Hacksaw for metal: how to choose a quality tool that will not disappoint after the first use

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Among the variety of locksmith tools, a hacksaw for metal is, with a high degree of probability, the most famous representative of this group of hand tools. About what types are, and where they are used, as well as how to choose, and an overview of prices for popular models - this is the topic of this article by the editors of homemaster.techinfus.com/en/

The classic version of a manual hacksaw for metal, familiar to many from childhood and school bench

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1 Fields of application and types with photo models
- 1.1 Household and professional hand hacksaws for metal
- 1.2 Cordless and cordless electric hacksaws for metal
2 Tool selection criteria
3 Video: how to choose a hacksaw for metal

Fields of application and types with photo models

All metal hacksaws can be classified according to two parameters:

nature of use - household and professional;
drive type - manual and electric.

All manual models, regardless of design and type of use, must comply with the requirements of GOST 17270-71 "Hand hacksaw frames. Specifications (with Amendments N 1-4) ", and electrical analogs - GOST IEC 60745-2-11-2014“Hand-held electric machines. Safety and test methods. Part 2-11. Particular requirements for saws with a reciprocating movement of the working tool (jigsaws and hacksaw saws) ".

The appearance of a modern hacksaw brand "Sturm!"

Household and professional hand hacksaws for metal

The main purpose of such a tool, regardless of the nature of its use, is sawing metal blanks according to a given size and a certain shape (grooves, seams, etc.). Distinctive features of the models used by professionals are:

the presence of rubberized handles that allow you to perform work in a continuous mode;
the ability to cut at a certain angle.

In a special place are mini-hacksaws (hacksaws-handles), which can be used in hard-to-reach places, which is achieved by a special design of this type of tool.

Model of the "hacksaw-handle" series "Zubr"

Structurally, a hacksaw for metal in the classic form consists of the following elements:

frame - performed in the form of an arc and serves to secure the hacksaw blade;
lever - serves to securely fix the tool in the user's hands.

Note! Professional models are equipped with two-component handles that allow you to operate the tool with both hands.

All parameters that manual hacksaw frames must comply with are regulated by the requirements of GOST, indicated above.

Note!The quality of the cut and the speed of its execution using a hand hacksaw for metal depends on the type of hacksaw blade used.

The speed of work and their labor intensity depends on the correct choice of a hacksaw blade.

When working with a manual hacksaw for metal, certain Rules must be observed, which will save energy and not damage the hacksaw blade, namely:

The hacksaw blade must be firmly attached to the hacksaw frame. To fix it, special nuts are used, placed on the tensioning mechanism of the tool.

Important! Before fixing the hacksaw blade, the frame of the hacksaw must be extended to the width corresponding to the length of the blade used.

When sawing, the movements of the person using the tool must be uniform, without jerking.
When performing work in a workshop using a locksmith's vice, the worker's body should be placed, in relation to the axis of the workpiece being cut, at an angle of 45˚, and the arms should be bent at the elbow at a right angle (see the figure below).
The tool should be held with both hands, pressing it against the surface of the metal being processed during the reciprocating movements of the hacksaw blade.

Scheme of the correct location of the worker while working with a hand hacksaw for metal

Important! A workpiece firmly clamped in a vice will reduce the likelihood of a hacksaw blade breaking during sawing.

A large number of different models of hacksaws for metal are presented on the domestic market for hand-held metalwork tools. Here is some of them:

Encore "Wasp 20980".

Appearance of the model "Wasp 20980"

The Russian company "Enkor" produces tools under such brands as: "Corvette", "Enkor", "Enkor-Plast" and "AccuMaster."

Handle material	The presence of a rubber layer on the handles	Blade length, mm	The presence of a turn of the canvas	Weight, kg	Overall dimensions, mm
Plastic	there is	300	No	0,56	395×145×25

Feedback on the model Enkor "Osa 20980":
More details on Otzovik: http://otzovik.com/review_2473309.html

"GROSS PIRANHA 77602".

Exterior of the model GROSS PIRANHA 77602

The appearance of the model "GROSS PIRANHA 77602"

The country of production of this model is Taiwan, and the birthplace of the brand is Germany. The frame design allows sawing at an angle of 45 and 90 ° in relation to its plane.

Handle material	The presence of a rubber layer on the handles	Blade length, mm	The presence of a turn of the canvas	Weight, kg	Overall dimensions, mm
Metal	there is	300	there is	0,672	400×130×30

Review of the model "GROSS PIRANHA 77602":
More details on Online.trade: https://www.onlinetrade.ru/catalogue/nozhnitsy_po_metallu-c685/gross/nozhovka_po_metallu_gross_piranha_77600_300_mm_4044996051475-522153.html#tabs_feedbacks

Stanley 1-15-122.

Exterior view of "Stanley 1-15-122"

This model is made in Italy, and the birthplace of the brand is the USA, it has 4 different positions of the saw blade for horizontal and vertical sawing.

Handle material	The presence of a rubber layer on the handles	Blade length, mm	The presence of a turn of the canvas	Weight, kg	Overall dimensions, mm
Plastic	No	300	there is	0,56	390×150×30

Review of the Stanley 1-15-122 model:
More details on Irecommend: http://irecommend.ru/content/mne-ponravilas-sovetuyu-vsem

Cordless and cordless electric hacksaws for metal

The purpose of electric models is similar to that of manual counterparts - it is sawing metal in accordance with specified dimensions. A distinctive feature of this group of hand tools is the drive of the cutting blade, carried out by using an electric motor. Depending on the voltage class used, electric hacksaws for metal are classified as mains, operating from a household electrical network with a voltage of 220 volts, and rechargeable ones, operating from a storage battery with a voltage of 12/14 volts.This electric hand tool has a special group called "reciprocating saw".

Bosch reciprocating chain saw model "PSA 900 E"

The design of a reciprocating saw as a whole is no different from other electric tools, it includes elements such as:

a housing in which all other elements of the device are placed;
an electric motor operating at a certain voltage class;
a gearbox that converts the rotational motion of the motor shaft into a forward-return motion;
a chuck used to fix the saw blade;
controls and protection.

An expert's point of view

Victor Isakin

Specialist in the selection of tools for the retail network "220 Volt"

"When using a reciprocating saw for metal processing, special blades designed for this category of materials must be used."

Hitachi Cordless Reciprocating Saw Model "CR10DL"

For a reciprocating saw, regardless of its design, the following parameters are the main technical characteristics that determine its capabilities:

electric power;
weight;
the number of revolutions per minute of the electric motor shaft;
the amount of stroke of the saw blade;
cutting depth.

On the electric tool market of our country, models of domestic and foreign production are presented. Among them, the most popular, according to user reviews, are models such as:

"Makita JR3050T".

The model of a well-known Japanese brand is equipped with a quick-change system for saws and a 4-meter power cable.

Electric power, kW	Weight, kg	Stroke, mm	Cutting depth of metal, mm
1,01	3,2	28	130

Feedback on the "Makita JR3050T" model:
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_1313080.html

Bosch PSA 700 E.

Exterior view of "Bosch PSA 700 E"

A distinctive feature of the model of a famous German brand is low electric power with sufficient performance.

Electric power, kW	Weight, kg	Stroke, mm	Cutting depth of metal, mm
0,71	4,12	20	10

Feedback on the "Bosch PSA 700 E" model:
More details on Otzovik: https://otzovik.com/review_6511714.html

Bosch GSA 10.8 V-LI.

Top view "Bosch GSA 10.8 V-LI"

This cordless saw is lightweight and versatile.

Electric power, kW	Weight, kg	Stroke, mm	Cutting depth of metal, mm
1,3	1,2	14,5	50

Feedback on the "Bosch GSA 10.8 V-LI" model:
More details at Otzovik: http://otzovik.com/review_440716.html

Related article:

Reciprocating saw electric: technical characteristics, criteria for choosing the right, review and comparison of products from popular manufacturers, ratings of cordless and chain saber saws - read the publication.

Tool selection criteria

In order to choose a reliable and easy-to-use tool, you need to know the criteria that will help you make the right choice:

for manual models:

the hacksaw frame must be made of solid metal, because tubular structures are not able to withstand long-term loads;
the size of the frame must match the size of the saw blades used;
the handles must have a special coating to prevent slipping during operation;
the ability to cut at an angle other than the vertical plane extends the functionality of the tool, but negatively affects its cost.

During use, the hacksaw should be placed comfortably in the user's hand

for reciprocating saws:

the technical characteristics of the reciprocating saw must allow processing metal of the required size and at the required speed;
the reliability of electrical models is guaranteed by the manufacturer's brand, so you should not chase the cheapness of products offered by little-known companies;
the type of tool (mains or cordless) determines the nature of its use.

Due to the variety of models, both manual and electric, it is always possible to choose the one you need in accordance with the nature of use and other selection criteria.