Thanks for taking your time to read our information on the best hacksaw UK. Hacksaws can cost anywhere from £7-£45 in the UK, depending on which brand you buy and the quality of the hacksaw that you buy. You can buy them at DIY stores such as B&Q and Screwfix, any hardware shops, some supermarkets and there are lots of choices online.
These are small saws usually about 12″ long (300mm) and they are designed mainly for cutting metal and plastic. They can also be used for doing finer cuts on wood. Many butchers also use a hacksaw to cut through the bones of animal meat. All the main tool brands will make at least one model of these. Don’t confuse the standard hacksaw with the junior hacksaw, which is as the name would suggest is a smaller version of the standard hacksaw.
The hacksaw usually has a metal frame, a pistol grip hard plastic handle and a blade. The blades are very easy to change and also relatively cheap to buy. The price for blades mainly depends on the brand of blade you buy and the quality of the metal used for the blade.
Most hacksaws are sold as a hacksaw with one blade. Some brands sell the hacksaw and some spare blades. Other brands will sell a hacksaw set, which will include a hacksaw with an adjustable frame, a number of blades and a junior hacksaw so you will have plenty of choices.
Below we have listed the top 10 hacksaws that are currently on sale in the UK. Underneath those we have also included a full buying guide which will help especially if you are a first time buyer.
In a Hurry
We have provided a lot of information in this article about hacksaws. We also understand that you may not have time to read through all of this information. If you simply want to know what the best hacksaw UK is, we would highly recommend the Stanley Pistol Grip Hacksaw, which is available at Amazon UK.
This 12″ (300mm) hacksaw can quickly cut metal or plastic and has a tough durable steel frame and a moulded handle that connects the blade to the saw
Blades are easy to change and you can buy them at almost every good DIY store, and the blade can be used in multiple positions which can be finely adjusted including 45° vertical and 90° horizontal.
Over 5,000 online buyers rate this good quality hacksaw with a 92% satisfaction rating.
Enda McLarnon – Website Owner
“Over the years we have used a lot of different brands of hacksaw. As experts we can give you the best advice on picking the right hacksaw for your needs. A hacksaw is an important tool to own if you have a need to cut metal. It is the most affordable solution.”
Top 10 Hacksaw List
This is our top 10 list. If you click on any of the product names you can jump to a section that explains the hacksaw in more detail.
- Stanley Pistol Grip Hacksaw – Best seller
- Lenox Tools High Tension Hacksaw – Best Professional
- AIRAJ Hacksaw with 10 blades – Best value for money
- Bahco 319 Hacksaw
- Milwaukee 12″ High Tension Hacksaw
- Bahco 317 hacksaw – Best standard and junior hacksaw set
- Stanley Fatmax hacksaw – Most Versatile
- Irwin Professional Hacksaw
- Stanley Dynagrip Heavy Duty hacksaw – Best heavy Duty
- Eclipse Professional Hacksaw
1. Stanley Pistol Grip Hacksaw
This is the best selling hacksaw on the UK market from the popular Stanley tool brand
It is a standard 12″ (300mm) hacksaw at an affordable price. It is around the average price for a hacksaw when compared to other brands.
It is comfortable to use, the blades are easy to change, and a spare pack of 2 blades costs around £5
The saw is 39.4 cms long and weighs around 0.5 Kg so a comfortable weight to hold and still heavy enough to use for faster cutting.
Overall good value for money and ideal for household use.
92% buyer satisfaction based on 5,000+ online buyer reviews
WE LIKE
- 73 out of 100 buyers give this a 5 star review
- Most buyers say this is well made and feels nice and sturdy
- Buyers say blades are easy to find as any 12″ blade can be used
- Some buyers like the yellow handle as it makes the saw easy to find among the clutter
WE DON’TLIKE
- 1 out of 100 buyers give this a poor review
- Not strong enough for the heavier duty cutting of metals
Key Features
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Length |
300mm (12″) |
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Type |
Pistol Grip |
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Frame |
Steel |
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Adjustable Blade |
Yes |
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Blade supplied |
Yes |
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Size |
15.75 x 1.18 x 5.87 cm |
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Weight |
300 grams |
Buyer Ratings
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Overall Rating |
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Value for money |
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Comfort |
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Cutting capability |
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Key performance |
Our Opinion: This is not a heavy duty hacksaw but it works really well for cutting conduit, screws and smaller bolts. It isn’t capable of cutting through tough or heavy metals but will work for most home owners.
2. Lenox Tools High Tension Hacksaw
This is classed as a professional hacksaw and is aimed for those working in the various trades and all metal workers
You can tell from the price that this is one of the most expensive hacksaws available on the UK market
The blade tension adjustment on this hacksaw is staggering at up to 50,000psi
The hacksaw is sold with one blade but it can store up to 5 extra 12″ blades. Individual blades for these cost around £20-30 depending on the blade type and tpi but they are probably the best blades on the UK market
It is a 12″ (300mm) hacksaw with a special I-beam construction that allows blades to tension up to 50,000 psi, resulting in fast, straight cuts.
It has rubberized handles great for handling, even in wet and cold environments
96% buyer satisfaction based on 1,000+ online buyer reviews
WE LIKE
- 86 out of 100 buyers give this a 5 star review
- Most buyers say it is the best saw they have ever used for straight and accurate cuts
- Buyers say the frame is tough, durable, won’t rust and will last forever if looked after
WE DON’TLIKE
- 1 out of 100 buyers give this a poor review
- The only complain was the price
Key Features
|
Length |
300mm (12″) |
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Type |
Pistol Grip |
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Frame |
Steel |
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Adjustable Blade |
Yes |
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Blade supplied |
Yes |
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Size |
40.01 x 16.51 x 3.18 cm |
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Weight |
839 grams |
Buyer Ratings
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Overall Rating |
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Value for money |
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Cutting capability |
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Our Opinion: This is the best of the best but comes with a hefty price tag. This is bought by electricians, plumbers and anyone who works with metal on a daily basis.
3. AIRAJ Hacksaw with 10 blades
This hacksaw is a popular buy on Amazon as it represents the best value for money option and that will suit many home owners who only have to use a hacksaw on the odd occasion
This is a 12″ (300mm) hacksaw that comes with 10 blades and the blades are easy to change. Any 12″ blade will fit these but we couldn’t find branded blades for this hacksaw.
The blade can also be adjusted to cut at 45 degree angles and the blade can also be tensioned
It has a steel frame and a hard plastic handle with a rubber grip for comfort
90% buyer satisfaction based on 1,700+ online buyer reviews
WE LIKE
- 68 out of 100 buyers give this a 5 star review
- The majority of buyers say this hacksaw is very good value for money and the extra blades are always handy to have around
- Buyers say it is well made and although not top quality it is strong enough for home use
- Quite a number of buyers mentioned how comfortable the grip was
WE DON’TLIKE
- 2 out of 100 buyers give this a poor review
- The blades don’t last long
Key Features
|
Length |
300mm (12″) |
|
Type |
Pistol Grip |
|
Frame |
Steel |
|
Adjustable Blade |
Yes |
|
Blade supplied |
Yes (10off) |
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Size |
39.5 x 15.5 x 2.5 cm |
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Weight |
700 grams |
Buyer Ratings
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Overall Rating |
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Value for money |
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Cutting capability |
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Key performance |
4. Bahco 319 Hacksaw
A lot of UK buyers like this Bahco brand who make a high quality range of hand tools and this hacksaw is part of that range
It has a bright distinct orange plastic coating that covers the steel frame and it is a 12″ (300mm) hacksaw
It comes with a 24 tpi bi-metal Sandflex blade that is shatterproof and can be adjusted for tension
The saw is 15.4 cm long and weighs 0.51 Kg and has a very comfortable rubber grip
You can buy spare bladed for these and a couple of spare blades costs around £5
94% buyer satisfaction based on 1,100+ online buyer reviews
WE LIKE
- 80 out of 100 buyers give this a 5 star review
- Buyers say this is a good professional hacksaw that is very comfortable to use
- Most buyers though given how well this is made that it is good value for money
- Buyers also liked the bright orange frame as it makes it easy to spot when you are looking for it
WE DON’TLIKE
- 1 out of 100 buyers give this a poor review
- A couple of buyers said the tensioner could be better and changing the blades is more difficult than it needs to be
Key Features
|
Length |
300mm (12″) |
|
Type |
Pistol Grip |
|
Frame |
Steel |
|
Adjustable Blade |
No |
|
Blade supplied |
Yes |
|
Size |
38.99 x 14 x 3 cm |
|
Weight |
560 grams |
Buyer Ratings
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Overall Rating |
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Value for money |
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Comfort |
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Cutting capability |
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Key performance |
Our Opinion: We like Bahco tools as they are very well made and work really well. You can see that UK buyers think the same way about this good quality saw. When we used this one it had a really nice balance to it and probably one of the best grips that we used.
5. Milwaukee 12″ High Tension Hacksaw
All Milwaukee tools are expensive and as you can see this hacksaw is also expensive when compared to other brands – it is worth knowing that many professionals will only ever use Milwaukee tools as they believe them to be the best in the world and better than Dewalt
This is a very high quality 12″ (300mm) professional use hacksaw that can handle anything that you can throw at it and buyers love using it for straight and accurate cuts
Many buyers refer to this one as the “daddy of hacksaws”
We did find it hard to find replacement blades but ask at your local DIY store
94% buyer satisfaction based on 300+ online buyer reviews
WE LIKE
- 87 out of 100 buyers give this a 5 star review
- Buyers say this is the best one on the market and well worth spending the extra money on
- Delivers the straightest cuts you will ever get
WE DON’TLIKE
- 3 out of 100 buyers give this a poor review
- Some buyers thought it was over priced
Key Features
|
Length |
300mm (12″) |
|
Type |
Pistol Grip |
|
Frame |
Steel |
|
Adjustable Blade |
No |
|
Blade supplied |
Yes |
|
Size |
40.64 x 2.79 x 17.78 cm |
|
Weight |
771 grams |
Buyer Ratings
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Overall Rating |
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Value for money |
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Comfort |
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Cutting capability |
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Key performance |
Our Opinion: There is no doubt that Milwaukee is an excellent brand. It really comes down to deciding if you are prepared to pay £30+ for a hacksaw. If it’s going to get a lot of use then we would recommend buying this as it will last forever. If you just need a hacksaw every now and then, there are more affordable hacksaws that will do your job.
6. Bahco 317 Hacksaw Set
This is a hacksaw set with a standard sized hacksaw and a matching style junior hacksaw
The main hacksaw is a standard 12″ (300mm) model and the junior hacksaw is a 6″ (150mm) size and it is always useful to own both types of hacksaw
The standard hacksaw has a slim design making it better for working in a confined space and the grip is extremely comfortable to hold and use. It comes with a Sandflex bi-metal blade with 24 tpi
The junior is the standard wire frame type and comes with a 32 tpi blade ideal for fine cutting of metals
96% buyer satisfaction based on 100+ online buyer reviews
WE LIKE
- 85 out of 100 buyers give this a 5 star review
- Buyers say these are very well made and strong and sturdy
- Buyers thought that both saws were very good value for money
WE DON’TLIKE
- 0 out of 100 buyers give this a poor review
Key Features
|
Length |
300mm (12″) & 150mm (6″) |
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Type |
Pistol Grip |
|
Frame |
Steel |
|
Adjustable Blade |
No |
|
Blade supplied |
Yes |
|
Size |
N/a |
|
Weight |
n/a |
Buyer Ratings
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Overall Rating |
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Value for money |
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Comfort |
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Cutting capability |
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Key performance |
Our Opinion: it is always a good idea to own a normal hacksaw and its junior buddy. They both do slightly different jobs so could to have the versatility. At around £12-13 these do represent very good value for money and the bright orange colour makes them easy to spot when looking for them.
7. Stanley Fatmax hacksaw
This is the most versatile hacksaw on our list because of the various ways it can be turned into a few different types of saw
The blade can be put in the front to make inside cuts, and quickly positioned to a 45° angle for making flush cuts
It also works in the standard position as a normal 12″ (300mm) hacksaw with a large throat depth
If you are in a tight space the front part of the frame can be removed and you can then use it like a jab saw (pad saw)
94% buyer satisfaction based on 2,000+ online buyer reviews
WE LIKE
- 78 out of 100 buyers give this a 5 star review
- Buyers like the versatility of this hacksaw and it is easy to change the saw depending on what you need to do
- One buyer referred to this as a Swiss Army hacksaw and that we think is a very accurate description
- Buyers thought it was good value for money
WE DON’TLIKE
- 2 out of 100 buyers give this a poor review
- A few byers said it was too heavy
Our Opinion: We think this is a bit of a gadget hacksaw. If you just want a standard hacksaw then don’t bother with this one. If however you need a few saw types then this could be a really good choice. We do like the way it can be adapted but you need to take the time to work out how to make those small changes to get the most out of this saw.
8. Irwin Professional Hacksaw
Another highly respected tool brand is Irwin and this is their 12″ (300mm) professional hacksaw and aimed at those working in the trade
The top bar of this can be used to hold and store a spare 12″ blade – you have 90 degree and 180 degree options for setting the blade
One of the best shaped and most comfortable handles that you can find
This is a very well engineered hacksaw that is made from solid steel and it feels heavy and cuts like a knife through butter
94% buyer satisfaction based on 500+ online buyer reviews
WE LIKE
- 77 out of 100 buyers give this a 5 star review
- Many buyers say this is the best hacksaw they have ever used
- Buyers also say this is a solid well engineered heavy duty hacksaw
- Buyers say that until you use this one you can’ only then appreciate its cutting power and accuracy
WE DON’TLIKE
- 2 out of 100 buyers give this a poor review
- Changing the blade takes longer as there is a large adjustment on this so takes a bit longer than most other brands
Our Opinion: We
9. Stanley Dynagrip Heavy Duty hacksaw
This is the Stanley heavy duty hacksaw and like most hacksaws is a 12″ (300mm) hacksaw
Designed mainly for cutting bars, rods, conduit and pipes so popular with plumbers and electricians
The blade tension can be adjusted up to 136kg tension for efficient straight and fast cutting
It can be used in 45 and 90 degree angles
Blade changing on this is super quick
92% buyer satisfaction based on 1,500+ online buyer reviews
WE LIKE
- 74 out of 100 buyers give this a 5 star review
- Buyers like the sturdy grip and overall construction of this saw
- They really like the simple blade tensioning and how fast it is to change a blade
- Buyers say it is good value for a heavy duty hacksaw
WE DON’TLIKE
- 1 out of 100 buyers give this a poor review
- A couple of buyers complained about the blade pins coming loose
Our Opinion: This one is favoured by many in the trade as the saw is tough and strong, there is a nice range of tensions and changing blades is about as simple as you can get. It will take any 12″ blade but they also like the Stanley blades as they work really well and are affordable.
10. Eclipse Professional Hacksaw
Last but not least on our list is this 12″ (300mm) hacksaw from the Eclipse brand
This is one of the cheapest on our list but it is classed as a professional saw
It has a steel frame and a diecast handle which makes it very strong and well made
It comes with a bi-metal blade
This saw is extremely well balanced and also easy to use and easy to change the blades as well
92% buyer satisfaction based on 250+ online buyer reviews
WE LIKE
- 78 out of 100 buyers give this a 5 star review
- Buyers who got this one really like Eclipse tools as they are high quality at sensible prices
- It cuts very straight and it is easy to adjust the tension
WE DON’TLIKE
- 2 out of 100 buyers give this a poor review
- A couple of buyers said it was flimsy
Our Opinion: We have used other Eclipse tools and they are very good. When we tried out this hacksaw we also liked the way it seemed to be so well balanced. It is basic in its shape and look but we think it is a good choice for anyone and yes we think the price is very competitive.
Best Junior Hacksaw
Just in case you prefer a junior hacksaw which is a 6″ (150mm) blade size then we like this Presch option the best
Mainly that is because of the handle type as it makes using the saw so much easier when compared to the handle types on other brands.
Another thing we like about this option is the blades have been hardened and that helps stop them from breaking
You can pick up cheaper junior hacksaws for around £5 but they may leave you very frustrated – this Presch saw won’t do that and it is well made and strong.
86% buyer satisfaction based on 1,500+ online buyer reviews
What to look for when buying a Hacksaw?
The hacksaw was invented around the late 19th Century and the credit for this is attributed to a man called Max Flower-Nash Clemson. They have been around for a very long time and most people will have a hacksaw in their toolbag as it is particularly useful for cutting metal and plastic. In terms of the trades, these are used daily by electricians and plumbers and by many engineers who work with metal.
The standard hacksaw and the junior hacksaw are both popular choices. However, let’s concentrate this guide on the standard 12″ hacksaw.
Parts of a Hacksaw
Hacksaws are not complicated tools. There is a metal frame which is attached to the handle. The blade sits along the bottom. It is held in place by two small studs (also known as pins) on the frame. The adjusting screw then tightens the blade into position. To change the blade the adjusting screw is loosened until the blade becomes loose. It will then be easy to remove. A new blade is put on (making sure it faces in the right direction) and is then tightened again using the adjusting screw.
Which Brand is best for a Hacksaw?
The Lenox, Milwaukee and Stanley brands make the best professional hacksaws but as you can see from our list be prepared to spend a good deal more. People working in the various trades are willing to use these as they are just very well made and will last for years.
A few of the Stanley models and Bahco also make excellent hacksaws at more affordable prices. Most home owners will not be using a hacksaw everyday. Typical home uses are making screws shorter, cutting metal carpet grippers, some plastic conduit, curtain poles etc. There is no need to buy an expensive hacksaw to be able to achieve that.
Hacksaw Frames?
The majority of hacksaws have a standard C shaped frame which is usually made of a tubular mild steel. Often these can be painted, chromed or covered with a plastic to change the appearance. That does restrict the depth that you can cut. In reality that is not an issue as you really don’t want to be using a hacksaw to cut metal any thicker that the depth of the frame.
The grip is important and ideally a rubberised grip just makes the saw more comfortable to use. If it has finger positions moulded in that makes it even more comfortable. There are a few hacksaws with an angle frame that do allow you to be able to work in more confined spaces.
Adjustable Blade
Hacksaws are mostly used to make a straight 90 degree cut also known as a straight cut or a perpendicular cut. However, there may be times when you want to make an angled cut. The better quality hacksaws allow you to do this by adjusting the angle of the blade. This flexibility is really useful for doing flush cuts.
It is always worthwhile having this feature on your hacksaw as it just gives you more options.
How to use a Hacksaw?
The video above shows you how to get the best use from your hacksaw
Best Hacksaw Blades
The vast majority of hacksaws use 12″ (300mm) blades. Just be aware there are a few hacksaws that use 13″ blades (330mm) so be careful when buying.
You have so many choices when it comes to buying blades that it can get really confusing. These Draper redline are about as good a value as you will be able to find on the UK market.
This is a set of 5 blades for around £3 and includes 2 x 18TPI and 3 x 24TPI blades, ideal for cutting any soft non-ferrous metal (aluminium, copper etc) or mild steel
These are good for most casual DIY people. For specialist blades check out either Starrett or Eclipse blades, good but expensive.
90% buyer satisfaction based on 2,000+ online buyer reviews
Hacksaw Summary
Hopefully we have provided you with enough information to be able to find the best hacksaw for your needs. Almost every hacksaw is 300mm (12″) in length and will come with a blade. You can pick up spare blades in any hardware store and also buy them online.
Hacksaw FAQ
Q Does a hacksaw cut on the push or pull stroke?
A hacksaw cuts on the push stroke or sometimes called the forward stroke. When fitting a hacksaw blade to a hacksaw frame the teeth should always face forwards. On the better quality blades there is an arrow that indicates the direction in which they should be fitted.
Q What are hacksaw blades made from?
The vast majority of hacksaw blades are made from High Speed Steel (HSS) Sawing can generate a lot of heat and in tasks like drilling, sawing or cutting the heat generates a lot in the blade. HSS is extremely good at dealing with this and doesn’t break or bend. Hacksaw blades are also quite thin (0.62mm on average) so this makes dealing with heat and breakages even more important.
Q How many tpi are there on hacksaw blades?
TPI stands for teeth per inch. On standard hand saws there are around 8 TPI, whereas on hacksaws the average number of TPI is between 21-24. That is because they are designed to make finer and neater cuts and they also have to cut through metal. If you need very find accurate cutting hacksaw blades can be bought with a 32 TPI.