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Is your trusty hand saw not cutting like it used to? Hand saws, like most other tools, get dull with time, so it’s important to sharpen them to keep them in tip top shape. In this article, we’ll tell you how to sharpen your hand saw, as well as tips on cleaning it and straightening the teeth. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about sharpening a saw so you can get back to work in no time.

3

Set the teeth with a saw set if they’re crooked.

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  1. Once your saw is clamped, lower down to the saw’s level and take a look at the teeth. If they look jagged or crooked, grab a saw set (which looks like a form of pliers) and clamp it around 1 tooth. Press the handles of the saw set together to clamp the tooth, then release. Use the saw set on any teeth that aren’t completely straight.[2]
    • Saw sets are small, and they can be difficult to see into. If you’re having trouble, make sure that you have a light shining onto your saw, and use a magnifying glass to see up close.
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5

Pick a file that matches your teeth per inch.

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  1. Either take a look at your saw’s manual to find the teeth per inch (also sometimes called the “pitch”), or simply measure 1 inch of your saw and count the teeth within. Then, pick a file that works for your saw. If you aren’t sure or you want a variety, buy a saw sharpener file kit. Use these guidelines as a reference:[3]
    • 5 teeth per inch: 7"/175mm Regular Taper or 6"/150mm Heavy Taper
    • 5 ½ teeth per inch: 7" /175mm Regular Taper or 6" /150mm Heavy Taper
    • 6 teeth per inch: 7" /175mm or 8" /200mm Slim Taper
    • 7 teeth per inch: 6" /150mm, 7" /175mm Slim Taper and 9" /225mm or 10" /250mm Double Ender
    • 8 teeth per inch: 6" /150mm Slim Taper or 7" /175mm Extra Slim Taper or 9"/225mm Double Ender
    • 9 teeth per inch: 6" /150mm Extra Slim Taper, 7"/175mm Double Extra Slim Taper or 8"/200mm Double Ender
    • 10 teeth per inch: 5" /125mm or 6" /150mm Extra Slim Taper, 6"/150mm Double Ender
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Tips

  • While crosscut saws and rip saws have slightly different teeth, the process for sharpening them is the same.
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About This Article

Hannah Madden
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Hannah Madden is a writer, editor, and artist currently living in Portland, Oregon. In 2018, she graduated from Portland State University with a B.S. in Environmental Studies. Hannah enjoys writing articles about conservation, sustainability, and eco-friendly products. When she isn’t writing, you can find Hannah working on hand embroidery projects and listening to music. This article has been viewed 37,668 times.
20 votes - 70%
Co-authors: 6
Updated: June 19, 2024
Views: 37,668
Categories: Cutting Tools
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 37,668 times.

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