Hand saws are useful tools for a variety of household projects. Use them in spaces where electric saws are not feasible, such as in basements or attics with few or no electrical outlets. They are also good for quick cuts where setting up an electric saw would be impractical. While hand saw blades inevitably dull over time, sharpening them will help make your hand saw perform as well as when it was new.
Step One
Place the saw blade in the vice grip with the teeth facing up. Tighten the vice unitl it is snug, but don't over tighten the vice, which can bend the blade.
Step Two
Position a magnifying lamp between you and your work space so you can see the teeth of the saw.
Step Three
Run a triangular saw file along the teeth in a smooth horizontal motion. File both sides of the teeth, alternating sides to ensure an even filing.
Step Four
Hold a mill file perpendicular to the surface of the saw, even with the teeth. Lightly file the sides of the teeth in a horizontal motion. Switch sides often to avoid making the teeth uneven.
Step Five
Start at the end of the saw away from the blade, and place the teeth in a saw set. Gently squeeze the handle on the saw set to bend the teeth straight, which will help eliminate uneven cuts when you use the saw.