Coping saws are hand saws with a distinct U shape that are useful for making curved cuts on thinner materials around the home and shop.
A coping saw uses a very thin steel or tungsten metal blade stretched on a metal frame to make turning cuts on wood, plastic or metal depending on the blade selected. Its appearance is similar to a common hacksaw, but with a larger gap, known as "the throat," between its blade and carrier. The U-shaped frame has a swiveling spigot (clip) at each end to hold the ends of the blade. A hardwood or plastic handle allows the user to turn the blade during the cut. Many saw handles have an adjustment mechanism that lets the user set the tension of the blade by twisting. Some coping saws also allow the angle of the blade to be adjusted relative to its frame. These characteristics make the saw perfect for more intricate curved cuts, like those required to make a joint in crown molding.
Most coping saw blades have around 12 to 15 teeth per inch, though coarser and finer blades are available for specialized jobs. Blade lengths come in either 6 3/8 (16 centimeters) or 6 1/2 inches (16.51 centimeters). Throat width is typically between 4 and 6 inches (10.16 and 15.24 centimeters). Like other hand saws, you should be able to find one for purchase at any local hardware store.
Other useful handsaws include the crosscut saw, ripsaw, backsaw, keyhole saw, and hacksaw. In addition, electric jigsaws can be used for some coping saw projects.
But here, we focus on the coping saw.