The Best Circular Saws
One of the most important tools for woodworkers, carpenters, and other contractors is a dependable circular saw. With the first model dating back to the 1700s, the circular saw has since evolved into the small, lightweight, and powerful tool that can be found in every workshop and garage around the world. Known for its portability and accuracy, a circular saw is a must-have for most construction projects. We tried out a wide variety of brand names and features - and tore through a lot of wood in the process - to bring you this list of the very best in circular saws.
Skil 13-Amp 7.25″ Circular Saw
Circular Logic
Leave it to Skil, the company that practically invented the most popular circular saw over 90 years ago, to keep improving on this classic power tool. With even further refinements from the Skil 5380, the Skil 7.25″ Circular Saw now has a 13 Amp motor for more power and performance while still achieving a 15% reduction in weight. The 51-degree bevel with a 45-degree positive stop creates great cut flexibility and an improved blower keeps the line of cut free from sawdust. Use the spindle lock for easy blade changes or just keep the included 18-tooth blade locked and loaded for tearing through a project.
Pros:
- 1-year limited warranty
- Lightweight in design
- Fantastic value for the price
- Easy for right or left-handed people
Cons:
- No electric brake
- The blade guard is plastic
Tacklife Handheld Circular Saw
Cut To The Quick
Especially for carpenters, precision cuts are critical. The Tacklife Handheld Circular Saw was created especially to assist with achieving the perfectly-angled cut every time. It features a 90-degree depth-adjustment system, with a maximum depth of 43mm. A parallel guide attachment ensures straight, precise cuts every time. But you get more than precision from Tacklife: the 5.8 amp copper motor provides consistent performance at 3,500 RPM, and with the motor position near the rear of the handle, the saw is more balanced and easy to manage.
Pros:
- Includes six accessory blades for cutting different types of materials
- Integrated laser guide and scale ruler
- Patented metal handle design
- Double safety switch prevents accidents
Cons:
- Not for small hands
- The dust vacuum adapter is short
Worx Worxsaw 4 1/2-Inch Circular Saw
Less Inches, More Power
If your jobs call for a lightweight circular saw but you can’t afford to sacrifice power, there’s the Worx Worxsaw 4.5″ Circular Saw. At only 4.4 pounds, this circular saw is small enough to bring anywhere yet powerful enough to cut through wood, metal, tile, and plastic. The 4.5-inch blade has half the kerf of a 7.5-inch blade, so the motor can spin the blade up to 3,000 RPM without added strain. The depth of cut is perfect for 2-inch wood, though it does have 0 to 45-degree bevel adjustment. The ergonomic handle makes it easy to hold, while the parallel guide creates precise cuts each and every time.
Pros:
- Left-side blade optimization for a clear line of sight
- Dust port for shop vac
- Includes a rip fence
Cons:
- Blade shroud is plastic
Dewalt 7 1/4-Inch Circular Saw
Saw What We Did There?
Perhaps the most amazing thing about the Dewalt 7.25″ Circular Saw is how much power it packs into one compact, lightweight unit. With a 15 amp motor and the capability to hit 5,200 RPM, it still only weighs 8.8 pounds. It’s also loaded with all the features you’d expect from Dewalt: 0 to 57 degrees of bevel capacity, positive stops at 45 and 22.5 degrees, a trigger-activated electric brake, and an on-board dust blower. We especially liked the integrated blade storage, making it easier to keep your saw and its blade organized. Even the blade-switching wrench can be stored on the saw.
Pros:
- Dewalt is a trusted company with a reputation for quality tools
- 2.25-inch depth of cut at 90 degrees
- ToughCord system prevents cord breakage
Cons:
- Some blade wobble at high RPM
- The electric brake is slow
Black + Decker 20V Max 5 1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw
Cutting Edge Technology
Today’s cordless power tools feature technologies that put them right on par with their corded counterparts. This is especially true with the Black + Decker 20V Max Cordless Circular Saw, which is not only as powerful as the corded model but lighter in weight at only 6.6 pounds. Better yet, it packs all the features you’d expect from a brand name like Black + Decker, including 45 and 90-degree bevel adjustments, two handholds, and an electric brake.
Pros:
- 2-year limited warranty
- Compatible with the Max 20V Battery System
- Quieter than corded models
Cons:
- Does not include battery or charger
- Many plastic parts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a circular saw cut through metal and concrete?
Yes, but you’ll need the right blades. The standard blade that comes with a circular saw is made for cutting wood, so it’s important for your safety that you don’t use one to cut metal. However, switched out with a metal-cutting diamond blade, a circular saw will go through rebar like plywood.
The same is true with concrete. Use a corundum or diamond blade to saw a channel through the concrete and then break off the piece with a sledgehammer.
Are corded circular saws more powerful than cordless?
For the most part, yes, as corded saws can draw a consistent current from the outlet. That said, a fully-charged circular saw is still about as powerful as a corded model, and with batteries now capable of holding a charge for 8 hours, a cordless circular saw can last a full workday as well.
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