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BlogOur content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.The Best Coping Saws For Razor Sharp Precision
Last updated: 6 Apr 2024Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: IRWIN Tools ProTouch Coping Saw Shop Now ➔
- Best Small Saw: OLSON SAW Coping Saw Shop Now ➔
- Best Multi-Purpose: KAKURI Coping Saw Shop Now ➔
- Best Build Quality: BAHCO 301 Coping Saw Shop Now ➔
- Best Casual: Draper Coping Saw Shop Now ➔
View all ContentsThe Optimal Coping Saw 2024 Models In Detail
Best Overall
The IRWIN Tools ProTouch Coping Saw makes use of clever design elements to make cutting as comfortable as possible, starting with the razor-sharp blades. These saw through most materials requiring minimal effort! Your hand won’t feel as much strain either, thanks to IRWIN’s trademark ProTouch handlebar that’s ergonomically designed for maximum comfort. It’s one of the cheapest coping saws on this list, has thoughtful features, and has a high customer rating, making it the best available option if you’re looking for a complete package.
Pros
- High-speed blade for effortless cutting
- Very comfortable grip
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- Pushing resistance can be slightly high
Best Small Saw
At number two, we’ve got this simple-looking coping saw from Olson. With dimensions of 9.5 x 5 x 1-inches, it’s the smallest tool on this list, making it highly suitable for your everyday home improvement tasks. It’s handier than many of its competitors and allows you to carve through tight angles easily.
The standard 6 ½-inch blades can cut through plastic, soft metal, and wood with ease. It also features 360-degree adjustability, providing complete turning freedom. Best of all, no matter how much force you need to exert, the hardwood handle can take it!
Pros
- Uses convenient thumbscrews to attach blades
- Great for DIY and home improvement purposes
- Highest-rated on this list
Cons
- Not meant for heavy-duty use
Best Multi-Purpose
At number three, we have the Kakuri coping saw. Coming with five replacement blades, it’s the most versatile saw on this list! Depending on the type of project (or object) you’re working on, you can freely switch out the blade for optimal cutting performance. There are dedicated replacement blades, including two for woodworking, one for plastic, one for light metal, and another one for wooden boards.
With a generous frame depth of 6.3 inches, you can even work on thick logs of wood or other large objects. Replacing the blade is also super easy. Simply rotate the hardwood handle to pop the current one out and replace it with the new one — no tools needed!
Pros
- Very sharp and sturdy blades
- Covers all crafting, DIY, and woodworking needs
- Reliability of a Japanese-made product
Cons
- Packaging and instructions are written in Japanese
Best Build Quality
The Bahco 301 Coping Saw takes the number four spot with its solid construction. This company has ingrained an element of sturdiness into every part of this coping saw. For instance, the blade is made up of tempered and hardened carbon steel, which won’t bend or warp easily. It’s accompanied by a nickel-plated steel frame and a strong wooden handle with beautiful orange lacquering on it. All of this easily earns this coping saw the award for the best build quality on our list.
Pros
- Lasting durability
- Visually appealing thanks to the orange handle
- Can rotate 360 degrees
Cons
- Screw quality could be better
Best Casual
Lastly, we’ve got the Draper Coping Saw. Coming in at just 7.7 ounces, it’s the lightest option on this list. This means it’s best for occasional home improvement issues around the house, like awkward edges of flooring or poorly finished pieces of furniture.
While the blade is chrome plated, it’s still suitable for heavy-duty work and can snap under excess strain (though it’s replaceable). Besides that, it also features similar features as the above-listed coping saws, such as interchangeable and 360-degree adjustable blades.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- A simple, minimalistic look
- Great for casual DIY and crafting needs
Cons
- Can break under heavier loads
Buying Guide: Coping Saws
Every company makes bold claims about its coping saws, so it’s important to know exactly what you’re looking for when you set foot in the market. Depending on your needs and preferences, some saws are the perfect fit and others should be avoided. Keep the following considerations in mind to help differentiate between the two and find the right coping saw for your woodworking needs.
Factors to Consider
Blade rotation
The most convenient coping saws offer complete 360-degree adjustability, so this is an important metric to look at! All of the saws on our list have this feature, so don’t settle for less — it makes things much more convenient.
Materials
A coping saw isn’t going to be a showpiece that rests on your shelves. It’s a tool that has to go through heavy usage, so it should be sturdy enough to withstand it! Whether you need one for some light DIY use or heavy-duty professional woodworking, it’s essential to find an option that meets your reliability needs.
To check how durable a coping saw is, look at what it’s made of! Ideally, it should at least have a high-quality metal frame, a sturdy handle made of hardwood, and a strong blade that doesn’t snap under the slightest bit of pressure.
Blade quality
Speaking of blades, you must also look at a coping saw’s blade quality before finalizing your purchase decision. Most regular ones are made out of metal, which is good enough for casual day-to-day use. But, if you’re looking to get some heavy-duty functionality out of your coping saw, look for highly resilient carbon steel blades that won’t warp or break easily and are rust-resistant. Sure, they’ll be a bit more expensive, but these saws will help you save on blade replacement costs in the long run!
Blade installation
All coping saws feature a unique mechanism to secure a release of the blade. Preferably, the process should be quick and simple enough to let you switch between different types of blades seamlessly.
Features to Look For
Besides looking for the right type of build quality and materials, keep an eye out for the following essential features in your next coping saw!
Throat
The space between the frame and the blade is known as the throat, which plays a pivotal role in determining the best type of usage for every coping saw. For instance, a narrower throat makes it better suited for sharp cutting tasks at tight angles. Similarly, larger saws are better at fulfilling full-blown cutting needs such as slicing through lumber or timber for professional woodworking.
Be sure to keep your personal needs in mind and carefully consider a coping saw’s throat size to find the perfect tool for your requirements.
Tension
Without sufficient tension, you won’t be able to cut through anything with your coping saw. Some designs feature easy adjustability in blade tension through mounting pins, which is a handy feature to get multi-purpose functionality out of your coping saw.
Ergonomics
Besides durability, sharpness, and cutting capabilities, another important feature is comfort. The biggest factor that determines how smooth and easy a coping saw feels in your hand is ergonomics.
An ergonomically designed handle fits more naturally in your hand and allows you to use the coping saw for hours on end without feeling tired.
Connection
Lastly, the linkage type is another key differentiating factor between coping saws. You’ll commonly find coping saws with two gears positioned at the blade’s end as part of their cutting mechanism.
The most convenient (and often priciest) saws feature a blade tensioning system. But if yours doesn’t have it, you’ll have to make do with open hand blades or a spindle mechanism — which isn’t ideal. This is why it’s important to look at the type of connection (or linkage) a coping saw features before adding it to your cart!
People Also Ask
What is the most common use for a coping saw?
Coping saws are mostly used for carving interior cut-outs or external shapes in carpentry or woodworking. They’re useful for achieving cuts that require sharper precision.
What is another name for a coping saw?
Coping saws are also referred to as hand saws, carpenter’s saws, bow saws, and more.
Which way should the teeth face on a coping saw?
You can have the teeth facing toward the handle or away from it, which determines whether you’re using a push or pull stroke grip, respectively. Feel free to switch the blade’s position to work with a configuration that’s most comfortable or preferable for you.
Article Contributors
Read More About Popular Woodworking Reviews Team HereThe Popular Woodworking Review Team’s product reviews and comprehensive guides are here to help you select the best gear and tools to efficiently complete top-quality woodworking projects.
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