Types of Hand Saws

Last updated September 7, 2023
If you do a lot of DIY or repair projects around the house, you'll find that having a hand saw handy is always a good idea, because they are easy to use, functional, and never power down.
This guide highlights the different types of hand saws available, along with common characteristics, usage and safety tips.
Table of Contents
Types of Hand Saws
Understanding the Importance of Hand Saw Teeth
Safety and Care of Hand Saws
Types of Hand Saws

Think there’s only one type of hand saw? Actually, there are may different kinds, from back saws to dovetail saws to pruning saws.
Following is a list of saws and their benefits.
Back Saw and Hand Saws:
- Use with miter boxes for angle and special degree cutting.
- Very accurate; ideal for making joints.
- Types include gents, carcass, tenon and miter.
- Features stiff blades with reinforced steel back for accurate cuts.
- Has pistol or D-shaped handle and rigid backing that limits depth of cut.
Pruning Saws or Bow Saws:
- Use to cut trees and shrubs and other outdoor applications; use pruning saw for smaller jobs and a bow saw for larger jobs.
- Large throat for easy cutting of branches.
- Available in different lengths.
Jab Saws or Compass/Keyhole Saws:
- Use to cut out shapes traced in wood, plywood, drywall and more.
- Woodworking, carpentry and hobby applications.
- Types with tempered steel blades provide a smoother finish.
- Available in various lengths and tooth configurations.
- Use to install moulding.
- Makes precision cuts; ideal for carpentry applications.
- Provides accurate and precise joining of edges and corners.
- Features U-shaped frame with blade that can be easily detached for working inside curves.
Pull Saw or Crosscut Saw:
- Use for all-purpose woodworking.
- Cuts wood perpendicular to the grain.
- Features various tooth configurations for rough and fine finishes.
- Use for pipe and metal cutting.
- Cuts conduit, PVC, copper piping, steel rod, strap, bolts, cast-iron pipe and more.
- Extremely versatile; blades are easily changeable.
Hand Saw or Panel Saw:
- Use for small, general-purpose woodworking applications.
- Functions as a smaller version of a crosscut saw.
- Usually has more teeth per inch than a crosscut saw.
- Use to cut shrubs and wood.
Tooth Saw or Rip Saw:
- Use for all-purpose woodworking.
- Cut wood with the grain.
- Designed for rougher, more aggressive cuts.
- Not proficient at making crosscuts.
- Use to cut drywall and sheetrock.
- Ideal for working around electrical outlets and fixtures, piping and general cutout.
Understanding the Importance of Hand Saw Teeth

The number of teeth on a hand saw is the most important feature. This is because the teeth determine how the saw makes its cuts.
- Saws with larger teeth are designed for faster, heavy-duty tasks.
- Smaller teeth work better for finer cuts on delicate surfaces.
- Saws often cut with the side of the teeth, which allows the thickness of the cut to be wider than the blade itself.
- Set is the manner in which the teeth are bent in alternating directions. They generally angle away from the vertical.
- Kerf is the space left by the cut, which is determined by how thick the blade is and how wide the teeth are.
Safety and Care of Hand Saws

Saw blades are extremely sharp, so take precautions when using them.
- Always wear safety glasses to avoid shards that may fly during cuts.
- Most hand saws cut when you push forward, not when you pull back, so keep others out of range of your immediate vicinity when cutting.
- Draw the blade back toward you a few times to create a groove before beginning the cut.
- Some saws may require you to drill a hole to use as a starting point.
- Cut a 45-degree angle from the surface for crosscuts and 60 degrees for rip cuts.
- Rub beeswax, candle wax or an oily cloth on the blade to minimize binding.
- Lubricate hack saw blades with light oil.
Use The Home Depot Mobile App to do your research before purchasing a hand saw. You can also visit The Home Depot and ask a Pro to help you choose the right saw for your projects.