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You are likely to be a professional woodworker or a DIY carpenter and have experienced the frustration of a rough cutting process. To create a masterpiece, the first step is to reduce the workpieces to an accurate size. In order to carve precise shapes, you will need something that is as durable as it is strong.
This is where a jab saw comes in handy. Jab saws are perfect for pruning, trimming, carving, and quick cutting tasks. They are simple, ideal for DIY projects, and versatile!
You may already have noticed all the options available online if you are looking for a top-quality jabsaw. Our experts have researched the market to compile a list of the top jab saws for 2022.
Jab Saws Buying Guide
Home DIYers, builders, interior designers, and decorators need sharp jabsaws. That said, anyone who works with drywall should have a jab saw in their tool kit.
Different Types Of Jab Saws
Manual saws
Manual saws usually dont have any moving parts and work only on manual hand pressure, making them a favorite of DIYers and hobbyists. Manual saws are lightweight and compact, allowing you to take them with you wherever you go. Manual saws are more suitable for small cuts because they have a sharper blade that makes precise cuts.
They are durable and functional overall, as well as easy to use.
Electric saws
As the name depicts, you need an electric outlet to supply power to electric saws. If you work in your workshop, and have an electrical outlet nearby your workbench, these are great options. These are often used when you need unique cuts for a project or are working on a commercial project where manual jaws wont work.
What Should You Consider Before Purchasing A Jab Saw?
Blade type
Two types of blades are available for jab saws. You can choose from a fixed or foldable blade. A fixed blade is the best option if you don’t want to spend too much money. If your job requires that you carry your jabsaw with you, you should get a folding jab saw.
Handle
Comfortable and non-slip grips are essential when carving intricate designs. If you get a flimsy handle, it will cost you hours of work. Dont go for wooden handles as they are the cheapest and not as ergonomic as a jab saw handle should be.
Rubber handles are a good choice, and if its comfort you need you should go for this kind of handle. If you are older or have mobility problems, well-made plastic handles may be a good fit.
The shape of the teeth on the blades
Most jab saws come with alligator teeth. However, their patterns and lengths vary. Look for saws with deep gullets or tri-ground teeth to make them more durable.
Blades tip
If you usually work on drywalls, you should get blades with a sharper tip. These blades are easier to use and penetrate through the material effortlessly. A blunt tip is recommended if you plan to use the saw for multiple purposes, such as trimming or pruning.
How To Sharpen A Jabsaw?
After you’ve purchased a jabsaw, you need to know how to sharpen it. You will need a triangular file or a small diamond file according to the shape of your jab saws teeth.
Here’s how to sharpen your jabsaw for longer use
Step 1: Start from the top and fill every tooth bevel on the blade. Be sure to count every stroke and match the angle of your teeth. As a general rule of thumb, the duller your blade the more strokes youll need to perform.
Step 2 – You need to ensure that similar teeth are the same size and shape. If you spot a longer tooth, file it down to the size of the rest of them. Make sure your blade has rakers, which are notched teeth.
Step 3 – Finally, check for bent or twisted teeth. Try to bring them back to their original position and sharpen them as well.
Tips To Sharpen And Maintain A Saw Blade
Keep it out of moisture
Keep your jabsaw in a dry and cool place. Even the smallest amount of water exposure can cause rust, and when it comes to product replacement the last thing you want to do is put yourself in a non-refundable situation over something completely avoidable.
For best practice, consider storing your jab saw in a garage cabinet made for heavy-duty tools. If you dont have this kind of space, opt for storing your jab saw in a dark closet.
Make sure to lubricate your saw blade
Every time you use the saw for something, you need to lubricate it with paste wax or gun oil. Regularly lubricating your blade will increase its lifespan.
Not doing this can result in a squeaky, hard-to-use jab saw.
Dont forget to oil the handle
Depending on what the handle is made of, you need to lubricate it frequently as well. For instance, for a wooden handle use linseed oil to protect it from dirt and moisture.
You can remove stains from the handle by using steel wool or sandpaper.
To remove rust, use a razor
Blades can rust after some time no matter how well you maintain them. The good news is you can remove the rust with a razor blade. To remove the rust, take off the handle. To remove stubborn rust spots, you can use steel wool or sandpaper.
After you have finished, lubricate your blade and wipe it clean with a cloth.
What Is Our Favorite Jab Saw For 2022?
The Klein tools folding jabsaw is sharp, durable, well-made and simple to use. This saw is versatile and can be used for any type of construction material, including plastic, wallboard, plywood, or wallboard. It folds up into a compact unit that can be carried in your pocket or tool bag without fear of any damage.
Featuring a lock-back mechanism that keeps the open blade secured anywhere between 125 and 180 degrees, the handle of this jab saw is cushioned for a comfortable grip. The blade has triple ground teeth, which can be used in either direction to increase your project’s speed.
Another plus: It has a lanyard hole that makes it easy to tether.
Pros
- Rubber handle for comfortable grip
- Foldable design for portability
