I Just Broke My Hacksaw

[classtimesailer]

I'm looking for recommendations. I rescued my father-in-law's and threw out my most flimsy model. Now his has exploded. Should I just grab a "high tension" model from Sears or Lowes and expect to replace it, or is there one that will last me a couple decades and my son in law can break it?

[Andrew R Stewart]

I find a good hack saw to be very nice to use. It just removes frustration from a job that is done over and over during frame work. SoIMG_1395.jpg I vote to get a nice one that feels right in your hand and is easy to use. But not all more expensive hack saws are the same. here's a shot of my three. The two red and grey ones are Craftsmans from many years ago. They are my favorite and as such have the 32tpi and the 18tpi blades on them. The yellow one, a recent DeWalt, is not to my liking. It's heavy, the blade replacement is overly complicated and not as sound a design, the handle is not a good shape for my hand. It holds the 24tpi blade. Like with bike frames, I find the stiffness to not be an advantage and what it takes to get that a disadvantage. Andy

[Too Tall]

+1 what Andy said. Craftsman are well made. That said, just about anything works. It's not like they take alot of abuse.

[Chauncey Matthews]

Angle grinder with a cutoff wheel....I haven't used a hacksaw for the last 40+ frames.

[Mark Walberg]

....The two red and grey ones are Craftsmans from many years ago. They are my favorite ....

My Craftsman is my favorite, too. Bought in the early 1970s. Working well next century.

[Clockwork]

I really like my 12" DeWalt with Starrett 32 tpi blades.

[Peter Polack]

Forget the handle.

My girlfriend ahem, "mounted" my hacksaw blade in a cake. I ate the cake, used the blade, and I now I'm back on the forum. At least until the feds find me...

[classtimesailer]

So it seems that the favorites are no longer in production.

[Eric Estlund]

Get a high tension one if you plan on using it regularly.

[Albie]

Bahco 319 (Snap-On rebrands it as well, if that's your thing).

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[Eric Estlund]

That looks like it could be swell (not vary many parts to die).

[Doug Fattic]

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I have strong opinions about hacksaws and would not want to use most kinds that I find in hardware or big box stores. It is a primary tool so for me there is no reason to try and save a few dollars on a purchase. First and most importantly it must feel comfortable in my hands. I find a big difference in this regard and I don’t like most of them. I want it to have a rectangle main frame. Some are an arch or a slope that prevents me holding the front like I prefer. I like a post on the top far end of the saw that I can wrap my left thumb around (I’m right handed) so I can control it better. I don’t like the kind that tighten directly by screwing a thumb nut because they are more likely to twist the blade slightly increasing the chances of not cutting straight. Heavier may be more durable but like most tools I like them as light as possible within reason. In the States they come in 10” and 12” versions and I want the one that gives me the longest stroke.

Years ago I bought a Nicholson and recently I got a similar one by Stanley that I bought for $20. I love the way they both feel. These companies sell a variety of models of hacksaws. In fact most Hacksaws are probably not manufactured by the company that branded them so the same hacksaw can be sold by different companies. One that I have seen that looked decent but not tried is a VAR sold by Wayne Bingham at Mel Pinto Imports.

[jclay]

I'm looking for recommendations. I rescued my father-in-law's and threw out my most flimsy model. Now his has exploded. Should I just grab a "high tension" model from Sears or Lowes and expect to replace it, or is there one that will last me a couple decades and my son in law can break it?

Best hacksaw ever. By far. Period. Your grandchildren will give it to their kids.

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Lenox 2918412 Hacksaw Frame; 12 Inch Blade, 3 psi - Crescent Electric Supply Company

[EricKeller]

maybe slow down a little with the hacksaw. I have never even gotten close to breaking a hacksaw frame. The high tension frames are nicer, but I have successfully used the cheap pressed metal frames quite a bit. I recently bought a lenox frame, it seems nice, but I don't see the version I have. Just wanted another one so i could have one in the basement and one in the frame shop. I have a quality frame from the '70s that is still fine, and a Chinese knockoff that I bought in a weak moment. We have had the same hacksaw frame at work through many generations of grad students without failure.

[jclay]

maybe slow down a little with the hacksaw. I have never even gotten close to breaking a hacksaw frame. The high tension frames are nicer, but I have successfully used the cheap pressed metal frames quite a bit. I recently bought a lenox frame, it seems nice, but I don't see the version I have. Just wanted another one so i could have one in the basement and one in the frame shop. I have a quality frame from the '70s that is still fine, and a Chinese knockoff that I bought in a weak moment. We have had the same hacksaw frame at work through many generations of grad students without failure.

For context: They'll all work, the nicest isn't any more necessary than a super duper aircraft torch and most will outlive the user. But, if you don't have one, bent one or had the plastic handles break (or rubber ones get nasty) then it's fairly simple and not too expensive to get a nicer one. The Lenox in the pic is hands down the most comfortable one I've ever used, it has no plastic or rubber to deteriorate and short of intentionally damaging it you're not going to break it. And it doesn't flex like the cheap ones.

I wouldn't obsess about it but if a new one is needed then that particular Lenox (or other nice ones) is, to my mind, well worth the slight hassle and the extra $10.

[miwuksurfer]

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Bahco 325. Its the nicest hacksaw I've held. Very easy to change blade and holds a high tension. About $35. Makes every other hacksaw I've seen look uncomfortable and flimsy.





Nolan L.

[Eric Estlund]

I just ordered on of those 319's to compliment the well loved Nicholson. We'll see!

[classtimesailer]

This one looks like some of the old favorites.
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And this one is more rare but I think obtainable.
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Both of them Kleins.

[Doug Fattic]

I've enjoyed this thread because I learned about some hacksaw options I didn't know were available. When I have tried out different ones at stores, I could tell immediately if they felt comfortable in my hand or not. Most didn't pass the grade but big box stores are almost never the place to buy equipment frame builders need like files or brazing equipment.

[Mark Walberg]

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Both of them Kleins.

This one looks almost identical to the old Craftsmans shown at the beginning of this thread.