A hand saw cuts material with a toothed blade moved by hand. For wood, the cut direction matters when choosing between rip and crosscut tooth designs.
Typical applications
- A crosscut saw is intended for cutting across wood grain; a rip saw is intended for cutting along it. Select the tooth design for the planned cut.
Advantages
- Hand saws come in different shapes and sizes for different work. Select the blade shape and size for the stock rather than treating all hand saws alike.
Specifications to check
- Check the intended material, blade size and tooth count for the required finish. TPI means teeth per inch, not blade length.
Limitations
- A saw selected for wood is not automatically the right blade for metal or plastic. Choose a blade intended for the actual material and stock.
Buying considerations
Choose a handle that keeps the wrist in a natural position. Check the stock for nails and other objects that can damage the blade.
Safety & limits
- When using a hand saw, secure and support the workpiece, wear eye protection, and protect the saw teeth during storage. A face shield can be used in addition to safety glasses or goggles.
Sources & further reading
These links document the information used in this article. Manufacturer specifications and source research are not hands-on test results or an endorsement of a purchase.
- CCOHS: Hand tool guidance
Reference checked 2026-10-29 - IHSA: Hand tool safety
Reference checked 2026-10-29