For general work, how many teeth per inch does a hacksaw blade typically have?

For general work, a hacksaw blade typically has 18 teeth per inch. This number of teeth strikes a balance that enables effective cutting across a variety of materials such as metal and plastic. The configuration of having 18 teeth per inch allows for a smoother cutting action while still providing enough teeth to engage with the material, which helps prevent the blade from binding and allows for efficient chip removal. This makes it a versatile choice for general-purpose cutting tasks.

In contrast, blades with fewer teeth per inch (such as 14) may be better for tougher materials or faster cuts but can lead to rougher edges. Blades with a higher number of teeth per inch (such as 24 or 30) are generally more suitable for thin or softer materials, providing a finer finish but can become clogged when cutting through denser materials. Thus, the selection of 18 teeth per inch for general work is based on its adaptability and effectiveness across a wide range of applications.