A jab saw is a saw used for making small cuts and cutting precise features in building materials. It’s usually long and narrow in structure and is also known as a drywall saw, hand saw (best ones here), keyhole saw, alligator saw, or pad saw.
The jab saw has a pointed nose to push or jab through the soft building materials. This will get rid of the drilling in drywall or plasterboard, and that’s also the reason why it’s called a jab saw.
It’s not just a great saw for drywall and plaster though. It can also be used as a hand saw for trimming, pruning, and cutting through wood (for example, cut a pegboard).
The sharp tooth technology on a jab saw (we’ve reviewed the best models here) allows for cuts to be made on both the push and pull strokes. This makes the saw cut up to 50% faster than traditional tooth designs.
The tool is very sharp. You need to make sure you handle it properly and safely. It requires storing in a safe place; out of reach of children or sticking out anywhere where someone could be hurt.
In this post we'll cover:
Why a Jab Saw is an Essential Tool for DIYers and Builders
A jab saw is a type of saw that has a narrow blade with teeth that are designed for cutting through materials that are difficult to cut with a traditional saw. The blade is typically made of steel and is fixed or retractable, allowing you to poke it through tight spaces and make accurate cuts. The teeth of a jab saw are usually coarse and aggressive, making it suitable for cutting through heavy materials like metal, wood, plastic, and gypsum.
What a Jab Saw is Used For
A jab saw is an essential tool for DIYers and builders because it allows you to make accurate cuts in materials that are difficult to cut with a traditional saw. Some of the most common uses for a jab saw include:
- Cutting holes in drywall and gypsum for repairing or adding electrical boxes and cutouts.
- Cutting pipes and other materials that are difficult to cut with a traditional saw.
- Making rabbets and dadoes in wood and other materials.
- Ripping and crosscutting sheets of dimensional lumber.
What to Look for When Buying a Jab Saw
When purchasing a jab saw, there are several factors to consider, including:
- The type of material you will be cutting.
- The size and shape of the blade.
- The grip and handles of the saw.
- The tooth count and design of the blade.
- Whether the saw is portable, benchtop, or stationary.
What Can You Do With a Jab Saw?
The jab saw is an ideal tool for cutting through tight spaces that other saws can’t reach. Its short blade and angled tip allow for precision cutting in small areas.
Creating Clean Edges
The jab saw is designed to create clean edges in a variety of materials. It is commonly used for cutting through wood, MDF, plywood, plaster, and metal.
Trimming Electrical Boxes
One of the most common uses for a jab saw is trimming electrical boxes. The saw’s short blade and sharp point make it the perfect tool for creating precise cuts in delicate areas.
Producing Compound Shapes
The jab saw is also an excellent choice for creating compound shapes. Its ability to produce angled cuts allows for the creation of shapes that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with a regular saw.
Performing Precision Cuts
The jab saw is a professional-grade tool that is available in a variety of models. Depending on your specific needs, you can choose a jab saw with different blade types, lengths, and shapes to perform accurate and precise cuts.
Substitutes and Lacks
While there are substitutes for the jab saw, such as the keyhole saw or drywall saw, they lack the features and precision of the jab saw. Standard models of the jab saw typically have multiple blades to choose from, allowing for different types of cuts and materials to be used.
Helpful Tips
When using a jab saw, it’s important to start slowly and carefully to increase accuracy. The saw should be pushed or pulled depending on the material being cut, and the handle should be held firmly to allow for maximum control. Always make sure the blade is sharp and of high quality to ensure clean cuts.
Choosing the Perfect Jab Saw: What to Consider
When looking for a jab saw, the blade and handle design are crucial factors to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Blades come in different lengths and types, so choose one that is suitable for the work you’ll be doing.
- Make sure the blade is sharp and can cut through a variety of materials effortlessly.
- The handle should be comfortable to hold and provide a firm grip to enable accurate cutting.
- Consider the size and weight of the tool, as a lightweight and smaller jab saw is easier to use for trimming and cutting in tight spaces.
- Look for a handle with a traditional or unique design that allows for a comfortable grip and increased control, especially when working for extended periods.
Features and Versatility
A good jab saw should have features that make it versatile and suitable for different types of cutting jobs. Here are some things to look for:
- Choose a jab saw that offers multiple cutting angles, bevels, and counts, as this will enable you to make accurate cuts according to your needs.
- Look for a jab saw that can cut through a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plaster, and MDF.
- Consider a jab saw that has an extended tip, which makes it easier to cut through difficult materials and reach tight spaces.
- Choose a jab saw that has a super-sharp blade that requires minimal sharpening, making it an essential tool in your supply kit.
- Look for a jab saw that has a lifetime warranty, as this ensures that you get the best service and value for your money.
Safety and Maintenance
Safety and maintenance are essential factors to consider when choosing a jab saw. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Choose a jab saw that has a firm grip and enables you to apply the required force without slipping or causing injury.
- Look for a jab saw that has a pocket-friendly design, making it easy to store and carry around.
- Ensure that the jab saw is easy to clean and maintain, as this will increase its service life and keep it in good condition.
- Keep the jab saw away from water and moisture, as this can cause the blade to rust and the handle to become dark and slippery.
- Sharpen the blade regularly to ensure that it remains sharp and equally ground, enabling accurate cutting and trimming.
Remember, a decent jab saw doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, but it should deliver great results and make your work easier and more efficient.
What Materials Can You Cut with a Jab Saw?
If you’re looking for a versatile cutting tool that can handle a variety of materials, a jab saw is a great choice to add to your arsenal. But is it suitable for cutting wood, MDF, plywood, plaster, or metal? Let’s find out.
Materials You Can Cut
A jab saw is a versatile tool that can cut through a variety of materials, including:
- Wood: A jab saw is perfect for trimming small pieces of wood or making accurate cuts in tight spaces. The short blade length and unique design make it easier to control and deliver smooth cuts.
- MDF and Plywood: These materials are usually used in construction and can be difficult to cut with a normal saw. A jab saw can effortlessly cut through them, making it an essential tool for any DIY project.
- Plaster: If you need to cut a hole in a plaster wall, a jab saw is the perfect tool for the job. The sharp tip and extended blade size make it easier to make accurate cuts without damaging the surrounding material.
- Metal: While a jab saw is not usually the first choice for cutting metal, it can be done with the right blade. Make sure to choose a blade that is suitable for cutting metal and be sure to use proper safety measures.
Choosing the Right Blade
When it comes to cutting different materials with a jab saw, the type of blade you use is crucial. Here are some things to consider:
- Blade length: Depending on the material you’re cutting, you may need a longer or shorter blade. Make sure to choose a blade that is suitable for the job.
- Blade type: There are different types of blades available for a jab saw, including fine-toothed blades for smoother cuts and coarse blades for faster cutting.
- Bevel: Some blades come with a bevel, which allows you to make angled cuts. If you need to make angled cuts, make sure to choose a blade with a bevel.
- Sharpening: Some blades are designed to be sharpened, while others are disposable. If you plan on using your jab saw frequently, it may be worth investing in a set of blades that can be sharpened.
Jab Saw vs Drywall Saw: Which One to Choose?
When it comes to cutting drywall, you have two main options: jab saw and drywall saw. While both tools are designed to cut through drywall, they have some key differences that you need to consider before making a purchase.
Here are some of the basic differences between jab saws and drywall saws:
- Blade: Jab saws have a pointed blade that is ideal for making small, precise cuts. Drywall saws, on the other hand, have a longer, straighter blade that is better suited for making longer cuts.
- Handle: Jab saws have a small handle that is designed to be held in one hand. Drywall saws have a larger handle that is designed to be held with both hands.
- Design: Jab saws are designed to be used in tight spaces, while drywall saws are better suited for larger areas.
- Type of cut: Jab saws are ideal for making circular cuts, while drywall saws are better suited for making straight cuts.
Which One is Better for Drywall?
When it comes to cutting drywall, both jab saws and drywall saws have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are some things to consider when deciding which one to use:
- Jab saws are great for making small, precise cuts in tight spaces. If you need to make a lot of small cuts, a jab saw might be the better choice.
- Drywall saws are better suited for making longer cuts in larger areas. If you need to make a lot of long cuts, a drywall saw might be the better choice.
- If you’re not sure which one to choose, a jab saw is a good all-around tool that can handle a variety of cutting tasks.
Features to Consider
When shopping for a jab saw or drywall saw, there are a number of features to consider. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Blade quality: Look for a tool with a high-quality steel blade that will stay sharp for longer.
- Handle design: Make sure the handle is comfortable to hold and allows for easy maneuvering.
- Locking mechanism: Some models have a locking mechanism that can help protect the blade when not in use.
- Brand reputation: Look for a brand with a good reputation for creating high-quality tools.
- Range of cuts: Consider the range of cuts you need to make and choose a tool that is dedicated to exactly what you need.
- Convenience: Look for a tool that is easy to use and feels good in your hand.
Jab Saw vs Keyhole Saw: Which One to Choose?
Both jab saws and keyhole saws have blades with teeth that are designed to cut through wood, plastic, and drywall. A jab saw would be used to cut keyholes and so the two names are interchangeable.
Conclusion
So there you have it- a jab saw is a type of saw with a narrow blade and teeth designed to cut materials that are difficult to cut with a traditional saw.
You can use a jab saw for cutting holes in drywall, gypsum, repairing adding electrical boxes, cutting pipes, and materials difficult to cut with a traditional saw making rabbets, dadoes, wood, and materials ripping and crosscutting sheets of dimensional lumber.
As long as you’re careful and use the right jab saw for the job, you can accomplish just about anything!
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.
