hacksaw
B2Technical, DIY, industrial
Definition
Meaning
A handsaw with a fine-toothed, relatively narrow blade, held taut in a C-shaped frame, designed for cutting metal.
Any of various types of saws, often with a replaceable blade, designed for cutting hard materials like metal, plastic, or pipes.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is a compound of 'hack' (meaning to cut roughly) and 'saw'. It refers specifically to the tool's function and design, rather than the action performed with it.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The tool and its name are identical.
Connotations
Both regions strongly associate it with metalworking, plumbing, and DIY. In both, it implies a manual, non-powered tool.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects within relevant contexts (workshops, construction).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[User] uses a hacksaw to [cut] [Material].[Material] was cut with a hacksaw.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'hacksaw'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in procurement or inventory lists for workshops.
Academic
Rare. Could appear in engineering, materials science, or vocational training texts.
Everyday
Common in DIY, home improvement, and general 'fix-it' contexts.
Technical
Standard term in metalworking, plumbing, machining, and construction manuals.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He had to hacksaw through the rusted bolt.
- I'll hacksaw this pipe to length.
American English
- She hacksawed the metal bracket off.
- We need to hacksaw a section out.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He made a rough, hacksaw-type cut.
- The hacksaw blade was blunt.
American English
- A hacksaw modification was necessary.
- The hacksaw job was messy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is a hacksaw. It cuts metal.
- The hacksaw is in the toolbox.
- I need a hacksaw to cut this pipe.
- Can you pass me the hacksaw blade?
- For a cleaner cut, use a new blade in your hacksaw.
- He carefully hacksawed through the steel rod clamped in the vice.
- The flexibility of the hacksaw frame allows for cutting in confined spaces, but requires a steady hand to maintain a straight line.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SAW that HACKS away at metal. HACK + SAW = HACKSAW.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRECISION IS A FINE-TOOTHED TOOL (contrasts with rough cutting implied by 'hack').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'пила' (saw) alone, as it's too generic. The specific Russian term is 'ножовка по металлу' or 'ножовка' in context.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with a 'jigsaw' (power tool for curves) or 'backsaw' (woodworking). Using 'hacksaw' as a verb ('I hacksawed it') is non-standard; the verb is 'to saw' or 'to cut with a hacksaw'.
Practice
Quiz
What is a hacksaw primarily designed to cut?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a noun. Verb use ('to hacksaw') is informal and regionally variable, but 'to cut with a hacksaw' is more standard.
A junior hacksaw is a smaller version with a shorter, more delicate blade, used for finer work on lighter materials or in tight spaces.
No. Hacksaw blades have specific fittings and are made of hardened steel for metal. Wood blades are for different saw types.
Choose based on teeth per inch (TPI). High TPI (e.g., 32) for thin metal and smooth cuts; low TPI (e.g., 14) for soft, thick materials like aluminium.