CRAFTSMAN 15-Inch Hand Saw: Best Budget Yard Saw!

CRAFTSMAN Hand Saw, 15-Inch (CMHT20880)
$10.99
Sharp, lightweight 15 in (38 cm) Craftsman hand saw that handles yard work, camping, and occasional cuts well. It can bend or need extra effort on hard wood and shows some quality variation, so avoid for heavy or pro use.
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07/31/2025 10:06 pm GMT

Specifications

Specifications
Details
Blade Length
15 in (38 cm). Good reach for general cuts while remaining easy to control.
TPI/PPI
8 TPI
Blade Material
High Speed Steel. Induction hardened teeth for long-lasting sharpness and fast, clean cuts.
Handle Type and Material
Ergonomic bi-material handle. Improves comfort and control.
Saw Type
Hand saw (manual). Intended for cutting wood, plastic, and laminate.
Cutting Angle / Set
45° and 90° (handle offers square and miter feature). Helps make square and miter cuts.
Weight
12.8 oz (363 g). Lightweight to reduce user fatigue.
Replaceable or Fixed Blade
Fixed blade

The Good

  • Sharpness: Fast, clean cutting reported by many reviewers, making yard work and small wood cuts quicker.
  • Value: Low price with reliable performance for occasional use makes it a good buy for nonprofessionals.
  • Portability: Small, lightweight design is easy to carry and use for yard work, camping, and quick jobs.
  • Comfort: Ergonomic bi-material handle noted as comfortable and giving good control during cuts.
  • Versatility: Works on branches, 2x4s, plastic, and laminate according to multiple users.
  • Brand trust: Craftsman name gave buyers confidence that the saw would be serviceable and durable.

The Bad

  • Sturdiness: Multiple reports say the blade bends or feels flimsy under heavier cuts, limiting tough jobs.
  • Effort: Several users said it takes a lot of elbow grease for thicker or harder wood.
  • Push binding: Multiple reviewers reported the saw pulls well but binds or stalls when pushing the blade.
  • Quality inconsistency: Some received dull or mis-set teeth, while others got very sharp blades, so results vary. [Inconsistent quality]
  • Not pro-grade: Reviewers warned it is not sturdy enough for regular trade or heavy carpentry work.
  • Packaging hazard: At least one report said the paper sleeve exposed teeth and caused a cut. [Unclear prevalence]
  • Handle/blade failures: A few isolated reports mention handle breakage or blade damage after light use. [Isolated reports]

What did others say?

The ergonomic handle was comfortable to grip during my testing process

popularmechanics.com

We were impressed by the Craftsman hand saw’s fast and accurate cutting ability

bobvila.com

Scores

Feature
Details
Scores (1-10)
Blade Length
15 in (38 cm)
2
TPI
8 TPI
6
Tooth Pattern
General Purpose
9
Blade Material
High Speed Steel
10
Weight
12.8 oz (363 g)
1
Overall Score
5.6/10
Learn how we scored it with the help of our tool!

How does it compare with others?

Hand Saw
Blade Length Sc. (1-10)
TPI Sc. (1-10)
Tooth Pattern Sc. (1-10)
Blade Material Sc. (1-10)
Weight Sc. (1-10)
Overall
Craftsman 15-inch Saw
2
6
9
10
1
5.6/10
2
8
9
10
1
6/10
2
6
10
10
1
5.8/10

Should you consider it?

CRAFTSMAN Hand Saw, 15-Inch (CMHT20880)
$10.99
Good for light, occasional cutting tasks.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
07/31/2025 10:06 pm GMT

Buy If:

  • You do yard work or prune small branches without power tools.
  • You want a sharp, low-cost saw for occasional wood, plastic, or laminate cuts.
  • You need a lightweight, portable saw for camping or quick jobs.
  • You prefer a comfortable, ergonomic grip for short to medium tasks.

Don’t Buy If:

  • You plan heavy daily carpentry or trade work.
  • You need to cut very hard or thick hardwoods often.
  • You require a saw that pushes smoothly; some units bind when pushing.
  • You expect consistent factory quality; some buyers received dull or mis-set teeth.

Overall, this Craftsman hand saw is a solid value for homeowners and hobbyists who need a portable, sharp tool for occasional work.

It falls short for pro or heavy use because of reports of bending, high effort on tougher wood, and inconsistent quality. Inspect the blade and packaging when it arrives and return if teeth or sturdiness are poor.

If you see any kind of mistake in our content, make sure to reach out to us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What materials can it cut?

The listing and product notes identify wood, plastic, and laminate as intended surfaces. Real-world use also includes yard work items such as green wood, small branches, cardboard, and common dimensional lumber (for example 2x4s).

It is sharp and fast on soft to medium woods and thin sheet materials, but it can require more effort and may bend or slow down on very hard or thick hardwoods.

Does it come with a blade guard?

No blade guard or hard sheath is specified in the product details. The packaging description shows only a paper sleeve that may leave part of the teeth exposed, and a separate protective sheath is not listed as a standard included accessory.

If a covered, rigid guard is required, it is not included.

Is this saw good for beginners?

Yes, for basic learning and light home tasks. The saw is lightweight, compact, and has an ergonomic bi-material handle that helps control and comfort during short cuts.

It is best for beginners working on yard pruning, camping tasks, or occasional small woodworking and trim jobs.

Avoid using it as the first tool for heavy carpentry or frequent cuts of hard lumber because it can bend, take extra effort, and show quality variation. Supervise inexperienced users and inspect the blade before use.

Can the handle be replaced?

The product information does not state that the handle is replaceable. The handle is described as an ergonomic bi-material molded grip, which implies a fixed factory assembly rather than a user-replaceable unit.

If a replaceable or modular handle is required, contact the manufacturer or choose a saw explicitly sold with replaceable handles.

Does it require assembly?

No assembly is required. The saw is a ready-to-use manual tool out of the package; only remove the packaging and any protective sleeve before use. Inspect the blade and packaging on arrival for exposed teeth or damage and handle carefully when removing covers.