Different Types of Saws and Their Uses

November 23rd 2023

A saw is an indispensable hand tool in both professional woodworking, construction, and DIY home projects. But with so many different types of hand saws on the market it can be difficult to know where to start looking.

When purchasing a saw a few things need to be considered such as what type of materials you will be cutting, what size of materials you will be cutting, and how precise a cut you need. This guide will navigate through the most commonly used types of hand saws and their uses.

Universal Hand Saw

Also known as a rip saw, panel saw, or crosscut saw, a universal hand saw has a long, large blade and is ideal for general purpose carpentry and woodwork, a great all-rounder to have in your toolbox.

It can be used for cross cutting or rip cutting materials such as chipboard, hardboard, and hardwood, its versatility will allow you to tackle jobs such as cutting fence posts, laminate flooring, kitchen worktops, and boards to size. The long panel and type of blades are designed to cut on the push stroke, so this type of saw is great for larger pieces of timber rather than for smaller, detailed work.

Coping Saw

A coping saw is a versatile tool that can tackle a number of materials such as soft wood, plywood, laminate, fibre board, non-ferrous metal, PVC, acrylic, and polystyrene. Coping saws are perfect for trim carpentry, or for more intricate woodwork.

The blades can usually be tensioned manually to suit the material you are working on, and can easily be replaced once worn or if they snap. You’ll be able to use a coping saw for jobs such as trim work, mouldings, to cut away the waste on a dovetail joint. The thin, narrow blade allows you to use a coping saw for curved and shaped cuts.

Tenon Saw

The blade is rigid on a tenon saw allowing full control over your sawing, and they feature a higher TPI (teeth per inch) which provides a tidier finish than other blades. A tenon saw is ideal for woodwork that requires a neat appearance such as dovetail joints.

Hacksaw

Commonly used by electricians and plumbers, this is an adaptable saw that features a thin, rigid blade so is ideal for thinner materials. Hacksaws feature smaller and more teeth than other saws so are primarily used to cut metal or plastics, although can also be used on wood. The thin blade means it takes longer to cut through materials than other saws, but the tooth configuration offers more control and precision.

It can be used for a variety of applications such as cutting steel bolts, PVC or copper pipes, electrical conduit, and metal rods.

Jab Saw

A jab saw, also known as a keyhole, or drywall saw, features a sharp, hardened point to help pierce materials to make a hole and then widen it with the blade. Ideal if you are an electrician or plumber by trade, the saw makes it easy to cut a small hole into the likes of drywall, plywood, and plastic, to create cutouts for pipework or electrical fittings.

Bowsaw

Ideal for rough cutting, a bowsaw is easily recognised by its bow-shaped frame, and is typically best used for gardening work such as pruning tree branches or cutting logs.

Pull Saw

As the name suggests, a pull saw cuts on the pull stroke rather than the traditional push stroke as with most other saws. Due to its thin, flexible blade, a pull saw is exceptional if you are looking to complete intricate tasks such as dovetail joints or tenon joints in furniture assembly. Gardeners may find a pull saw handy for pruning branches, where the clean, sharp cuts help promote healthy regrowth.

If you are looking for inspiration on a powered saw tool, take a look at our Guide to Power Saws for more information on the different types of power saws and their uses.

Back to articles

About the Author

Cat Burke

Cat is a member of the E-commerce team and is passionate about all things product, from power tools and TVs to cushions and curtains. She enjoys tackling basic DIY tasks at home and has taken on jobs such as stripping wallpaper, painting rooms, and upcycling furniture.

Gardening Jobs in July

Summer is here and your garden will be needing some TLC. Here's a list of some gardening jobs you can do in July to keep your outdoor areas tidy and flourishing in the sunshine.

by hss-hire-uk

How to Seal a Bath

Sealing a bath is really important for keeping it watertight and to protect the walls and floorboards. Here's some tips on how to seal your bath & also how to remove old sealant.

by hss-hire-uk

Gardening Jobs in May

As Summer approaches, May comes with a range of gardening jobs that'll continue to help your outdoor area flourish. From weeding to cleaning, we have put together a list of gardening jobs you can complete in May to help with the transition of seasons.