Some tools are a must-have in every workshop, one of such tools is the bow saw. Bow saws important to any professional, as this tool, simplifies some jobs carried out in the workshop. in this guide, we will be showing the best bow saws, so read through, as we show you what is obtainable.
WHAT IS A BOW SAW?
A bow saw can be a very useful tool to have around, as mentioned earlier. But it can be equally dangerous around children. You need to be super careful while using it around youngsters. Also, it can be pretty dangerous for you as well.
Your hand can slip and you can hurt yourself. It is advised to buy a tool with a protective grip or lock-in the mechanism. If you don’t get one with that sort of grip, you can rely on protective gloves as well.
While you carry it around, you need to keep it safely tucked away in your backpack. You don’t want it to spring open at any moment and hurt yourself. It is always better to carry them around in a protective case.
Next, if you want your saw to last, you have to take care of it. If you abuse the tool beyond its limit, it is bound to give out sooner. You want to handle it carefully and try not to push it beyond what the saw can handle.
As for the blade, you can either replace them or sharpen them once they start to become blunt. Remember, a blunt blade is not only difficult to work with but can also prove to be more dangerous than a sharp blade. However, it is better to change the blade than sharpening it.
If you sharpen the blade, it becomes more flimsy and wobbly, which in return can hamper your sawing activities. At the end of the day, you have to change the blade. It is also important to dispose of the used blade carefully and safely. These can hurt the animals or hums around if not disposed of correctly.
You need mechanic flashlights, even if you are not a mechanic, mechanic flashlights are versatile, and can be used by anyone. speaking about versatile, another tool that can be seen as versatile is the hydraulic crimper.
BOW SAW BUYER’S GUIDE
Blades
The raker tooth blades that have longer teeth are the blades that are meant for cutting that wet fresh wood that you may find will gardening or cutting through underbrush while trying to clear a path while you are camping.
The blades that come with the peg teeth are the type that is made for cutting the harder drier wood that you may need to cut for a project or for making firewood.
While you are choosing which saw is the right one for you, you will have to determine which type of blade each saw has as well as determine what kind of wood you are going to be cutting the most often. Make sure to sharpen your blade periodically to make better cuts
Tension Adjusters
While it may seem odd, many different environmental factors can affect the tension of your blade day today. The biggest culprits here are heat and humidity. The bow saws on the market that are going to work well for you are going to have some type of tension adjustment system included on the frame of the saw itself.
This feature can be crucial if you live in a hot and humid environment to ensure that your blade is going to be able to cut the wood that you are trying to cut. If you are using your saw to do more precise work, a pension system is going to be crucial to ensure that you are getting the most precise cut possible.
You should also note that the blade of a bow saw is going to weaken over time, so it is good to have a tension adjustment to make your saw last longer. While the blade weakens, the tension adjustment system will help keep it straight so that you can use the blade safely for much longer than you normally would be able to.
Knuckle Guards
Knuckle guards are going to be important for your bow saw so that you do not hurt yourself. If you are a novice, you should invest in a bow saw with a knuckle guard so that you can be sure that you don’t have any expensive accidents. However, the knuckle guard feature is not found in tools like prybars and rotatory tools.
Frames
Picking a frame that is going to be right for you can be a tricky business. On one hand, a steel handle will be the most durable frame that will allow your bow saw to last for a very long time. On the other hand, steel can make a frame very heavy.
If you are planning on taking your saw camping with you, for instance, you are going to want to choose a saw that has a lightweight frame.
Project Types And Frequency
You are going to want to consider what types of projects you are going to be working on, and the frequency, before you choose what bow saw is going to work for you. There are many a Screwfix bow saw, but buying a bow saw Screwfix can mean that you are paying an exorbitant price.
The best thing to do no matter what type of project you are doing is ordering your saw on Amazon to ensure that you are getting the best price no matter what kind of bow saw it is that you are going to need.
Length of the Bow Saw
The smaller the length of the bow saw is, the smaller the cut is and vice versa. Ideally, a 21-inch bow saw length is the best as it can be used for a wide range of applications. A 30-inch bow saw length, on the other hand, can be used to perform tougher jobs such as felling a tree but it is more expensive. You don’t have to worry about the length of a saw when you are considering getting an automatic center punch, and pallet busters.
Tension Mechanism
This is designed to hold the blade to the frame of the bow saw and also releases the blade when it’s time to replace it.
However, with constant use, the blade loosens up and hence will need blade tensioning. Thus, the need to have an adequate blade tensioning mechanism is of paramount importance.
Protective Sheath
While buying a bow saw it’s best to go for the one which has a protective sheath. As you know, bow saw blades are very sharp and can cause injury if left without a cover. Having a protective sheath for your bow saw ensures it can be kept safe and carried about if you wish to.
BEST BOW SAWS
| NAMES | FEATURES | WHERE TO BUY |
| Bahco 10-24-23 Bow Saw
|
Designed for demanding applications and tough environments of construction sites
The innovative tensioning mechanism for high blade tension and straight cutting Ergo handle with knuckle protector provides comfort and safety |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Truper 30255 Bow Saw
|
Cam-lever tension system keeps the blade perfectly tight while you’re working in the field
Clean equipment after each use and oil for years of trouble-free use A must-have tool in any gardeners shed or garage Truper 30255, stock up on quality Truper Tools for other projects today |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Agawa Canyon Folding Bow Saw
|
Opens and closes without your fingers touching the blade.
Clearance for logs up to 15cm in diameter. Weather-resistant nylon grip offers comfortable sawing without hotspots. Extruded, anodized aluminum frame with all stainless steel hardware |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Great Neck Saw BB24
|
Tubular Steel Frame for Strength and Durability
Action Blade Tightener Release for Easy Blade Changes Chrome Alloy Extra Hard Steel Blades Depth of Cut: 6-1/2 Inch |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Truper AJT-24
|
Cam-lever tension system keeps the blade perfectly tight while you’re working in the field
Clean equipment after each use and oil for years of trouble-free use A must-have tool in any gardeners shed or garage Truper 30257, stock up on quality truper tools for other projects today |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Gerber Freescape Camp Saw
|
Folds down flat without removal of parts
Accepts standard 12 inches saw blade Rubber over-mold grip |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Irwin 218HP300 12-Inch Combi-Saw
|
The welded frame offers excellent stability, no flex, and faster cut
The wood or metal blade gives you the flexibility to either cut wood or metal Knuckle guard protects your hand |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| The Sven Bow Saw
|
Perfect for everything from yard work to wilderness
Made in the United States for almost 60 years! High-visibility red, so you won’t leave it behind Under 14 ounces |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Bond BS21 Gardener’s Choice 21
|
Heavy-duty tubular steel frame
Tempered double cut steel blade The blade removes for replacement blades Great for pruning trees Designed for one or both hands |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Pro-Grade 31913 Bow Saw/Hacksaw
|
Two saws in one: bow saw for wood, hacksaw for metal and plastic
Sturdy tubular steel construction Includes two 12 inch blades (1 hacksaw blade and 1 bow saw blade) |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
Bahco 10-24-23 Bow Saw
The Bahco 10-Series Bowsaw is a lightweight, yet heavy-duty bowsaw for all-round use. The integrated, ergonomic handle with its built-in hand guard protects your knuckles.
A unique mechanism in the handle makes blade changing and tensioning adjustments effortless. The sturdy blade fittings and high blade tension make precision cutting easier than ever before.
| PROS | CONS |
| Knuckle guard | Subpar blade cover |
| Great tensioner | |
| Lightweight frame | |
| Comes in dry or green wood models |
Truper 30255 Bow Saw
Truper 30255 is our choice for the best value. It comes with a sturdy frame that manages to be strong without being super heavy. It also comes with a knuckle guard, which is something that should come with any modern bow saw, but sometimes isn’t. This model also comes with a quality tensioning system, which enables you to make sure that you’re always getting a high-quality cut while you work.
Something to note about the Truper: the blade for cutting green wood only, and it doesn’t come with a blade meant for dry wood. Even if you wish to purchase a dry wood replacement blade for this saw, you cant. They don’t offer a compatible option, so make sure that you’re going to be working with green wood before you buy it.
| PROS | CONS |
| Inexpensive | Meant for greenwood only |
| Knuckle guard | |
| Quality tension systems |
Agawa Canyon Folding Bow Saw
Originally a Kickstarter product, the Boreal 21 Saw is compact, light, and strong. Its innovative folding design keeps you from having to touch the blade. When folded, the saw teeth are protected, so you or your gear won’t get shredded.
| PROS | CONS |
| Strong and dependable | Expensive |
| Compact and portable folding design |
Great Neck Saw BB24
The GreatNeck 24 Inch Bow Saw is ideal for clearing brush, pruning or cutting through dry wood. It features a tubular steel frame for strength and durability. Crafted from chrome alloy extra hard steel to make them last, the blades can execute a very deep cut of 6-1/2″. Blade changing is easy with an action blade tightener release mechanism.
| PROS | CONS |
| Very inexpensive | Does not come with a knuckle guard |
| Strong and durable blade | |
| Strong and durable frame |
Truper AJT-24
The Truper AJT-24 is great camping saw that is lightweight and highly affordable. While this isn’t a bow saw that you are going to want to buy for long-term use or highly technical projects, it is a great bow saw to add to your camping gear and is one of the best bow saws for cutting logs.
This bow saw has longer teeth that make it great for making quick work of logs and other types of greenwood. You will find that its lightweight construction makes it an easy addition to your camping gear and that you will be glad that you purchased it.
| PROS | CONS |
| Great for Camping | Isn’t made for dry or harder woods |
| Super affordable | Not very durable |
| Lightweight |
Gerber Freescape Camp Saw
This tool is uniquely designed to fold up flat while still being completely assembled and all these without the fear of losing any of its parts. It makes use of four pivot points to cut through wood of larger diameter efficiently and effectively using the full length of the blade.
When the bow saw is folded, the blade is not affected as it can be kept safely in a camp bin or a gear kit.
| PROS | CONS |
| It has a rubber grip which gives comfort and ease of use | There have been complaints of the tool arriving with broken parts |
| Can be folded flat without the loss of any of its parts | The frame is made of inferior material |
| The blades can be easily replaced when required | |
| It is efficient |
Irwin 218HP300 12-Inch Combi-Saw
Irwin’s saw welded frame offers good stability, no flex, and cut cuts faster. This is suitable for cutting into both wood and metal. You can also cut into woods or metals which have a larger diameter. With the Knuckle guard protection, your hands are protected from sliding away.
The specialty of this saw is that it can be used as both a hack saw and a bow saw. The handle is designed so that it is easier to replace the blade. You can get a confident and comfortable grip with this saw. The flexibility of this saw is very good.
| PROS | CONS |
| It can be both a hack saw and a bow saw | It is not foldable |
| It is easy to carry around | You can lose the tools easily |
| It has knuckle protectors | It can get a bit wiggly |
| The blade is sharp |
The Sven Bow Saw
The Sven saw features a unique folding design. This saw is designed specifically for backpackers to take out into the backcountry. Available in 21-inch and 15-inch models, this saw is lightweight and small, so it will fit in a crowded backpack. The frame is crafted from aluminum, and the blade is made from tempered Swedish steel. The higher quality materials also mean that it’s a rather expensive saw.
Unfortunately, this saw’s unique concept does not seem to always play out in reality. It doesn’t hold together well enough to depend on. To make matters worse, folding it down requires taking apart the entire thing. For a saw designed for backpackers, this seems like a terrible oversight.
| PROS | CONS |
| It is compact | You may need to have a spare wing nut |
| It is durable and efficient | It has been known to cause some health problems due to the chemical substance found in it |
| Comes in two blade sizes; 21″ and 15.” | |
| It is made from high-quality materials |
Bond BS21 Gardener’s Choice 21
This product, with its wide range of applications, is ideal for gardeners. It can be used for woodwork and will come in handy when camping and hunting. It is lightweight, durable, and made from tubular steel.
Besides, it has a pull and push blade designed from dual cut steel; this feature makes it durable and efficient as it can cut through any material of low-density without stress.
| PROS | CONS |
| The blade is made from double-cut steel, which makes it last long | Not suitable for tight spaces due to its long handle |
| It has extensive hand support and can be used with both hands | |
| The blade can be replaced with ease | |
| It is lightweight and durable |
Pro-Grade 31913 Bow Saw/Hacksaw
It is designed with a robust tubular steel frame which gives more ease and comfort to the user while cutting. It comes with two different blades, one for cutting plastics and metals while the other is used for cutting wood.
It is affordable and made of top-quality material that is guaranteed to last for a very long time while also maintaining its efficiency. It comes with a lifetime warranty, if a defective bow saw is sold to you, you get a replacement almost immediately. However, note that there are terms and conditions applied to this.
| PROS | CONS |
| It is efficient | There are terms and conditions applied to the replacement of defective products |
| Affordable and convenient | The blades become blunt with time |
| It has a lifetime warranty | |
| It features two blades, which makes it versatile |
CONCLUSION
Well, that’s all for the bow saws. When buying, you need to keep the basic qualities of a good saw in mind. A fancy saw can feature several features but fail to do the basic cutting whereas a basic saw can function just fine. It is up to you to choose the perfect saw for your use
Remember, sometimes you get what you pay for, so if you are planning on using your bow saw all the time, you are going to want to make sure that you are investing in a good one.