Saws | HowStuffWorks

Saws are used for the cutting of wood, metal, plastics, or just about any material you might encounter. They rely on sharp blades to slice through substances of varying composition and thickness. You can saw it yourself or rely on electric power to help do the job; whatever your preference, there's a saw for the job.

The previews that follow will introduce you to the different types of saws available for your home repair project. Read about the purpose of each, and pick the one that will work best for you.

Read below to learn about different kinds of saws:

Handsaws

A cut made with a handsaw requires some elbow grease, but gives you full control.

Power Saws

For a quick and smooth cut, a power saw is an unsurpassed tool.

To learn more about saws and home repair tools, visit these articles:

Home Repair Tools: Review all the different types of tools you can use to make simple improvements around your house.
Measuring and Marking Tools: A clean cut requires precise measurement. Use one of these tools to mark the exact spot for sawing.
Drills: If you only need to make a small hole in a surface, you may prefer to use one of these tools to get the job done.
Materials: What you're cutting will dictate the tool you use to cut it. Learn about the different materials you'll encounter during home repair.