Saws

Best Saws in the UK: A Shopper’s Guide to Hand, Power, and Specialty Saws

Why choosing the right saw is like picking the right pair of shoes

Ever tried running a marathon in dress shoes? That’s what using the wrong saw feels like — awkward, slow, and likely to end in frustration. Picking the right saw for the job makes cutting feel smooth, safe, and even a bit enjoyable. Whether you’re trimming a skirting board, cutting plasterboard, or sawing a chunk of timber for a new shelf, the saw you choose dictates the accuracy, speed, and finish of your work.

Top UK retailers where you can buy quality saws

If you’re shopping in the UK, a handful of retailers consistently stock reliable hand and power saws. Expert Electrical is one source to know — they list hand saws and specialist sets like Armeg’s holesaw kits and CK branded tools. Other solid choices include Screwfix, B&Q, Toolstation, Wickes, Homebase, Machine Mart, and Amazon UK. Each store has strengths: some specialise in trade-grade tools, others lean towards value or home DIY gear.

Expert Electrical — what they’re known for

Expert Electrical often features brands used by tradespeople, such as CK and Armeg. Products you’ll commonly find include CK minisaws, the popular CK hacksaw in 6 inch and 12 inch sizes, coping saws with assorted blades, plasterboard saws, and Armeg Acceler8 3-piece holesaw sets. If you want sturdy hand tools and specialist hole-cutting kits, Expert Electrical is worth checking out.

Other retailers and what they specialise in

Screwfix and Toolstation are trade-focused, stocking robust mitre saws, circular saws, jigsaws, and replacement blades. B&Q and Wickes cater well to homeowners looking for accessible DIY options. Machine Mart and Homebase have a mix of hobbyist and professional gear, while Amazon UK is unbeatable for depth of stock and customer reviews. For quick comparisons, price checks, and finding the best deal across these shops it pays to browse multiple sites.

Understanding the main types of saws and when to use them

Not all saws are created equal. Here’s a simple rundown so you can match the tool to the task and avoid the “wrong shoes” scenario.

Hacksaws — metalwork and plastic precision

Hacksaws are the go-to for cutting metal and plastic. They come in different throat depths and common sizes include 6 inch and 12 inch frames. A 6 inch hacksaw is nimble for tight spots and small pipes, while a 12 inch frame gives a longer stroke for faster cutting in bigger pieces. Blades are measured by teeth per inch (TPI); higher TPI gives a smoother cut in thin metal, lower TPI bites through thicker material faster.

Coping saws — for curves and fine joinery

If you’re cutting intricate shapes or coping mouldings, a coping saw is your friend. It’s essentially the craft knife of saws, using very thin blades held in a U-shaped frame. Swap blades for different materials and turn the blade while you cut for tight curves. Great for trim work and model-making.

Plasterboard and sabretooth saws — rough cuts made quick

Plasterboard saws or sabretooth saws are designed to tear through plasterboard, wood, and plastic quickly. Their coarse-toothed blades remove material fast, making them ideal for cutting out holes for sockets, patching drywall, or quick demo work. They’re not for fine finish cuts but are invaluable when speed matters.

Hole saws — neat circular cuts

Hole saw sets, like Armeg Acceler8 3-piece kits, are used for making neat circular holes in wood, plasterboard, and some metals. Sizes often cover common diameters for fixtures and cable entries. They’re perfect for cutting holes for Downlights, pipework, or wiring — much cleaner than trying to chisel a circle freehand.

Mitre saws, circular saws, and jigsaws — power for speed and precision

When you need fast, repeatable cuts in timber and sheet materials, power saws shine. A mitre saw is king for accurate angled cuts and skirting boards, a circular saw is versatile for long straight cuts in sheet timber, and a jigsaw handles curves and odd shapes. Each has pros and cons: mitre saws are precise but bulky, circular saws are portable, and jigsaws are flexible but less precise for long straight cuts.

Popular saw models you’ll see in UK shops

Retail listings often include familiar names and models. From the HTML data you might recognise CK brand items like Minisaw, Mini Hacksaw 6 inch, Sabretooth saw for plasterboard, Coping saw with blades, Hacksaw blade packs, and the 12 inch hacksaw. Armeg’s Acceler8 hole saw set is another useful item to have for installations.

Hand saw classics for every toolbox

A 12 inch hacksaw and a 6 inch mini hacksaw cover most metal cutting needs. Add a coping saw and a plasterboard saw, and you’ve got the essentials for trim, patching, and small plumbing jobs. Look for comfortable handles and quick blade-change mechanisms — they make repetitive work less of a grind.

Power saw picks for homeowners and pros

For occasional DIYers, a compact circular saw or a budget mitre saw will cover most home projects. Pros should consider higher-end mitre saws with laser guides and dust extraction, and circular saws with brushless motors for longer life. Jigsaws with orbital settings help speed up cuts in timber without losing control.

Blade types, teeth, and what they mean in practice

Blades are a critical part of the saw equation. Teeth per inch (TPI) and blade material determine finish and speed. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

High TPI vs low TPI

High TPI (more teeth per inch) produces smoother cuts and is best for thin metal or fine wood finishes. Low TPI removes material faster and is suited to thick timber and demolition tasks. For example, a hacksaw blade labelled 18 TPI gives cleaner cuts in thin metal, while 14 TPI or lower will bite faster into thicker stock.

Carbide, high-carbon, and bi-metal blades

Carbide-tipped blades last long and cut through tough materials including some metals and composite boards. High-carbon steel blades are cheaper and work well on wood. Bi-metal blades combine flexibility with wear resistance, making them ideal for general-purpose metal cutting — a common choice in trade workshops.

How to choose the right saw for your budget

Think of saw purchasing as an investment. Are you building a business or hanging a shelf? A trade-quality mitre saw that costs a bit more will pay back in reliability if you use it daily. For occasional home use, a good-value circular saw and a set of reliable hand saws will do the trick without blowing your budget.

Budget buys: what to prioritise

If you must cut costs, prioritise safety and basic functionality. Choose a saw with a guarded blade, comfortable grip, and replaceable parts. Spending a little more on better blades often improves performance more than an expensive saw with cheap blades.

When to spend more

Spend up when you need precision, durability, or speed. Robust mitre saws with dust extraction, a smooth fence system, and accurate stops are worth the extra for finish carpentry. Cordless circular saws with brushless motors are pricier but save time on heavy jobs and eliminate the trip hazards of cables.

Safety tips — think helmet, not hero

Saws are efficient at cutting materials — and fingers if you’re not careful. Always wear eye protection, hearing protection for power saws, and gloves where appropriate. Keep blades sharp; dull blades need more force and are more likely to kick back. Secure work pieces with clamps and never cut freehand when you can use a guide or fence.

Basic safety checklist

Before every job: check guards, inspect blades for damage, remove loose clothing and jewellery, secure the workpiece, and test the saw without load for any unusual vibration. If it feels off, stop. Tools are fast when they’re healthy; they can be dangerous when they’re not.

Maintenance: keep your saws humming

Regular maintenance saves money and keeps cuts accurate. Wipe saws clean after use, store blades dry to avoid rust, and replace worn blades promptly. For hand saws, sharpen or replace blades. For power tools, check brushes, keep vents clear, and lubricate moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer.

Sharpening and blade care

Sharpening a hand saw or coping saw blade is a skill worth learning, but for many modern blades it’s more cost-effective to replace them. For circular saws and jigsaws, use the correct replacement blade for the material to avoid overheating and premature wear. Store blades vertically or in a case to protect teeth.

Accessories and consumables worth buying

Don’t skimp on the small things. A good set of clamps, a quality set of replacement blades (varied TPI), dust masks, and a reliable stud finder will make projects cleaner and faster. A hole saw kit like the Armeg Acceler8 set speeds up circular cuts, and blade packs for CK hacksaws keep you ready for metalwork.

Where to buy spares and consumables

Most major retailers — Expert Electrical, Screwfix, Toolstation, and Amazon UK — stock replacement blades and consumables. For specialist blades, look at trade suppliers or direct from the brand. Buying blade packs often reduces cost per blade and means you won’t be delayed mid-job.

Quick comparison: hand saws vs power saws

Hand saws are cheap, quiet, and great for small jobs or thin materials. Power saws are fast and accurate for bigger, repeatable cuts. If you do occasional DIY, a balanced kit could be: one 12 inch hacksaw, one coping saw, one plasterboard saw, and a cordless circular saw. For regular jobs, add a mitre saw and a jigsaw to your workshop.

Where to hunt for the best deals in the UK

Keep an eye on trade sites for seasonal promotions, and compare prices across the shops listed earlier. Expert Electrical often lists hand tool brands with trade discounts; Screwfix and Toolstation run clearance and “buy online, collect in-store” discounts; and Amazon UK frequently bundles kits for a lower price. Sign up for newsletters or price alerts to catch limited-time offers.

Final tip: check product reviews and spec sheets for details like blade material, throat depth, and compatibility with replacement blades. A little homework before you click “buy” saves time and money later.

Conclusion

Choosing the right saw in the UK comes down to matching the tool to the task, considering budget and expected usage, and buying from reputable retailers that stock the brands and spare parts you need. Expert Electrical is a solid source for CK and Armeg hand tools and hole saw sets, while the wider market — Screwfix, Toolstation, B&Q, Wickes, Homebase, Machine Mart, and Amazon UK — offers everything from entry-level hand saws to trade-grade power saws. Think about blade TPI, material, and safety, and equip yourself with a few good blades and clamps. With the right saws and a bit of care, you’ll turn awkward cuts into clean results and enjoy the process along the way.