Top 10 Best Electric Hand Saws in the UK 2021 (DeWalt, Hychika and More)

If you're wondering whether it's worth picking up an electric saw when you have a trusty old hand saw powered by elbow grease, we can confidently tell you the answer is yes. Upgrading to electric will save you a huge amount of time on any given job. 

As well as being a better option in terms of speed, an electric saw is also much more accurate and far easier to use making the risk of injury much lower. An electric saw is much less likely to slip and also removes the potential of any repetitive strain-related injuries from developing in your wrists or elbows.

This also means that any work undertaken at a height, on a ladder or anywhere else you could potentially lose your balance and fall is safer. So, whether you have some home improvements planned or you work in a professional capacity, a reliable electric saw is a must-have.

There are several factors to consider when looking for the right electric saw, such as which type to go for and whether a corded or cordless machine would be more suitable for you. Which is best can depend on the type of material you're cutting as well as the type of cuts you need to make, but don't worry, even if you're buying your first ever saw, this guide will help you work it out. 

There are quite a few types of electric saw available and each has its own set of features that make them better suited for some jobs over others. The right saw for designing furniture is probably not the best choice for cutting metal pipes! We've taken a look at the most common types and will help you work out which is the right choice for you.

If you couldn't guess from the name, multifunction saws are general-purpose tools that are an excellent choice if you're looking to replace that rusting old hand saw that's been sitting in your tool bag for years. They're great at cutting wood for fires, or to rough length, as well as cutting unruly branches from a tree.

Precision isn't their greatest strength, however, so if you're looking for a particularly straight cut or something curved with more finesse, there are better options out there for specific tasks. Very much a jack of all trades but master of none. 

There's nothing better than a circular saw for cutting professional quality straight cuts in wood or sheet materials. They are also extremely versatile as they can be used freehand or on a table. 

Bear in mind that, more than most others, circular saws can come in a wide range of sizes that may not be compatible with each other, with larger blades being better suited to thicker materials.

Circular saws can also be mistaken for mitre saws, which differ in the fact that the blade is positioned on a pivoting, hinge-like mechanism that allows for a downward straight cut. These are fixed to a surface, so make sure you don't confuse the two due to the circular blade designs!

The reciprocating saw, or sabre saw, is best suited for heavy-duty work as it will have no problem cutting through metal piping, brickwork or any woodwork that has its fair share of nails. 

The blade has an oscillating motion, meaning that it moves up and down as well as in and out, so just make sure to hold on with both hands as these are usually the most powerful hand saws on the market. 

Another plus is that, due to their high power, they are great for working in hard-to-reach areas such as tight spaces or overhead. However, they're far from the most precise option available, often leaving rough edges. If you're looking for quick cuts through strong materials, such as when ripping out a bathroom or demolishing a wall, this is the choice for you.

Featuring the thinnest blades of all the saws mentioned in this article, jigsaws are designed to be able to accurately cut any shape. Unlike the others, you're even able to drill into the middle of a piece of wood to cut a pattern, making them a must-have for any carpenters looking to make intricate furniture, toys or of course, jigsaw puzzles.

You'll need a steady hand and a flat surface to work on, however, and they aren't suitable for cutting long straight lines. If you take it slow, plan out your design, and cut carefully, a jigsaw will be your best friend, but if you're after something to quickly cut large amounts of lumber, you should look elsewhere.

When choosing an electric hand saw, one of the key decisions is whether to opt for a cordless or mains-powered machine. Both have their own benefits and drawbacks, and certain types of saw lend themselves to being battery-powered while others work better as corded, mains-powered choices.

Cordless saws are obviously much more portable and are a convenient choice if you're moving from space to space a lot. They're also great for areas where extension cords don't easily reach, such as in a garden or atop scaffolding or a ladder. You are, however, limited by their battery capacity and extra batteries can be expensive and bulky.

When you're wired up to the mains, you won't have to worry about your saw running out of juice and in addition, they are usually more powerful, making tougher materials easier to cut. Despite this appeal, they also tend to be cheaper.

Unfortunately, most cables that come with power tools do tend to be on the short side. Many people don't find this to be a problem when using a jigsaw at a workbench, but if you're working away from a plug socket, it could become a bit frustrating. 

The type of blade is incredibly important when deciding on the right saw, but the options included shouldn't sway you too heavily one way or the other as replacements are incredibly easy to come by and change. Obviously, you won't be able to attach a circular blade to a jigsaw, but swapping the included blades out for a different size is no hassle.

Some saws may come with one blade, a range, or even none. You may have to account for the extra expense of additional blades, but it shouldn't put you off the saw itself even if extras are a nice touch. The reality is that you'll have to change blades at some point anyway as they wear down, though this depends on how often they're used and what's being cut.

Now that you're aware of the different types of electric hand saws available, you'll hopefully have something in mind for whatever job or project that's in the works. With that said, it's time to take a look at our top ten list. We hope there's something on there for you!

Chances are that once you've got hold of your new electric saw, you'll be inspired to get started on all those other projects around the house! From the best sandpapers to the best nail guns, we're here to help you find what you need with more articles on all things DIY.

Whether you're looking for something affordable and reliable to have around the home or something more suited to more industrial work, we hope that our article has pointed you towards the best electric hand saw for your needs.

Author: Davis Sexton