Something I noticed today in the toolbox of a friend I was helping out with some home renovating. After picking up his hacksaw to make a cut I noticed the blade was on the wrong way. This is a simple mistake but my friend should have known better.
Hacksaw Blade Direction
When replacing the blade on your hacksaw the teeth must always point forward, away from the handle.
A hacksaw works by making a cut on the push stroke, not when pulling it back towards you.
Also, when replacing the hacksaw blade, make sure the blade is tight so it doesn’t bend when cutting.
Use the Whole Blade
When using your hacksaw, try to use the whole blade while cutting.
Use longer strokes, not just short strokes, that end up only using the hacksaw blade teeth in the centre of the blade. While the teeth at both ends of the blade remain new and unused.
Also by using longer strokes you need fewer strokes to complete the cut, and you will end up with an arm that isn’t as sore and tired as it might have been.
A hacksaw, just like any of the saws you have in your workshop, will always be at it’s best and cut cleanly if looked after.
Make sure to keep a few extra hacksaw blades around.
I’m a panel beater I picked up a hack saw witch had the blade on the wrong way in my books I showed it to a no it all he said the teeth should face back ward I said no that should face forward had to check to make shore my self he was starting me to doubt my self thank you for your support I’ll show him your artical been in the game for to long to have doubt on my self thank you the panelbeater
From day one, my dad said face the cut teeth forward which I have done (80yr) Yesterday, I was cutting aluminum tubing and I found that the blade would bind and start to snake the cut. I found that even though the blade was tightly held, the soft aluminum would try to bind the blade until the cut was through to the inside. I tried to continue by reversing the blade to the wrong way and cut on the pull as one would do with a two man saw. Hey, it works. The frame was able to flex on the bound blade but when pulling, it worked as there was no flex. I learned something new. Maybe “Always” is not a good rule. LJ
Hi Paul, yes cutting anything where you end up cutting 2 edges at the same time, like aluminium pipe or angle can be frustrating. I have never tried reversing the blade, but will give it a go in the future. Thanks for the tip.
Also, make sure to have a Japanese Pull Saw in your workshop. I’ve only used mine on timber but they are thin, flexible and cut on the pull stroke. Believe me, you will end up using it more than your traditional hand saws.
Thought I’d look to see what is the case for my electric jigsaw blades . . . the teeth slope backwards
The blade tooths on electric jigsaws always faces forward because you cut in a forward motion and the mounting key way only allows the blade to be installed in one direction.
Thanks Nick. Jigsaws are definitely less confusing.
I had a similar experience as LJ Parker above. In my situation, it was with a tree branch I was cutting to make a staff. Half-way through, my blade, started seizing up. After I reversed the blade, with the teeth now facing toward me, I was able to complete the cut without incident.
FYI: Using a 12 inch/18 tpi Dewalt blade and a Stanley hacksaw.