DEAS 1022: 2019  
ICS 25.100.40  
 
 
© EAC 201 9                                                                                                                               First Edition 201 9 DRAFT EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  
Hacksaw blade  — Specification  
EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY   DEAS 1022:2019  
ii © EAC 2019  – All rights reserved  
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 DEAS 1022: 2019  
© EAC 2019  – All rights reserved  iii 
 Foreword  
Development of the East African Standards has been necess itated by the need for harmonizing requirements 
governing quality of products and services in the East African Community. It is envisaged that through 
harmonized standardization, trade barriers that are encountered when goods and services are exchanged 
within the Community will be removed.  
The Community has established an East African Standards Committee  (EASC)  mandated to develop and 
issue East African Standards  (EAS) . The Committee is composed of representatives of the National 
Standards Bodies in Partne r States, together with the representatives from the public and private sector 
organizations  in the community .  
East African Standards are developed through  Technical Committees that are representative of key 
stakeholders including government, academia, co nsumer groups, private sector and other interested parties. 
Draft East African Standards are circulated to stakeholders through the National Standards Bodies in the 
Partner States. The comments received are discussed and incorporated before finalization of  standards, in 
accordance with the Principles and procedures for development of East African Standards.  
East African Standards are subject to review, to keep pace with technological advances. Users of the East 
African Standards are therefore expected to e nsure that they always have the latest versions of the standards 
they are implementing .  
The committee responsible for this document is Technical Committee EASC /TC 042, Production and general 
engineering .  
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of  the elements of this document may be subject of patent 
rights. EAC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.  
 
 DRAFT EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  DEAS 1022: 2019  
 
© EAC 201 9 – All rights reserved  1 
 Hacksaw blades  — Specification  
1 Scope  
This draft East African Standard specifies the requirements, sampling  and test methods for hand and machine 
hacksaw blades.  
2 Normative references   
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes 
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edi tion cited applies. For undated references, 
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.  
ISO 15510, Stainless steel — Chemical composition  
ISO 6507 -1, Metalic materials — Vickers hardness test — Part 1: Test method  
ISO 6508 -1, Metalic materials — Rockwell hardness test — Part 1: Test method  
3 Terms and definitions  
For the purposes of this draft standard the following  definitions apply.  
3.1 Elements  
3.1.1  
Centre  Line 
longitudinal line which passes through the centres of the pin holes.  
3.1.2  
Pin Hole  
hole at each end of the blade by means of which the blade is held and tensioned when in use. The pin holes 
are normally located on the centre line of the blade.  
3.1.3   
Teeth  
serrations formed across the thickness of the blad e to provide cutting edges.  
3.1.4 Toothed Edge  
longitudinal edge along which the teeth have been formed.  
3.1.5 Cutting  Edge  
edge of the face intended to perform cutting. It is formed by the intersection of the flank and the  face.  
3.1.6 Face  
surface of the tooth over which the chip flows.  DEAS 1022: 2019  
2 © EAC 2019  – All rights reserved  
 3.1.7  
Flank  
surface over which the surfaces produced on the work piece pass. It extends to the root radius.  
3.1.8  
Root Radius  
radius connecting the face of the tooth and flank of the preceding tooth.  
3.1.9  
Gullet  
space b ounded by the face, root radius and flank of a tooth, which permits chip removal.  
3.1.10  
Back Edge  
longitudinal edge parallel to the toothed edge.  
3.1.11  
Side  
flat surface between the toothed edge and the back edge.  
3.1.12  
Set 
projection of teeth from the side of the blade to provide cutting clearance.  
3.1.13  
Staggered Set  
transverse setting or staggering of groups of teeth.  
3.1.14  
Wavy Set  
transverse setting or staggering of groups of teeth in the wave form.  
3.2 Linear  Dimensions  
3.2.1  
Nominal  Length  
dimension between the centres of the pin holes, measured along the centre line of the blade.  
3.2.2  
Overall length  
dimension between the ends of the blade measured along its centreline.  
3.2.3  
Width  
Width is the overall distance between the toothed edge and th e back edge.  
3.2.4  
Thickness  
The distance between the two sides of the blade body, excluding any set.  
3.2.5  
Pitch  
The distance between the adjacent cutting edges.  
 
 
 DEAS 1022: 2019  
© EAC 2019  – All rights reserved  3 
  
 
 
4 Types  
4.1 All Hard Blade (Type A)   
A blade hardened unifo rmly except for the area adjacent to the pin holes.  
4.2 Flexible Blade (Type B)  
A blade hardened uniformly along the length of toothed edge.  
4.3 Flexible Centre Blade (Type C)  
A blade uniformly hardened and tempered along the length of toothed edge and the  back edge with the centre 
of the blade in soft condition and the back edge either soft or hard.  
DEAS 1022: 2019  
4 © EAC 2019  – All rights reserved  
 4.4 Spring Back Blade (Type D)  
A blade hardened uniformly along the length of toothed edge, the remainder being spring tempered.  
4.5 Shatterproof Blade (Type E ) 
A hand hacksaw blade of any type or quality so manufactured that it will resist breakage but if breakage occur, 
it will not fragment into more than two pieces.  
5 Requirements  
5.1 General requirements  
5.1.1 The blades shall be manufactured reasonably stra ight true to shape and size. The pinholes shall be 
neatly punched. The out of straightness per 100 mm length of the bIade in the longitudinal direction shall not 
exceed 0.6 mm for all types and sizes of hacksaw blades.  
5.1.2 The teeth shall be cleaned and uniform along the wavy set or staggered toothed edge. The teeth of 
the blade shall be having set as follows:  
a) For pitch, P = 0.8 – wavy set  
b) For pitch, P = 1.0 to 1.8 – wavy or staggered set  
c) For pitch, P > 1.8 – staggered set  
5.1.3 The formulation o f the set, of either type, shall be symmetrical along the length of toothed edge.  
5.1.4 The blades shall be heat -treated in such a manner that they fulfil the requirements of hardness as 
given in 7 and applicable flexibility as given in 13.1 and  applicable  cutting tests as given in 13.2.  
5.1.5 The centre of pin hole shall be located on the centre line of the blade. The centre of offset maybe 
within ± 0.20 mm.  
5.2 Dimensions  
The dimensions of hand hacksaw blade and machine hacks aw blade shall be as given in t able 1 and 2 
respectively (see Fig. 2).  
 
Figure 2 – Dimensions of hacksaw blades  
 
 DEAS 1022: 2019  
© EAC 2019  – All rights reserved  5 
 Table 1 — Hand  hacksaw  blades  
All dimensions in millimetres.  
Nominal 
length  
l ± 2 
 Width  
a ± 1  Thickness  
b ± 0.1  Teeth Spacing  
Overall  
Length,  L 
Max Pinhole  
Diameter,  d  
H14 Pitch,  
P ± 6%  No. of Teeth, 
N1) 
250 
12.5 0.63 0.8 32 
265 
4 1.0 24 
1.4 18 
300 0.8 32 
315 1 24 
1.4 18 
1.8 14 
1)Number of teeth are per 25 mm length  
 
Table 2 — Machine hacksaw b lades  
All dimensions in millimetres  
Nominal 
length  
l ± 2 Width  
a ± 1  Thickness  
b ± 0.1  Teeth Spacing  Overall 
Length, L 
Max Pinhole 
Diameter, d  
H14 Pitch,  
P ±6 % No. of Teeth, 
N1) 
300 25 1.25 1.8 14 
330 8.4 2.5 10 
1.5 1.8 14 
2.5 10 
4.0 6 
350 25 1.25 1.8 14 
380 8.4 2.5 10 
1.50 1.8 14 
2.5 10 
4.0 6 
30 1.50 1.8 14 
2.5 10 
4.0 6 
2.0 1.8 14 
2.5 10 
4.0 6 
400 25 1.5 1.8 14 
430 8.4 2.5 10 
4.0 6 DEAS 1022: 2019  
6 © EAC 2019  – All rights reserved  
 30 1.50 1.8 14 
2.5 10 
4.0 6 
2 2.5 10 
4 6 
6.3 4 
40 2.00 4.0 6 440 10.4 
6.3 4 
450 30 1.5 2.5 10 
490 8.4 
4 6 
40 2.00 2.5 10 8.4/10.4  
4.0 6 
6.3 4 
500 40 2.00 2.5 10 
540 
10.4 4.0 6 
6.3 4 
575 
50 2.5 4 6 
615 6.3 4 
8.5 3 
600 4.0 6 
640 
10.4/12.9  6.3 4 
700 4 6 745 
6.3 4 
8.5 3 
1) Number of teeth are per 25 mm length.  
 
5.3 Materials  
Hand hacksaw blade and machine hacksaw blades shall be made from high speed steel in accordance with 
5.5.1 or bi-metal high speed ste el in accordance with 5.3 .2. Hand hacksaw blade may also be made from low 
alloy steel in accordance with 5.3 .3. 
5.3.1 High -speed s teel 
Unless otherwise specified, the high -speed steel shall be according to Table  3. 
 
 
 
 DEAS 1022: 2019  
© EAC 2019  – All rights reserved  7 
 Table 3 — Chemical composition of hig h-speed steel  
C Cr Mo W V Si 
Max Mn 
Max S&P 
Max 
0.95 to 1.03  3.80 to 4.50  2.50 to 2.90  2.70 to 3.00  2.20 to 2.50  0.45 0.40 0.030  
0.82 to 0.92  3.75 to 4.50  4.75 to 5.50  5.75 to 6.75  1.75 to 2.05  0.40 0.40 0.03 
 
5.3.2  Bi-metal High -Speed Steel  
Bi-metal hi gh-speed steel blades shall be manufactured with a tooth edge formed in high -speed steel and 
joined to a spring steel -backing strip.  
5.3.3  Low Alloy Steel  
Low alloy steel flexible blade shall be manufactured from high carbon steel, which contains sufficien t-alloy 
addition to significantly enhance wear resistance properties.  
5.4 Hardness  
5.4.1  The hardness when measured, as near to the tip of the tooth as pos sible shall be minimum of 62.5 HRC . 
5.4.2  The area around the pin holes shall be suitably heat -treate d to reduce the risk of end fracture in use. 
The hardness around the pin holes shall be 25.6 HRC  to 49.1 HRC . 
6 Designation  
Hacksaw blades shall be designated by the name, type, nominal length, width, thickness, pitch, number of this 
standard and the symbo l for material.  
7 Workmanship and finish  
The blades shall be coated with corrosion preventive material and  shall be free from burrs, rust, scale, other 
defects and freedom from distortion requirements.  
8 Marking  and packaging  
8.1 Marking  
Each blade shall b e marked with the following details:  
a) Manufacturer’s name initial or trade -mark ; 
b) Designation ; and  
c) Country of Origin.  
8.2 Packaging  
Each wrapped packet shall contain five or ten blades and a suitable number of packets shall be packed in a 
carton bea ring the designation, manufacturer’s name, initial or trade -mark. Each carton shall contain same 
size of blades.  DEAS 1022: 2019  
8 © EAC 2019  – All rights reserved  
 9 Tests  
9.1 Flexibility test for hand hacksaw b lades  
9.1.1 All hard b lades  
The blades shall be bent round the periphery of a test block of 250 mm, diameter until the blade throughout its 
length is in contact with the block (see Fig. 3). The blade when released shall show no sign of fracture or 
permanent set.  
 
Figure 3 — Flexibility test for all hard blades (Type A)  
9.1.2 The blades shall be bent  round the whole circumference of a test bar 60 mm in diameter (see Fig. 4). 
The blade, when released with the exception of hardened portion, shall be capable of being straightened 
again without fracture.  
 
 
 DEAS 1022: 2019  
© EAC 2019  – All rights reserved  9 
 
 
Figure 4 – Flexibility test for flexible blade s (Type B)  
9.1.3  Flexible centre and spring back b lades  
The blades shall be bent to lie on half the circumference of a test bar of 100mm diameter (see Fig. 5). The 
blade, when released, shall not show any sign of fracture or permanent set.  
 
Figure 5 – Flexibility test for flexible centre and spring back blades (Type C and D)  
9.1.4  Shatterproof Blades  
Test each blade to destruction by twist in the blade until rupture takes place using a suitable jig (see Fig. 6). 
Check that upon rupture, the blade does not break into more than two pieces.  DEAS 1022: 2019  
10 © EAC 2019  – All rights reserved  
 
 
Figure 6 – Destruction test apparatus for shatter proof (Type E) Blades)  
9.2 Cutting performance t est 
When tested in accordance with Annex A, the wear rate of the hand or machine blade and the total time taken 
to complete  the number of cuts shall not exc eed the values given in Tables 4 and 5  for the type of blade 
tested.  
The blade shall not produce a cut more than 3 mm out of square. The blade shall not break. A new blade shall 
be used for each test.  
Table 4 — Test Condit ions and Acceptance Limits for Hand Blade Cutting Tests  
Blade Type  Blade Dimensions  
Speed, 
Strokes/min  No. 
of 
cuts Test Bar  Wear 
Rate  
sec/cut  Total 
Time  
min Thickness 
mm Pitch 
mm No. of 
Teeth  No. of 
Strips  Thickness 
of Strip 
mm 
High speed steel: 
alI hard and bi -0.63 1.8 14 70 10 10 2.6 ± 0.05  33 92 
0.63 1.4 18 70 10 10 2.6 ± 0.05  37 112 DEAS 1022: 2019  
© EAC 2019  – All rights reserved  11 
 metal  0.63 1.0 24 70 10 9 2.6 ± 0.05  40 124 
0.63 0.8 32 70 10 8 2.6 ± 0.05  40 132 
High-speed steel: 
flexible  0.63 1.8 14 70 8 10 2.6 ± 0.05  73 122 
0.63 1.4 18 70 8 10 2.6 ± 0.05  78 132 
0.63 1.0 24 70 8 9 2.6 ± 0.05  118 146 
0.63 0.8 32 70 8 8 2.6 ± 0.05  120 149 
Low alloy steel: 
flexible  0.63 1.8 14 35 8 5 2.6 ± 0.05  44 134 
0.63 1.4 18 35 8 5 2.6 ± 0.05  40 123 
0.63 1.0 24 35 8 5 2.6 ± 0.05  34 147 
0.63 0.8 32 35 8 4 2.6 ± 0.05  37 127 
 
Table 5  — Test Conditions and Acceptance Limits for Machine Blade Cutting Tests  
(High Speed Steel, All Hard and Bi -metal)  
Blade Dimensions  
Speed,  
Strokes/min  No. 
of 
Cuts  Test Bar  Wear 
Rate  
sec/cut  Total 
Time  
min Length , mm  Width, 
mm Thickness, 
mm Pitch, 
mm No. of 
Strips  Thickness 
of Strip, 
mm 
300 and 350  25 1.25 1.8 124 10 15 2.6 ± 0.05  66 66 
300 and 350  25 1.25 2.5 124 10 20 2.6 ± 0.05  56 61 
350 
400 
450 32 1.60 2.5 124 10 20 2.6 ± 0.05  65 87 
350 
400 
450 32 1.60 4 124 10 25 2.6 ± 0.05  47 60 
400 
450 40 2.00 4 124 10 25 2.6 ± 0.05  81 80 
400 
450 40 2.00 6.3 124 10 25 2.6 ± 0.05  69 76 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 DEAS 1022: 2019  
12 © EAC 2019  – All rights reserved  
 Annex  A 
(informative)  
 
Methods for testing the performance of hand and  power hacksaw blades  
A.1 Principle  
A.1.1 The cutting performances of hand and power hacksaw blades is assessed by subjecting sample 
blades to an accelerated test using calibrated hacksaw machines to control the variables in friction, stroke 
characteristics a nd loads.  
A.1.2 The standard test bar is chosen to induce sufficient wear to the blade and to provide by its 
homogeneous structure reproducible machining characteristics.  
A.2 Test bar  
A.2.1 A test bar consisting of lengths of cold rolled 18/8 stainless ste el strip as per ISO 15510 shall be used.  
A.2.2 The strip shall be 25.0 mm ± 0.15 mm in width, 2.6 mm ± 0.05 mm in thickness. The hardness shall 
be 180 ± 12 HV30. The material shall have rolled or prepared edges. Ragged sheared edges are to be 
avoided.  
A.3 Apparatus  
A.3.1  Test Machine for Hand Blades  
A power hacksaw machine as follows:  
a) In good condition, particularly in respect of stroke alignment and freedom from excessive vibration;  
b) With main slides sufficiently free from friction to prevent variatio ns in dynamic loads;  
c) With the main pivot on the same axis as the crank drive shaft;  
d) Which cuts on the forward stroke;  
e) Which presents the blade at an inclination of 1º15’ ± 10’ relative to the machine slides in the direction of cut;  
f) With a strok e length of 153 mm ± 1mm;  
g) With a cutting speed of 70 strokes/min ± 2 strokes/min when blades of high speed steel and bii -metal type 
are to be tested;  
h) With a cutting speed of 35 strokes/min ± 2 when blades of low alloy type are to be tested;  
j) With l ocation facilities for the test bar so that when the machine is stroking, the test bar is positioned no 
closer than 50 mm from the blade pin holes;  
k) Which does not lift the reciprocating arm on the return stroke;  
m) Which exerts static loads on the test bar at the top of the cut in accordance with Table 3.  DEAS 1022: 2019  
© EAC 2019  – All rights reserved  13 
 A.3.2  Test Machine for Machine Blades  
A power hacksaw machine as follows:  
a) In good condition, particularly in respect of stroke alignment and freedom from excessive vibration;  
b) Which cuts on the ret urn stroke;  
c) Which presents a blade at an inclination of 1º 40’ ± 10’ relative to the machine slides in the direction of cut;  
d) With a machine speed of 124 ± 2 cutting strokes/min;  
e) With a stroke length of 133 mm ± 1 mm;  
f) With location facilities fo r the test bar so that when the machine is stroking the test bar is positioned no 
closer than 50 mm from the blade pin holes;  
g) With lift -off on the non -cutting stroke synchronized so that no dynamic load is applied during the non -cutting 
stroke, and so t hat no dynamic load relief is applied during the cutting stroke;  
h) Which exerts static loads onto the tes t bar in accordance with Table 6 ; 
i) Which supplies a coolant, consisting of 100 g/l of Na 2CO 3.10H 2O in water, to the blade immediately above 
the test  bar at a rate of 2 l/min minimum.  
Table 6 — Static Load on Test Bar at Top Cut  
Position of Bow  Static Load, kg  
For Hand Blades  For Machine Blades  
Start of stroke  3.3 ± 0.1  69 ± 0.1  
Mid-stroke  5.7 ± 0.1  72 ± 0.1  
End of stroke  8.4 ± 0. 1  75 ± 0.1  
A.4 Preparation of test blades  
There is no preparation required for hand blades. Correct machine blades to a length of 350 mm if necessary.  
NOTES  
1 Machine blades, because of their variation in length from 300 mm to 450 mm and the capacity limit of hack sawin g 
machines, may need to be corrected to a Made length of 350 mm.  
2 Testing in the unaltered length is valid if the bow capacity of the machine allows, and alteration of bIade clamping 
mechanisms in the machhre is also feasible.  
A.5 Test procedure  
A.5.1 Calibrate the test machine to the loads given in Table 3 for hand blades and for machine blades.  
A.5.2 Once the load has been adjusted to give the load specified, ensure that the jaw of the test bar clamp 
that is nearest the main pivot of the machine remains in a fixed position, irrespective of the number of test bar 
strips being used in the blade testing.  
A.5.3 Position lengths of strip in accordance with Table 1 for hand blades, or Table 2 for machine blades, 
edge upwards in the machine work piece wise to fo rm a pack approximately 25 mm deep.  DEAS 1022: 2019  
14 © EAC 2019  – All rights reserved  
 NOTE — The actual width of the pack is determined by the number and thickness of strips given in Table 1 and 2.  
A.6 Assessment of results  
Calculate the wear ra te and total time as given in A. 6.1 and A .6.2. 
A.6.1 Wear Rat e 
Wear is represented by the recorded number of strokes plotted sequentially against section numbers. The 
average increase in wear per section cut is the slope of the plotted curve.  
A mathematical value for this is derived by first performing a least squar es linear regression which is designed 
to minimize the sum of the squares of the deviations of the actual recorded data points from the straight line of 
best fit and then calculating the slope of the line.  
This can be done automatically using a scientific calculator with linear regression facilities, or manually using 
the following formula:  
 
 
Where;  
Σ = sum between n = 1 and n = N,  
N = number of cuts;  
n = cut number; and  
Xn = number of strokes per cut.  
A.6.2 Total Time  
The total time shall be calculated by dividing the cumulative number of strokes for the allotted number of 
sections to be cut by the n umber of strokes per minute performed by the machine.  
A.7 Test report  
Cutting performance test results shall state the nominal dimensions and tooth pitch of the blade, the type of 
blade, the stroking rate per minute of the machine and the number of strips used in the pack of test bars. The 
following information shall be included in the test report:  
a) Wear rate (to the nearest whole number);  
b) Total time (to the nearest minute);  
c) Number of cuts completed by the blade; and  
d) Amount by which the blade cut  out of square (if the amount exceeded 3 mm).  DEAS 1022: 2019  
© EAC 2019  – All rights reserved  15 
 Annex  B 
(informative)  
 
Hacksaw blade designation  
Example 1  
A hand hacksaw blade of Type A having nominal length, l = 300 mm; width, a = 12.5 mm; thickness, b = 0.63 
mm; pitch, P = 1.0 mm conforming to this standard and made from low alloy steel (LA) shall be designated as:  
Hand Hacksaw Blade, A 300 x 12.5 x 0.63 x 1.0 -LA. 
Example 2  
A machine hacksaw blade of Type A having nominal length, l= 400 mm; width, a = 32  mm; thickness, b = 1.60 
mm; pitch, P = 2.5 mm; conforming to this standard and made from high -speed steel (HS) shall be designated 
as: 
Machine Hacksaw Blade, A 400 x 32 x 1.60 x 2.5 -HS. 
Example 3  
A machine hacksaw blade of Type A, having nominal length, l = 400 mm; width, a = 32 mm; thickness, b = 
1.60 mm; pitch, P = 2.5; mm made from hi -metal HSS conforming to this standard shall be designated as:  
Machine Hacksaw Blade, A 400 x 32 x 1.6 x 2.5 -HSS.  DEAS 1022: 2019  
16 © EAC 2019  – All rights reserved  
 Bibliography  
IS 7291 , High speed tool steels (first revi sion)  
 
 
 
 DEAS 1022: 2019    
 
© EAC 2019  – All rights reserved