Handsaws

Handsaws

Teeth per inch decides what a saw is actually for, and it is the number to read before length. Low TPI means fewer, larger teeth that clear sawdust quickly and cut fast but rough, so 6 to 9 TPI suits ripping timber, framing and general site work. High TPI leaves a cleaner edge and follows a line more accurately, so 11 to 15 TPI is for joinery, mitres and anything that will be seen. Length then follows the work rather than the material: 500mm to 550mm full length saws give long strokes for boards and studwork, while 350mm toolbox saws trade reach for something that fits in a bag. Beyond the general purpose saws, several shapes exist because a straight blade cannot do the job. A tenon saw has a stiffened back that keeps the blade from flexing, which is what makes a square cut possible in a mitre block. A coping saw holds a thin blade in a sprung frame for curves and internal cut-outs, and the blades are consumable. A jab or plasterboard saw has a pointed nose that punches straight through board to start a cut with no drilled hole. A hacksaw frame takes hardened blades for metal and is not interchangeable with wood saws. Hardpoint teeth are induction hardened, which keeps them sharp far longer but means the saw cannot be resharpened.

Bahco is the widest range, with 550mm hardpoint handsaws at 7 TPI and a Superior at 9 TPI, a PrizeCut toolbox saw at 350mm and 15 TPI, a 301 coping saw at 165mm and 14 TPI with replacement blades in a pack of five, and a 317 hacksaw frame at 300mm supplied with four blades. Stanley covers Jet Cut heavy duty at 550mm and 7 TPI and Jet Cut fine at 500mm and 11 TPI, a FatMax tenon back saw at 300mm and 11 TPI, a FatMax folding jab saw at 130mm, a 150mm plasterboard saw at 6 TPI and a FatMax multi saw with wood and metal blades. Irwin supplies the Jack 880 universal at 550mm and 8 TPI, a 350mm toolbox saw, a coated handsaw and toolbox saw twin pack, a ProTouch jab saw at 165mm and an XP3055 tenon saw at 250mm and 12 TPI. For bow saws and pruning see Bow Saws & Blades, and for the wider tool range Hand Tools.