Hacksaw

Hacksaws are handy cutting tools that are useful additions to a homeowner's toolbox or small garage shops.

What is a Hacksaw

A hacksaw is a metal-framed saw used primarily for cutting plastic and metal pipes and different small household materials. The U-shaped bow frame holds a thin, wide blade between its spigots (clips) and a plastic or wood handle at one end. Some models use an adjustable frame to accommodate 8-, 10-, or 12-inch blades as needed. Depending on the cut desired, metal blades will have 14, 18, 24, or 32 teeth per inch, with the denser teeth best for cutting smaller objects.

How to Safely Use a Hacksaw

To install a blade, turn the adjuster on the handle or frame until there is slack and the holes at each end of the blade able to be inserted into the spigots. Make sure that the teeth are pointed away from the handle. Tighten the adjuster.


To safely use a hacksaw, firmly place the material to be cut into a vice (if possible). Place the saw's central teeth on the line to be cut and push the saw in a short stroke to start the cut. Continue the cut, making sure the end of the object being cut is held and will not crack due to the unsupported weight. For safety, keep hands and different objects away from the sharp teeth.

How to Maintain a Hacksaw

Replacement hack saw blades are accessible at most hardware stores. Make sure you select the appropriate blade as indicated by the number of teeth per inch. Do not use a thinner coping saw blade in a hacksaw.

Thanks HowStuffWorks for article.

Ripsaw

A ripsaw is a useful tool for cutting lumber, making furniture, and other wood-cutting tasks.

What Is a Ripsaw

A ripsaw, or ripping saw, is a specialized handsaw for manually cutting wood in the direction of the grain. Ripsaws include a blade and a plastic or hardwood handle. The blade edge below the handle is the heel and the front end is the toe. The typical ripsaw is 26 inches in length with 5 teeth or points per inch. In comparison, a crosscut saw has twice as numerous teeth and makes a finer cut.

How to Safely Use a Ripsaw

To safely use a ripsaw, draw a straight line on the wood member you are cutting, producing sure that it is in approximately the same direction as the wood's grain. Firmly hold or fasten the wood so that it will not move during cutting. Place the saw's central teeth on the end of the line opposite you and push the saw in a short stroke to initiate the cut. Once started, draw and push the saw to cut the wood along the line. When nearly done, make sure the end of the wood being cut is held and will not splinter due to the unsupported weight. For safety, remember that the teeth are sharp and should not be placed on surfaces that they could damage.

How to Maintain a Ripsaw

Ripsaws require periodic sharpening by a professional saw sharpener or with a quality saw sharpening tool available at major hardware stores. Makes sure the sharpener is set up for ripsaws rather than the finer teeth of crosscut saws.

Thanks HowStuffWork for article.

Hand Tools

Hand tools a tool used with workers hands and provide simple and portable means for completing a home improvement or woodworking project.

screwdriver - a hand tool for driving screws; has a tip that fits into the head of a screw.

hammer - a hand tool with a heavy rigid head and a handle; a simple tool designed to manually drive nails, brads, and other fasteners into softer materials, such as wood or drywall.

handsaws - hand tool having a toothed blade for cutting.