Best Hacksaw Reviews | Our Top Picks and Buyer’s Guide

A hacksaw is built for cutting metal and plastic: bolts, rods, copper tubing, conduit and PVC pipe. Every shop needs one, even if most of your work is wood.

A stiff frame and high blade tension are what make a hacksaw cut straight. Here are four good ones.

OUR TOP PICK

Our top pick is the Stanley STHT20138 Solid Frame High Tension Hacksaw. It has a 12-inch fixed blade length, a 4.375-inch cutting depth and a solid metal frame rated for up to 225 pounds of blade tension. It also has a large tension knob and a full-grip handle.

Check Current Price

The Best Hacksaws Are:

Product	Details
1. Stanley STHT20138 Solid Frame High Tension Hacksaw	1. Stanley STHT20138 Solid Frame High Tension Hacksaw Top Pick	- Frame: 12-inch fixed - Handle: Rubberized - Weight: 13.6 ounces	Check Current Price
2. Dewalt DWHT20547L 5-in-1 Hacksaw	2. Dewalt DWHT20547L 5-in-1 Hacksaw	- Frame: 12 inches - Handle: Rubberized - Weight: 2 pounds	Check Current Price
3. Lenox Tools High Tension Hacksaw	3. Lenox Tools High Tension Hacksaw	- Frame: 12 inches - Handle: Rubberized - Weight: about 1.85 pounds	Check Current Price
4. Milwaukee 48-22-0012 Compact Hand Operated Hacksaw	4. Milwaukee 48-22-0012 Compact Hand Operated Hacksaw	- Frame: 10 inches Adjustable - Handle: Rubber Molded - Weight: 8 ounces	Check Current Price

1. Stanley STHT20138 Solid Frame High Tension Hacksaw

Stanley's solid metal frame is designed for blade tension up to 225 pounds, per Stanley's STHT20138 product page. High tension keeps the blade from wandering.

It takes a 12-inch blade with a 4.375-inch cutting depth. The blade can be set at 90 or 180 degrees, which lets you make flush cuts.

The full-grip handle is comfortable, and the frame holds up to job site use. It is an affordable choice for homeowners and DIYers.

Specs

• Frame: 12-inch fixed
• Handle: Rubberized
• Weight: 13.6 ounces

Pros

• This tool can fit standard sizes of blades out there.
• High 225-pound tension rating
• It features an ergonomic handle
• Blade sets at 90 or 180 degrees for flush cuts

Cons

• Fixed frame takes only 12-inch blades.

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

2. Dewalt DWHT20547L 5-in-1 Hacksaw

This multi-purpose hacksaw from DeWalt takes 12-inch blades and can be set up five different ways.

The innovative design allows you to use this as a low profile saw, high tension saw, pistol grip jab saw, 45-degree angle hacksaw, and a long reach hacksaw. The blade can be set at 45 or 90 degrees, and mounting it at the front of the frame turns it into a jab saw for tight spaces and flush cuts.

The low-profile frame fits into tight spaces. At about 2 pounds, it is heavier than a basic hacksaw, but it replaces several saws in your bag.

Switching between configurations is quick.

Specs

• Frame: 12 inches
• Handle: Rubberized
• Weight: 2 pounds

Pros

• Five configurations in one saw
• Your purchase includes a metal blade.
• It has fairly good ergonomics.
• Jab saw mode reaches tight spaces

Cons

• Heavier than a basic hacksaw.

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

3. Lenox Tools High Tension Hacksaw

This Lenox hacksaw uses an I-beam frame that Lenox rates for blade tension up to 50,000 PSI. Higher tension means straighter cuts.

The rubberized handle stays grippy in cold or wet conditions. Use a reciprocating saw blade from the same manufacturer and this tool can double as a jab saw.

The blade for jab saw use is sold separately, which is cheaper than buying a separate jab saw.

At about 1.85 pounds, it feels solid and well balanced, and the frame stores spare blades.

Specs

• Frame: 12 inches
• Handle: Rubberized
• Weight: about 1.85 pounds

Pros

• Stores spare 12-inch blades in the frame
• Very high blade tension
• It comes with a big and rubberized handle for a more comfortable grip

Cons

• Changing the blades can be a little cumbersome.

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

4. Milwaukee 48-22-0012 Compact Hand Operated Hacksaw

Some people prefer a hack saw that is smaller and more compact, so they can easily use it for smaller projects or DIY purposes at home. If you are one of those people, this hacksaw is for you.

It is one of the smallest hacksaws you can buy, and Milwaukee pitches it for cutting copper tubing, metal bolts and small PVC in tight spots.

One of its best features is its tool-less blade change. It has a clever mechanism that allows you to flip down a lever found at the top of the hacksaw to release the blade.

Replacing the blade takes just a few seconds. The blade extends out of the frame and adjusts in length, up to a 10-inch blade, which helps with flush cuts, per Milwaukee's 48-22-0012 page.

For cutting branches on the trail, a folding saw is a better fit. The Milwaukee's thick handle has a rubber overmold that cushions your hand and resists slipping.

Specs

• Frame: 10 inches Adjustable
• Handle: Rubber Molded
• Weight: 8 ounces

Pros

• This tool is compact and lightweight.
• Adjustable blade length up to 10 inches
• The blade of this unit is very easy to change, thanks to its nice lever system

Cons

• Some users say it rattles a bit.
• Less tension than a full-frame hacksaw, so cuts are slower.

CHECK CURRENT PRICE

Looking for chainsaws? Check out our reviews and buying tips, so you can decide better which products to get. If you looking for something similar to hacksaw then check these best bow saws.

Which One Should You Get?

Now, which of the above-mentioned products suit you well?

Great As An Entry-Level Hacksaw Tool: Stanley STHT20138 Solid Frame High Tension Hacksaw

We recommend this to first-time woodworkers, occasional DIYers, or the average homeowner because of its affordable price range.

Its 225-pound tension rating and flush-cut blade angles give you more than most budget hacksaws.

Multi-Purpose Tool: Dewalt DWHT20547L 5-In-1 Hacksaw

It converts into five configurations, so one saw covers full-size cuts, flush cuts and jab-saw work in tight spaces.

Excellent Accuracy: Lenox Tools High Tension Hacksaw

Its very high blade tension gives the straightest cuts here, and it stores spare blades in the frame.

Most Compact: Milwaukee 48-22-0012 Compact Hand Operated Hack Saw

It is small enough for any toolbox and handy for tubing, bolts and PVC in tight spaces. For bigger cuts, use a full-frame hacksaw.

Best Hacksaw Buyer’s Guide

Frame

The frame is one of the most important parts of a hacksaw, and it is one of the first things you need to consider when buying this tool. Hacksaw frames are of two kinds: adjustable and fixed.

Hacksaws with a fixed frame have a specific length and you can only use them with a particular blade length.

With an adjustable frame, you can use 10-inch or 12-inch blades. A stiff metal frame holds more tension and cuts straighter.

Blade

Match the teeth per inch (TPI) to the material. Use coarser blades (about 18 TPI) for thick metal and finer blades (24 to 32 TPI) for thin tubing and sheet. Keep at least three teeth in the cut so they do not snag.

Bi-metal blades last longer and resist shattering better than plain carbon steel blades.

Install the blade with the teeth pointing away from the handle, since a hacksaw cuts on the push stroke. Wear safety glasses, because a blade under tension can snap.

Handle

This tool comes with a handle that you will use to operate it. Some of them come with a handle at one end while others come with a handle at both ends. When looking for the best hacksaw, make sure you go for one with a very comfortable handle.

Rubberized handles are more comfortable and grip better in cold or wet weather.

You also need to make sure the handle has enough space to accommodate your hand, so you will be able to have a firm grip.

Conclusion

Our top pick for the best hacksaw is the Stanley STHT20138 Solid Frame High Tension Hacksaw because its solid frame takes up to 225 pounds of tension and gives a 4.375-inch cutting depth. It also has flush-cut blade angles and a comfortable handle.

Sources

• STHT20138 12-in High Tension Hacksaw, Stanley
• 48-22-0012 10 inch Compact Hacksaw, Milwaukee Tool