The Panel Decides: Hacksaw Tool Review
Before you splash out on a new hacksaw, let our panel of expert tradies test them out for you.
The Tools
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KLEIN TOOLS – High tension hacksaw |
WATTMASTER – Professional hacksaw |
HAMER – Heavy duty 12 inch hacksaw |
| RRP $59.95 | RRP $29.95 | RRP $62.70 |
| THE LOWDOWN: The adjustable blade tension of up to 30,000 PSI enables fast, precise cuts from this hacksaw that comes with soft touch grips. Alternative 45° mounting is available for flush cutting, while there is a front mount for reciprocating saw blades.Blades are stored in the handle, and the hacksaw comes with 12″ x 24 TPI bi-metal hacksaw blade and 6″ x 24 TPI bi-metal reciprocating saw blades. | THE LOWDOWN: The blade on this hacksaw from Wattmaster can be set to 55° for flush cutting, while an additional brace can be inserted in front end for use as a compass saw. Made of high-quality aluminium construction, it comes with a 300mm x 20mm TPI carbon steel blade. | THE LOWDOWN: The easy blade loading and tensioning system is simple to use, prevents breakages from excessive blade flexing and ensures a straight cut every time. The solid frame won’t twist when the going gets tough and the 45 degree blade attachment lets you cut in tight areas where the frame can’t be held upright. Suits standard 300mm (12 inch) blades. |
The Panel |
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| Jess Barnett
from Focus Electrical Experience: 19 years |
Alex Broadhurst
from Watters Electrical Experience: 7 years |
Nick McDonald
Experience: 22 years |
The Verdict
KLEIN TOOLS – High tension hacksaw
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“Of the three saws, this one was the stand out.” – Jess |
| Jess:
GREAT GRIP Of the three saws, this one was the stand out. Full ergonomic grips, bonus blade storage and the ability to use a reciprocating blade make this saw better than the competition. |
Alex:
EASY TO USE I liked the comfortable grip, it was easy to use and looks great. There was nothing I didn’t like about this product. This was the best of the three. Very easy to use and comfortable. |
Nick:
TAKES SOME KNOCKS Comfortable grip and handles. I like the reciprocating blade feature. Heavy duty – could take a few knocks! I didn’t like the old style winding tensioner. It could have been improved with a quick release blade and tensioner. |
| VERDICT: STAND OUT!
RATING: 9/10 *TOP PICK*
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VERDICT: WINNER
RATING: 8/10 *TOP PICK*
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VERDICT: HEAVY DUTY
RATING: 8/10
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WATTMASTER – Professional hacksaw
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“A great entry-level hacksaw.” – Nick |
| Jess:
HARD ON THE HANDS Blade changing/tensioning mechanism can be cumbersome and unlock. Bare aluminium grips can be hard on the hands – more ergonomic grips and a better blade changing mechanism would greatly improve this saw’s design. |
Alex:
THE PRICE IS RIGHT This product was lightweight, and I like the price. Overall, use is not good, because of not having a comfortable grip. It could have been improved by having a better handle. My least favourite due to the handle and lack of comfort. |
Nick:
GREAT ENTRY-LEVEL Lightweight. Great price. Good grip and balance. The tensioner is a bit cumbersome – a rubber grip and quick release tensioner would have been nice. A great entry-level hacksaw. Not a bad choice if you are only occasionally using a hacksaw. |
| VERDICT: ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
RATING: 5/10
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VERDICT: LACKING COMFORT
RATING: 4/10
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VERDICT: ENTRY-LEVEL CHOICE
RATING: 7/10
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HAMER – Heavy duty 12 inch hacksaw
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“It was good to use and comfy, maybe just a little too expensive.” – Alex |
| Jess:
EXCELLENT Comfortable rubber grips for good ergonomics. Quick release blade tensioner/changer and a lightweight frame. While the quick release mechanism is excellent, it can catch and unlock the blade. Streamlining the latch would improve the design. |
Alex:
GOOD TO USE Overall good to use and lightweight. Comfortable grip. I didn’t like it’s price compared to the others. Nothing at all was missing from this product. It was good to use and comfy, maybe just a little too expensive. |
Nick:
UP TO THE JOB Lightweight yet feels quite robust. Quick release tensioner is a winner. Although it is getting up there on the price scale. Has all the key features. The lighter weight and quick release gets this one over the line for me. |
| VERDICT: A STRONG CONTENDER
RATING: 8/10 |
VERDICT: ON THE PRICEY SIDE
RATING: 7/10 |
VERDICT: MY FAVOURITE
RATING: 9/10 *TOP PICK* |
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