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5 Best Handheld Circular Saw Ranked in 2023

A best handheld circular saw is a versatile and essential tool for DIY enthusiasts, carpenters, and professionals alike. This handy tool can help you make accurate and precise cuts, regardless of the material you’re working with. With so many different models available on the market, it can be challenging to know which one is the right one for your needs. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best handheld circular saws available and help you make an informed decision.

Are you tired of struggling with a bulky circular saw that limits your mobility and precision during DIY projects?

Using a heavy-duty circular saw can take a toll on your arms and reduce your accuracy, leading to uneven cuts and wasted materials. Additionally, the inconvenience of using a fixed saw often means that you need to move your materials multiple times for a single project, leading to lost time and productivity.

Investing in the best handheld circular saw on the market can help you achieve greater mobility and precision during your DIY projects. Lightweight models with powerful motors are available, featuring ergonomic handles for comfortable use over extended periods. With a handheld saw, you can achieve precise and clean cuts effortlessly while maintaining control and increasing your productivity.

The Best Handheld Circular Saw on the Market Right Now

Looking for the best handheld circular saw? Discover top-rated models in this comprehensive guide designed to help you make an informed buying decision.

1. Dewalt Dwe575Sb

DeWalt DWE575SB

The DeWalt DWE575SB is a powerful and lightweight circular saw that is designed to handle even the toughest cutting jobs with ease. This saw is the perfect choice for both professional and DIY projects, thanks to its advanced features and superior performance. Whether you need to make precision cuts, rip lumber, or create decorative cuts, the DeWalt DWE575SB is the ideal tool for the job.

The DeWalt DWE575SB is a 7 1/4-inch circular saw that features a powerful 15-amp motor that delivers up to 5,100 RPM for fast and efficient cuts. It also comes equipped with an electric brake that allows you to stop the blade quickly and safely. The saw is designed with a lightweight and durable magnesium shoe that provides a stable and accurate cutting platform. The DeWalt DWE575SB is also designed with a blade tracking adjustment that allows you to maintain blade alignment for increased accuracy.

Unique Features

  • The electric brake allows you to stop the blade quickly and safely.
  • The lightweight and durable magnesium shoe provides a stable and accurate cutting platform.
  • The blade tracking adjustment allows you to maintain blade alignment for increased accuracy.
  • The patented Toughcord system provides increased durability and resistance to cord pullouts.
  • The dust blower clears the line of cut for increased visibility.

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to handle.
  • Powerful motor delivers clean cuts on even the toughest materials.
  • Electric brake stops the blade quickly and safely.
  • Blade tracking adjustment allows for accurate cuts.
  • The patented Toughcord system provides increased durability and resistance to cord pullouts.
  • Dust blower clears the line of cut for increased visibility.

Cons

  • The saw does not come with a case, which may be inconvenient for transport and storage.
  • The price point may be higher than other circular saws on the market.

Overall, the DeWalt DWE575SB is the perfect choice for anyone who needs a powerful and reliable circular saw that can handle tough cutting jobs with ease. Its advanced features and superior performance make it one of the best handheld circular saws on the market today. While it may be slightly more expensive than some other models, the added features and performance are well worth the investment.

2. Makita Xss02Z

Makita XSS02Z

The Makita XSS02Z is an efficient and reliable cordless circular saw that has been specifically designed for professional cutting applications. This product is fully loaded with exceptional features, including a powerful motor, efficient battery, and various cutting capacities. From precise miter cuts to bevel cuts, it is ideal for use in a variety of woodworking applications.

Unique Features

– Powerful Motor: The Makita XSS02Z is equipped with a high-torque motor that can generate up to 3,700 RPM, thereby cutting through tough materials with ease.
– Lightweight Design: This product has a compact and lightweight design, which allows for better control and maneuverability.
– Multiple Cutting Angles: It has an adjustable bevel capacity of up to 50 degrees, which enables the user to perform a wide range of cutting angles and bevel cuts.
– Safety Features: The Makita XSS02Z has several safety features, including a double insulation system, electric brake, and built-in dust blower, which protects the user from unexpected accidents.

Pros

– High Performance: The Makita XSS02Z boasts a powerful motor that guarantees efficient and precise cuts.
– Easy to Use: With its compact and lightweight design, this product is easy to handle and operate.
– Wide Range of Cuts: The Makita XSS02Z has multiple cutting angles and bevel capacity, making it suitable for various cutting applications.

Cons

– Battery Life: The battery life may not last as long as some users might expect, which means that it might require frequent recharging during extensive cuts.
– Cutting Depth: The cutting depth may not be deep enough for thicker materials, which limits its versatility in handling other cutting applications.

In summary, the Makita XSS02Z is a highly efficient and reliable circular saw that boasts impressive features. From its lightweight design to its multiple cutting angles, it is ideal for woodworking professionals who require precise and accurate cuts. Despite its minor drawbacks, this product is a must-have tool for any serious enthusiast or professional.

3. Bosch Cs5

Bosch CS5

The Bosch CS5 is a circular saw that is designed to make precise cuts with ease. Its design and features make it an ideal choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. The saw has a powerful motor and a lightweight construction that makes it easy to handle.

Unique Features

– Left-Blade design
– Improved line of sight
– Easy-to-read bevel and depth scales
– Anti-snag lower guard
– Powerful 15-amp motor
– High torque motor

Pros

– Powerful motor – The saw’s 15-amp motor is powerful enough to handle most woodworking tasks.
– Lightweight design – The saw is lightweight, making it easy to handle and maneuver.
– Easy to read bevel and depth scales – The saw’s bevel and depth scales are easy to read, making it easy to make precise cuts.
– Anti-snag lower guard – The saw has an anti-snag lower guard, preventing it from getting stuck during use.
– High torque motor – The saw’s high torque motor provides fast and efficient cuts.

Cons

– No laser guide – The saw does not come with a laser guide, making it difficult to make accurate cuts.
– Expensive – The saw’s price may be expensive for some buyers.

The Bosch CS5 is a powerful and lightweight circular saw that is ideal for professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Its left blade design, improved line of sight, easy-to-read bevel and depth scales, anti-snag lower guard, and powerful motor make it a top choice for anyone looking for an efficient and precise saw. However, it may be expensive for some buyers and does not come with a laser guide.

4. Skilsaw Spt77Wml-01

SKILSAW SPT77WML-01

SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 is a powerful and efficient circular saw that is designed to provide superior performance and durability. It is a lightweight saw that is easy to maneuver and comfortable to use, making it an ideal tool for both professional and DIY use.

Unique Features:

The SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 has a lightweight design that makes it easy to handle and maneuver, allowing for more precise cuts.

It boasts a tough magnesium construction that increases its durability and makes it resistant to wear and tear.

The unique Cut-Ready Depth of Cut System allows users to easily adjust the depth of cut, making it easy to cut through various materials quickly and effortlessly.

Pros:

The SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 is built to last and withstand even the toughest cutting tasks. It offers excellent durability and long-lasting performance, making it a reliable investment for professionals and DIY users alike.

With a powerful motor and efficient design, this saw is capable of making precise, clean cuts through various materials, including hardwoods and softwoods.

The lightweight design and comfortable handle make it easy to use and handle, even for prolonged periods.

Cons:

Compared to other circular saws on the market, the SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 is relatively expensive, making it difficult for some users to justify the cost.

While it offers excellent depth of cut and versatility, the SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 has a limited bevel capacity, making it less suitable for some cutting tasks.

Overall, the SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 is a high-quality circular saw that is perfect for professionals and DIY users looking for a powerful and efficient tool. Its various unique features, pros and cons make it a reliable choice for users who need a durable and long-lasting saw that is comfortable to use and capable of performing a range of cutting tasks.

5. Skil 5280-01

SKIL 5280-01

The SKIL 5280-01 is a high-quality circular saw that is designed to help users complete their DIY projects with precision and ease. This saw is equipped with a powerful 15-amp motor that can reach up to 5,300 RPM, making it ideal for cutting through tough materials like hardwood and thick lumber. Its 7-1/4-inch blade is also designed to deliver clean and accurate cuts, ensuring that users can achieve professional-looking results every time.

Unique Features

– Laser guide: The SKIL 5280-01 features a laser guide that helps users make precise cuts with ease. This is especially useful for users who are new to using a circular saw, as it helps them maintain a steady hand and avoid mistakes.
– Dust blower: This saw also comes with a dust blower that keeps the cutting line clean and visible. This is important for maintaining accuracy, as a clear line helps users stay on track and make precise cuts.
– Safety features: The SKIL 5280-01 is equipped with several safety features, including a blade guard that prevents accidental contact with the blade and a lock-off button that prevents the saw from starting when not in use.

Pros

– Powerful motor: The 15-amp motor of the SKIL 5280-01 is one of its biggest selling points. It is capable of cutting through a variety of materials with ease, making it suitable for a wide range of DIY projects.
– Lightweight design: This saw is also incredibly lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it ideal for users who need to work in tight spaces or overhead.
– User-friendly: The SKIL 5280-01 is also designed with user-friendliness in mind, with features like the laser guide and dust blower making it easy for even novice users to achieve professional-looking results.

Cons

– Limited depth of cut: While the 7-1/4-inch blade of the SKIL 5280-01 is suitable for most DIY projects, it may not be enough for some users who need to cut through thicker materials.
– Corded design: The fact that the SKIL 5280-01 is corded may be a drawback for some users, as it limits mobility and makes it less suitable for outdoor projects.
– No LED light: Unlike some other circular saws on the market, the SKIL 5280-01 does not come with an LED light to illuminate the cutting area, which may be inconvenient for users who need to work in low-light conditions.

Buying Guide for Best Handheld Circular Saw

Looking for the perfect handheld circular saw? Our buying guide has got you covered! From power and blade size to comfort and portability, we’ll help you narrow down the options and make the right choice for your DIY or professional needs. Get expert advice and find the best deals on top-rated models today!

Blade Size And Quality

Blade size and quality are important factors to consider when purchasing a handheld circular saw because they directly impact the tool’s performance, versatility, and durability. The size of the blade determines the maximum depth of cut, making it essential to choose the right size for the type of materials you will be working with. Additionally, a high-quality blade made from durable materials can outlast low-quality or poorly designed ones, resulting in less frequent blade replacements and cost savings in the long run. The blade’s quality also affects the precision and smoothness of the cuts, reducing the risk of binding, kickback, and other safety hazards. Hence, investing in a circular saw with the right blade size and quality can enhance your cutting efficiency, accuracy, and safety.

Power And Rpms

The power and RPMs are important factors to consider when purchasing a handheld circular saw. Higher power and RPMs will enable the saw to cut through tougher materials more easily and with less effort. Additionally, higher RPMs will result in a smoother cut and less kickback, making the saw safer to use. Therefore, it is important to choose a saw with adequate power and RPMs to ensure efficient and safe use.

Corded Or Cordless

Corded handheld circular saws offer more power and can handle tougher materials with ease. They also provide longer run time as they don’t rely on battery power. This makes them a better option for professional and heavy-duty use. Furthermore, corded saws are more consistent in their performance and don’t require battery replacements, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run.

Cordless handheld circular saws, on the other hand, offer greater convenience and mobility as they can be used anywhere without being tethered to an electrical outlet. They are also lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for DIY projects, small repairs, and household use. Although they may lack in power compared to corded saws, newer models now have high-capacity batteries that provide longer run times and sufficient power to cut through most materials.

Weight And Ergonomics

A handheld circular saw is an essential tool for any DIY enthusiast or professional carpenter. However, the weight and ergonomics of the saw need to be considered when purchasing. A lightweight saw is easy to handle and control, reducing the risk of accidents and strain on the user’s arm. Additionally, the ergonomics of the handle ensure that the user can maintain a comfortable grip without experiencing any discomfort, even when used for extended periods. Therefore, weight and ergonomics are crucial considerations when purchasing a handheld circular saw.

Depth And Bevel Adjustment

Depth and bevel adjustment are important features to consider when purchasing a handheld circular saw because they allow for more precise and accurate cuts. With depth adjustment, you can easily adjust the depth of the blade, making it easier to make cuts of various thicknesses. This is especially important for projects where you need to make repeated cuts of the same depth. Bevel adjustment, on the other hand, allows you to tilt the blade at an angle, allowing for angled or compound cuts. This feature is essential when working on projects where you need to create mitered joints or angled hems.

Without these two features, it can be challenging to achieve the precision and accuracy required for most woodworking projects. A handheld circular saw without these adjustment features would be limited to simple cuts and might not be suitable for more advanced projects. It’s also essential to note that not all handheld circular saws come with depth and bevel adjustment features, so it’s important to check the specifications before making a purchase. Ultimately, investing in a circular saw with these features can save you time and money in the long run by allowing you to create professional-looking, precise cuts with ease.

Dust Extraction And Portability

Dust extraction and portability should be two key factors to consider when purchasing a handheld circular saw. Dust extraction is important because sawing wood produces sawdust, and inhaling wood dust can be harmful to your health. A dust extraction system will keep the workspace free of dust, making it safer for you to work, and also make cleanup a lot easier. Portability is another important factor, as a handheld circular saw should be easy to move from one work site to another without a lot of hassle. This will allow you to take the tool with you wherever you go and complete the task quickly and efficiently.

Brand And Warranty

Looking for a brand and warranty when purchasing a handheld circular saw is important because it ensures that you are dealing with a reputable manufacturer that stands by their product. A brand name implies that the company has invested resources into building a good reputation and customer satisfaction. A warranty not only provides peace of mind but also offers protection against defects or malfunctions that may occur with usage. A warranty from a reputable manufacturer will also cover repair or replacement costs, reducing the long-term costs of owning the saw.

Accessories And Compatibility

Choosing the right accessories is essential when purchasing a handheld circular saw. You need to look for the right blades and guards that are compatible with the saw you buy. The accessories should be of the highest quality possible to ensure that you get the best performance and longevity out of your saw.

Compatibility is crucial in ensuring that your circular saw works as intended. The wrong blade or guard could cause damage to your saw or even worse, create safety hazards, especially if the blade or guard comes loose during use. Be sure to check your saw’s compatibility and choose accessories that will work with your saw to ensure maximum safety and performance.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a handheld circular saw good for?

A handheld circular saw is good for cutting a variety of materials such as wood, metal, and plastic with precision and ease. It is ideal for making straight cuts, cross cuts, and bevel cuts in construction projects, woodworking, and DIY home improvement tasks.

What is the most lightweight circular saw?

The Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT Circular Saw is considered one of the most lightweight circular saws, weighing only 7.3 pounds.

What is a hand held circular saw called?

A hand held circular saw is commonly known as a “circular saw” or a “skill saw”.

Final Words

In conclusion, the DeWalt DWE575SB earns the title of the best handheld circular saw due to its impressive power and cutting capacity. Its bevel capacity and lightweight design also make it a top pick for both professional and DIY use. Coming in at a close second, the Makita XSS02Z offers a respectable alternative with its ergonomic design and impressive battery life. When it comes to purchasing the best handheld circular saw, it’s important to consider factors such as blade size, power, and ease of use. By doing your research and carefully considering your needs, you can find the perfect saw to meet all of your cutting needs.
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