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Even in an age of battery-powered saws and corded monsters, a trusty hand saw is like a reliable screwdriver — simple, precise, and always useful. Want to trim a door, rip a plank, or make a controlled cut in a tight corner? A hand saw gives you control and finesse that power tools sometimes can't match. For hobbyists, carpenters, and DIYers across the UK, knowing which hand saw to reach for can save time, effort, and money.
Hand saws vary by blade length, tooth pitch, and blade type. Blade length is commonly measured in inches, tooth pitch in teeth per inch (tpi), and handle design in ergonomic terms. Picking the wrong blade is like using a butter knife on a chunk of hardwood — frustrating and slow. This guide focuses on practical advice and real options available from UK retailers like Expert Electrical and popular national outlets.
Hacksaws are the go-to for cutting metal pipes, bolts, and plastic. They usually hold a replaceable blade and come in standard sizes like 12 inch. CK's range includes the Ck 12 Hacksaw Heavy Duty and the Ck 12 Quick Change Hacksaw, which are ideal if you want durability and easy blade swaps when chasing through metal or plastic.
Mini hacksaws, such as the Ck Mini Hacksaw 150mm 6 Inch and Ck Mini Saw models, are compact and handy for small jobs. They fit into tight areas and use smaller blades, making them great for plumbing repairs, model making, or trimming cable channels. If you often work in cramped cupboards or behind radiators, a mini hacksaw is a surprisingly powerful addition.
Sabretooth-style saws, like the Ck Sabretooth Saw 1st Fix 22 7tpi, are designed for quick rough cuts in timber and plasterboard. They’re ideal for first-fix work where speed matters more than a silky finish. A lower tpi such as 7 tpi clears chips rapidly and rips through softwood faster than a fine-toothed saw.
Panel saws and crosscut saws are your choices when you need straight, clean cuts across the grain. These are usually longer blades with mid-range tpi to balance speed and finish. For furniture work or tidy finish cuts, a crosscut saw will outperform a coarse-toothed tool every time.
A junior hacksaw or coping saw is your friend when you need precision and intricate curves. The Ck Junior Hacksaw and similar junior models let you make tight turns and detailed joinery cuts in thin timber or trim. Think of them like a pencil compared to a panel saw's broad marker — detail, not speed.
Expert Electrical stocks a range of CK hand saws that are widely used in the trade and by DIYers. CK is known for practical, value-for-money tools that put function first. From heavy-duty 12 inch hacksaws to compact 6 inch mini hacksaws, CK covers a full spectrum of needs with replaceable blades and easy-to-grip handles.
The Ck 12 Hacksaw Heavy Duty is built for durability and consistent tension in the blade, making it ideal for frequent metal cutting. If you tackle metal conduit or steel bolts regularly, a heavy-duty 12 inch hacksaw will give you longer blade life and a steadier cut.
The Ck 12 Quick Change Hacksaw shines when you need to swap blades fast on-site. Instead of wrestling with an awkward frame, quick-change mechanisms save minutes and keep momentum on a job. For electricians and plumbers who move from task to task, this feature is a real time-saver.
Blades wear out, especially if you’re cutting abrasive materials. The Ck Hacksaw Blade 12 X 32tpi Set Of 3 is a smart choice for keeping spares on hand. A 32 tpi blade gives fine cutting performance on thin metal and plastic, while lower tpi blades last longer on thicker materials.
Mini saws like the Ck Mini Saw and Ck Mini Hack Saw are small but effective. Their 6 inch blades fit into areas where a 12 inch frame can’t, and they’re light enough to carry in a toolkit or pocket. Don’t underestimate them — for tight cuts and quick fixes, a mini saw is often the faster option.
Buying in the UK means you have multiple channels: specialist tool suppliers, national DIY chains, and online marketplaces. Each has strengths — local availability, competitive prices, range, or delivery speed. Below are practical notes on where to look for hand saws and what to expect.
Expert Electrical is a trade supplier that stocks CK hand saws and other professional tools. If you want tried-and-tested brands tailored for electrical and building trades, they’re a solid starting point. Their stock often includes heavy-duty hacksaws and blade sets that pros rely on.
Screwfix is an easy place to compare hand saw brands and pick up a tool the same day. They tend to stock a broad selection of hacksaws, panel saws, and well-known trade brands. For many DIYers, the ability to click and collect within hours is a big plus.
Toolstation combines competitive pricing with a decent range and an emphasis on trade customers. Look here if you want the balance of price, availability, and access to trade-only products. They often run promotions on tools and blade packs that make refilling your kit cheaper.
B&Q and Wickes are household names for home DIY and garden projects. Their hand saw ranges are aimed at homeowners and occasional users, with options that are wallet-friendly and easy to find in local branches. If your projects aren’t daily work, these chains give you convenience and value.
Amazon and other marketplaces can offer deep inventories and user reviews that help you compare models quickly. Beware of counterfeit or low-quality imports; stick to verified sellers and brands like CK, Stanley, Bahco, and Irwin for consistent quality.
Local tool shops, independent hardware stores, and specialist sellers often carry premium blades and hand-finished saws you won’t find in big chains. If you want a finely tuned crosscut saw for bespoke furniture, look local — the advice you get in-store can be as valuable as the product itself.
Picking a blade is the difference between a neat cut and a frustrating afternoon. Here’s a practical breakdown: choose high tpi (fine teeth) for thin metals and sheet materials, mid tpi for general timber cutting, and low tpi (coarse teeth) for fast ripping of softwood. Blade length affects reach and stability; a 12 inch blade is versatile, while 6 inch blades excel in tight spots.
Tpi determines how many teeth bite per inch of blade. A 32 tpi blade is fine and fastidious — great for plastic trim and thin metal. A 7 tpi blade clears material faster and is common on sabretooth and rough-cut timber saws. Match tpi to material thickness and desired finish.
Tooth geometry governs whether a saw is better at ripping (cutting with the grain) or crosscutting (across the grain). Ripping teeth look chisel-like and remove material quickly, while crosscut teeth slice like knives for cleaner edges. Tooth set — how the teeth bend outwards — helps the blade avoid binding during a cut.
Keep blades sharp and frames tight and your saw will outlast a lot of power tools. For metal blades, replace rather than sharpen. For timber saws, occasional filing with a triangular file keeps teeth honest. Check blade tension on framed hacksaws and replace stretched blades to avoid crooked cuts.
If you have a timber crosscut or panel saw, use a saw file and a saw set to maintain tooth profile and set. Clamp the blade, file each tooth evenly, and occasionally check the set so the blade clears the kerf cleanly. It’s like tuning a guitar — small adjustments make a big difference in performance.
Store blades dry and wipe them with a light oil layer to prevent rust. For compact saws, keep blades folded or covered in a sheath. A rusty blade is slower and more dangerous — always treat blade care as part of basic tool hygiene.
Hand sawing is low tech but hazards remain. Always clamp your work securely, wear eye protection, and keep your free hand behind the blade’s path. A steady rhythm, a comfortable stance, and the right blade reduce slips and give you a cleaner result. Think of sawing as controlled breathing: steady, measured strokes win over frantic hacks.
Start with a shallow guide cut to establish your line, then increase pressure once the blade is tracked. Use a straightedge or pencil guide if absolute accuracy matters. For long cuts, support the work so it doesn’t flex and bind the blade — a supported board cuts far straighter than one left to sag.
There’s a hand saw for every budget. For occasional DIY, B&Q or Wickes branded saws are cost-effective and dependable. For trade use or finer woodworking, brands like Bahco, Stanley, Irwin and CK step up with better steel, handles, and replaceable blade systems. Think about frequency of use, the finish you need, and whether you value a long-lasting tool over the cheapest option.
If you cut daily or work on fine furniture, a premium saw pays back in cleaner cuts and less fatigue. Better handles, superior steel, and precise tooth geometry make a difference that shows on the finished project. It’s like choosing between a cheap and a quality chef’s knife — both cut, but one makes cooking joyful.
The right hand saw is the one that fits the job and the user. A CK 12 Quick Change Hacksaw might be perfect for tradespeople tackling metalwork, while a Ck Mini Hacksaw 150mm 6 Inch is often enough for occasional household repairs. Consider what you cut most, how mobile you need to be, and how important a perfect finish is. With the right saw, you’ll find many jobs quicker, quieter, and more satisfying than with a noisy power tool.
Hand saws remain essential tools in the UK for trade and hobby alike. From heavy-duty 12 inch hacksaws to compact 6 inch mini saws, options like those from CK and other established brands give you the range to tackle metal, timber, and plastic cleanly and safely. Shop at trusted retailers, match tpi and blade type to your material, and keep your tools maintained — do that, and a simple hand saw will be one of the most useful items in your kit.
| Hand Saws | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Ck 6 X 5 32 Chain Saw File | £ 4,78 | |
| Ck Junior Hacksaw | £ 6,08 | |
| Ck Plasterboard Saw | £ 6,08 | |
| Ck Mini Saw | £ 9,55 | |
| Ck Tri-cut Handsaw 550mm 22 Inch | £ 9,66 | |
| Ck Hacksaw 300mm 12 Inch | £ 11,86 | |
| Ck Sabretooth Saw 1st Fix 22 7tpi | £ 20,58 | |
| Ck Sabretooth Saw 2nd Fix 22 11tpi | £ 20,58 | |
| Ck 12 Hacksaw Heavy Duty | £ 22,91 | |
| Ck 12 Quick Change Hacksaw | £ 33,32 |
