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Our 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 Hand Saws for All Your DIY Projects and Camping Needs
If you’ve been looking for a hand saw to take care of all your DIY woodwork and projects, you’ve landed on the right page. Whether you’re buying one because you’re struggling with your old hand saw or getting a new one for the first time, a little direction and advice always come in handy. We’ve researched the myriad of options on the market and narrowed it down to this list. One saw that stood out to us is the SUIZAN Japanese Hand Saw. Its innovative design and versatility make it the perfect saw for all your sewing needs. For more on this saw and others like it, be sure to keep scrolling.
View all ContentsThe Best Hand Saws
Best Overall
Take care of all your woodwork, and DIY projects with the SUIZAN Japanese Pull Hand Saw. If you’re not new to woodworking, the brand or style of the saw needs no introduction. This style excels at fine woodcutting jobs with its exclusive double-sided blade and an easy-to-grip handle that allows both crosscuts and rip cuts. Use the pulling motion for this blade to achieve clean cuts every time with a minimal blowout. The pulling hand saw is ideal for cutting miters, trimming, and delicate woodworking tasks. It features a 9.5-inch blade, making it suitable for various cutting needs. Its efficient design and ergonomic handle make this our best overall.
Pros
- Does not require a lot of strength to use
- Delivers quick and clean cuts
- Double-sided saw for rip cuts and crosscuts
Cons
- Does not include a blade cover
Best Safety Features
The BLACK + DECKER Electric Hand Saw can easily take around 4600 strokes in a minute without getting tired. In addition to its amazing delivery, people prefer this hand saw for its safety features. It features a built-in safety button that keeps the machine locked until you’re ready to use it. If you experience inefficiency with a dull blade, feel free to snap in a new one with easy replacement. Take up all your pending DIY projects with this compact hand saw ergonomically designed for sure-handed operation. The variable speed settings and the cover are other added benefits you can enjoy by investing in this model.
Pros
- Offers variable speeds to suit different needs
- Quiet operation
- Features a safety lock
Cons
- Does not include instructions
Best Grip
Designed with an SK-5 steel blade, the Rexbeti Folding Saw features a long blade suitable for efficient woodworking and camping needs. You can easily carry out pruning, trimming, bushcraft, landscaping, and other yard work with this versatile handsaw. The rugged blade is 11 inches long and can easily cut thicker branches without trouble. It also comes in various sizes so you can pick the best one for your needs. Another great feature of this durable hand saw is its rubber-coated polymer handle. It guarantees a firm grip to easily carry out a smooth and sharp sawing experience regardless of the weather conditions.
Pros
- Extra-long blade for easy cutting of thicker blades
- SK-5 steel for the sturdy construction
- Rubbery handles for excellent grip
- Easily cut construction wood and plastic
Cons
- Manual saw can be tiring
Best for Tree Pruning
The FLORA GUARD Folding Hand Saw is suitable to take on thick tree branches up to 4” in diameter and features a 7” razor tooth blade for trimming, cutting, and pruning needs. Complete all your DIY projects and camping needs with a compact hand saw that delivers smooth and accurate cuts. The hand saw has a lock that allows easy opening and closing and keeps the blade in place for maximum safety. It has a hardened stainless steel long razor and a comfortable handle for easy grip. Experience excellent performance and superior quality with this professional hand saw, ideal for camping, hunting, and pruning.
Pros
- Folding hand saw is safer to use and store
- Easy handling
- Great for pruning
Cons
- Requires a lot of labor
Best Safety Features
The EverSaw Folding Hand Saw is an 8-inch tool suitable for various DIY projects, woodcutting, pruning, camping, and trimming. The multipurpose hand saw boasts premium quality with a rugged pull-cut mechanic for easy and accurate cuts. The rubber handle allows easy grip, so you can easily handle smooth and fast sawing. Enjoy great survival in the outdoors, and use this multipurpose tool for your everyday yard wood and landscaping. The brand claims your safety to be its topmost priority and features a safe and secure blade lock to prevent accidents. If you’re looking for a simple design to cover all your cutting and DIY project needs, this one won’t disappoint you.
Pros
- Excellent grip and a smooth cutting experience
- Boasts a full replacement warranty
- Stronger dependable gear lock for safety
Cons
- Not suitable for large or thick branches
The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide for Hand Saws
Most people turn to power saws for cutting wood or branches. But using such a powerful tool can be a little too cumbersome for any simple job at hand. That’s why we have hand saws to make the task easier and more efficient. However, the hand-saw variety can sometimes make it difficult for you to pick the best one.
That’s why we’re here to save the day and share all the information that will help you make up your mind. So before you finalize your choice from the list we shared above, read through this guide to make a more informed decision.
Things to Know Before Buying a Hand Saw
You look at a hand saw, and you like it – but is that enough to buy the best hand saw?
There are some crucial aspects that must be taken into consideration before you buy a hand saw. Whether you’re investing in your first one or upgrading the one you already have, keep these points at the back of your head to pick the most suitable tool for all your DIY projects and craft needs.
- Don’t choose a hand saw because you like the color of the handle or the number of teeth. To do the job with efficiency, you need the right tool. A basic hand saw is perfect for ripping and crosscuts. You can use the one with finer teeth to get smoother cuts.
- Maintain a sharp blade to get the best results. Ensure proper maintenance of your hand saw to never experience a dull blade. That’s the last thing you want to deal with.
Thick and durable hand saw blades are your friend. If the blades are too thin, they would flex a lot and wouldn’t result in smoother cuts. - Always focus on the quality of the material that the hand saw is made from. It will decide the longevity of your saw and your overall experience.
- If you’re buying from a physical store, always hold the hand saw in your hand and imitate a to-and-fro motion to make sure it feels comfortable in your hand.
The Types of Hand Saws – What You Need To Know
Did you know there are several different types of hand saws with variations? Well, if you didn’t, let us introduce you to the top four hand saws commonly used by DIY-ers.
Panel saw
The most basic variety is the panel saw used in various wood-cutting projects. These flexible blades have a wide shape tapered down at the tip with adequate length to cater to larger cutting tasks. However, if you’re looking for fine cutting, the large teeth on this one may not be ideal. But the sturdy handles and long blades make them highly productive for straight yet non-precise cuts.
Hack saw
Not just wood, this hand saw can easily take tougher materials like iron tubing and copper. At the same time, you can also efficiently use hack saws for softer materials. The c-shaped blades are similar to coping saws and are typically smaller. They are pretty versatile, making them useful for both beginners and professionals.
Pull saw
As the name suggests, this particular hand saw is designed to cut precisely with a ‘pull’ instead of a push. This keeps the blades straight and gives you more control to create detailed and precise cuts. If you prefer a smooth finish, this is the hand saw you need.
Coping saw
These thin blades are an excellent choice for cutting in detail with sharp angles on wood and plastic. These are also a popular choice for DIY projects as they can be used on varying surfaces and can rotate to a full 360 degrees.
Pro Tips for the Best Use of a Hand Saw
The pro tips for using a hand saw below will ensure the best results without compromising your safety.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Never apply too much pressure on the hand saw. Start light and slow and let the saw work itself.
- Place the saw in a perpendicular direction to the surface you’re cutting. This will keep the blade from twisting or flexing.
- Use the maximum length of the hand saw for a long stroke. This will increase the life of your blades and make your cuts more accurate and precise.
- Always keep your work properly secure and supported before you begin sawing.
- Remove staples and nails from the wood before starting your DIY project.
- Always focus on the direction of the saw instead of where it is placed. This will help with making straighter cuts.
- Keep your saw clean and blades dry, and sharpen them often for efficient use.
People Also Ask
What other things can I do using a hand saw?
Just like any other saw, a hand saw is suitable for cutting. Since these are not the most powerful ones like a miter saw or rotating chop saw, it is best for cutting different kinds of wood. However, a hand saw can be used to cut any object that requires more detailed and precise cuts.
Is ryoba a type of a hand saw?
Ryoba is a Japanese hand saw with a distinctive shape. In fact, ‘ryoba’ is a Japanese word that means ‘pair of blades’. Ryoba features two cutting edges with unique blades. One edge has a rip pattern suitable for cutting wood grain, while the cross pattern on the other end is best for cutting grain.
How do I take care of my hand saw for lasting efficiency?
Always keep your hand saw dry by storing it in a dry toolbox to prevent rust. Lubricate the blade after every use with WD-40, paste wax, or gun oil before storing. Also, oil the handle In case of rust, remove with a razor before use Sharpen the saw regularly for the best results.
