How to use a hacksaw

A hacksaw is a very handy tool when working with metal or plastics and is a cheap way to cut these materials. This video shows how to fit the blade and cut metal using a hacksaw. Brought to you by www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

[@jerronimo3000]

Master's mechanical engineering student here. Just wanted to say that the blade will actually last longer if you leave it tensioned when you put it away. Things don't break from having constant tension in them, but they do fail from alternating between no load and high tension load through a phenomenon called fatigue. Much the same way as a metal coat hanger will break after you bend it back and forth several times.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@davadoff]

This deserves more 👍

[@TheIVJackal]

Won't the blade become unusable though if it's stretched to a point where the hack-saw can no longer provide tension, because the tensioner is bottomed out? Is releasing the tension and then tightening it up again later really adding that much wear to it, the fatigue from actual use I would imagine is much greater. This would be an interesting thing to test

[@corinasechelariu1307]

@@TheIVJackal You're probably right. The tension from tightening it's by far not the same as bending a blade. And maybe the blade will last a bit longer... but the hacksaw will not.

[@Malkiesmith]

When cutting steel, I like to put a drop of cutting oil on the blade. I find that it makes the job a lot easier.

[@NathanWoyessa]

wo

[@tonodeltaone9315]

Hey hy

[@doodlebug6833]

It a good use for wd40 if you can't find any tap magic. For when I'm desperate I use ATF fluid

[@Soknik01]

Well, you don't see this everyday- A KZbin video where the guy knows exactly what the hell he's talking about. Great information. Nicely done!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@romwell]

Thanks! Watching this video helped me successfully lower an Ikea bed. All in all, took about an hour, including measuring, rotating the bed, etc. One extra piece of advise for others doing the same: put some newspaper on the floor to collect the metal dust.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@tolsonw]

Didn't know it was possible to cut through steel using a hacksaw (in 1 minute 10 seconds, no less, that's faster than setting up the machine)! Great tutorial, thanks for posting.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@jwong19]

Again, thanks for the tip. Deeply appreciated your work to help others. Greetings from P.R.

[@danieledward5217]

What a terrific video.........Don't slow down!..........I learned so much in such a short time.....Amazing.......

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@monawize1]

Brilliant video and tips! Thanks! Loved the real time cutting and tip to turn blade upside down and put pipe inside!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the comment 👍

[@MrSTUPIDBRICK]

nice tip on storing spare blades in the handle I'll be doing that from now on :)

[@apoorva3635]

Thanx!!This is so helpful.I missed my Engineering Worshop class when they taught this.Now I know how to use it.Thanks again.

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Apoorva Apoorva You are welcome Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@roller325]

Really decent advice, cheers mate! Did a really shit job on cutting pieces of steel today and the shame brought me here. Kept missing the cut-line by centimetres and got yelled at -- gah, was horrible. But then again, there was no clamp provided, and the bench was knee-height, so getting enough force into the cut was hard-as-anything. Practice makes perfect I hope. Let's hope I get better at it!

[@ultimatehandyman]

It is difficult at first, a decent vice makes all the difference. Best of luck with it and thanks for the comment

[@MysticNessly]

Very informative! This video has explained so much! Thanks!

[@ultimatehandyman]

+MysticNessly You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@Parkour_Vector390]

Thank you, man! This is very useful guide, I didn't even know the hacksaw was capable of cutting such heavy gauge metal pipes and square steel bars, I'm suing it to cut wood branches with the bigger teeth side. Next time I have to cut something metal, I'm not going to bother about using the hacksaw. By the way you've got an awesome workplace!

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Parkour Vector You are welcome. Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@luketuttiett]

good tools, definitely next purchase for me. Great videos too man.

[@MrBobDobolina]

I no idea t that the saw should be stored with the blade loosened. Great information, thanks.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad the video helped Thanks for the comment 👍

[@THxGunner]

Good and helpful video. It helped me write my whole assignment on hacksaws.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome. Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@cscummings]

You are my hero! Thanks so much for showing very clearly exactly how to use a hacksaw! Exactly what I needed

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm glad the video has helped ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@argentorangeok6224]

Good show. Nicely done. Excellent instruction.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@MohammedAli-1]

First class video yet again. Salute 👍🏽

[@ultimatehandyman]

Appreciate that 👍

[@Takuan66]

I use the teeths facing me so it cuts as I'm pulling. Stronger muscle, better control. Works just like a japaness saw.

[@saurisco338]

Yeah I do the same but I don't know why they say it's wrong. I guess we're doing wrong because it's less safe?

[@saurisco338]

Oh yeah and because of the pushing down...

[@xXJIJIPONGXx]

@@saurisco338 almost all hacksaws are structurally weaker at the far side, due to less bulk; it's much safer to put the pressure on the side with the handle and avoids breaking the frame.

[@davadoff]

@@xXJIJIPONGXx surely this is moot if your saw is good enough that the blades always break before the frame ever would?

[@TheSarah730]

Thank you! I’m learning how to use tools and didn’t know to use 2 hands for the hacksaw.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@valveman12]

Excellent video... I learned a few valuable things about using my hacksaw. Happy Holidays🎅🎄

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks, you too!

[@lakshmichakri4892]

Thank you Sir. Useful video to cut the steel. Thank you very much.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment 👍

[@ultimatehandyman]

+palmero8877 It's not something I have ever tried cutting but I would guess a regular blade would cut it. I only use a blade with more teeth per inch when cutting thin material. If the zinc is thin you might want to clamp it in some scrap pieces of timber ;-)

[@msafirimhehe]

Good demo, cheap and great hands , arms and chest exercise too.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@sb9190]

Thank you. That was very helpful.

[@jaykob2482]

Super helpful! Thanks alot, subbed!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the sub!

[@MBeal-dd2dt]

I've always been frustrated using this type saw which I only use rarely. Thanks for the great tips. I wished you had addressed not having your kerf wander on you while cutting. By the time I'm half way through the cut my blade is twisting on me.

[@RadoHudran]

I believe that's because of heat expansion, you could tighten the nut perhaps

[@gamallsdokkalfs7253]

Very good information - thank you.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@lindashook4175]

Thank you. Very useful information!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Glad it was helpful! 👍

[@TomfromExeter]

Really helpful, thank you for posting

[@arfanjhangir8465]

hi great vid as usual. I am Interested in installing my own pvc windows, no vid on youtube on this subject. Is this something you can do a vid on. many thanks

[@woodbine66]

Thanks for another excellent vid UHM. A little extra knowledge can help you get a lot more out of even a simple hand tool. One thing though - I'm never quite sure if these are just good DIY tutorials or really excellent glove and PPE fetish videos! LOL

Thank you. I was wondering about it's usage on wood. You answered it.

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@amielrumbaua8387]

This is simply consistent quality content. Helps a lot in my developing shop. You deserve more subscribers honestly

[@ultimatehandyman]

I appreciate that! Thanks for the comment

[@InsidiousBlank]

Great hacks for the hacksaw!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Insidious Blank Thanks for the comment ;-)

[@anonymous.youtuber]

Nice pun 👍🙋‍♀️

[@marrasm1965]

muy buen video ilustrativo para los que empiezan con herreria, Excellent video, I'm about to buy a hacksaw bow, which you recommend: craftsman or stanley, both are professional ...?

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm not familiar with craftsman but Stanley normally make decent quality tools! The hacksaw I used in this video is a Teng, but they are quite expensive. Thanks for the comment

[@CarnutMM]

Will I need a special blade to cut through zinc or is a regular 24 tooth blade enough?

[@alfanazzamcraft]

The equipment in your country is of very high quality, it's different in our country a lot of equipment that isn't worth using ❤❤❤

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@EppingForest304]

good handy advice

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@bipolarrocknroller4109]

Great vid. Thanks!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome. Thanks for the comment

[@abdulalanzi9687]

What brand do you have and do you recommend any brand . Many thanks

[@lucyr.51]

That was very helpful! I was trying to brace my tiny metal rod without a vice. DUH! :)

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Lucy R. It's much easier with a vice, but sometimes you just have to improvise and clamp the material to a bench or workmate etc. Thanks for the comment

[@bdtanseco2]

hi. what kind of clamp are you using mate? thanks.

[@alidam5300]

Hey Great Video! Any tips on how to cut straight and more accurately? I

[@ultimatehandyman]

Ali Madma Thanks, Cutting straight is difficult, it's best not to apply too much pressure and ensure the blade is tight. Once you veer offline it is impossible to get back on line again. When making critical sized components we normally cut to the side of the line and then file the metal so that it's the exact size, as cutting with an hack saw is difficult!

[@misstinwhistle1]

Cut some bamboo with a junior hack saw today, it worked okay but I now realise I had the blade in backwards. I'll stick with the hacksaw for cutting bamboo though, for now. What other saw would you recommend for cutting bamboo?

[@ultimatehandyman]

I would imagine a bow saw would cut it easily. Thanks for the comment

[@MikeTactical]

Ted would love this video.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@MikeTactical]

Ultimate Handyman did you get the reference?

[@ultimatehandyman]

No

[@ManCalledMif]

Great video thank you

[@ultimatehandyman]

Very welcome 👍

[@luketuttiett]

what make is this hacksaw? The angle cut is a great feature!

[@BestUserNameUK]

Teng

[@2wheelspy]

Great videos. Adult apprenticeship? What's one of those? Is it a normal apprenticeship and what did you do it in?

[@945536436]

Thank you for the video! I've struggled to cut some thin steel C-frames today, it was difficult to get the saw to run smoothly. After watching your video I think the next round will you much better. I'm looking forward to trying again!

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@FergH-K]

On the blade sides you should always buy the expensive ones with a pack of one or two. They outlast the chinese packs of 10, the tend to snap or teeth break of about 5 cuts.

[@keithrobinson5594]

Do you have any ideas about replacement 6” vice jaws please? They seem unjustifiable expensive have you made your own? Thank you

[@ultimatehandyman]

You can't really make your own to a decent standard as they are made from hardened steel. Record vice jaws are a complete rip off, I priced some up for the vice in this video and they were over £100, you can get similar sized jaws (but with the incorrect hole centres for £20). Sorry I can't be of much help!

[@RavenVargas27]

Best hacksaw tutorial ever thanks this helps a lot

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 😉

[@Jvset]

we use diy hacksaw frame made from rebar sometimes small pipes so its heavier and let gravity help in applying pressure so that we can use one only on hand moving the saw and use the other hand to hold whatever we are cutting especially when no clamps are available hahaha

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@cabaretampere]

Thanks, nice video

[@ultimatehandyman]

+cabaretampere You are welcomeThanks for the comment ;-)

[@sanketss84]

thanks this was helpful.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment 👍

[@haisridhar10]

good tips...need lubrication for the blade?..

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, you can lubricate the blade if you are cutting larger pieces, or a lot of cuts. I normally use drilling/tapping fluid. Thanks for the comment

[@boucheman414]

Thanks for posting! Nice video with some good tips and instructions. Well done!(: You said that the hacksaw will only cut one direction, the forward stroke. Which is true if you put the blade in with the teeth pointing forward. My question is why must the blade be set this way? I’m just trying to figure out why wouldn’t you want to turn the blade “backwards” and cut on the pull stroke instead? Can anyone like explain the advantages of cutting metal using a push stroke as opposed to cutting with a pull stroke? Thanks!!!

[@ultimatehandyman]

Not sure about that, sorry!

[@Yevgen6R]

Thank you!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You're welcome!

[@rvrahul18]

Thank you so much..

[@animal79thecat]

Grinder for the win !

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@oijimmyslay]

Very helpful. Trying to cut through some metal blind frames at the moment with a junior hacksaw, absolute nightmare 😂 Think it’s worth a trip to B&Q to get properly kitted out.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@shellsbignumber2]

I was cutting some metal pipes the other day with my hack, boy did my hand & wrist ache afterwards. almost tempted to get myself an Angle grinder.

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'd be lost without my angle grinder ;-) Thanks for the comment

[@davadoff]

How tight should I make the blade? I had to use pliers to turn my tightening adjustment to get it to maybe the lowest pitch or detuned guitar string level when I plucked the blade in the saw. It’s a very cheap hacksaw, maybe a b&q budget one with a simple wing nut to tighten.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Just so that it does now twist when you are using it 👍

[@davadoff]

@@ultimatehandyman Thanks. Your videos are so incredibly informative and useful by the way. More so than typical American video with more views.

[@amywarner6072]

this is very helpfull thank you.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment 👍

[@amywarner6072]

@@ultimatehandyman sure!

[@amywarner6072]

@@ultimatehandyman btw im making an awsome sword

[@crimson5k440]

Thank you.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You're welcome! 👍

[@FanRensburg]

Do u apply pressure going backwards?

[@ultimatehandyman]

No, only forwards 👍

[@szariq7338]

Meanwhile I had to straighten the pipes to get them threaded for my project. It was such a pain to do that (but finally done them with a makeshift vise called "firewood pile") and hearing about the importance of teeth facing certain way I'll have to check on it if they're facing the correct way.

[@ultimatehandyman]

👍

[@alexisbalmer4675]

I am trying to saw through a metal pin to remove it from a toilet, to put on a new seat.The nut will not move and I can't provide traction on the pin because of tight space. The blade seems to be wearing down rather than the pin. What is supposed to be a simple job has turned into 4 days of frustration and discomfort ! Any help gratefully received !

[@ultimatehandyman]

It might be hardened steel, or it might have work hardened. If it is hardened steel, anything with teeth won’t work. You might have to use a grinder and cutting disk. I had to do that here- kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2WklZahmtiCosk

[@drpepperdude00]

Hi, I'm looking to cut a steel piece of metal about the same size of the first piece of metal your cutting. Is there a certain type of blade I should be looking for? Or can any hacksaw cut it? Oh also, would a dremel be better?

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Gregory Lee Any hacksaw will cut it, but it can be made easier by choosing the correct blade. For thin metal you need more teeth per inch (TPI) for think metal a blade with less TPI will cut quicker. I have never used a Dremel, but have heard that they are useless for this type of thing.

[@drpepperdude00]

Thank you for the info. I'll have to give it a try

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Gregory Lee You are welcome ;-)

[@caskwith]

Totally agree the cheap chinese blades are awful but they do have their uses. Certain industrial plastics, vulcanised rubber especially, can be very abrasive, cheap blades are perfect for these jobs. Also when you need to slide a thin blade between something with no handle for support, blades will often snap doing this but if its a cheapy it doesn't matter.

[@10rab2k]

got a prety decent hacksaw from poundland lasted me for over 6 years now but the blades are rubbish 4 strokes and they over heat and shatter lol nice reveiw

[@spymaine89]

excellent

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@kathleenward6268]

I'm an old woman, fairly strong. Got a hacksaw, got a vice, got plenty of time. Need to shorten 8 legs of a metal bed, before I assemble it. Got vaseline/baby oil to lubricate. What are the chances I could do this job and survive?

[@ultimatehandyman]

I'm sure you will be fine, just take your time with it ;-) Thanks for the comment 👍

[@OnlineMD]

Ah, the art of the 'acksaw....:) let's see if I got it right: in artford, ereford and ampshire, urricanes ardly appen! :) But more seriously, I enjoyed this video. As far as I've read, aside from a higher TPI, getting a bi-metal blade is important...today I have to cut an old box spring in half to get it downstairs. It has a tubular metal frame about 5 mm thick cylindrical metal. It'll be my first time with an 'acksaw! :) And oh, I'm a bit nervous about fine metal dust so I think I'll wear a mask. These Covid-19 masks sure come handy! :)

[@ultimatehandyman]

I would not worry about the fine metal dust when using a acksaw, but I would wear a mask when using a grinder ;-) Thanks for the comment 👍

[@OnlineMD]

@@ultimatehandyman just split an old box spring in half to carry down the stairs and out of the house. First time with an 'acksaw! 24 TPI, bimetal. Milwaukee brand in the USA. Worked great! The metal rod was only 5 mm thick.

[@user-fg8jo1cf2e]

Explain why you should slow down near the end, as steel and vices are hard when you smash your knuckles into them.

[@keithpopely3650]

This was great. Thanks, man.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome. Thanks for the comment.

[@time9811]

Thanks!

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment 👍

[@idahodiy]

If you're cutting something thin and flat, do you want to run the teeth against the longer side or the shorter side?

[@ultimatehandyman]

The shorter side should work best. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@idahodiy]

@@ultimatehandyman Thanks! Great video.

[@V.E-Entertainment]

Hi! Would I be able to shorten metal bed frame legs with this? I want to convert my high sleeper into a mid sleeper for toddlers.

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, but it might be difficult getting a straight cut. Thanks for the comment 👍

[@anonymous.youtuber]

If they’re circular, I’d go for a steel pipe cutter. Be sure it’s suited to cut steel, some rotary knife pipe cutters can only cope with copper pipes (which are much softer than steel).

[@melissamelissa7227]

Can I use this to cut the leaf spring bar that is hanging from the back of my truck It just broke today and I have it wired up It rusted off the u clamp

[@ultimatehandyman]

You could, but it will be difficult. An angle grinder and metal cutting disc will be much easier, but if you have to use a hacksaw I would use some blades containing cobalt, example here- www.amazon.co.uk/Bahco-3906-300-18-10P-Hacksaw-Blades-12/dp/B0001IX7Y2?th=1

[@melissamelissa7227]

Ty for your reply Yeah I tried to use the hack saw couldn’t get through the inside pipe so I just wired it up tight until I can get it cut off I did learn a lot about using the hack saw which I’ll use some other time I really like the idea of turning the blade inside to saw it will give me better leverage 👍🏻😁✌️ thanks

[@paanaam]

Why did you set the job in the left hand side of the Vice?

[@ultimatehandyman]

I had a choice of 2 sides, which gave me a 50% chance of choosing the left

[@paanaam]

yeah I understood that in course of the clip, you did it in the RHS as well.

[@ultimatehandyman]

It might have been for the camera, I can't really remember. Thanks for the comments

[@boorayin2773]

Cheers for the tips about what I should look for when I go buy a hacksaw to cut rebar tomorrow.

[@ultimatehandyman]

You are welcome Thanks for the comment

[@wisran1287]

Very helpful, don’t want to spend on circular saw metal blade for a small job

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@myer_security6568]

Can u cut titanium down ??

[@ultimatehandyman]

Not sure, sorry. I have never cut titanium!

[@elliotcouture3789]

Whats the vice are you using do you recomend it i am looking fir a good one any tips

[@ultimatehandyman]

A good vice is very expensive to buy brand new, I think mine is a Record number 25 or number 24 (can't remember which). To buy this brand new you are looking at £450 but you can often pick them up locally via Ebay etc. much cheaper. I paid about £40 for mine. I'd always get the biggest one you can afford as long as it can safely fit on your bench.

[@Idyllic.eshaaa]

Can we use the blade without the holder?

[@ultimatehandyman]

Yes, but best to wear gloves. You will struggle getting a straight cut without the hacksaw frame though Thanks for the comment 👍

[@Idyllic.eshaaa]

@@ultimatehandyman okay, thank you sir! 😃

[@888mrshoe]

blades on backstroke pull cut better and last longer , with lubrication will last long and not get so hot ,its the blade that cuts, less likely to bind in my experience

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@FergH-K]

Yeah Agree with that. They are fine for non metals.

[@sarahbennett5792]

Really helpful video but what if I don't have a vice?

[@ultimatehandyman]

You can clamp the material down to a suitable bench, or use a workmate or suitable table etc.

[@sargeantclockwork1929]

Ultimate Handyman I usually use a g clamp, but I recently got a vice. (new world of possibilities)

[@americanpride9733]

6:14 ok bud no one thought u were going *that* fast😂 Good vid tho

[@ultimatehandyman]

😂

[@dmeenagh]

Haha I found this video by searching fastest hacksaw. I wondered what world champion hacksaw speed looked like. I guess it's just a split seconds game.

[@andrewdavidson4421]

Hmm you'd think they could paint arrows of the direction of the blades on the sawblade when you buy them...

[@ultimatehandyman]

I think some manufacturers do put arrows on them (it makes sense to) Thanks for the comment

[@maryellis6855]

That was good

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment

[@Jedicake]

Best dialect ever

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks ;-)

[@krishnakantatalukdar9844]

As you can see while cutting the part is getting burnt and getting blackened just a palm of water sprinkled on it will help better in cutting pro tip

[@ultimatehandyman]

Thanks for the comment 👍

[@dannoakl]

If the teeth are always forward, then isn’t that the reason why a hacksaw will only cut on the forward stroke? If however you put the blade in with the teeth facing back, surely it will still cut, doing so as a pull saw. Why would it not cut?

[@ultimatehandyman]

If you put the blade in backwards, it will cut in the opposite direction 👍

[@MrPauloxley]

If you put the blade in "backwards" and cut on the back stroke then the blade will be in tension better due to the frame of the saw. .....that is what I was taught at apprentice school years ago!

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Paul Oxley That's a new one on me, does it work?

[@MrPauloxley]

+Ultimate Handyman Oh hang on....my memory isn't what it was.....Sorry I was thinking of the junior hacksaw... that deffo needs the blade in backwards..........sorry again

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Paul Oxley No problem,Thanks for the comments ;-)

[@NimbleGeeza]

safe man, I shed a tear watching this.

[@samtibbitts]

WHY does the blade need to be inserted so that the saw cuts on the push? I would think it would be easier to get a steady cut on the draw.

[@ultimatehandyman]

+Samuel Tibbitts I'm not sure, it could be due to being able to push harder?

[@samtibbitts]

interesting theory, Personally I intentionally load my blades in 'backwards' most of the time because i prefer to cut on the pull :)

[@p3l1k44n1]

Pulling cuts better than pushing. It's a fact. It's biology. It's built in our muscles. Push cutting is a waste of time. Besides, you can't push cut if you only have the blade in your hand without the saw. But you can pull cut with the blade if you just make a duct tape handle to the blade. Can't fit the saw under your dashboard when trying to cut heater core piping.

[@vaguincolombia]

i think cutting backwards, the teeth of the saw will tend to get caught more easily in the edges which could make it jump and damage the teeth and so it will be a safety issue too, also is more comfortable to cut forwards, a blade always must cut at an angle between 20 and 30 degrees never totally even

[@benjaminballs2859]

It’s also a safety issue. Always cut away from the body with any cutting base regardless.