Types of Hand Saws
Each handheld saw has its own uses and benefits. Some, including the backsaw, pull saw, keyhole saw, drywall saw and hacksaw, are necessary for specific applications where a standard hand saw may not work as well. Here’s an overview of the various types of hand saws available.
1. Ripping Saw
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Used for cutting wood with the woodgrain
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Usually 24 to 26 inches long with 4 to 7 teeth per inch (TPI)
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Cuts very aggressively and leaves a slightly rough edge
2. Crosscut Saw
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Used for cutting wood across the woodgrain
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Usually 24 to 26 inches long with 8 to 11 TPI
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Doesn’t cut as aggressively as a ripsaw and leaves a much smoother edge
3. Panel Saw (Shortcut or Box Saw)
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Used for cutting wood across the woodgrain
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Usually shorter than regular crosscut saws for easy portability
4. Coping Saw
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Used for finely cutting wood, specifically coping moulding joints
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Has deep steel tension frames and very thin blades to make intricate cuts at extreme angles
5. Back Saw
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Used for finely cutting wood for moulding and trim
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Has a rigid piece along the back to prevent the saw from kinking during use
6. Pull Saw
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Used for finely cutting wood for moulding and trim
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Cuts on the pull stroke to give greater control and eliminates the possibility of the saw kinking in the kerf
7. Dovetail Saw
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Used for cutting wood joints
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Has a rigid back like a backsaw but is usually smaller with finer teeth
8. Keyhole Saw
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Used for cutting circles and curves in wood
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Has a very thin, pointed blade for cutting small, tight-radius curves and holes
9. Compass Saw
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Use for circle and curve cutting in wood
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Has a longer, coarser blade than a keyhole saw for slightly heavier work, such as cutting holes in subflooring for plumbing or electrical wiring
10. Drywall Saw
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Used for cutting wallboard, gypsum and backing board
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Resembles a compass saw but has coarser teeth for quickly cutting through wallboard
11. Hack Saw
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Hand saw for metal
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Has very fine teeth and thin blades held under tension in a steel frame
12. Door Jamb Saw
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Used to create clearance for flooring under door jambs and other obstacles
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Rear handle is offset to allow the blade to cut close to the floor
13. Laminate Saw
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Used for cutting moulding and plastic pipe
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Front of blade is rounded to start plunge cuts
Not sure what type of cut you’re making? Check out our video What’s That Cut Called? for answers.
Hand Saw Care and Maintenance Tips
- Store your hand saw in a safe, dry place or a toolbox to avoid rust.
- Do not store it near other metal tools that might dull the saw blade.
- Most blades come with a blade guard. Ensure you cover the blade before storing.
- Lubricate the blade to prevent rust with hardware lubricants, which can be easily applied with a rag.
- A medium steel wool or a 320-400 grit sandpaper can be used to scrub off spots of rust. Make sure to wipe off the rust with a soft cloth and lubricate the blade to protect against rusting.