A hacksaw is a type of saw designed for cutting through metal, plastic, and other hard materials. Unlike the saws used for cutting wood, which have large, sharp teeth, a hacksaw has a thin, fine-toothed blade stretched tight in a C-shaped metal frame. The blade is removable and replaceable, which matters because cutting through metal dulls the teeth fairly quickly.

A hacksaw works by being pushed and pulled back and forth, with the cutting happening on the forward stroke. Mechanics use hacksaws to cut pipes or bolts. Plumbers keep them handy for cutting through copper or steel pipes. In a workshop or garage, you'll often find a hacksaw hanging on the wall, ready for jobs where other saws won't work.

While a hacksaw can make precise cuts with patience and a steady hand, it's mainly valued for its ability to cut through tough materials that would ruin an ordinary wood saw. If you've ever watched someone cut through a metal pipe or a thick plastic rod, chances are good they were using a hacksaw.