Important Safety Information
WARNING: Always wear approved eye protection when using hacksaw blades.
CAUTION: Never use on or near live electrical circuits. This product is not insulated against electrical shock.
Handle blades with care to prevent cuts. Store blades safely when not in use.
Product Overview
The Klein Tools 1218BI Bi-Metal Hacksaw Blades are designed for durability and efficient cutting across various materials. These 12-inch blades feature special high-speed steel teeth fused to a regular carbon-steel body, providing superior cutting performance and extended life. They are engineered to withstand greater saw tension, reducing blade flexing during use. This product comes in a 100-pack.
Image: A pack of Klein Tools 1218BI Bi-Metal Hacksaw Blades, highlighting features like 18 TPI and 12-inch length.
Key Features:
- Bi-Metal Construction: Special high-speed steel teeth fused to a carbon-steel body for superior cutting and longer life.
- Reduced Flexing: Designed to withstand greater saw tension for less blade flexing.
- Length: 12-Inch (305 mm) overall length.
- Teeth Per Inch (TPI): 18 TPI for general purpose cutting.
- Quantity: Available in a 100-pack.
Setup and Installation
Proper installation of the hacksaw blade is essential for safe and effective operation.
- Select the Correct Blade: Ensure the 1218BI blade is appropriate for your hacksaw frame and the material you intend to cut.
- Orient the Blade: Position the blade so that the teeth point forward, away from the handle, to cut on the push stroke.
- Insert Blade Pins: Align the holes at each end of the blade with the pins on your hacksaw frame.
- Tension the Blade: Tighten the tensioning mechanism on your hacksaw frame until the blade is taut. A properly tensioned blade will produce a clear, high-pitched ping when plucked. Avoid over-tensioning, which can damage the blade or frame, and under-tensioning, which can cause the blade to bend or bind.
- Verify Security: Double-check that the blade is securely held at both ends and properly tensioned before beginning work.
Image: A Klein Tools hacksaw blade being installed into a hacksaw frame, showing the correct orientation and tensioning process.
Operating Instructions
Follow these guidelines for effective and safe cutting with your hacksaw and Klein Tools 1218BI blades.
- Secure Workpiece: Always clamp the material firmly in a vise or with clamps to prevent movement during cutting.
- Starting the Cut: Begin the cut with a light, steady pressure on the push stroke. Use your thumb as a guide to start the cut, then remove it once a groove is established.
- Cutting Motion: Apply pressure only on the forward (push) stroke. Lift the blade slightly or relieve pressure on the return (pull) stroke to prevent dulling the teeth prematurely.
- Full Blade Use: Use the full length of the blade with each stroke to maximize efficiency and distribute wear evenly across the teeth.
- Maintain Angle: Keep the hacksaw at a consistent angle to the workpiece.
- Cooling: For harder materials, a cutting fluid can help cool the blade and improve cutting efficiency and blade life.
- Avoid Bending: Do not twist or bend the blade during cutting, as this can cause the blade to bind, break, or dull rapidly.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance extends the life of your hacksaw blades and ensures consistent performance.
- Cleaning: After use, wipe the blade clean of any debris or metal shavings. A stiff brush can be used for stubborn residue.
- Storage: Store blades in a dry environment to prevent rust. Keep them in their original packaging or a dedicated blade holder to protect the teeth and prevent accidental injury.
- Inspection: Regularly inspect blades for signs of wear, such as dull teeth, bent sections, or cracks. Replace worn or damaged blades immediately.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Blade binds or sticks in material. | Insufficient blade tension, incorrect cutting angle, or material not securely clamped. | Increase blade tension, adjust cutting angle, ensure workpiece is firmly clamped. |
| Blade breaks frequently. | Over-tensioning, twisting the blade, or using excessive pressure. | Reduce blade tension slightly, maintain a straight cutting motion, apply consistent but not excessive pressure. |
| Blade dulls quickly. | Applying pressure on the return stroke, cutting too fast, or using the wrong TPI for the material. | Only apply pressure on the push stroke, reduce cutting speed, ensure blade TPI matches material (18 TPI is general purpose). |
| Uneven or crooked cuts. | Inconsistent pressure, blade not straight, or workpiece moving. | Maintain steady pressure, ensure blade is properly tensioned and straight, secure workpiece firmly. |
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | 1218BI |
| Blade Length | 12 Inches (305 mm) |
| Teeth Per Inch (TPI) | 18 |
| Blade Material | Bi-Metal (High-speed steel teeth fused to carbon-steel body) |
| Color | Blue finish |
| Item Weight | Approximately 1.85 kg (for 100-pack) |
| Package Quantity | 100-Pack |
| Manufacturer | Klein Tools |
Warranty Information
Klein Tools offers a lifetime warranty on material defects and workmanship for the normal life of the product. This warranty covers defects in materials and manufacturing under normal use. It does not cover damage resulting from misuse, abuse, alteration, or normal wear and tear.
For specific warranty claims or questions, please refer to the official Klein Tools warranty policy or contact their customer support.
Support and Contact
Should you have any questions, require technical assistance, or need to report an issue with your Klein Tools 1218BI Bi-Metal Hacksaw Blades, please contact Klein Tools customer support.
Visit the official Klein Tools website for contact information, FAQs, and additional product resources.