What is Hacksaw? Types, Frames, and Blades

Published: 5 Oct 2025

Do you need a tool that can cut through metal or plastic with ease? A hacksaw might be exactly what you’re looking for. This handy tool is one of the most reliable options for smooth and accurate cutting. Whether you’re a professional worker or a DIY lover, a hacksaw helps you complete your job neatly and quickly. Let’s explore what a hacksaw is, how it works, and the different types available.

What Is a Hacksaw

A hacksaw is a fine-toothed saw used mainly for cutting metal. It has a C-shaped or U-shaped frame that holds a thin, replaceable blade tightly in place. The handle often in a pistol grip shape makes it easy to control and comfortable to use.

Most hacksaws are hand-operated, but some can be powered. The blade can be fixed to cut in either direction, though most people set it to cut on the push stroke. This gives a cleaner and smoother cut. Hacksaws are great for cutting metal rods, pipes, brackets, and even plastic materials.

Hacksaw Parts Name

Each part of a hacksaw has an important role:

Frame: The body that supports and holds the blade tight.

Blade: The cutting edge with fine teeth.

Handle: Offers grip and comfort during work.

Wing nut or screw: Adjusts tension on the blade.

Pins: Attach the blade to the frame securely.

Types of Hacksaws

There are several types of hacksaws, each designed for specific cutting tasks and materials. Knowing their differences helps you select the right one for your project.

1. Full-Sized Hacksaw

This is the standard hacksaw most people recognize. It’s equipped with a 10–12-inch blade and is ideal for cutting metal pipes, rods, and brackets. The full-sized hacksaw provides strength and stability for tough cutting jobs. It’s commonly found in workshops, garages, and metal fabrication units due to its durability and precision.

2. Junior Hacksaw

The junior hacksaw is smaller, lightweight, and perfect for cutting in tight spaces. It typically uses a 6-inch blade and is best suited for cutting thin metal sheets, plastic, or light tubing. Because of its compact size, it’s widely used by electricians and plumbers for on-site maintenance and repair tasks.

3. Mini Hacksaw

Mini hacksaws are compact and easy to handle, making them ideal for delicate and small-scale cutting tasks. These tools are commonly used in crafts, electrical work, or quick on-site trimming. Their small frame allows users to make precise cuts in confined spaces where full-sized saws can’t fit.

4. Power Hacksaw

Unlike manual hacksaws, power hacksaws are machine-operated and use motor-driven blades. They are widely used in industrial applications where large and hard metal sections need to be cut with precision and speed. Power hacksaws save time and effort, making them perfect for heavy-duty, repetitive cutting operations in workshops.

How to Use a Hacksaw

Using a hacksaw is easy if you follow the right steps:

Choose the correct blade for the material.
Secure your workpiece firmly in a vice.
Ensure the blade teeth face forward.
Hold the handle firmly and make slow, even strokes.
Apply pressure only on the forward stroke and release while pulling back.

Always wear gloves and goggles for safety. Keep a steady pace and let the saw do the work instead of forcing it.

Hacksaw Uses

A hacksaw is used in many industries and home projects. Common uses include:

Cutting metal pipes and rods.
Trimming plastic or PVC materials.
Cutting bolts, screws, and light wood pieces.
Crafting and repair work.
It’s a versatile tool that fits easily in any toolkit.

Types of Hacksaw Frames

Hacksaw frames come in different designs to fit various blade sizes and cutting needs. The frame holds the blade tightly and keeps it steady while cutting. Choosing the right frame helps you work safely and smoothly.

1. Fixed Hacksaw Frame

A fixed hacksaw frame has a solid, non-adjustable design that fits one specific blade length—usually 12 inches. It’s strong, sturdy, and doesn’t bend easily while cutting. This frame is perfect for regular use in metal cutting and gives a straight, clean cut.

2. Adjustable Hacksaw Frame

An adjustable hacksaw frame lets you change the blade length as needed. You can fit blades of 8, 10, or 12 inches in the same frame. This flexibility makes it a great choice for general-purpose cutting. It’s handy for workers who deal with different materials or sizes of workpieces.

a) Straight Handle Frame

The straight handle frame has a simple, straight grip aligned to the blade. It’s easy to use and gives good control during cutting. This type of handle is common in traditional hacksaws and helps you apply even pressure on the blade. It’s comfortable for long, steady cuts.

b) Pistol Type Handle Frame

The pistol-type handle looks like a gun handle, giving a firm and natural grip. It allows you to hold the hacksaw at a better angle to push the blade forward. This handle reduces hand fatigue and improves accuracy, especially during detailed cutting work.

c) Tubular Type Handle Frame

A tubular handle frame is made from hollow metal tubes, making it light but strong. It’s commonly used for portable and lightweight hacksaws. This frame type is corrosion-resistant and perfect for outdoor or rough-site jobs. It’s durable, easy to handle, and offers good balance while cutting hard materials.

Types of Hacksaw Blades

Hacksaw blades come in several types, each made for cutting different materials. The main difference lies in the number of teeth per inch (TPI) and the hardness of the blade. Choosing the right blade makes your work faster, cleaner, and safer. Let’s look at the most common types of hacksaw blades used in workshops and construction sites.

1. Coarse Grade Hacksaw Blade

A coarse-grade blade has 14 to 18 teeth per inch (TPI). It’s best for cutting soft materials like aluminum, brass, mild steel, and copper. These blades remove more material with each stroke, making them ideal for rough or quick cutting jobs. However, they may leave a slightly rough edge on the surface.

2. Medium Grade Hacksaw Blade

This type usually has 20 to 24 TPI and is great for general-purpose cutting. It works well on medium-hard metals such as iron and steel. The medium blade provides a balance between speed and smoothness, making it the most commonly used type in homes and workshops.

3. Fine Grade Hacksaw Blade

Fine grade blades have 24 to 32 TPI and are used for cutting hard and thin materials like steel tubes, pipes, and rods. They make clean and precise cuts, which is why they are often chosen for detailed work or small projects where accuracy matters more than speed.

4. Superfine Grade Hacksaw Blade

Superfine blades have more than 32 TPI, designed for cutting very thin sheets or hard metals like stainless steel. They provide smooth, accurate cuts with less vibration. These blades are perfect for delicate mechanical work or when you need a polished finish on the edges.

5. Ail Hard Blade

An Ail Hard Blade is made from hardened and tempered steel throughout its length, except at the ends where holes are provided, which makes those areas slightly weaker. These blades are extremely hard and maintain their sharpness for a long time, making them ideal for cutting tough materials. Ail hard blades are commonly used for cutting cast iron, mould iron, and other hard metals where strength and precision are required.

6. Flexible Blade

A flexible hacksaw blade has a hardened cutting edge and a softer back. This design makes it tough yet bendable, so it doesn’t snap easily. It’s great for hand-cutting jobs where the surface might be uneven or where you need to cut in tight spaces. These blades are perfect for plumbers, electricians, and general-purpose cutting.

Conclusion

Hacksaws remain one of the most dependable tools for cutting metal and plastic with accuracy. By understanding the different types of hacksaws, their frames, and blade varieties, you can choose the right one for any cutting task. Whether you’re a professional tradesperson or a hobbyist, a good-quality hacksaw ensures efficiency, safety, and precision in every cut.

FAQs

How many types of hacksaw are there?

There are mainly four types of hacksaws—Full-sized, Junior, Mini, and Power Hacksaw—each suited for specific cutting applications.

Can a hacksaw cut metal?

Yes, a hacksaw is specifically designed to cut metals like steel, brass, aluminum, and copper.

Can a hacksaw cut steel?

Absolutely. Using the right blade, typically a fine or medium grade, a hacksaw can effectively cut through steel pipes and sheets.

What is the meaning of a hacksaw?

A hacksaw is a hand tool with a fine-toothed blade used primarily for cutting metal, though it can also handle plastic and light wood.

What are hacksaws used for?

Hacksaws are used for cutting metal pipes, rods, plastic tubes, and small sections of wood or other solid materials in mechanical, plumbing, and electrical tasks.