3 Tips for buying a Circular Saw * The Handyman Central DIY home ideas and hacks

A circular saw is one of the most useful tools a handyman can have. Your circular saw will allow you to complete many different DIY projects.

This post will discuss everything you need to know when buying a circular saw.

Blade Size

Circular saws are usually categorized by the blade size. The most common size is 7 and ¼ inch blade that can cut up to 3 inch thick materials. These saws have a great variety of blades, which enable handymen to cut all sorts of materials. General purpose blades used for construction work have around 24 teeth. For finer cuts saw blades require more teeth, usually 40.

TYPES OF BLADES

High-speed steel blades are harder than steel blades and stay sharper longer.

Carbide-tipped blades have carbide tips attached to their teeth. They are more expensive than other blades, but they stay sharp much longer than steel or high-speed steel.

Tile-cutting blades are specially designed for cutting ceramic tile. Better tile-cutting blades have diamond-tipped blades.

Masonry blades are made of abrasive material for cutting concrete, brick, cinder block and other masonry materials

Choosing Corded or Cordless?

These days you can get corded or cordless circular saws. The choice between corded or cordless depends on the jobs you’ll be working on. Corded circular saws are good for reliable delivery of power and cutting. Cordless circular saws are great for convenience as you can use them anywhere even if there is no power on site or extension leads are difficult to use. When cutting tough materials a cordless circular saw will drain your battery quickly. If your projects involve hardwood of any thickness, a corded circular saw is going to be the best option. For small cuts and softwood cutting a cordless circular saw will be the go to tool.

Ergonomics

Circular saws look alike, but not all circular saws feel good in your hand. Before buying your circular saw, try it out to see if it feels good in your hands. Controls need to be easy to reach and the saw should feel balanced in your hand.