Stanley 0-20-108 Fatmax 5-In-1 Hacksaw

The FatMax 5-in-1 hacksaw is a full-size hacksaw with a few upgrades. It can operate as a normal hacksaw, with the blade straight. Sliding open the catch on the bottom of the hacksaw handle exposes the tensioning nut, allowing you to change the tension in the blade.The blade can be removed and used at a 45-degree angle, useful for making cuts close to walls or other obstructions.This is where the similarities to standard hacksaws end, and the FatMax hacksaw brings in some of its own innovations. Once you have removed the hacksaw blade, the rubbery corner of the hacksaw can be pulled away. You will find a drywall blade stored in the top of the hacksaw with a retaining screw. Removing this screw allows you to combine the drywall blade and the part of the hacksaw you just pulled away to create a drywall saw.You can also take the hacksaw blade and feed it through where the drywall blade was held. This can be good for working in tight spaces, where you may not have enough space to get the hacksaw above of below the workpiece to cut it.And finally, you can position the hacksaw blade diagonally, from the base of the handle to the rubber corner (with the rubber corner itself removed).This doesn't cost much more than a good 'normal' hacksaw. Bahco do a high quality hacksaw, with comfortable grips like the FatMax, for about £16. For a little more cash, you can get these extra functions all in one package.Something you might worry about when looking at this is how stable the saw is while cutting. It's a hacksaw that splits into two pieces, and when stored under low blade tension, the part that makes the drywall saw handle is a bit loose. However, when the blade is fully tensioned for cutting, the whole frame is completely solid.Not sure if it was DeWalt or Stanley that invented this design, because DeWalt sells what looks like the exact same saw in the States. I think FatMax is what Stanley Black and Decker brands DeWalt hand tools outside of the states.I think this is a fantastic bit of kit at a reasonable price. Buying all of these saws separately, at good quality, will cost more than one of these. The best thing about it, is that it does all of these jobs without sacrificing quality. It's comfortable to use and very innovative. I'd recommend it as a buy to anyone.

Firstly the one slight downside for an excellent hacksaw. It’s the heaviest hacksaw I’ve ever had in three decades as a mechanical engineer. See, though, it’s SO sturdy and the weight and comfort to hold helps make cutting steel and cutting it straight far closer to effortless. The several configurations are extremely useful for getting into tight places, say above ceilings, close pipes, etc. This means you may be able to LOSE weight from your toolkit by carrying fewer types of saw. It also comes with an integral padsaw blade and the frame transforms accordingly. If you use a padsaw a lot you’ll want a separate one anyway as changing back and forward would be too much of a faff. I’d highly recommend this hacksaw, it’s a beauty.

No instructions or guidance are provided to help you work out the features of this product, so don't feel confused if you can't work out 'what to do'. The product is essentially made up of two main components - those being the lighter black handle (on the left of the image) and the main yellow frame that can also be used in a similar manner. Separating these two parts requires an initial tug-of-war, so try rocking the frame left and right to loosen it. Also, be careful you don't fling you arm around and damage something (although I'm only the woman of the house will care about it!)Despite operating as a standard hacksaw in it's original state (with both 90 degree and 45 degree cutting angles), removing the two components gives you a heck of a lot of freedom, and is of course the main selling point of this product. I'm currently building models out of styrofoam and have had no luck finding to something to cut away large blocks. This Stanley FatMax on the other hand does the job, because I can now use the black handle component, attach a blade of my choice and just saw away like a bread knife. Using the yellow frame just gives you a bit more leverage incase you use larger blades.In typical Stanley fashion, this is also a very well made product is just about worth its retail price, feeling solid and at least on close inspection, not exposing any weaknesses or design flaws. The connectivity between black and yellow components could ideally be smoother, but it's difficult to know how this would be achieved without complicating the design and making it more prone to breakages.This is a man's-man tool and something that everyone should have. It's such a joy to use that you'll end up walking around the house looking for stuff to fiddle with!

Excellent hacksaw with weight makes cutting light work

I think this saw is brilliant. I bought my first one from Screwfix for a few jobs around the house I needed to do, however I was so please with it I bought a second one off of Amazon, because it was cheaper, yo use at work.Robust saw and with its ability to be easily changed into different shapes and sizes it is perfect for getting into all kinds of different places. It also comes with a "scabbard" like saw for cutting/pruning wood. though I wouldn't recommend using it for neat cuts. More cutting through bits of branch, quickly cutting timber etc.The only thing I cannot comment on is the durability of the blade, it have used it a few times but only chopping off bolts or through pipe with out any problem and was excellent at cutting some plastic guttering for the shed.Well worth the money, don't waste your time with cheaper saws. this is a great tool.Would buy again, would recommend

This is a very sturdy product. The options to use it in different arrangements is quite useful. I have already used it in more that 1 way. The spare blade holder is good too. Very pleased.

Works will nice and solid cut through a peice of metal angle no bother 👍