Saws & Files

Saws and files for electricians are hand-cutting tools used to cut conduit, trunking, threaded rod, cable tray and plasterboard cleanly on site. The range covers the C.K quick change 12" hacksaw, C.K junior hacksaw, C.K Sabretooth plasterboard saw and a 150mm plasterboard saw, with C.K 12" 32TPI hacksaw blades in packs of three and junior blades in packs of ten.

Keep spare blades on the van so a blunt one never holds up the job. Trade pricing is available, and in-stock orders before 5pm on weekdays reach NI and ROI the following working day.

T0934R 1232 In-Stock

C.K Hacksaw Blades 300mm (12in) 32TPI Pack of 3 T0934R 1232

£10.60 inc. VAT

CK's Plasterboard Saw by Meteor Electrical

T0831 In-Stock

C.K Plasterboard Saw 150mm T0831

£7.67 inc. VAT

T0814 In-Stock

C.K Heavy Duty Quick Change Hacksaw 300mm (12") T0814

£43.10 inc. VAT

T0832 In-Stock

C.K Sabretooth Plasterboard Saw 150mm 8 TPI T0832

£21.29 inc. VAT

T0834 In-Stock

C.K Junior Hacksaw 150mm T0834

£7.85 inc. VAT

T0835 In-Stock

C.K Junior Hacksaw Blades 150mm Pack of 10 T0835

£5.48 inc. VAT

How to choose the right saw for electrical work

A handful of hand saws covers most cutting an electrician does, from trimming PVC conduit to cutting openings for downlights and back boxes. The key is matching the blade to the material.

Types of saw

Hacksaws – a full-size 12" hacksaw cuts steel conduit, trunking, tray, threaded rod and SWA. A quick change frame lets you swap blades in seconds.
Junior hacksaws – compact and light for smaller cuts in tight spaces, such as trimming PVC mini trunking or small fixings.
Plasterboard saws – pointed, coarse-toothed blades that can be pushed through board to start a cut, ideal for cutting back box and downlight apertures.

Choosing blades by TPI

Teeth per inch (TPI) determines the finish and the material a blade suits. A 32TPI blade gives a fine, controlled cut on thin-walled steel conduit, trunking and tube. Coarser 18–24TPI blades cut faster in thicker metal and plastics. As a rule, aim to have at least three teeth in contact with the material at all times so the blade does not snag.

Cutting tips

Tension the blade properly with teeth facing forward, let the saw do the work with long, steady strokes and support the workpiece to prevent vibration. Always deburr cut conduit and trunking with a file or reamer so sharp edges cannot damage cable insulation. When cutting into walls or ceilings, check for hidden cables and pipes first.

Related products

See steel conduit and plastic trunking for containment, or conduit cutters for quick square cuts in PVC.

Meteor Electrical has been family-run for over 40 years. Orders above £30 or €35 ex VAT ship free, or collect from the Cookstown trade counter.

FAQ's Ask Your Own Question

What TPI hacksaw blade should I use for steel conduit?: A 32TPI blade is a good choice for thin-walled steel conduit, trunking and tube because the fine teeth keep several in contact with the wall, giving a smooth cut without snagging. For thicker solid steel, a coarser 24TPI blade cuts faster. The C.K 12" 32TPI blades in this range suit most electrical containment work.
Which way should hacksaw blade teeth face?: Hacksaw blade teeth should point forward, away from the handle, so the saw cuts on the push stroke. Tension the blade firmly in the frame so it does not flex or wander. A loose or backwards blade cuts slowly, drifts off line and is more likely to snap, which can cause injury.
How do I cut a hole in plasterboard for a back box?: Mark around the back box or use a template, check for cables and pipes behind the board, then push a pointed plasterboard saw such as the C.K Sabretooth through a corner and cut along the lines. Keep the hole tight to the marked size so dry-lining boxes grip properly. A holesaw is quicker for round downlight openings.
When should I use a junior hacksaw?: A junior hacksaw is ideal for light cuts in confined spaces, such as trimming mini trunking, small diameter PVC conduit, plastic capping or small bolts. It is lighter and easier to control than a full-size hacksaw but slower on larger steel sections. Many electricians carry both, along with a pack of spare junior blades.
How do I stop hacksaw blades snapping?: Keep the blade correctly tensioned, use steady full-length strokes, avoid twisting the frame and ease off pressure as you finish the cut. Choose the right TPI so at least three teeth are in the material, and clamp the work securely. Starting a new blade in an old cut can also cause binding, so start a fresh kerf where possible.
Can I order hacksaw blades in bulk?: Hacksaw blades in this range come in multipacks, with C.K 12" 32TPI blades in packs of three and junior blades in packs of ten. Trade account holders can order larger quantities at trade prices. In-stock packs ordered by 5pm Monday to Friday are delivered next working day to NI and ROI addresses.