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Take Your Woodwork to the Next Level With the Best Jab Saws
View all ContentsWhat is the Our Favorite Jab Saw of 2023?
Top Pick
This folding jab saw by Klein tools is durable, sharp, well-made, and easy to use. It is suitable for all kinds of construction materials including drywall, wallboard, plywood, and plastic. Since it folds into a compact unit, you can keep it in your pocket or tool kit without worrying about any damage.
Featuring a lock-back mechanism that keeps the open blade secured anywhere between 125 and 180 degrees, the handle of this jab saw is cushioned for a comfortable grip. Moreover, the blade features triple ground teeth that can cut in both directions to speed up your project’s pace.
Another plus? It has a lanyard hole that makes it easy to tether.
Pros
- Rubber handle for comfortable grip
- Foldable design for portability
Cons
- The blade is not replaceable
Most Affordable
IRWIN’s drywall saw features an ergonomic handle that is comfortable to hold and provides a firm grip while you are working with it. The handle also has a rubberized grip for added comfort when sawing harder materials. Being lightweight, you won’t have to worry about messing up a woodworking project as its added blade is super rigid – offering exceptional cut control.
Moreover, it features 40 aggressive and sturdy tri-ground teeth for controlled, smooth cutting. Also versatile, you can use this durable jab saw for plumbing, cutting ceiling tile openings, roughing in your drywall, and cutting out HVAC, and electrical openings.
Although it is affordable and cheap, you can rely on it for light-duty projects.
Pros
- Affordable and sturdy
- Ergonomic handle for comfort
- Functional across different materials
Cons
- Not suitable for long-term use
Most Durable
If you’re looking for a high-quality bi-metal smooth blade, this jab saw by Goldblatt makes a great choice. Featuring a D6A+M2 6-inch blade, this saw provides enhanced safety while working on the hard surface. You can use it on a variety of materials like PVC, thin paneling, drywall, cement board, wallboard, and plywood. With inverted teeth on both sides, this blade offers unmatched pulling force and allows you to cut through multiple surfaces at a 50% faster speed than traditional saws.
The blade has a sharp tip with an oblique angle that delivers precision. You can easily push, pull, and cut in all directions and still get equally effortless clean cutting. The deep gullets between the teeth ensure that material doesn’t clog it while cutting. Moreover, the handle of this jab saw is anti-slip and ergonomic, allowing you to use it for an extended period without getting sore hands.
Pros
- Slip-resistant handle for precision
- Gives precise cuts every time
Cons
- Large size is difficult to transport
Great Value
The Stanley Fatmax 6-inch jab saw is a versatile tool that can be used for various materials such as drywall, wood, and plastic. It features three cutting surfaces that leave a smooth workpiece when finished. Plus, the multiple cutting surfaces cut 50% faster than normal hand saws. The ergonomic, anti-slip handle offers a comfortable experience even when used for a longer time.
You can effortlessly cut through drywall with its six-inch blade that features induction-hardened teeth. Capable of sharpening gives times more than traditional teeth, you don’t have to worry about accuracy when cutting because the tempered blade and Sharptooth technology deliver on-point, push and pull strokes.
Pros
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
- Comes with a unit instruction guide
- Sharpened tip punches through the drywall
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a sheath
Suitable for Heavy-Duty Work
The Kakuri jab saw model boasts a razor-sharp blade that is durable and delivers unmatched accuracy when you work with wood. Since it is made of professional-grade Japanese carbon steel, you can use it for plasterboard cutting, carving, drill work, and even electric construction.
The best part is that it delivers accurate, sharp cuts in a short time and with minimum force. You can switch the blade between two angles according to the work at hand. Moreover, it is safe to carry inside your pocket since the blade is foldable.
In addition to the blade being designed to work in hard-to-reach spaces, the blades of this jab saw are also replaceable – making it a great choice for heavy-duty uses.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Comfortable TPR resin handle
- Folding design for portability
Cons
- Hand-powered (some might get tired)
Buying Guide: Jab Saws
Sharp jab saws are essential for home DIYers, decorators, interior designers, and builders. That said, anyone who works with drywall should have a jab saw in their tool kit.
Types of Jab Saws
Manual saws
Manual saws usually don’t have any moving parts and work only on manual hand pressure, making them a favorite of DIYers and hobbyists. Manual saws are lightweight and compact, allowing you to take them with you wherever you go. Moreover, manual saws have a sharper blade to make precise and accurate cuts – making them more suitable for smaller cuts due to the amount of pressure required to get the job done.
Overall they are functional, durable, and easy to use.
Electric saws
As the name depicts, you need an electric outlet to supply power to electric saws. These are a great choice if you mostly work at your workshop and have an electric outlet near your workbench. These are often used when you need unique cuts for a project or are working on a commercial project where manual jaws won’t work.
What Should You Consider Before Purchasing a Jab Saw?
Blade type
Jab saws come with two different types of blades. They either have a fixed blade or a foldable blade. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on the tool, then you should go with a fixed blade. However, if your job requires you to carry your jab saw with you, then you must get a foldable jab saw.
Handle
When carving intricate designs, a comfortable and anti-slip grip is mandatory. If you get a flimsy handle, it will cost you hours of work. Don’t go for wooden handles as they are the cheapest and not as ergonomic as a jab saw handle should be.
Rubber handles are a good choice, and if it’s comfort you need you should go for this kind of handle. Well-made plastic handles can also be a decent fit if you’re older or suffer from mobility issues.
The pattern of the blade’s teeth
The majority of jab saws have alligator teeth, but their length and pattern vary from each other. When you look for a saw, try to find one with deep gullets and tri-ground teeth since they are more durable.
Blade’s tip
If you usually work on drywalls, you should get blades with a sharper tip. These blades are easier to use and penetrate through the material effortlessly. If you will be using the saw for multiple purposes (like trimming and pruning) it’s recommended to go for a blunt tip.
How To Sharpen a Jab Saw?
Once you have bought a jab saw, you must know how to sharpen it. You will need a triangular file or a small diamond file according to the shape of your jab saw’s teeth.
Here’s how you can sharpen your jab saw for longer use:
Step 1: Start from the top and fill every tooth bevel on the blade. Make sure to count each stroke and try to match the angle of the teeth. As a general rule of thumb, the duller your blade the more strokes you’ll need to perform.
Step 2: You should make sure that all similar teeth are of the same length and shape. If you spot a longer tooth, file it down to the size of the rest of them. If your blade has rakers (notched teeth), make sure that they are also clean and 0.5 mm shorter than the main teeth.
Step 3: Lastly, look for any bent or twisted teeth. Try to bring them back to their original position and sharpen them as well.
Tips To Sharpen and Maintain a Jab Saw
Keep it away from moisture
Store your jab saw in a cool and dry place. Even the smallest amount of water exposure can cause rust, and when it comes to product replacement the last thing you want to do is put yourself in a non-refundable situation over something completely avoidable.
For best practice, consider storing your jab saw in a garage cabinet made for heavy-duty tools. If you don’t have this kind of space, opt for storing your jab saw in a dark closet.
Lubricate the saw blade
Every time you use the saw for something, you need to lubricate it with paste wax or gun oil. Lubricating your blade regularly will enable you to increase its service life.
Not doing this can result in a squeaky, hard-to-use jab saw.
Don’t forget to oil the handle
Depending on what the handle is made of, you need to lubricate it frequently as well. For instance, for a wooden handle use linseed oil to protect it from dirt and moisture.
To remove the stains from the handle, consider working with steel wool or sandpaper material.
Use a razor to remove rust
Blades can rust after some time no matter how well you maintain them. The good news is you can remove the rust with a razor blade. Remove the handle and use the razor to scrape the rust off it. If there are any stubborn rust spots, use sandpaper or steel wool to scrub them off.
Once done, lubricate the blade and clean it with a cloth.
People Also Ask
Can I use a jab saw to cut wood?
Yes, you can. Apart from drywall, you can use a jab saw to cut gypsum, wood, plastic, plywood, and an array of other construction materials. To ensure your jab saw is up to quality, consider checking customer reviews prior to purchasing as this will expose you to past buyer experiences.
Can MDF be cut using a jab saw?
Yes, you can cut MDF with a jab saw. However, you’ll want to use a saw with more teeth to avoid chipping around the edges.
What is the best use of a jab saw?
A jab saw has plenty of uses, but the most noteworthy and famous use of a jab saw is cutting plastic and drywall. It features sharp blades that cut faster than traditional saws.
Are jab saw and keyhole saw the same?
A jab saw is more suitable for cutting and carving features in drywall. A handsaw, on the other hand, is better for piercing different materials.
