Indeed, many lists of the basic tools apprentices need include a hacksaw frame that can accommodate blades to cut metal and PVC conduits, sheet metal, plastics and other materials. Easy-to-carry keyhole or jab saws are excellent for quickly cutting wall board. Manual saws are also good for cutting rigid foam insulation with much less mess than a power saw. "Manual saws are great when there is no power or a battery dies," said Aaron Jones, senior product manager at DeWalt, Towson, Md. "Electricians often use jab/drywall saws for remodel work such as adding lights, switches and outlets to existing structures. Hacksaws are commonly used for cutting conduit. Because they tend to be smaller and lighter, they are a great primary tool for making a few quick cuts, or when there's a need to be very mobile. Moving around the site, it is a lot easier to keep a 3-ounce jab saw in a pouch to quickly open up a hole in drywall than to carry a power saw on the hip." Reciprocating cordless saws powered by lithium-ion batteries, and many with brushless motors, have become lighter without sacrificing power. Compact cordless band saws have achieved immediate popularity. "Innovation in cordless battery cells, electronics and brushless motors have taken the cordless world from its early stages to now where we see entire job sites going cordless only," said Nate Pellerin, vice president of marketing forthe powertools group at DeWalt. "This has helped reduce the need for temporary power setups, gas generators and air hoses and cords, which can be costly and create tripping hazards on a job site."
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