10 Best Electric Hand Saws UK 2022 | Black + Decker, DeWalt, Hychika and More

1. Consider the Purpose Of The Saw
2. Choose A Cabled Saw For Power Or A Cordless One For Portability
3. Check if Blades Are Included

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!

Rather than hammer and risk bent nails and damaging your straight pieces of wood use a nail gun for ease and precision. 

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.

Check out the 10 best sandpapers for wood in the UK to smooth and finish off that beautifully cut piece.

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.

Mains-powered saws can be more powerful making tougher materials easier to cut without the worry of running out of battery. 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.

For those after a quick look, here is our Top 5:

1. Bosch - PST 700 E Compact Jigsaw for £44.00
2. Black & Decker - Scorpion Multifunction Saw for £44.90
3. Hychika - Circular Saw for £57.98
4. Hychika - Jigsaw for £45.80
5. Hychika - Reciprocating Saw for £79.99

For a more in-depth look at the comprehensive top 10 selection, make sure to read on to learn more about the different types of beach towel available and understand how our ranking was determined.

This article's chosen EC site price listings are reflective of its publishing date.

mybest UK product recommendations are reviewed and curated by our writers in-house. We focus on in-depth research and analysis of product reviews to carefully select the best products available for the best prices.

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Written and researched by David Sexton