The Panel Decides: Best jab saw for electricians

In the market for a new jab saw? Don’t buy a thing until you’ve read our expert panel’s reviews!

Klein Tools – Folding Jab Saw (A-31737)
Trade price: $33.00
The lowdown: The fast-cutting carbon steel blade is as sturdy as a fixed-blade saw, but folds smartly into the comfort-grip handle. The lockback mechanism secures the blade at either 180 degrees or 125 degrees.

Wattmaster – Plasterboard Wall Saw (WATMA420S)
Trade price: $51.27
The lowdown: Featuring a 150mm hardened steel blade for long-lasting performance, its PVC moulded handle with a shoulder ensures a comfortable grip in either hand. The built-in auger tip allows for easy hole starting, making cutting effortless. 

Hamer – JSAW-6  Jab Saw
Trade price: $26.37  
The lowdown: Perfectly angled, toughened teeth make for aggressive, quicker cuts. The moulded handle fits snugly into the palm of the hand, so a firm grip can be maintained when punching through gyprock. The pointed blade tip allows for easy penetration through drywall accurately.

Ed’s Review

Klein Tools – Folding Jab Saw (A-31737)
SAW CHOICE!

“I love the retractable feature on this saw. It’s a really attractive tool, and very comfortable in the hand, too. The blade is very sharp with long teeth – it can cut more than anticipated if you’re not careful.”

Verdict: A winner.
Rating: 9/10 TOP PICK

Wattmaster – Plasterboard Wall Saw (WATMA420S)
Good fit.

“I liked this saw – it feels sturdy in the hand, it’s nice to grip and it fit in my pouch neatly too. The blade was strong too – not flimsy like some others I’ve used in the past. The only change I’d suggest is to make it retractable!”

Verdict: A strong contender.
Rating: 8/10

Hamer – JSAW-6  Jab Saw
Another good saw.

“This saw had a nice strong blade, and was attractive – nice and sharp. The downside is it’s bulky and it isn’t retractable, either, but it’s still a good, strong saw.” 

Verdict: Sharp!
Rating: 8/10

Jack’s Review

Klein Tools – Folding Jab Saw (A-31737)
Brilliant kit.

“The folding ability means easy storage and I loved the changeable cutting angle. There was nothing I didn’t like about this; it was exceptional and a real standout. A quality piece of equipment.”    

Verdict: The standout.
Rating: 10/10 TOP PICK

Wattmaster – Plasterboard Wall Saw (WATMA420S)
I’ll pass.

“I didn’t like this one. It feels cheap compared to the others, but from a price point of view it’s not. The more compact blade meant I could reach more difficult places, but I didn’t like the three-pointed tip.”

Verdict: Not for me.
Rating: 4/10

Hamer – JSAW-6  Jab Saw
Neat option.

“I liked this one – the handle felt sturdy and well made, and I prefer a single-pointed tip, which this has. However, once you’ve experienced the folding ability of the Klein saw, it’s hard to look back.”

Verdict: Steady.
Rating: 7/10

Tristan’s Review

Klein Tools – Folding Jab Saw (A-31737)
Value for money.
“The folding blade is excellent – I loved this tool, it was the best of the three. The only thing I could possibly pull it up on is the weight – it’s a little on the heavy side, but I’m splitting hairs there. It’s practical, the blade’s stiff and it’s exceptional value.”

Verdict: Clean sweep.
Rating: 9/10 TOP PICK

Wattmaster – Plasterboard Wall Saw (WATMA420S)
Lacking.

“From the price you expect a lot more, but the handle felt cheap and the three-prong tip is useless. The length of the blade is longer, but I can see this being good and bad in different situations.”

Verdict: No thanks.
Rating: 5/10

Hamer – JSAW-6  Jab Saw
Great choice.

“For value for money, this was probably the best of the three. The blade was stiff, which helps with double gyprock – and I’d certainly say this was the second-best option. “

Verdict: Good value.
Rating: 8/10