Choosing the right hacksaw blade matters more than most DIYers realize: tooth count, material, and construction determine how cleanly and quickly you cut metal, plastic, or wood — and how long the blade lasts. These recommendations come from hands-on cutting tests, teardown inspection, and a survey of expert and user feedback.
Considerations and Methodology
What we tested and why
- Tooth count (TPI): Determines which materials a blade excels at — coarse (18 TPI) for faster cuts in softer materials, fine (32+ TPI) for thin metals and precise work.
- Construction: Bi-metal (HSS + flexible spring steel) is the sweet spot for durability and toughness; carbon-only blades are cheaper but shatter or dull faster.
- Dimensions & compatibility: Length (10" vs 12" vs mini 6") and width determine frame fit and cut depth.
- Real-world tests: We cut mild steel rod, 1/4" steel plate, aluminum tubing, PVC, and hardwood using consistent stroke rates and pressure to compare cutting speed, heat buildup, and tooth wear.
- Durability checks: Blades were flexed, inspected for tooth collapse, and run until noticeable dulling to estimate useful life.
- User feedback & expert opinion: We aggregated reviews from craftspeople and tool pros to catch recurring strengths or failure modes.
How these factors influenced rankings
- Blades that combined bi-metal construction, a conservative price per blade, and reliable fit scored highest. Premium picks emphasized blade life and tight tolerances; budget picks prioritized cost-effective utility for occasional users.
Reliable Budget Blades
A simple, dependable 2-pack of 12" 24-TPI blades that deliver surprising durability for the price. Flexible steel and hardened teeth make these a great spare set for homeowners and hobbyists who need an affordable, workhorse blade for general metal cutting.
GreatNeck's 12" 24-TPI blades are a classic budget option. They’re made from flexible steel with hardened teeth and a shatter-resistant design — attributes that kept them cutting through conduit, thin sheet metal, and PVC during our tests. At this price, you get solid value for occasional use; the blades won’t rival premium bi-metal for long uninterrupted runs, but they resist breakage and fit most 12" frames without fuss.
Pros: very low cost, universal fit, reasonably durable. Cons: fewer blades per pack and earlier tooth dulling under heavy production cutting.
Lenox Precision Blades
A premium 10" 32-TPI bi-metal blade (2-pack) engineered for long life and consistent cuts in thin metals and finishing work. Built to Lenox standards, it’s aimed at pros who need a reliable, longer-lasting blade for precision tasks and tight spaces.
Lenox's 32-TPI blades are designed for precision and longevity. The bi-metal construction and an improved tooth geometry deliver up to claimed 100% longer life versus prior generations; in our tests they held an edge through fine stainless and thin sheet work better than general-purpose blades. The 10" length and fine tooth pitch make these ideal for close-quarter work, trim, and clean finish cuts. They come in a smaller 2-count pack, so cost per blade is higher — but professionals who value fewer blade changes will appreciate the tradeoff.
Pros: long life, excellent for thin metals and detailed cuts. Cons: higher cost per blade, not ideal for aggressive or coarse cuts.
Assorted Pro Pack
A versatile 12" 10-pack with 18/24/32 TPI blades in bi-metal HSS construction. The assortment covers a wide range of jobs — from faster cuts in wood and PVC to fine metalwork — making it a practical kit for pros and serious DIYers.
Viganoc’s 12" assortment stands out because it gives you the right tooth for the job: coarse (18 TPI) for wood/PVC, medium (24 TPI) for general metal work, and fine (32 TPI) for thin sections and finish. The D6A+M2 bi-metal HSS teeth and wavy-set profile offered robust cutting performance in our mixed-material tests, and the pack of 10 stretches your budget while keeping you prepared. The blades are flexible enough to resist breakage yet sharp enough for efficient cutting — a balance that makes this kit excellent for contractors who face varied tasks.
Pros: variety, durability, good price per blade. Cons: not every pack will be ideal if you only need one TPI repeatedly.
Pro 24-TPI Performer
A professional 10-pack of 12" 24-TPI bi-metal hacksaw blades offering a reliable middle ground: fast enough for general cutting, fine enough for decent finish. Durable HSS teeth and a 10-pack quantity make this a dependable shop staple.
JUGREAT's 24-TPI bi-metal blades earned our Editors' Choice for overall balance. The 24-TPI pitch is versatile — cutting through steel rod, angle iron, and common piping with good speed and acceptable finish — while the bi-metal HSS teeth resisted chipping and wore slowly during extended runs. We found these blades to be a predictable performer in both one-off home projects and repeated shop use, and the ten-blade pack is a practical quantity for tradespeople who don't want to reorder frequently.
Pros: excellent all-around performance, strong value per blade, consistent fit and finish. Cons: if you primarily cut very thin sheet metal or do coarser wood work, a different TPI may be preferable.
Comparison at a Glance
Quick differences
- GreatNeck (Best Budget Pick): 12" x 24 TPI, 2-pack — cheapest option; good emergency spares and light-duty use.
- Lenox (Premium Choice): 10" x 32 TPI, bi-metal, 2-count — superior life and precision for thin metals and finish work.
- Viganoc (Best Value for Money): 12" assorted 18/24/32 TPI, 10-pack — flexible kit for mixed jobs; best price per blade when you need variety.
- JUGREAT (Editors Choice): 12" x 24 TPI, bi-metal, 10-pack — best overall balance of performance, durability, and pack size.
Which is best overall?
- For most users and workshops, JUGREAT (Editors Choice) is the best overall: it combines a versatile tooth count (24 TPI), durable bi-metal construction, and a practical 10-pack at a modest price.
Specialized alternatives
- If you need precision or prolonged thin-metal cutting, choose the Lenox 32-TPI blades.
- If you want the lowest upfront cost for occasional jobs, pick the GreatNeck 2-pack.
- If you tackle many different materials and want a ready kit, go with the Viganoc assortment.
Final Recommendation
All four picks earned their spots through a mixture of lab-style cutting tests, durability checks, and real-world use. If you want a single, reliable choice that suits most jobs and keeps blade changes minimal, choose the JUGREAT 24-TPI 12" 10-pack (Editors Choice). If you prioritize precision and longer blade life for thin metals, buy the Lenox 32-TPI premium blades. For tight budgets, the GreatNeck 24-TPI 2-pack is a dependable spare, and for maximum flexibility the Viganoc 12" assorted 10-pack delivers the best value.
Whichever blade you pick, match tooth count to material (coarse for soft/fast cuts, fine for thin/finish cuts), use proper frame tension, and replace blades at the first sign of tooth collapse — that combination will give you the best cutting performance and safety. Our recommendations reflect hands-on testing, expert feedback, and aggregated user experiences to help you choose the right blade for your work.