Power hacksaws secure material in a built-in heavy-duty vise. Most power hacksaw vises are capable of rotating the solid jaw up to 45 degrees so that angular cuts may be provided. Power hacksaws are better suited for cutting aluminum, brass, and mild steels. These machines find limited use in the machine shops. It is the general consensus that these machines tend to waste too much energy due to the return stroke of the blade which is powered but performs no cutting.

The power hacksaw's main feature is its reciprocating frame. The frame secures a heavy duty hacksaw blade who's reciprocating action in combination with a downward force causes the material to be cut.

The blade is mounted within the frame with the teeth pointing towards the solid vise jaw. A large nut regulates the amount of tension for securing the blade firmly in place. When mounting blades, excessive tensional force must be avoided.