How do you use a hacksaw and hacksaw blades?

The teeth of the blade of your hacksaw are pointed toward you, the user, and more downward pressure is exerted on the "pull", rather than the "push" of your sawing action.
This saw is used primarily for cutting metal, but can be used on plastic laminates for a smooth cut as well. Should you be shopping for a "good" hacksaw, I recommend you look for one that has a variable length back so that you may have some degree of variability in your work. This would require you to have 3 different lengths of blades in your toolbox, but is well worth the initial investment. I have seen "alleged craftsmen" take a length of duct tape and wrap it around the end of a hacksaw blade to be used as a rudimentary handle. While this is not recommended for regular usage, it will suffice in a pinch, such as in cases where you have little area surrounding the work itself.