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

The small and compact size of a hacksaw makes this indispensable for all sorts of small to medium woodworking projects.

It is important to look for the good ones out there as they will help you accomplish your tasks with ease and with precision.

We can help you find the best hacksaw that will perform well no matter what you inflict on it and no matter what its intended application is.

Our top pick is the Stanley STHT20138 Solid Frame High Tension Hacksaw. This unit comes with a 12-inch fixed blade length that delivers a cutting depth of up to 4.375 inches. It also features a comfortable, large tension knob with a full-grip handle. The blade is of high quality and it delivers great performance.

The Best Hacksaws Are:

ProductDetails
1. Stanley STHT20138 Solid Frame High Tension Hacksaw

  • Frame: 12-inch fixed
  • Handle: Rubberized
  • Weight: 13.6 ounces
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2. Dewalt DWHT20547L 5-in-1 Hacksaw

  • Frame: 12 inches
  • Handle: Rubberized
  • Weight: 2 pounds
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3. Lenox Tools High Tension Hacksaw

  • Frame: 12 inches
  • Handle: Rubberized
  • Weight: 12.79 pounds
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4. Milwaukee 48-22-0012 Compact Hand Operated Hacksaw

  • Frame: 10 inches Adjustable
  • Handle: Rubber Molded
  • Weight: 8 ounces
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1. Stanley STHT20138 Solid Frame High Tension Hacksaw

You can’t go wrong with a hacksaw that has a solid metal frame just like this one from Stanley. With its powerful frame, you can use this for sawing materials with up to 225 lbs. of tension. It can go as deep as 4.375 inches and can accommodate a variety of cutting needs.

The 12-inch fixed blade easily accommodates more demanding jobs. The blade angles can also be adjusted to 90 degrees or 180 degrees angles, which allows you to make flush cuts with ease.

With this in tow, you should be able to cut through most materials without inflicting damage to your hands. The full-grip handle is ergonomic and easy on the hands.

Since it has a steel frame, this has a good build that can withstand impact and a good amount of damage. It still provides comfort with the plastic mold that is wrapped around the handle for a better grip. You can grip it with ease without experiencing hand strain.

It makes clean cuts all the time. There were those who used it on thicker aluminum panels and did not have issues with how well it cuts. It produces clean results, so you can get a straight edge

For its price, this has a lot of nice features. Although the price is more for entry-level users, professionals, or hobbyists on a tight budget can also get this. This thing is sharp. It cuts through anything, even materials other than wood with ease. It does not even require too much time or effort to cut through materials like a tube.

Specs

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

Pros

  • This tool can fit standard sizes of blades out there.
  • It comes with information on how you can replace the blade.
  • It features an ergonomic handle
  • It comes with a high-quality blade

Cons

  • The replacement blade may cost more than the actual hacksaw.

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2. Dewalt DWHT20547L 5-in-1 Hacksaw

We do not know about you but when we find a tool that does the work of 5 other tools, we grab it right away. We are talking about this multi-purpose tool from Dewalt. It has 12 inches of blade length and 8 teeth per inch.

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. It is not a pure gimmick either. It does its work well and provides the quality of results you are looking for.

It does have a lot of useful features including its pivoting blade that allows you to make cuts with angles from 45 degrees to 90 degrees.

Without needing to switch to another tool, this one allows you to make flush cuts. You can increase its tension to up to 330 pounds, higher than the previous ones, as well without worrying that the blade will snap.

The frame of this hacksaw has a low profile. Because of that, it easily reaches those tight spaces. You can use it for heavy-duty work. The blade can be attached directly at the frame’s front, allowing you to reach small spaces with ease. It is lightweight.

With only 2 ½ lbs. of weight, this is something that you should not have trouble bringing with you anywhere you go. Since it can be configured to replace 5 other saws, you don’t need to carry with you many tools. This one will suffice.

The build and construction are commendable. It accommodates a higher tension, so you should be able to use it for a more rigorous job without it buckling from the pressure. Design-wise, it is quite resistant to damages. It can withstand some rough handling, so even when used for professional use, it can hold its own.

So many multi-purpose tools are difficult to use because the transition to the other functions is difficult. This one, however, has seamless switching from one tool to another. You can make the configurations with ease.

Specs

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

Pros

  • This product comes with an unlimited lifetime warranty
  • Your purchase includes a metal blade.
  • It has fairly good ergonomics.
  • The weight is substantial, and the handle feels good in the hands.
  • You can maneuver it in the direction you want.

Cons

  • The fact that it is made in China might put off some people.

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3. Lenox Tools High Tension Hacksaw

Not your average hacksaw, this one from Lenox already sets itself apart with its unique design. It uses the l-beam construction that enables it to accommodate tensions as high as 50,000 psi. If you want more accuracy and you want to accomplish more rigorous projects, you definitely need this one.

It offers more than just good looks and accuracy though. It also has excellent handling made possible by its rubberized handles. With this type of material for the handle, you can use this whether you are dealing with cold or wet environments. Use a reciprocating saw blade from the same manufacturer and this tool can double as a jab saw.

We like how this can be converted into a jab saw. The blade used to turn your hacksaw into a jab saw is sold separately but buying the blade only as opposed to a separate jab saw is much more convenient and a lot cheaper. It has a good weight.

With its 1.85 pounds of weight, this feels just right in the hands. The weight gives the tool a quality feel to it. It does not feel flimsy at all.

It does not hurt that it looks nice. You will be the envy of your friends with this tool. You can display it in your garage. Many users commended its excellent balance. Even when you store more blades in it, it still does not lose that excellent balance.

Specs

  • Frame: 12 inches
  • Handle: Rubberized
  • Weight: 12.79 pounds

Pros

  • It has a pocket where you can store 5 other blades with 12 inches of length.
  • It offers you more flexibility.
  • It is lightweight, and you can use it to work for hours without feeling fatigued.
  • It comes with a big and rubberized handle for a more comfortable grip

Cons

  • Changing the blades can be a little cumbersome.

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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.

With just 5 inches of length, this is one of the smallest hacksaws you can find in the market. However, do not let its size fool you into thinking you are going to be shortchanged on features because this one actually delivers a lot.

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 length can be adjusted to up to 10 inches, so if you also want to switch to a longer blade for a different need, this should accommodate you.

This is a small hacksaw but if you need something more portable and travel-worthy then try a folding saw. It has a good feel to it. The handle is thick enough and has a rubber over-mold that can cushion your hands and prevent your hands from slipping when working in wet conditions.

Specs

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

Pros

  • This tool is compact and lightweight.
  • You can actually extend its length limit to 10 inches of blade.
  • The blade of this unit is very easy to change, thanks to its nice lever system
  • You are getting a lifetime limited warranty with this tool.

Cons

  • There were those who said this hacksaw tends to rattle a bit.

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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.

Although it is affordable, it still gives many benefits and has a sharpness that can cut through anything with ease. Overall, this has a good quality that beginners will love but professionals may also find useful.

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

Save yourself some time, money, and effort and get this one instead. It can be converted to function as five different tools, so there is no need to buy these tools separately and bring all of them with you wherever you go.

This alone already works to cover most of your cutting needs. At a reasonable price, you can get this hacksaw that is flexible enough to accommodate various cutting jobs.

Excellent Accuracy: Lenox Tools High Tension Hacksaw

Because it can hold higher tensions, this is the hacksaw that offers the best accuracy. It also has many useful features such as the storage at the backbone that allows you to store up to 5 blades with the same size as this one.

It also has a good build and excellent ergonomics that will allow you to use this tool for an extended period of time without experiencing hand issues.

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

You will find this a great choice because of how compact it is. It is small enough to place in your toolbox. It does offer some flexibility as well. It can accommodate longer blades, so you can still use this for heavy-duty applications.

Even with its compact size, you can cut through anything with this tool, even unforgiving ones like steel.  It has a good handle for easier grip.

You are going to love the tactile quality of working with non-mechanical, completely manual tools. Pair your hacksaw with a great Japanese hand saw to start your woodworking hand tool collection.

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.

On the other hand, with an adjustable frame, you can use the hacksaw with a wide range of blade lengths. We recommend you go for a frame that is constructed with metal.

Blade

The blade is another vital factor you need to consider. The best hacksaw is one that can use different blade lengths and types because you can use them to cut a wide range of materials. This makes them highly versatile.

Nevertheless, it is crucial that you consider the type of blade that comes with the tool to make sure it features a great build and high TPI.

A blade with high-quality construction should be your focus, as it would last for a very long time while delivering great performance.

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.

We recommend you go for hacksaws with rubberized handles, as they are more comfortable to use and handle. You can also use them in both cold and 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

There are other hand- and mechanically-operated saws out there. Allow us to help you find the best ones that suit your needs.

Our top pick for the best hacksaw is the Stanley STHT20138 Solid Frame High Tension Hacksaw because it comes with a sturdy and highly durable frame. The frame is fixed and it delivers a cutting depth of up to 4.375 inches. It comes with a high-quality blade and a comfortable handle.