CUTTING AND DRILLING TOOLS

      HACKSAWS. Hacksaws are fine-toothed saws designed to cut metal. The saws consist of a blade held in a steel frame with relatively high tension. High-tension models (with tension to 32,000 p.s.i.) are also available. High tension holds the blade more rigidly straight, which enables the user to make fast, straight cuts. Blade life is also increased. Look for a quick-release blade change mechanism, tension guide and rugged frame on these models. Blades come in several designs; among them are coarse, medium, fine and very fine-toothed Regular or standard blades are used for general-purpose cutting; high-speed or bi-metal blades are for cutting hard, extra-tough steel. The medium blade has 18 teeth per inch and is good for cutting tool steel, iron pipe and light angle iron. A fine blade, which has 24 teeth per inch, cuts drill rod, thin tubing and medium-weight materials. The very fine blade, with 32 teeth per inch, is used for extra thin materials, light angle irons, channels, wire rope and cable. As a guide to selecting the right blade, find out what material will be cut; then suggest a blade that will have at least three teeth in contact with the material. Frames vary in style and price. Most can be adjusted to hold various blade lengths. Some have both horizontal and vertical positions for blades. Others provide blade storage. A close-quarter hacksaw holds and positions a hacksaw blade so it can be used effectively in narrow spaces and slots. Quality models of these saws may also have induction-hardened teeth for longer life without sharpening.

SAW SETS. Most saws become dull with use and need periodic filing and resetting. A saw set is used to reset or bend teeth back to their original position so teeth will make a cut wider than the blade to avoid binding in the cut or kerf. Most sets are made with a pistol grip and designed so the saw teeth are visible during setting. A good saw set should have enough calibrations to ensure an even set to each tooth. Saw sets can be used on back-, hand- and small circular saws with 4 to 16 points.

TIPS ON SAWING

1.	Keep your saws in a plastic tooth guard or in cardboard. If not, buy one to hang your saws. Do not store saws in toolboxes or where the teeth will get damaged.
2.	Keep saw blades away from metal or concrete and stone. Remove any nails from wood before saving.
3.	Coat your saw blades with paste wax or a lighter grade of machine oil after using. Keep them in a cardboard sheath.