The 9 Best Bow Saws of 2022

Bow Saw – Buying Guide, Opinions and Analysis

Bow saws are considered one of the most useful and essential tools that every professional should have in the workshop. They are essential for performing various types of cuts on materials such as metal, plastic and wood. Among the most outstanding that exist today, is the S&R 126.301.002, a multipurpose saw indicated for wood, aluminum, plastic and metal, which offers a precise cut and blade tension of up to 100 Kg. On the other hand, The Stanley Fatmax 0-020-108 is a model with a 3 mm thick blade that allows a depth of cut of 12 mm.

Comparison table

The 9 Best Bow Saws – Opinions 2022

The main problem with saws arises when you want to buy one, since there are multiple alternatives to choose from. To make things a little easier for you, we have chosen some of the best hacksaws of 2022, so that you can acquire the one that best suits your needs.

Bow saw for wood

1. S&R Hand Saw for Wood and Metals

× >Ideal for making your cuts precisely on hard materials such as wood, aluminum, plastic, plasterboard and some metal parts, the first alternative that we present to you is considered the best bow saw of the moment.

This bow saw for wood includes with the purchase two different blades, both with 30 cm in length, but each one destined for a specific use. The blades stand out for resisting up to 100 kg of tension, which guarantees a very clean and precise result when cutting on various materials.

Its design is very ergonomic, which will help you use this tool comfortably thanks to its non-slip grip and, in addition, it has a knob that is used to adjust the blade at 45 degrees, as well as its tension. It has dimensions of 52 x 12 x 3 cm and weighs approximately 620 grams.

To choose the best bow saw there is at the moment, it is necessary to know all the pros and cons of each of them, starting with this one.

pros

Replacement : The cutting blades are very easy to replace thanks to their ultra-simple system.

Pack : Two different cutting blades are included with your purchase, one for wood and the second for metal.

Ergonomics : It stands out for being an ergonomic model thanks to its comfortable grip and non-slip material.

Blade : It has a length of 300 mm, which greatly facilitates the cutting work.

Cons

Deformation : You have to practice a bit with the blade adjustment system so that it can be perfectly adjusted and without deformation.

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2. Grüntek Marlin Wood Hacksaw

× >If you are looking for a bow saw for wood with which you can work on large pieces, we recommend you look at this one from the Grüntek brand. Its 61 cm long blade and quick-change system with tension adjustment through an easy-to-use mechanism stand out.

In addition, the blade has tempered teeth that are precisely ground and treated with a special hardening procedure that guarantee a better cut and efficient use of the energy applied when sawing.

Designed for safety and ergonomics at the time of work, it includes a handle made of soft-touch materials, in addition to having a handle with protection that helps prevent your fingers from hitting the piece you are working on. Its approximate dimensions are 70 x 23.6 x 2 cm and it weighs about 499 grams.

To know which is the best hacksaw, it is important to take into account its technical aspects before making the choice. Below, you can analyze the pros and cons of this Grüntek saw.

pros

Precise : Its high-precision tempered teeth stand out, which will allow you to work on materials effortlessly.

Ergonomic : It has an ergonomic design that balances safety with work very well.

Grip : Incorporates a versatile grip that is completely suitable for both left and right handed users.

Cons

Spare part : This bow saw does not include a spare part for its blade, so if you need to change it, you will have to buy a new one separately.

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Bow saw for metal

3. Stanley Fatmax 0-20-108 Multi-Function Saw

× >Stanley is considered by many professionals as the best brand of bow saws thanks to the fact that it has always presented remarkable products. This is the case of this bow saw, which stands out for having a flexible blade 30 centimeters long, which will allow you to make cuts with a maximum depth of up to 12 mm.

This bow saw for metal has a design that is both attractive and functional, since it allows you to store the spare blades inside its body so that you can have them within reach at all times. Likewise, it has a handle that hides the blade tension and adjustment system.

It is made of resistant and durable materials in yellow with black and red details. Its dimensions are 43 x 3.3 x 15.5 cm and it weighs approximately 998 grams.

Before worrying about acquiring one of the cheapest, it is advisable to choose a functional and quality bow saw, so we show you the outstanding features of this model.

pros

Blade : It has a 30 cm long blade and a cutting depth of up to 12 mm.

Versatile : You can store the spare blades in the tool itself, so you can always have them at hand.

System : Easy to replace the blades, the adjustment system is hidden in the handle for greater security.

Cons

Rotation : Keep in mind that the blade only rotates up to 45 degrees, so if you are looking for a bow saw that rotates up to 90 degrees, you should choose another model.

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4. S&R Saw for metal and plastic

× >If you are looking for a bow saw for metal that guarantees a fast and clean cut, but is among the cheapest models, we recommend you look at this saw that allows you to work on various materials such as aluminum, plastic, soft metals, wood and plaster.

This bow saw is indicated for professional work thanks to its resistant metal construction with blue plastic details and handle covered with non-slip material. It has a Bi-METALLIC blade with 24 TPI teeth made of HSS M2 and D6A hardened steel, which supports up to 100 kg of tension and allows the cutting angle to be adjusted to 45 degrees.

Plus, the 12-inch blade is easy to replace and adjust for precise work. The approximate dimensions are 44.4 x 14.2 x 3.2 cm and it weighs about 721 grams.

To find out which bow saw to buy, we show you the advantages and disadvantages of this model.

pros

Handle : It is a tool that you can hold firmly thanks to its handle covered with non-slip material.

Blade : It incorporates a high quality Bi-METALLIC blade thanks to its hardened steel construction.

Change : It has a very simple and practical blade change system located in the handle.

Cons

Length : It is important that you keep in mind that this saw has a 30 cm long blade, so if you are looking for a model with a longer blade, you should choose another.

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Other products

5. Acorn 4621-12 Metal Cutting Bow

× >This bow saw has a flexible 30 cm long blade with which you can easily work various types of materials such as wood and some metal pieces. In addition, it has a mechanism that works efficiently to tension the blade and make replacements quickly.

This is an ideal DIY tool thanks to its strong yet lightweight design that will allow you to handle it easily. In addition, it highlights its comfort of use thanks to the polypropylene handle.

This tool has very resistant finishes and has solid plate arches that allow a greater cutting height to be achieved. On the other hand, its dimensions are 47 x 16 x 5 cm and it weighs approximately 558 grams.

Before opting for one or another bow saw, we suggest you look carefully at the highlights of this model.

pros

Tensioner : It incorporates a practical tensioner mechanism that will allow you to have a very firm blade and obtain precise cuts.

Handle : It has an ergonomic polypropylene handle that allows you to hold the saw in a stable manner.

Blade : Includes an alloy steel blade that is very flexible, making it ideal for DIY work.

Cons

Traditional : This tool stands out for having a traditional design, so if you are looking for a slightly more modern alternative, you should opt for another.

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6. Silverline SW30 Heavy Duty Hacksaw

× >If you have a workshop where you work metals and you are looking for a bow saw that works with this material, be sure to look at this alternative from the Silverline brand, with which, thanks to its manufacturing materials and traditional tension system, you will get very defined cuts.

With a 30 cm long blade, using this hacksaw you will be able to cut metallic materials such as pipes and screws with ease. In addition, it has a tensioner with a butterfly screw with which you can ensure that you adjust the blade to your liking.

It has a rectangular design with a strong aluminum bow and handle, which withstands demanding jobs with ease, so if you have a workshop at home, this tool will be very useful. Its dimensions are 43 x 2 x 14 cm and it weighs approximately 222 gr.

It is important to consider each of the technical characteristics that this saw presents before making your decision.

pros

Material : It is made of hardened aluminum, making it a strong and very durable tool.

Blade : Includes a 30 cm long standard size cutting blade.

Tensioner : Features a thumbscrew tensioner that allows for easy blade change and adjustment.

Cons

Handle : The handle may seem uncomfortable and cause insecurity to some users, however, it is a tool that fulfills its function.

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7. Presch Metal Bow Saw 300mm

× >When you are looking for a bow saw, you think about the comfort of use, being one of the most important aspects. This bow saw stands out for having a really high level of maneuverability thanks to the ergonomic handle made of plastic with a non-slip coating and which is suitable for both left-handed and right-handed users.

It has a high-quality bi-metallic steel blade, which is very robust and adjustable, since it allows its use at an angle of 45 degrees. Also, if the blade loses some edge, you can easily change it.

Thanks to its extra hard teeth and solid bow tension, you will be able to achieve precise and exact cuts without the size being very important. It is an ideal tool for DIY, plaster cutting and even wood for the fireplace. Its dimensions are 40 x 14 x 3 cm and it weighs approximately 549 gr.

There are several technical characteristics that you should look at carefully when making your comparison of bow saws, so we present the most important of this model.

pros

Blade : The blade has extra hardened teeth and is made with bi-metal technology that allows cutting a large number of materials, including solid steel.

Angle : You will be able to make flush cuts and, thanks to the alternative tensioning, you will be able to have an angle of 45 degrees.

Tensor : It has an innovative and very easy to use blade change system, with which you will not waste time.

Cons

Price : It is one of the most expensive bow saws on the market, so if you are looking to make a lower investment, you should choose another.

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8. Mannesmann M30150 Hacksaw Frame

× >Ideal for professional-level jobs, this hacksaw is one of the most useful tools on the market. The shackle is made from welded square tubing, giving it a high level of durability for tough jobs.

It has a very comfortable mechanism due to its ease when having to adjust the tension or change the cutting blade. In addition, you can position it at both 90 and 45 degrees, depending on the type of work you are doing.

It has a non-slip material handle that will allow you to comfortably maneuver the tool and includes a 30 cm steel blade. Its dimensions are 38.4 x 15 x 2.2 cm and it weighs about 621 grams in total.

Given so many alternatives available in the current market, choosing the bow saw that best suits your needs requires paying attention to the details of each model. Do not hesitate to look at the characteristics of this saw.

pros

Tensioner : It has a tension adjustment system that is very simple to use and comfortable so as not to lose time at work.

Handle : It has a handle made of non-slip material that helps to better maneuver the tool.

Blade : Includes a steel blade up to 30 cm in length that can be positioned at 90 or 45 degrees.

Cons

Thickness : When you want to change the blade it comes with, it is important that you make sure it is the same thickness, since it does not support other models.

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9. Bahco BAHEBS36 IRSE-15-36

× >Finally, we present this comfortable tool from the Bahco brand, ideal for those users and professionals who are looking for equipment that helps them cut various types of wood effectively. In addition, thanks to the protection for the fingers that the handle has, you will avoid hitting them with the piece that you are cutting.

It has a very well thought-out design to achieve the best ergonomics and comfort when using it, being easy to use and avoiding fatigue in the arms. Its dimensions are 91 x 15 x 10 cm and it weighs approximately 921 gr.

The purchase includes a plastic protector with which you can protect the blade. On the other hand, its tensioning system is very intuitive and easy to use, so it won’t take you any time changing or adjusting the blade.

Finally, this product is considered the best price-quality bow saw, so we recommend you look at its pros and cons.

pros

Ergonomics : It is a very comfortable model to use thanks to its ergonomic design, which will prevent exhaustion in the arms.

Handle : It has a finger protector that will prevent you from hitting them when you are doing the work.

Tensioner : The tension system that this saw has is very easy and intuitive to use, so you can change and adjust the blade quickly.

Cons

Size : This tool has a considerable size, so if you are short or have very short arms, you should choose another more compact model.

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Shopping guide

One of the essential tools that every professional and DIY lover must have is a hacksaw. These equipments are useful when it comes to accurately cutting various types of material such as wood, plastic, plaster and even iron. To help you choose the one that best suits your needs, we have decided to create this guide to buy the best bow saw, where you can assess the most important aspects that you must take into account when making your purchase.

blade type

Before asking yourself how much the saw costs, there are other factors that you should consider so that your investment does not result in a loss of money or a negative experience in your work. The first thing you have to know is what material or materials you are going to work with, which is directly subject to the type of blade or knife that the tool incorporates.

While some work to cut wood and others to work on metals, there is a variety that is widely used by professionals and these are multi-purpose blades. These blades will allow you to cut any type of material easily, without having to switch between the blade for wood and the blade for metal every time you need to do a job.

In addition, you will not only have to think about the type of material that you have to cut, but also about the size of the piece. This is why you can find blades with different thicknesses and lengths. This obviously affects the final price of the tool, but if you make the purchase with these aspects in mind, you can be confident that the equipment will be a well-made investment.

Manufacturing

Another aspect that you should not overlook is the material with which the saw has been made. Normally, we look for the tools to be robust and resistant, but also easy and comfortable to manoeuvre. This is why, in any comparison of bow saws that you make, the quality of the manufacture must always be present.

Bow saws are usually made of steel, aluminum and other metallic materials, especially to ensure resistance to demanding jobs. However, the ideal is to choose one that is not too heavy, since, normally, the most robust ones turn out to be quite heavy and uncomfortable to use for long periods of time.

Fortunately, today they are usually made of composite materials or aluminum alloys that provide both great durability and strength as well as lightness and maneuverability. In addition, to reduce the weight and price of the product a little, some models usually incorporate some plastic or polypropylene parts that are decorative as well as functional. However, remember that the important thing is to choose a good and economical tool, but not a disposable one.

Ergonomics

Along the same lines as materials, ergonomics is key to determining which hacksaw is good and which isn’t, which one is worth it and which isn’t, or at least which one is comfortable to use and which one isn’t. Although many users who do not have enough capital do not pay attention to this aspect and end up choosing the cheapest hacksaw to save a little money, the reality is that ergonomics is very important when thinking about a tool that you can use. for a longer period of work and that provides a certain level of safety to the user.

Formerly, the saws were completely made of resistant and durable materials with handles of the same material and that in the long run were not very comfortable. However, time has passed and now you can find models with different types of handles, choosing the one that best suits your comfort. There are metal or plastic ones with a non-slip coating, which fit very well in the hand and allow the tool to be maneuvered feeling more secure and for much longer.

On the other hand, some include a finger protector in the grip area, which helps prevent you from hitting yourself with the piece you are cutting. This, without a doubt, has an added value, since it will significantly increase the worker’s confidence in the tool, allowing him to carry out his work in a better way.

tensioner

Finally, a very important technical feature that should be looked at carefully is the tool’s tensioner system. Unlike early hacksaws where the blade was adjusted with a thumb screw, newer hacksaws have other, more innovative, easy-to-use pressure and lever systems that allow you to adjust and change the blade. Some models even cleverly hide the system at the base of the grip so as not to break the aesthetics of the design.

Frequently asked questions

Q1: How to use a hacksaw?

Before using these tools, it is advisable to follow some steps that will allow you to carry out the work optimally and without the risk of any accident. The first thing you should do when you want to use a bow saw is draw a line on the piece you are going to work on to have a guide of how the cut should be.

Then, securely clamp the piece to be cut in an appropriate manner, either with a vise, vise, or similar tool. Thus, you will prevent the piece from moving and you will be able to make a precise cut.

The third step is to proceed to make a small notch or smooth cut on the line very carefully using the saw so that you have a traced path and avoid unwanted cuts. You take the piece with your free hand and, forming an angle of 45 degrees between the blade and the surface of the piece, you begin to work, exerting a little pressure as you go and using the entire length of the blade until get to the end

Q2: How to put a saw blade on a bow?

Attaching the blade to a hacksaw is very simple, however, you will need to pay close attention to the end tension so that you can make a precise and clean cut. The first thing to note is that the saw does not have a blade installed.

The procedure begins by placing the new cutting blade on the fixing bolts that the frame has with the teeth of the saw in the opposite direction to the location of the handle, making sure that it fits perfectly in each one of them. For this you must loosen the butterfly screw or pressure system of the tensioner.

After placing the new blade, proceed to turn the thumbscrew clockwise until the point where the blade is completely fixed. To know if the tension is at its point, you should do a small test by making a small cut on any material that is not important. If the blade binds or bends, you will need to tighten it up a bit more using the thumb screw.

Q3: How to change the blade of a hacksaw?

To change the blade of the hacksaw, you must follow practically the same steps to put on a new blade, but in this case you will start by removing the old blade.

First loosen the wing nut or tensioning system on your model saw, which is usually near the handle to the point where the blade can be easily removed from the frame.

Remove the blade by lifting the pins at each end of the tool and snap the new blade into place.

Lastly, secure the thumbscrew by turning it clockwise to the point where the blade is securely held and tensioned.

Q4: How to make a hacksaw?

Making a bow saw at home is very simple if you follow one of the many guides found on the net to the letter. Basically, you’ll need to make a firm three-sided rectangular C-frame, either out of wood or any sturdy material with the length of the sash you want to install, by putting a screw into each end, and in the open space fix a old (or new) saw blade using these thumbscrews to make it easier to tighten the blade.

Q5: How to sharpen a hacksaw?

To sharpen a saw blade, the first thing you should do is remove it from the tool and place it on a table or workbench and fix it with the help of a vise or by placing it between two pieces of wood. Use a triangular file and a horizontal file to sharpen each of the blade’s teeth, making sure they are all at the same height. However, be careful not to perform this procedure too aggressively, as you could end up removing your teeth for good.

Q6: What precautions to take when using a hacksaw?

As with most tools, whether for industrial, workshop or sporadic use, it is highly recommended to follow a series of instructions to safeguard the integrity of the worker.

Among the most common recommendations, the use of gloves and protective glasses is recommended to avoid serious cuts or that a splinter jumps into your eyes. In addition, it is always advisable to hold the piece you are going to work on well using a vise or any other clamp that holds it firmly without having to resort to your free hand.

Q7: What materials can I cut with a hacksaw?

Depending on the type of blade you have installed on your tool, you will be able to cut a wide variety of materials such as wood, metal, plaster and plastic. It all depends on the material with which the blade is made, the design of the teeth and the maximum depth that it allows to reach.