When it comes to cutting metal, plastic, or small household materials, a junior hacksaw is one of the most versatile and affordable tools you can own.
In the UK, DIY continues to grow in 2026, with more homeowners, hobbyists, and trade apprentices looking for reliable tools. Ideally it is always better if they meet British standards and suit UK‑specific tasks.
This includes plumbing repairs in older British homes to model making and even GCSE Design & Technology projects.
Enda holding a junior hacksaw when I was cutting some metal carpet trim
All hacksaws have a standard frame and handle with a blade along the bottom. They are all 6″ long (150mm) and the main difference is in the handle type. The cheaper and basic hacksaws have a standard grip, and the better ones have a pistol grip. You can see the difference in the handle types just below.
Junior Hacksaw Handle Types
Standard Grip
Pistol Grip
What is a Junior Hacksaw Used For?
Junior hacksaws are mainly used to cut small metal or plastic pipes, tubing or metal and plastic conduit. Many homeowners also use these to cut curtain rail poles and carpet trims. Junior hacksaws can also be used to cut wood and plastic.
They are smaller and fit easier into a tool bag or tool box. They are also lighter to carry around. As they are half the size of a standard hacksaw, they can also reach into places where a larger hacksaw can’t get to.
How much do junior hacksaws cost?
In the UK, they range in price from as little as £3 and go up to £35. The price varies depending which brand you buy, the type of frame you prefer, and the overall quality of the hacksaw. A pack of junior hacksaw blades cost around £2-3 for a pack of 10 blades.
Top 5 Junior Hacksaws
Below is a comparison of the most popular and best rated junior hacksaws available from UK retailers such as Screwfix, Toolstation, B&Q, Wickes, Amazon UK and other local DIY stores.
Rank | Name | UK Price Range (2026) | Best For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | £8-£12 | Precision cutting | High‑tension frame, premium blade, ergonomic grip | |
2 | £5-£8 | Everyday UK DIY use | Strong steel frame, reliable UK brand | |
3 | £6-£10 | Heavy duty cutting | Reinforced frame, comfortable handle | |
| 4 | £10-£15 | Electrical & specialist work | VDE‑style insulation, high safety rating | |
5 | £4-£7 | Budget Buyers & Hobbyists | Lightweight, bright design, good for crafts |
1. Bahco 268 Mini Hacksaw
Best Overall UK 2026
This is the junior hacksaw I would recommend for UK homeowners as it is very good quality at a sensible price.
Why Buy This One?
It has a solid steel frame that has been zinc plated which prevents rust and means it will last longer, especially if kept in a cold UK garage or shed.
Easy to Use
- The pistol style handle is made from hard plastic and formed with finger grips to make holding the saw much easier and more comfortable for users
- I found that adjusting and changing the blade is fast as it has a simple blade tensioning wheel at the rear of the blade.
- It comes with one blade that is 32TPI and made from an alloy.
Pros
- High‑tension frame for straighter cuts
- I found this to be premium blade quality
- Excellent for fine and detailed work
Cons
- Slightly pricier than basic models, but in my opinion, worth that little bit extra
Check the Price for the Bahco mini at Amazon UK
2. Eclipse Professional Tools 70-14JR Junior Hacksaw
BEST VALUE UK
This is one of the biggest selling junior hacksaws in the UK and that is mainly down to the low price.
Why Buy This One?
This Eclipse model has a basic frame that is made from steel which has an epoxy coating that will help prevent it from rusting. That means it will last longer
Easy to Use
- It comes fitted with a metal cutting blade that has 32TPI which is standard for a junior hacksaw that cuts metal
- The blade can be replaced by squeezing the frame inwards and popping the blade off and then replacing it (I found this to be fiddly, and you need decent hand strength to squeeze the frame)
Pros
- Strong steel frame
- Comfortable handle
- I found it very easy to find replacement blades in the UK
Cons
- Not as premium as Bahco for precision work
- Not ideal for anyone with arthritic hands as blade changing can be difficult and needs hand strength
Check Amazon UK for this Eclipse model price.
3. Irwin 10504409 Junior Mini Heavy Duty Hacksaw
BEST HEAVY DUTY
The Irwin brand are known for making high quality tools and their junior hacksaw is no exception.
Why Buy This One?
This is classed as a heavy duty junior hacksaw but I believe also very good value for money.
Easy to Use
- It has a solid steel frame with a neatly shaped and contoured handle that makes this one very comfortable to use
- A key feature of this one is how easy it is to adjust the tension using the screw which also makes changing blades really quick
- I found this one well engineered and very well made.
Pros
- Reinforced frame for heavy duty cutting
- Comfortable grip
- Durable blade tensioning system
Cons
- Slightly heavier than standard junior hacksaws
Check Amazon UK for a price on the Irwin Junior
4. Wiha SB 246 Injection Insulating Junior Hacksaw
BEST FOR ELECTRICIANS & TRADES
Based on my research, this jigsaw is one of the highest rated by buyers in the UK, with the downside being that is also one of the most expensive.
Why Buy This One?
The reason is that it is used mainly by electricians and has an insulated handle, which offers full protection up to 1,000 volts. This saw is mainly used to cut cable ducts, conduit, armoured cable or pipes
Easy to Use:
- It has a small screw near the handle making it easy to use as it allows for the fast changing of blades
- It has a very strong and sturdy frame
- The bright colours make it easy to find in your tool bag.
Pros
- Insulated handle for added safety
- High‑quality German engineering
- Excellent for electrical and technical trades
Cons
- More expensive due to specialist design
Check Price of the Wiha at Amazon UK
5. Presch Junior Hacksaw
BEST SELLER ONLINE UK
Based on my research, this Presch junior hacksaw is currently the best seller online in the UK
Why Buy This One?
The handle is a pistol style and has been rubberised for more comfort and better grip.
Easy to Use
- The blade is one of the best on the UK market and is made from a combination of High Speed and High carbon steel and the points of the teeth have been hardened.
- The frame is made from steel and it has a tensioning screw which works really well and also allows for fast and easy blade changes.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Lightweight and easy to control
- Good for crafts, plastics, and light metal
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy duty cutting
Check Amazon UK for the Price of this Presch option
Junior Hacksaw UK Buying Guide
We like to include a buying guide as it can really help people, unfamiliar with tools, to fully understand products and to help find the best one for their own needs.
Common UK DIY Tasks
Junior hacksaws are ideal for:
- Cutting copper pipes and plastic pipes including electrical conduit
- Trimming PVC waste pipes
- Cutting bolts and screws
- Cutting metal trim used when fitting carpets or wooden floors
- Model making and school projects
What is the best hacksaw to buy?
There are 3 different types of hacksaw:
- Standard hacksaw – this hacksaw is 12″ long (300mm) – designed for heavier metal cutting. Read more about standard hacksaws here.
- Junior hacksaw – this hacksaw is 6″ long (150mm) and fits neatly inside a tool bag or tool box and better for smaller jobs
- Mini hacksaw – with both the standard and junior hacksaw you are limited in the cutting depth which is the distance between the blade and the frame. Mini hacksaws don’t have a frame so they allow you to reach difficult to reach positions
Component Parts of a Junior Hacksaw
Frame – the frames of pistol grip junior hacksaws are made from steel and usually coated with either zinc or epoxy to prevent them from rusting. The frames of standard grip junior hacksaws are made from sprung steel which is more flexible as you have to squeeze the frame in to change the blade.
- Handle – The frames on pistol grip junior hacksaws are usually made from a hard plastic with finger grips. Some have a rubber handle which makes them more comfortable. The handle of the standard grip is the same as the frame and made from spring steel.
- Blade – All junior hacksaws use a 6″ blade (150mm) As these are designed primarily to cut metal, they will have 32 teeth per inch (32TPI). These blades only cut on the push stroke. Most UK stores stock 150mm blades and choosing a saw that fits this standard ensures easy replacements.
- Cutting depth – With a junior hacksaw, the depth you can cut is limited by the distance between the top of the blade to the bottom of the frame as shown above.
- Adjustment screw – This screw can be loosened and tightened to adjust the tension on the blade, When fully loosened it allows you to change the blade.
Expert Tip:In the UK, some imported models use non‑standard sizes, which can be a pain when you need replacement blades. Just be aware of this as in the UK it is easy to buy these blades in standard size of 6″ (150mm)
Which Type of Junior Hacksaw is Best?
Your choice will always come down to the task that you need it to do. All of these small junior hacksaws are designed to cut most materials, especially plastic and light metals. The pistol grip style is easier and more comfortable to use and offers more control.
A major complaint with all junior hacksaws is that they can feel quite fiddly in the hand. Pistol grips improve that a lot though anyone with larger hands may still find these hard to work with. Likewise, if you are wearing gloves this can get even more difficult.
Where to Buy Junior Hacksaws in the UK
Popular UK retailers include:
- Screwfix
- Toolstation
- B&Q
- Wickes
- Amazon UK
- Local independent hardware stores
FAQ
Q. What is the best junior hacksaw in the UK?
In my opinion, the Bahco 268 Mini Hacksaw is the top choice for 2026 due to its precision and durability.
Q. What size blade does a junior hacksaw use in the UK?
The UK standard is 150mm (6 inches). Just be aware some cheaper junior hacksaws may use non-standard sizes.
Q. Can a junior hacksaw cut metal?
Yes, but they are designed for light metal cutting.
Q. Are junior hacksaw blades universal?
Most 150mm blades are interchangeable, but always check the frame design.
Q. What TPI (teeth per inch) is best?
- 24–32 TPI for metal
- 18–24 TPI for plastic
Q. Where can I buy replacement blades in the UK?
Most UK hardware stores stock 150mm blades, including Screwfix, Toolstation, and B&Q.