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.
This review is also available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R3099EG2F4NJOC/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm
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