When using a hacksaw, on which stroke should light pressure be applied?

When using a hacksaw, light pressure should be applied on the forward stroke. During this stroke, the blade is engaging with the material and cutting through it, which requires a balance between enough pressure to make a cut without exerting excessive force that could damage the blade or the workpiece. Applying light pressure allows for better control and precision in cutting, minimizing the risk of overheating and prolonging the life of the blade.

In contrast, applying too much pressure during the forward stroke can lead to increased friction, making the task more difficult and possibly resulting in a poor cut or even breaking the blade. The backward stroke, on the other hand, should always maintain little to no pressure, primarily serving to return the blade to the starting position for the next forward stroke. Understanding and applying the correct technique for pressure in these strokes is key to effective and efficient sawing.