The 9 Best Hand Saws for Any DIY or Repair Project, According to Our Hands-On Experience

They say time is money, and this Irwin saw lets you save both. Its triple-ground teeth are specifically designed to remove material quickly and easily, and I found this to be accurate in my testing—it powered through lumber, plywood, PVC, and branches extremely quickly.

The ergonomic handle was noticeably comfortable as well. I felt like I could keep cutting all day without experiencing any hand or forearm fatigue. I’ve been using Irwin saws for many years, and I’m always impressed with the quality construction and design of their products.

If you’re looking for a well-made tool at an affordable price and don’t need to cut plastic or PVC, you really can’t go wrong with a Craftsman hand saw. This wood saw offers the kind of reliability we’ve grown to expect from the brand, and the lifetime warranty has you covered if any issues arise.

The ergonomic handle was comfortable to grip during my testing process, and the saw itself handled lumber, plywood, and branches without any trouble. The 8 TPI blade is beefy enough to maximize productivity, and the teeth’s tri-ground shape makes for fast and easy cutting.

This budget-friendly saw has an 11-TPI blade with teeth that have a triple-ground edge for faster cutting. The ergonomically designed, soft rubber anti-slip handle provides excellent comfort and control, and if you’re looking for an alternate length, this model comes in four different sizes.

While not really intended for complicated or challenging tasks, this saw would be fine for the casual DIYer or hobbyist who enjoys woodworking projects and tackling simple repairs.

Some DIY-ers, including myself, enjoy the natural feel and durability of a wood-handled saw like this Stanley model. I was able to maintain a solid grip during my testing, even when wearing a heavy work glove, and although it’s not meant for PVC, it performed well in all of my wood cutting tests. I also love how lightweight it feels it my hand, and the relatively small size makes it perfect for users who are short on space.

Sure, some like to quibble about whether a hacksaw even falls under the category of hand saws at all, but we think it qualifies—every job site or workshop should have at least one really good hacksaw. This one’s a great choice, with a high-tension blade that ensures accurate cuts and a super affordable price tag.

You can also easily convert it to a jab saw by swapping in any Lenox jab blade, and you can even store up to five extra blades in the handle. I’ve personally used this model outdoors in the rain, and the nonslip rubber grips made all the difference. Best of all, it’s suited to cut metal and plastic.

This 10-inch pruning hand saw is handy to have around whenever you might need to cut branches or clear brush in your yard. The high-carbon steel blade is strong and sturdy, and the ergonomic handle makes it easy to generate the leverage needed to power through branches up to six inches in diameter.

The lock-in blade stays put when folded, meaning you can safely stash this in your backpack or tool bag. Although the price is a bit higher than other pruning saws, the high quality and comfortable design make this model worth it.

The small, extremely sharp teeth of this Craftsman saw are well-suited for use on projects and tasks that require smooth, precise cuts. The hardwood handle also provides a natural, sturdy grip, which is essential when performing accurate cuts on smaller pieces.

Plus, its compact size makes it ideal for using in tight or awkward spots where larger, bulkier saws wouldn’t fit. It isn’t ideal for heavy-duty cuts, but if you want to be prepared for light-duty tasks that might involve some tight corners, this saw is extremely handy to keep around.

If you’re looking for a jack-of-all-trades type of saw, this is a great option. It can handle a wide variety of materials, including wood, drywall, plastic pipe, and shrubbery.

This saw has a 9-TPI blade, and each of those teeth has three cutting surfaces for fast, efficient results. The blade is constructed from high-carbon steel for stability. The slip-resistant handle also allows for a comfortable yet secure grip.

This saw is designed to last, even with heavy and frequent use. The solidly built frame is made from sturdy aluminum for toughness and greater longevity. This saw’s tri-bevel tooth design allows for fast and efficient cutting, and the 20-inch length makes it ideal for large cutting projects.

The 18-inch ruler marked right on the frame is a nice feature for easy measuring. We especially appreciate the heavy-duty rubber handle, which provides a nice and sturdy grip as you cut.