw?
A hacksaw is a cutting tool with cutting-edge versatility. It is primarily used for cutting metal, and wood but it is versatile enough to cut through plastic and other materials. It comprises of metal frame that holds a thin and fine-toothed blade under tension and a handle. The hacksaw handle can be of different types including plastic, wooden, steel, or tubular metal handle. One can select a hacksaw of the desired handle based on their comfort or task requirement. Whether you are a professional or just a DIY enthusiast, the hacksaw is one of the most important tools that you’ll need again and again in your project.
Purpose And Uses Of Hacksaw
From cutting metal to plastic, a hacksaw can do it all. Its primary purpose is to cut materials that are hard to cut using standard saws. It has applications in various areas including metalworking, construction, and plumbing. The most common applications of hacksaws include:
- Shaping and cutting metal or plastic material.
- Slice the wood into pieces.
- Trim metal rods.
- Cut pipes and tubes.
No matter what material you want to cut, a hacksaw provides clean and controlled cuts which makes it a reliable tool for precision.
Types Of Hacksaw
There are different types of hacksaw for every task. Let’s explore the most common types of hacksaws to help you understand the difference between them-
Adjustable Hacksaw
Adjustable hacksaw is versatile in nature. You can adjust the frame length to accommodate different blade sizes that range between 10-12 inches. This feature makes it efficient for cutting various materials of different breadth. This type of hacksaw is suitable for tasks that require flexibility in blade sizes and materials.
Fixed Frame Hacksaw
Unlike adjustable hacksaw, fixed frame hacksaw does not have an adjustable frame thus it cannot be adjusted for different blade sizes. Although it is not versatile, it offers stability and durability making it suitable for heavy-duty cutting tasks where strength and rigidity are required. These are used in cutting thick metal and other hard materials.
Junior Hacksaw
As the name suggests, the junior hacksaw is a compact and lightweight version of a standard hacksaw. It contains a small blade that makes it suitable for tasks where you need to make precise cuts in confined spaces. Also, one can cut lightweight and thin materials such as plastic and metal sheets using a junior hacksaw. It is widely used ie fine and detailed cutting work.
Power Hacksaw
Power hacksaws have heavier and wider frames and thicker blades than hand hacksaws. It is used in heavy-duty and large-scale cutting tasks in workshops and industries. It is powered with electricity or other power source to cut through materials. These are more efficient than the manually operated hacksaw as they maintain a consistent speed and depth of cut.
Mini Hacksaw
The mini hacksaw is designed for small jobs that require precision and portability. It is lightweight and compact, thus it is easy to carry them around and use them in confined spaces. These are suitable for delicate and detailed cuts and cutting in confined spaces.
Blade Types Of Hacksaws
The blades of the hacksaw come in different materials and teeth-per-inch (TPI) counts. Based on this, they can cut different types of material. Here are a few blade types used in the hacksaws:
Carbon steel blades
Carbon steel blades are made with softer materials than other blade types. These are suitable for cutting soft materials such as copper, aluminum, and plastic. Carbon steel blades are light-duty and cost-effective making them ideal for general-purpose tasks. Such types of blades are not suitable for cutting thick and hard materials. Also, they are less durable than other blades, thus they have a short lifespan.
High-speed steel blades
High-speed steel blades are more durable than carbon steel blades. These are designed to cut tough materials such as stainless steel, iron, and other hard metals. Such blades are heat resistant and can maintain their sharp edges when used under high-stress cutting conditions. However, these are less flexible than carbon steel blades, thus these are prone to snapping.
Bi-metal blades
Bi-metal blades offer the toughness of high-speed steel and the flexibility of carbon steel. These blades are versatile and can cut through soft metals like plastic, as well as hard materials. Such a type of blade lasts longer as it is durable and resistant to wear and tear. Also, it is more expensive than carbon steel and HSS blades.
Apart from the blade material, the number of teeth per inch (TPI) on the blade plays an important role in determining the cutting performance. The finer the teeth of the blade are, the smoother cut it will make.
Safety Tips For Using A Hacksaw
Although using a hacksaw is simple, its sharp blade raises safety concerns. Here are a few tips that one should consider while using a hacksaw:
- Always wear safety gear such as gloves and eye protection to avoid any injuries.
- Select the right blade for cutting the material to prevent damage to the blade or saw.
- Make sure to apply even pressure while cutting the material as pressing too hard can break the blade.
- Always secure the material that you’re going to cut to prevent slipping.
- Before using the hacksaw, make sure the blade is tightly secured in the frame.
Conclusion
Whether you want to cut plastic or hard material, the selection of the right type of hacksaw is important for clean and precise cutting. For versatility, productivity, or precision, there is a hacksaw for every job. By understanding the needs of your project, you can select the right hacksaw for your job to ensure a precise and smooth cut.
Are you looking for a hacksaw of premium quality? Don’t search further. At JCBL Hand Tools, products like hacksaws are engineered with high-grade material, and rigorous quality tests are performed on them to ensure they meet international quality standards. Visit us to check out our complete product range.
FAQs
What type of tool is a hacksaw?
A hacksaw is a hand tool that is meticulously designed to cut hard and soft materials like plastic, steel, or wood.
How to know when to replace the hacksaw blade?
If you struggle in cutting through the material or notice dull blades, rust, or missing teeth, it is a sign that hacksaw blades need replacement.
How should I store my hacksaw?
The hacksaw needs to be stored in a dry place as its blade is prone to rust and corrosion. Also, it should be placed with the blade tension released to prevent warping.
