Cut With Razor-Sharp Precision Using the Best Coping Saws

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 you should avoid. 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 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!