10-Inch vs. 12-Inch Hacksaw

[rusty_ratchet]

I've mostly seen these two sizes and am wondering if there is there a reason to use one size hacksaw over another?

 

[Gmonkee]

They only sell 12" sawblades in my area, the frame of my cheap saw can hold 3 different lengths.

Local market rules for me. I use 12" sized sawblades.

 

[neophyte]

I still see hacksaw frames that can use 10" blades by adjusting the frames, but they're few and far between. Most of the better manufacturers of hacksaw frames only offer 12" frames. If the manufacturers offer another size it's usually the 6" mini type. Unless you have a source for a large quantity of 10" blades at a really good price, I'd say stick with the 12" frame. Once you start buying quality hacksaw blades in quantities of 10 or more, and want different tooth counts for different jobs, the cost of the hacksaw frame will usually be eclipsed by the cost of the blades.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I always used 12" blades but accidentally picked up a bunch of 10" blades for cheap at HD so I guess I will be using those for a while

 

[rusty_ratchet]

Are there any reasons other than the availability of blades? I think I heard once that the smaller frames were more rigid so you could get a better cut. Is there any validity to this?

 

[neophyte]

Are there any reasons other than the availability of blades? I think I heard once that the smaller frames were more rigid so you could get a better cut. Is there any validity to this?

I doubt this would be an issue with the higher quality hacksaw frames currently available, such as the Bahco, or Facom, or Eclipse ones.

 

[gtermini]

The Bahco/Sandvik/Snap-On 225 model is the best hacksaw money can buy. Most frames are not nearly ridgid enough to tension a blade properly. For best blade performance and life, you need to use a wrench to tighten the blade to music string tight. When you look at the pin holes, they should be elongated to an oval shape when the belade is under tension. I find a high quality, bi-metal blade of 24 tpi will be about the only blade you ever need. 18 and 32 tpi are also good to have on hand for respectively thick and thin jobs.

Greyson

 

[rlitman]

24TPI You must be mostly cutting thin stuff. A saw cuts best with 3 teeth in the cut. Less than that and it can skip and bind (and tear up teeth). More than that generates wasted heat and effort in removing the swarf.

I like a 14 or 18 TPI blade for most work. The 14 can be a lot to handle for most people though (you need a good saw arm for it). 32TPI is only appropriate on really thin wall pipe.

 

[scaron]

Are there any reasons other than the availability of blades? I think I heard once that the smaller frames were more rigid so you could get a better cut. Is there any validity to this?

i don't think that's necessarily true, for me it's always just about can you fit the saw in there or not. but i'm only a very occasional hacksaw user.

 

[rick carpenter]

24TPI You must be mostly cutting thin stuff. A saw cuts best with 3 teeth in the cut. Less than that and it can skip and bind (and tear up teeth). More than that generates wasted heat and effort in removing the swarf.

I like a 14 or 18 TPI blade for most work. The 14 can be a lot to handle for most people though (you need a good saw arm for it). 32TPI is only appropriate on really thin wall pipe.

Is there a rule of thumb for what tpi for what thickness/material?