What Are the Best Battery Powered Circular Saws?

As the more flexible handheld cousins of generic table saws, circular saws make it a breeze to slice through a vast assortment of materials ranging from plastic, wood, and masonry to metal. And, as a bonus, they’re easier to transport.

Initially invented in the late 1800s, circular saws have significantly evolved, with contemporary models boasting infinitely superior power, strength, and sharper blades.

Along with increased power, most of these power tools are entirely cordless, which eliminates the cumbersome entanglement of lengthy wires. In turn, this enhances their mobility to work on an array of applications.

But, with the wealth of options that have littered today’s market, finding a circular saw that will meet your needs can be an uphill battle. After all, to the unfamiliar eye, they’re all the same.

Whether you’re tackling a domestic or commercial project, purchasing a new circular saw, or replacing an existing one, having reliable hand tools can make all the difference.

Luckily, we’ve rounded up a few of the top battery-powered (cordless) circular saws that’ll quite literally make the cut. We also provide a few pointers to steer you in the right direction. Read on!

1. Makita XSH03Z

As a cordless and brushless 6-1/2″ circular saw, the Makita XSH03Z is one of the brand’s growing collections of 18V LXT Lithium-Ion hand tools. Powered by a 5 Ah battery, it combines run time and power for unmatched efficiency and productivity. While it weighs in at 7.3lbs including the inserted battery, this circular saw is still ergonomic and lightweight enough to keep hand fatigue at bay.

And, at a length that slightly exceeds 13,” this product is a snug fit into the smallest spaces. With the absence of a cord, the Makita XSH03Z has the uncanny ability to make light work of awkward angles in which cords would otherwise get in the way. Thus, this makes it the go-to for those who make the daily commute with their tools to and from work.

With a brushless motor that provides 5000RPM, this circular saw makes ripping and slicing timber a walk in the park. And, it has a dust collection port that saves you the hassle of cleaning up the mess. While it’s pricier than other power tools, the Makita XSH03Z delivers unmatched durability and comes with a three-year limited warranty that makes it a worthy investment.

2. Milwaukee M18 2630-20

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As one of the top contenders, this 6.5″ lithium-ion battery-powered circular saw was built with versatility in mind. It comes in handy in a myriad of applications ranging from carpentry, plumbing, finishes, and framing, to electrical. The electronic brake stops the Milwaukee M18 2630-20 cutting blade dead in its tracks after every cut.

So, this eliminates the need to wait around for the blades to come to a halt. With magnesium and lightweight guards that sit at the bottom and top of the blade, the product has an “indestructible” feel to it and is safeguarded against significant knocks, bangs, or drops.

Don’t let its modest price tag fool you because this battery-powered circular saw delivers impressive power. So, with a 3500 RPM motor, it slices through wood like butter.

The 8.5lbs weight, compact size, and soft-grip handle of the Milwaukee M18 2630-20 ease carrying it around. And, with a one-hour charging time, this hand tool is up and ready to go after you’ve had your lunch break. Suitable for commercial and domestic workers, the Milwaukee M18 2630-20 is designed to last.

3. Porter-Cable PCC660B

Offering 4000RPM, this circular saw is affordable and has the uncanny ability to make light work on a variety of applications. At a fraction of the price, the saw’s 6.5″ carbide blade provides a 2-/8″ slicing capacity. It can accommodate a few of the modern cutting applications courtesy of its beveling shoes that have a maximum 50-degree pivot.

At a weight of 6.5lbs courtesy of its plastic housing, the lightweight 20V Porter-Cable PCC660B circular saw is easily transportable and perfect for inexperienced and new workers.

Suitable for commercial and house projects, this power tool has a 4000RPM high-performance motor that packs a punch for aggressive cutting. For enhanced comfort, the Porter-Cable PCC660B has a contoured overmold handle.

4. Black + Decker BDCCS20C

With an aesthetically pleasing orange and black design, the 20V Black + Decker BDCCS20C has a powerful torque motor that sets it apart from the pack. The 5.5″ fast running blade can cut through most timber like butter.

The Black + Decker BDCCS20C is compact and lightweight (7lbs), making it easy to store, use, and transport. And, its adjustable bevel with 90-degree and 45-degree detents makes it a breeze to cut angles accurately.

With a tool-free depth of cut, this circular saw ushers in easy depth adjustments. Backed by a two-year warranty, the Black + Decker BDCCS20C has a powerful torque motor that has sufficient power to tackle most domestic jobs seamlessly. The 20V lithium battery and charger are also included in the package.

5. DEWALT DCS570B

As a head-turner that weighs 7.5 lbs, the DEWALT DCS570B is one of the best circular saws for portability. And, its compactness means it can be safely tucked away in your garage, home workshop, or under the seat of your car. The saw has a brushless and remarkable 5200RPM motor that makes cutting a walk in the park.

And, what sets the DEWALT DCS570B apart from the pack is that this RPM remains constant under load. So, this implies it generates a brilliant smooth cutting feel each time you slice through materials.

The 7 ¼”-blade delivers an amazing 2.5625″ cutting depth. With a 57-degree bevel capacity, you’re assured of increased versatility which means you have free rein ton angle and rotate the saw for a variety of cuts.

The saw’s design makes it easy to hold and utilize. The handle will feel comfortable in your hand with a brake that enhances power regulation during use. And, better control ushers in improved accuracy. The battery for the DEWALT DCS570B is sold separately.

However, it’s part of the DEWALT 20V MAX battery range. So, you can select any battery from this range to perfectly fit the circular saw. Regarding the runtime, DEWALT claims that users can get up to 100 crosscuts with each use.

6. Bosch CCS180B

With a 6.5″ blade, the Bosch CCS180B has the uncanny ability to slice through 2″ and 1-9/16″ thick material at 90-degree and 50-degree angles, respectively. So, this makes it an ideal choice for carpenters, professional builders, remodelers, and those that require power tools for household needs.

Weighing only 6.5 lbs which makes it easy to use and transport, the Bosch CCS180B circular saw has a no-load 3900 RPM motor. It also features a left-blade design that gives a clear view of the cut line when you hold the main handle in your right hand. With an impressive power-to-weight ratio, the saw delivers an easy-to-read, adjustable bevel coupled with a depth-of-cut gauge for increased accuracy and consistent locking.

The CCS180B is armed with the unique anti-snag lower guard that eases the blade smoothly into the material. And, it has an electronic brake that stops the blade dead in its tracks and facilities swift and easy use. With a heavy-duty aluminum upper guard and foot, this battery-powered circular saw was built with durability in mind as it can withstand years of the toughest jobs.

Making Straight Cuts with a Circular Saw

For starters, select the depth of your cut by setting the blade length below the base. As a tip when cutting wood, position its good side facing down to keep scratches and other material deformations at bay.

Secondly, draw a precision line right where you intend to cut. Then, align your circular saw on the line and power up the motor. Ensure you bring the saw to full speed before you start slicing through the material. Upon reaching the highest level, make contact between the material you’re cutting and your saw.

Thirdly, refrain from forcing the tool. Doing so jams the saw blade. If this occurs, slowly but carefully take the saw back and approach the cut slower to usher in, accurate and clean cuts on any material you require.

Safety Measures and Practices

When working with circular saws, ensure you:

• Always wear eye protection. During aggressive cutting, small pieces of wood fly up into the air and land on your face. So, there’s a likelihood of sustaining injuries to your eyeballs or developing an eye infection without the use of durable safety eyewear.
• Turn off your circular saw when making adjustments to it to avoid the risk of sustaining adverse injuries.
• Avoid carrying your tool around with your finger resting on the saw’s trigger as you may unintentionally power it on and sustain a deep a cut.

Can You Cut Material without A Table?

In a nutshell, yes! But, we recommend always using a table when slicing materials using a circular saw. If there’s no table lying around, you’ll need to get creative on how to secure the material.

For instance, you can clamp it down as one of the common ways. Avoid holding down the material with one hand and operating your saw with the other. Doing so leads to the tool slipping from your hand, in turn damaging the material and injuring you.

What Features Should You Consider?

When purchasing a battery-powered circular saw, consider the following criteria.

• Rafter Hook: It’s ideal for hanging on a multitude of objects as opposed to setting the saw on the ground.
• Rail Compatibility: It grants the saw the uncanny ability to attach onto a track more accurate cuts.
• Dust Port: It provides a link to a vacuum for easier cleanup.
• LED Lighting: It enhances visibility on the blade area, making your cutline clear as day.
• Brushless Motor: It delivers optimum runtime, performance, and longer life.
• Cutline Blower: It utilizes exhaust airflow, thus veering sawdust further from your cutline.
• Trigger Safety Design: Some gravitate towards a push-down style, whereas others opt for a push-in. So, it boils down to your preference.
• Magnesium Components: These diminish the weight of circular saws without compromising on their strength.
• Electronic Brake: It’s an excellent safety feature that brings the blade to a halt, in a jiffy.

To Wrap It Up

Circular saws are amazing hand tools for general contractors and DIY enthusiasts to add to their collection. They’re affordable, packed with incredible features, and are handy. They get the job done with utmost efficiency without being connected to a power outlet.