Dueling Hacksaws

[J.A.F.E.]

I bought the CMan hacksaw a couple of years ago and really like it. It's cut a lot of metal and will be cutting for a long time to come judging by the way it's held up so far. I think this is the Bahco one and it's made in Sweden.

I needed to get another one and it looks like Sears doesn't have them anymore Can't find them anywhere - none of the Sears Big K or OSH around here have them anymore.

So I bought a SO HSG319. It was about the same price as the CMan which frankly surprises me. I'd have thought it would be like $100 the way they price - no way at $C but ok for >$30. It, too, is Swedish.

Dueling hacksaws.

The CMan has a lever to tension the blade a feature I really like.

The SO uses a modified wingnut, which in my mind is a step backward. However, it really tensions the blade - actually tighter than the CMan. Here's a closeup of the tension screw about 90* CCW from park.

The SO is much lighter than the CMan - SO +1. The Cman has a deeper throat - CMan +1. The SO has more blade tension (that is using only fingers and hands) - SO +1. The CMan has the lever, which I still like better - CMan +1. The SO is all composite (well, mostly, there is some metal). SO +1. The CMan grip has a better feel - CMan +1. They both have a second blade position at about 55*- SO & CMan +1 each.

I like both. Even though it would seem to be a tie at 4 all, since it's my thread I make the rules and declare the CMan the winner.

 

[nissan_crawler]

I have the Snap-On one, but mines the Bahco version. I love it.

 

[J.A.F.E.]

I have the Snap-On one, but mines the Bahco version. I love it.

Is it like the CMan?

 

[nissan_crawler]

Is it like the CMan?

No, it's like the Snap-On.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I have the Snap-On one, but mines the Bahco version. I love it.

Same here, very nicely made, works perfectly and it's orange!

 

[Monte]

The SO version is the Bahco 319

from the catalog:

Hand hacksaw frame, 319

A truly unique and professional hacksaw frame with a design that allows very high blade tension for straight, accurate and exact kerfs. This is due to the steel tube core with comfortable plastic covering. Alternative 55° blade mounting for flush cutting. Supplied with the reliable and shatterproof SANDFLEX® 3906 Bi-metal blade with 24 TPI for excellent cutting performance. Blade tension up to 100kg

It retails over here for about $25

The C-man version is the Bahco 325

from the catalog:

Hand hacksaw frame, 325
A truly unique and professional hacksaw frame. Ergonomically designed with very high blade tension for straight, accurate and exact kerfs. Centred blade for correct balance and spring tensioned blade loading mechanism for quick blade changes. Alternative 55° blade mounting for flush cutting. Supplied with the reliable and shatterproof SANDFLEX® Bi-metal blade 24 TPI with excellent cutting performance. Blade tension up to 140kg.

It retails over here for about $35

PDF overview (english) click


So the cman version is the upscale version.

.....I always thought snap-on is the upscale version of craftsman...

 

[davestlouis]

I have a SO saw, silver in color, made out of what feels like aluminum. Paid about $25 for it adn have been well pleased. I'm about to need some new blades, so that saga will begin...what to buy, what to buy?

 

[stevejh82]

Anybody use one like this? What do you used it for?

 

[Stephenw]

I have a Craftsman metal frame hacksaw that has been good. I also have a Lenox blade holder that is real handy for tight spots.

 

[Vulturej]

Anybody use one like this? What do you used it for?

I have one that I use to cut the tips off of speed screws when I don't have clearance for air tool.

I have the older SO & CM Pro hacksaws with Starrett blades they both work good, I can't tell the difference.

 

[walrus]

I use a Lenox saw and generally use there blades as they are readily available

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Was it just me, or did anyone else read the title and hope for a video of two dudes playing some awesome country music on hacksaws?

 

[rickairmedic]

I have a Lennox and love it and use Lennox blades . I will admit though that it is pretty dusty since the advent of decent cordless sawzalls I havent used my hacksaw in a looooooong time .

Rick