Hand Saws
Pull Saws, Jab Saws, Hacksaws, and Handsaws
Hand saws cover jobs where a power saw is overkill or will not fit. Japanese-style pull saws cut on the pull stroke for thin, accurate kerfs: DeWALT single and double edge, Irwin double edge, Stanley FATMAX, and the Tajima Japan Pull set. Jab saws from Milwaukee, DeWALT, Klein, and Tajima cut drywall openings, including rasping and folding versions. Milwaukee, Stanley, and Klein hacksaws cut metal and pipe, and Milwaukee makes a PVC/ABS saw. Stanley SharpTooth and FATMAX handsaws, Irwin dovetail and coping saws, and a Stanley 14 in. miter saw cover woodworking.
What to Look For
- Push or pull. Pull saws cut on the draw with thinner blades. Western saws cut on the push.
- Teeth per inch. More TPI gives a finer cut; fewer TPI cuts faster.
- Material. Use hacksaws for metal, PVC saws for plastic pipe, and jab saws for drywall.
- Storage. Folding jab saws close for a tool pouch.
Buy hand saws at The Tool Nut, an authorized dealer since 1994, with free shipping on most orders and rewards points on every purchase.
Hand Saws FAQ
Why do so many carpenters use pull saws?
A blade cut on the pull stays in tension, so it can be thinner. That means a narrower kerf, less effort, and cleaner flush cuts on trim, dowels, and joinery.
What is a rasping jab saw?
It is a drywall jab saw with a rasp on the back of the blade. Cut the opening, then flip the saw to file the edge so the box or fixture fits.