Best Coping Saw for Skirting Board Scribe Joints: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Fittings Specialist
One of the most common mistakes I see DIY enthusiasts make is mitring internal skirting board corners. In a perfect world where walls are 90 degrees square, that might work. But in the real world—especially here in York's older properties—walls are rarely square. A mitred joint will open up as soon as the timber shrinks or the season changes.
The proper joinery technique is a 'scribe'. This involves cutting the profile of one board onto the face of another, creating a seamless joint that hides any movement and fits snug against walls that are out of square. To achieve this, you need a reliable coping saw.
You don't need the most expensive kit in the van, but you do need a saw that holds tension correctly and allows for precise turns. In this review, I'll compare three coping saws available right now: a budget starter kit, a trusted quality option from Faithfull, and the classic Eclipse saw that's been a staple in joiners' toolboxes for decades.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "360-degree Blade Rotation"
"The ability to rotate the blade allows you to cut intricate shapes without the frame getting in the way."
Whilst useful for fretwork, for skirting boards, rigidity is more important. If the spigots (the bits holding the blade) are too loose, the blade twists during the cut, ruining your scribe line. You want a mechanism that locks tight.
The Spec: "Blade Tension"
"winding the handle tightens the blade for a straight cut."
Cheap frames often flex before the blade gets truly tight. If the frame bends, the blade stays loose, leading to wandering cuts and frustration with hardwoods like Oak. A stiff steel frame is essential.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Coping Saw and Assorted Blade Sets, with 3 Sets (12 Saws Blades)
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If you just have one small room to skirt and don't want to invest heavily in tools, this set is a decent starting point. It's incredibly cheap and, crucially, comes with 12 spare blades, which is helpful as beginners often snap a few whilst learning the technique.
The Good
- Excellent value given the number of spare blades included
- Adequate for softwood skirting boards
- Comfortable wooden handle aids grip
The Bad
- Frame tension likely less rigid than professional brands
- Generic brand means longevity is unproven for trade use
Installer Tip:
When using budget blades, they can sometimes be a bit coarse. I recommend rubbing a bit of candle wax on the blade to help it glide through the timber without binding or overheating.
Priced at £7.59 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFaithfull FAICS Coping Saw, Brown, 30.0 cm*313.0 cm*132.0 cm
Faithfull
Faithfull is a brand you'll find in most proper hardware shops in the UK. This saw offers a significant step up in frame rigidity compared to budget options. The powder-coated steel frame doesn't flex as much, meaning your blade stays taut for a cleaner scribe line.
The Good
- Rigid steel frame ensures better blade tension
- Trusted UK trade brand with a 5-year guarantee
- Blade spigots hold their angle well during cutting
The Bad
- Slightly heavier in the hand than cheaper models
- Only comes with the one blade installed
Installer Tip:
Always cut on the 'pull' stroke. Ensure the teeth of the blade are pointing towards the handle. This gives you more control and prevents the thin blade from buckling when you push into the skirting.
Priced at £9.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonEclipse Professional Tools 70-CP1R Coping Saw, Blue
ECLIPSE
The Eclipse coping saw is widely considered the industry standard among joiners. Why is it a 'problem solver'? Because the frame is exceptionally stiff. When you are scribing intricate mouldings (like Ogee or Torus) in hardwood, cheaper frames twist. This Eclipse frame holds true, ensuring the back-cut is accurate and the front edge is crisp.
The Good
- Superior frame stiffness prevents blade wandering
- The standard tool found in most professional joiners' kits
- Excellent blade retention mechanism
The Bad
- Marginally more expensive (but worth the extra pounds)
- Handle shape is traditional, which some modern users find less ergonomic
Installer Tip:
To get a really tight fit on uneven walls, back-cut the scribe slightly (cut away more wood from the back of the board than the front). This ensures the sharp front edge makes contact with the mating board first, creating a seamless visual gap, even if the corner isn't perfectly square.
Priced at £10.89 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Why should I scribe skirting instead of mitring?
Which way should the teeth face on a coping saw?
Can I use a coping saw on MDF skirting?
Do I need professional help for skirting fitting?
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