Hand Saws & Hacksaws

Hand saws are slower than power saws, but they still cause cuts, especially when the saw jumps out of the kerf at the start of a cut.

• Construction
• General Industry

Before you cut

• Blade sharp, straight and with no missing teeth
• Handle tight; hacksaw blade tensioned with teeth pointing forward (away from the handle)
• Work clamped in a vise or on sawhorses, not held on your knee
• Check for nails, screws and hidden wiring or pipes

Cutting safely

1. Start the cut with short, light strokes, guiding the blade with your thumb knuckle above the teeth, then move your hand away.
2. Use the full length of the blade with steady, even strokes. Let the saw do the work.
3. Support the waste piece near the end of the cut so it doesn’t break off and pinch the blade.
4. Hang up or sheath the saw when not in use.

• Don’t twist the blade in the cut.
• Don’t use a drywall jab saw in walls without checking for wires first.
• Don’t leave saws lying teeth-up.

Last updated: October 1, 2026