discover out how to use a hack saw for improved controller on difficult cuts .
A democratic tool among plumbers and lineman , a hack saw is in the main designed for cutting through metal , like bull pipes or conduit . However , it can also be used on plastic , like PEX or PVC , making a hack saw aninvaluable creature for anyonethat regularly work with these materials .
While there are other powerfulness tools , such as grinders or reciprocating proverb , that can also be used when working with metal , charge card , and other hard material , a metal saw provides the substance abuser with better ascendance . This increase control is essential when make preciseness cuts or working in tight spots . In fact , there are even miniature hacksaws designed specifically for access narrow gaps and spaces .
Credit: Laurie Black
Safety Considerations
When working with a new tool or embark on a DIY undertaking , it ’s authoritative to pay attention to personal safety and the safety of those around you . restrict the number of people in your workspace to reduce the chance of inadvertent injury . Hacksaws often produce fine metal or charge plate detritus , so ventilation is another important condition . Set up a lover and open up a window or room access to assure that the area is decent ventilated while you ferment .
Most risks can be palliate by take right precautions to fix the sphere , secure the body of work stuff , and don worthy personal protective equipment ( PPE ) . When using a hacksaw , it ’s recommended to wear thin closed - toe footgear , long pant , a foresighted - sleeve shirt , guard glass , work baseball mitt , and a mask to avoid breathing any detritus produced while sawing .
Choosing a Hacksaw Blade
Selecting the right-hand blade for yourchosen hacksawis authoritative to the succeeder of your task . If you choose the unseasonable type of brand , you might sputter to tailor through the prey material . likewise , if the blade is the improper sizing , it wo n’t outfit on the metal saw . The first matter you demand to consider is the distance of the metal saw . These tools graze from 6 inches to 12 inch in length . Choose a vane that ’s the same length as the power saw .
The next consideration is the type of material with which you ’re working . carbon paper steel blades are great for general - purpose use on knockout charge card or soft metals , like bull or steer , but if you ’re work with hard metals , like stainless brand , it ’s best to choose for bimetal blade or high - hurrying steel ( HSS ) blades .
Another factor to keep in mind is the tooth per inch or TPI . The high the TPI of the steel , the finer the cut . For fast , vulgar cuts , go with an 18 TPI hacksaw blade ; if you require a fine finish , a 32 TPI blade is good . Users that are n’t quite sure which character would be best can make up for a mid - point position between the two with a 24 TPI blade .
Credit:Scott Morgan
Scott Morgan
How to Use a Hacksaw
What You Need
Step 1: Secure the Material
Unless you ’re working on a fixate material , like an existing piddle pipe , it ’s crucial to ensure that you secure the target cloth to prevent it from shifting while you saw . you could utilize a vise to grip the stuff , though if you do n’t have one , you could also use clamps to secure the material to a bench . This will allow you to wreak with both custody for business leader and ascendence without occupy about the cloth strike under the saw .
Step 2: Select a Hacksaw Blade
take a hacksaw vane base on the size of the saw , case of material , and the desired finish . The blade should couple the length of the byword , so if you ’re using a 12 - inch hack saw , you ’ll require a 12 - inch brand . choose for carbon brand for heavy plastic and delicate metals , or go with a bimetal or high - hurrying brand blade for hard metals . For a rough cut , you may apply a hacksaw leaf blade with 18 dentition per inch or you may get a finer swing with a 24 TPI or 32 TPI blade .
Once you ’ve select the blade , skid it onto the hacksaw frame and secure the blade to hold back it from shifting or spin . Keep in mind that hack saw blades only cut in one direction . If the blade is decently installed , the teeth of the sword should be face away from the handle to cut on the push stroke instead of the pull solidus .
Step 3: Align Saw Blade and Start Cutting
With the textile secured , touchstone and mark the exact spotwhere you want to hack , then line up the hacksaw blade with the mark . Before cutting , verify to apply press as you push the blade and reduce the force as you pull the leaf blade , as the saw only cut on the thrust stroke . If you apply the same force on the pull stroke , you may damage the teeth on the metal saw blade .
Start thin by moving the hacksaw slowly in forgetful strokes until a groove form . fascinate the handle of the hacksaw with your predominant hand and guard the front of the metal saw physique with your other hand for improved mastery . If you ’re working with metal , debate go for a few drops of automobile oil to the hacksaw blade . This will reduce rubbing and heating system while you ’re ignore , allowing the blade to move more freely through the fabric .
Step 4: Finish the Cut and Remove Rough Edges
As the blade make a channel in the textile , you’re able to begin to increase the distance of the hacksaw chance event so that you ’re using the full length of the sword . keep a unfluctuating regular recurrence as you end sawing through the material . If there are any burrs or rough edge , you could use a deburring prick andsandpaper to smooth these pointson the stuff .
When end up , pass over down the hacksaw blade to take away any debris left from the textile , then store the hacksaw in a good location . It ’s a good idea to either hit the leaf blade or put a sword book binding on the hacksaw to protect it while not in manipulation .
