Cutting & Sawing Tools

About Cutting & Sawing Tools

Cutting and sawing tools form the backbone of any professional tradesperson's toolkit, encompassing everything from precision hand knives to heavy-duty concrete nippers. Whether you're a carpenter making fine joinery cuts, an electrician routing cable channels, or a plumber cutting through metal pipework, having the right cutting tool for the job ensures accuracy, efficiency, and safety on site. At TooledUp.com, our comprehensive range includes hand saws, cutters, shears, snips, scissors, knives, and specialised tools designed to handle materials from soft plastics to reinforced concrete.

The quality of your cutting tools directly impacts the finish of your work and your productivity throughout the day. Professional-grade cutting and sawing tools from trusted brands like Stanley, Bahco, Knipex, and Irwin are engineered to maintain sharp edges longer, provide better control, and withstand the rigours of daily site work. Modern cutting tools incorporate ergonomic handles to reduce hand fatigue, precision-ground blades for cleaner cuts, and safety features that protect the user whilst maintaining cutting efficiency.

From delicate punch pliers for creating clean holes in leather or thin metal, through to robust strap cutters for heavy-duty industrial applications, this category covers the full spectrum of cutting and sawing requirements. Understanding which tool suits your specific material, cut type, and working environment is essential for achieving professional results whilst maximising tool longevity and maintaining workplace safety standards.

Jargon Buster

• TPI (Teeth Per Inch): A measurement indicating saw blade tooth density. Higher TPI (14-32) provides smoother cuts ideal for fine work and metal, whilst lower TPI (6-10) offers faster, more aggressive cutting through timber and plastic materials.
• Hardpoint Teeth: Saw teeth that have been heat-treated to increase hardness and edge retention. These teeth stay sharper for longer but cannot be resharpened once dulled, making them ideal for disposable or low-maintenance saws.
• Offset Jaws: A design feature in cutters and snips where the cutting blades are positioned below the handle line, allowing flush cutting against flat surfaces and improved visibility of the cutting line.
• Bypass Cutting Action: A scissor-like cutting mechanism where two sharp blades pass by each other, providing clean, precise cuts without crushing. Preferred for soft materials, cables, and applications requiring a neat finish.
• Compound Action: A leverage mechanism in cutters that multiplies cutting force through pivoting joints, enabling easier cutting through tough materials like bolts, wire rope, and reinforcement bar with reduced hand effort.
• HSS (High-Speed Steel): A tool steel alloy used in cutting blades and saw teeth that maintains hardness even at high temperatures, making it suitable for cutting metal and other hard materials without losing its edge.

Who Uses Cutting & Sawing Tools?

Cutting and sawing tools are essential across virtually every trade and profession:

• Carpenters and Joiners: Hand saws, knives, and precision cutting tools for timber work, laminate, and trim installation
• Electricians: Cable cutters, wire strippers, and scissors for working with electrical conduit and cabling
• Plumbers: Pipe cutters, hacksaws, and shears for copper, plastic, and steel pipework
• Roofers: Tin snips, shears, and specialist cutters for flashing, guttering, and roofing materials
• Landscapers: Pruning saws, shears, and heavy-duty cutters for working with wire, mesh, and garden materials
• HVAC Engineers: Sheet metal cutters, snips, and hole punches for ductwork fabrication and installation
• Shopfitters and Shopkeepers: Knives, cutters, and strap cutters for unpacking deliveries and merchandising
• General Builders: Comprehensive cutting tools for working across multiple materials on construction sites
• DIY Enthusiasts: Essential hand tools for home improvement, renovation, and maintenance projects

How to Choose the Right Cutting & Sawing Tools

Material Compatibility: Identify the primary materials you'll be cutting. Soft materials like plastic, rubber, and textiles require different blade geometries and cutting actions compared to metal, concrete, or composite materials. Check manufacturer specifications to ensure the tool is rated for your intended application.

Cutting Capacity: Consider the maximum thickness or diameter you need to cut. Tools are rated with specific capacities—selecting a cutter with inadequate capacity leads to poor results and potential tool damage. Allow some headroom beyond your typical requirements for occasional larger jobs.

Frequency of Use: Professional tradespeople working daily should invest in premium brands like Knipex, Bahco, or Stanley FatMax, which offer superior durability and comfort features. Occasional DIY users can opt for mid-range options that balance quality with value.

Ergonomics and Comfort: For repetitive cutting tasks, ergonomic handles with soft-grip materials significantly reduce hand fatigue and the risk of repetitive strain injuries. Test the grip if possible, ensuring it suits your hand size and the way you'll be working throughout the day.

Safety Features: Look for features like blade guards, safety locks, and finger protection. Spring-loaded return mechanisms on cutters and snips reduce hand strain whilst keeping fingers away from cutting edges during operation.

Blade Replaceability: Some cutting tools feature replaceable blades, extending the tool's working life and offering better long-term value. Utility knives and certain saws benefit from this feature, whilst many cutters and snips are designed as complete units.

Compact vs. Long-Handled Designs: Longer handles provide increased leverage for tougher cuts but reduce manoeuvrability in confined spaces. Consider your typical working environment—electricians working in consumer units need compact tools, whilst roofers benefit from extended reach.

Popular Accessories

• Replacement Blades: Keep spare blades for knives, saws, and replaceable-blade cutters to maintain cutting performance
• Blade Oils and Lubricants: Extend tool life and maintain smooth cutting action, particularly for metal-cutting applications
• Safety Gloves: Cut-resistant gloves rated to EN388 standards provide essential hand protection during cutting operations
• Tool Holsters and Pouches: Keep cutting tools secure and accessible on belts or in tool bags
• Sharpening Stones and Files: Maintain the edge on sharpenable blades and saws for optimal performance
• Safety Glasses: Essential PPE to protect eyes from flying debris during cutting and sawing tasks
• Measuring and Marking Tools: Tape measures, squares, and marking pencils ensure accurate cuts every time
• Workbenches and Sawhorses: Provide stable, safe work surfaces for cutting operations

Safety Information

Cutting and sawing tools, whilst essential, present significant injury risks if used improperly. Always follow HSE guidelines for hand tool use and ensure you've received appropriate training for specialist cutting equipment. Wear suitable PPE including safety glasses to protect against flying debris, and cut-resistant gloves rated to EN388 standards when handling sharp blades—though never wear gloves when operating power tools where they could become caught.

Maintain cutting tools in good condition—blunt blades require excessive force and are more likely to slip, causing accidents. Always cut away from your body and keep hands and fingers clear of the cutting line. Secure materials properly before cutting, using clamps or vices rather than holding pieces by hand. When changing blades or performing maintenance, ensure tools are properly isolated and locked out where applicable.

Store cutting tools safely with blade guards fitted or in dedicated tool rolls to prevent accidental contact. Keep tools away from edges where they might fall, and never leave sharp tools loose in pockets or bags. If working at height, use tool lanyards to prevent dropped tools, which pose serious risks to those below. Dispose of worn blades responsibly in sharps containers, and never attempt to catch a falling cutting tool—let it fall and retrieve it safely afterwards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between bypass and anvil cutting actions?

Bypass cutters work like scissors, with two sharp blades passing each other to provide clean, precise cuts without crushing—ideal for cables, plastics, and soft materials. Anvil cutters use a sharp blade cutting against a flat surface, offering more power for cutting tough or rigid materials but potentially causing some compression at the cut point. For most trade applications, bypass action is preferred for its cleaner finish.

How often should I replace cutting blades?

Replace blades when you notice they require significantly more force to cut, produce rough or torn edges, or begin to slip rather than cut cleanly. For utility knife blades used regularly, this might be several times per week. Hacksaw blades typically last for several cuts through metal before dulling. Maintaining sharp blades is crucial for both result quality and safety—blunt tools are dangerous tools.

Can I use the same saw for wood and metal?

Whilst some universal blades exist, dedicated saws for wood and metal provide far better results. Wood saws have larger, more aggressive teeth (lower TPI) for fast cutting through timber, whilst metal-cutting saws feature fine teeth (higher TPI) to prevent snagging. Using a wood saw on metal will quickly ruin the blade, whilst metal saws cut wood very slowly. Invest in specific tools for your primary materials.

Are expensive branded cutting tools worth the investment?

For professional tradespeople, premium brands like Knipex, Bahco, and Wera offer significantly better edge retention, more comfortable ergonomics, and greater durability under daily site use. The improved productivity and reduced replacement frequency typically justify the higher initial cost. DIY users working occasionally may find mid-range options from Stanley or Irwin offer the best value without compromising on essential quality.

What safety standards should professional cutting tools meet?

Look for tools manufactured to relevant BS EN standards, with clear CE marking indicating European conformity. Cutting tools should meet BS EN ISO hand tool standards where applicable. For trade use, ensure tools comply with HSE guidance for hand tool safety. Electrical cutting tools must meet UK 230V standards and carry appropriate safety certifications. Always purchase from reputable suppliers like TooledUp.com who stock genuine, standards-compliant products.