Concrete hacksaw – types and application features

It is simply not possible to cut concrete with a regular saw. A concrete hacksaw can help with that. This particular tool is a need for many building and remodeling projects because it is made to handle the difficult task of cutting through concrete.

Different types of concrete hacksaws are available to meet different needs. Whether you’re working on a big construction site or a small DIY project, the effectiveness and caliber of your work can be greatly improved by selecting the appropriate hacksaw.

It is essential to comprehend the concrete hacksaws’ application features. Possessing the appropriate knowledge can help you achieve the best results while ensuring your safety while working, from choosing the right blade to understanding the right cutting techniques.

Type of Concrete Hacksaw	Application Features
Manual Concrete Hacksaw	Ideal for small cutting tasks. Easy to use and control. Requires physical effort.
Electric Concrete Hacksaw	Best for larger, more demanding projects. Faster and more efficient than manual saws. Requires an electrical power source.
Battery-Powered Concrete Hacksaw	Portable and convenient. Suitable for medium-sized tasks. Limited by battery life.

Features of the tool

When non-standard-sized blocks need to be obtained, concrete hacksaws are typically utilized to create what are known as additional blocks.

Models of hacksaws vary:

• By the length of the blade;
• By the thickness of the steel, which affects the quality of the cut of the part;
• By soldering on the teeth, it can be on each tooth or every other one.

Two varieties of hacksaws are made by manufacturers:

• Electric. These are more complex and more functional tools. But they can be used if there is and can be a connection to the electrical network.

• Hand. This is the most versatile tool. It can be used under any conditions, including the absence of a power source. The weight of the product is less than an electric saw, and the cost is much lower.

When choosing a tool, you should pay attention to its manufacturer.

A few of them are shown in the following table:

• Easy to use;
• High degree of wear resistance of the fabric;
• Convenient placement of the tool handle.

• The price is two times less than the previous model;
• A two-component material is used to make the handle;
• Stainless steel blade with durable teeth, sharpened using special technology;
• Blade length 670 mm.

• Budget cost;
• The blade is made of high-strength steel;
• The teeth are made of carbide material;
• Used for cutting aerated concrete blocks, expanded clay and foam concrete.

• The presence of carbide brazing on each tooth, which greatly simplifies the process of sawing blocks;
• The length of the blade allows you to saw the block crosswise and lengthwise;
• The rubberized two-component handle simplifies use.

A concrete hacksaw is a multipurpose instrument that can easily and precisely cut through concrete. This article examines the various kinds of concrete hacksaws that are available, including electric and manual models, as well as their intended applications. Knowing these kinds and how to use them will help you select the best tool for the job at hand, guaranteeing accurate and effective cuts each and every time.

The best manufacturers of electric hacksaws

The Dewalt DCS380M2 model, made in the United States, is the most widely used and reasonably priced saber-type saw. A blade is not included in the tool kit; you will need to buy one separately in order to cut foam concrete.

Also produced are less expensive tools. They do not produce inferior quality to other manufacturers.

The following table lists a few of the models:

Saw blade

The teeth on the tool’s working surface receive a diamond coating during manufacture, which strengthens the teeth. In this instance, cubic zirconia, an artificial diamond substitute with properties very similar to those of a real diamond, is sprayed instead of the real thing.

In addition, the following are some benefits of the technology:

• After cutting concrete, openings are obtained with very smooth surfaces that do not require subsequent processing;
• The tools can be used for work in residential premises, they have virtually no impact effects, sound insulation is not needed during operation, the saws work almost silently, unlike a hammer drill, they do not harm human hearing;
• The cutting depth can reach up to 1 m on both sides;
• High operating speed allows you to save time.

Examine the markings on the saw blade before selecting one.

Cutting aerated concrete requires the use of blades bearing the following markings:

1. BIM. This is how bimetallic blades made of very strong, combined steel are marked. The blades are sufficiently flexible and durable, so it is better to use them for soft porous building blocks.
2. HM/CT. This marking is used for tools made of hard alloys. The blades can be used to process hard and porous concrete, which are characterized by increased abrasive properties.

The following criteria are used to choose a blade when cutting aerated concrete blocks:

• Width – within 19 – 22 mm;
• The working length depends on the dimensions and rigidity of the concrete blocks;
• For fast cutting, large teeth of the blade are used;
• Fine teeth are used for curly cutting.

Tip: Select teeth that are "planted" often if you want a high-quality cut. Teeth that are spaced apart work more quickly, but the cut is less precise.

Features of a reciprocating saw

A hand tool for cutting concrete or other materials, a reciprocating saw, also known as an electric hacksaw, is powered by an electrical network and has a cantilever attachment for its working element, which resembles a hacksaw blade and moves quickly back and forth while doing tasks.

You can cut through material in awkward places and cut parts of it flush with the wall thanks to an extended gearbox, an ergonomic handle, and a cantilever blade. The workpiece can be held in the air while using the tool.

The following are reciprocating saws’ principal benefits:

• Device characteristics:

1. Equipment power 0.5 — 1.5 kW. Most models are designed for power consumption of 0.9 — 1.2 kW.
2. The number of strokes of the working blade is 2.5 — 3 thousand. rpm.
3. There is a speed control, which allows you to change it when the blade is moving.
4. The blade stroke varies within 19 — 32 mm.
5. Some materials have limitations on the maximum cutting depth;

• Pendulum stroke. In this case, when the blade moves back, it must be slightly deflected from the cutting line. This allows you to effectively remove sawing waste, the blade heats up less, and the productivity of the tool increases. Not all electric hacksaws have a pendulum stroke, but only the most popular ones;
• Blades. The functionality of the equipment depends on the blade used. Its kit includes several blades for different materials, which differ in pitch size, shape and size of the teeth, material of the knife, whether or not there is a diamond coating.

From the tool shank to the blade’s end, blades with varying pitches and tooth sizes are created. Their convenience lies in the fact that one saw can process concrete with different parameters when using different blade sections;

• Support shoe. It allows you to securely fix the tool body, pressing it to the processed surface, which increases the speed of sawing concrete, improves the quality of the cut, and the process becomes more convenient and easier. The shoe can move with its fixation along the blade, ensuring, at the same time, the inclusion of the required sections of the blade in the work.

Moreover, the element’s supporting surface is rotatable, and the blade can be adjusted to cut the material at the appropriate angle.

The principle of operation of a reciprocating saw for concrete

DIY reciprocating saws allow you to cut materials like:

• Cellular concrete: aerated concrete and foam concrete blocks, gas silicate concrete, foam aerated concrete blocks and other similar building materials;
• Lightweight concrete: expanded clay concrete, pumice concrete, perlite concrete, wood concrete, polystyrene concrete and bone concrete;
• Heavy concrete made from Portland cement, slag cement, asphalt and polymer cement;
• Red, silicate and karmic bricks, clinker bricks, foam concrete;
• “Wild” stone, porcelain tiles, plasterboard slabs, artificial stone, limestone, shell rock and chalk.

Reciprocating saws are typically used to complete tasks fast, effectively, and reasonably cheaply.

Among them are:

• Dismantling of partitions, walls, concrete floors, crossbars, columns, pilasters and other types of building structures made of concrete;
• Redevelopment of any premises in the house, office;
• Arranging door and window openings in the walls, adjusting the size of existing openings;
• Finishing corners that have been machined with disc machines;
• Cutting holes and niches;
• Cutting to the required size: reinforced concrete, concrete and foam concrete blocks and other construction and finishing materials.

Making the proper concrete hacksaw choice can improve the efficiency and smoothness of your construction projects. Whether you need to work in tight spaces, handle heavy-duty tasks, or make precise cuts, different types of concrete hacksaws are made for different purposes. Selecting the ideal tool for your purposes will be made easier if you are aware of the features and capabilities of each type.

Safety is the most important factor when using a concrete hacksaw. To guarantee that your tools operate well and last a longer time, wear safety gear at all times, adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions, and maintain them correctly. By following these safety measures, you’ll not only stay safe but also produce better work.

Having the appropriate hacksaw in your toolbox can make a big difference in how well your concrete cutting projects go. You can make more informed decisions and ultimately improve project outcomes and efficiency by becoming familiar with the various types and their applications.

Having a trustworthy concrete hacksaw is crucial, regardless of whether you’re a professional contractor or a do-it-yourself enthusiast. If you have the appropriate information and equipment, you’ll be ready to take on any challenge involving concrete cutting.

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