There are many different types of saws designed for some specific use. Pad saw is one such popular hand saw commonly used for cutting small building materials.

Pad saws:

A pad saw is called by many different names. It is most commonly known as keyhole saw, because of its efficiency in dealing with awkward cutting objects. It is also known as jab saw. Pad saws are designed in special ways that permit them to work efficiently. Their specialty lies in cutting short radius curves, which are also very similar to compass saws. They are long and narrow in shape and are available in two major varieties, which are retractable blade saws and fixed blade saws. They have blades ranging from 11 to 16 inches long. Pad saws cut on the pull stroke and as they have sharp teeth, they can make good clean cuts. In retractable variety, the saw has the facility to retract the blade to an optimal level. To make this operation possible, the retractable saws have cast handle iron, though in some rare cases, wooden handles can also be found. Both the retractable and fixed type of saws work equally effectively though the fixed type of saw is the most popular among the two due to its simplicity and need of very little management. Also, retractable saws are very complex in design with a great many parts. This can create a problem while shipping the saws and reassembling. Many people therefore prefer fixed blade saw. To combat this problem many variations in the original designs have been made.

Maintenance and care:

Pad saws are durable and can require very little maintenance if they are handled and cared for properly. However they can dull with age and therefore need to be sharpened or replaced. Older saws require more maintenance and repairs as compared to the newer varieties. Retractable saw blades could be easily replaced rather than sharpened. This can save a lot of efforts and can provide your saw with new set of teeth. As the blades are narrow and thin, they are in the danger of bending if used inappropriately. To reduce maintenance and repairs buying quality saws is very necessary.

This multipurpose tool is therefore one of the most important and essential tool in any handyman's working kit.