The Best Corded Circular Saws

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When working on large projects, you’ll want to bring your trusty corded circular saw. It’s honestly an essential tool. This is true whether you’re a professional or a DIYer; circular saws are fast, precise, and can cut through various materials. Circular saws also allow you to cut much straighter edges than, for example, a skill saw would. I know that using a corded circular saw may be less convenient than using a cordless circular saw. Still, corded options are cheaper and allow you to work to your heart’s content without worrying about the battery dying.  With all that being said, you may be wondering, “what are some of the best corded circular saws available today”? 

Cordless tools are growing in popularity, but the best corded circular saws offer a great combination of value and performance, which is something that can’t be beat. Below you’ll find all the essential things you need to know to help you make the right decision. 

Before we begin, are you looking for some general information on tools like miters saws, chainsaws, table saws, etc.? Then, check out our complete resource guides on Miter Saws, Table Saws, Chainsaws, Band Saws, and Circular Saws. These guides have all the information you need. In addition, you will be able to find history, the different types of tools, the top brand sold, and more! 

Why a Corded Circular Saw?

People often ask themselves if they should go for a corded or cordless tool. In this instance, you’re probably asking yourself, why should I go with corded over cordless? Corded circular saws offer infinite power as long as there is a power source you can plug into nearby. You won’t have to worry about charging up batteries or running out of power while working on a project.  

Most corded models come with a 15-amp motor which means you’ll have plenty of power. If you’re looking to go with a model that suits DIY projects the most, you’ll be happy to know that those models have decent speed and can make effective cuts as long as an excellent blade is used. 

These features are what make pros choose corded options over cordless ones.  

What Should You Consider When Choosing the Best Corded Circular Saw

There are so many corded circular saw models out there. You can purchase standard circular saws; ones specialized for DIY projects, compact models, high-performance models, etc. I know that it can be overwhelming to decide which option is best for you. Below you’ll find some tips to help you narrow down how to find the best corded circular saw for you. 

Blade Types and Sizes 

Circular saws, cordless or not, are usually rated based on the size of their blade. For example, 71/4 inch models are general-use blades. Blades below 4 inches are considered compact models, and blades above 10 inches are considered heavy-duty models.

What should be the deciding factor for you when it comes to the blade size you need is the depth of the cut. It’s essential to study the specifications of the saws you’re considering purchasing carefully because two saws with the same size blade may have different cutting depths. Your best bet is to look for a depth of cut with a blade at 90 degrees. You’ll want to go with this because this is the maximum. I would like to mention that you’ll also want to look at a depth of cut for the saw when the blade is at 45 degrees. Forty-five degrees is a very common angle for cutting bevels. 

The material the blade is made of and how many teeth the blade has are other things to keep in mind. For example, 71/4 inch blades often have 18 to 24 teeth tipped with tungsten carbide. This setup is excellent for general use, like lumber building or remodeling work. Still, I would like to mention there are plenty of different blades available, so I recommend checking them out since other blades are helpful for various projects. The more teeth a blade has, the smoother the cut will be. If you’re working with metals like aluminum, tile, or concrete, check out blades that were explicitly designed to handle cutting those materials. 

Speed and Power 

When it comes to speed and power, the first thing you’re going to want to check is the amp rating of the saw. This will give you a good indication of what kind of jobs that saw can handle. The maximum power for corded models is 15 amps since that’s the largest amount of power supplied by a household outlet. You may see models that are geared towards DIYers, be sure to keep an eye on the amp levels in these models since they can have less powerful motors. Compact models may have amp levels as low as 4. 

The blade speed is another thing to keep in mind because the faster the blade turns, the quicker it will cut. However, I would like to note that the speed quoted is when the saw is not cutting, just turned on. This means the number quoted may not be 100% accurate. Because of this, manufacturers don’t mention them. Overall, saw makers do a decent job matching speed and power output, so this shouldn’t be an issue for you. 

Ease of Adjustment 

Blade angle and depth of cut are adjustable on corded circular saws. But it’s not always easy to do on all models, so how easy it is to accomplish adjustment is essential, especially if changes need to be made frequently. 

On older saws and some lower-cost models, you may need an Allen wrench to adjust the depth. Newer models have levers that are easy to use and don’t require tools. However, I should mention that even on the more recent models, an Allen wrench may be necessary to change the angle of the shoe. 

Additional Features to Consider

Here are a few additional features that I recommend you keep in mind:

  • Braking that activates as soon as you pull your finger off the trigger. It cna be quite the annoyance waiting for the blade to slow down so you can place the circular saw down safely. However, some of the best corded circular saws have previously stated braking mechanisms, so the blade stops much quicker. 
  • Ball-bearing guides. Ball-bearing guides provide smooth opening and closing since safety guards can sometimes stick. 
  • A blower that will clear the path in front of the saw. It is beneficial for those who cut sheet material since sawdust often builds up, blocking the cut line. 
  • A bag or case for protection and storage. This is not a standard feature, but it’s a great thing. 
  • A rafter hook. Rafter hooks allow the corded circular saw to be hung up somewhere, meaning you can keep it out of the way when it’s not in use. This is better than storing it on a bench or the floor. 
  • Laser guides. Laser guides are excellent because they help you stay accurate when cutting by projecting a beam across your cutline. I would like to note that you need to check alignment regularly. 

1. Metabo HPT C7UR/C7URM RipMax Pro

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The Metabo HPT C7UR/C7URM RipMax Pro corded circular saw was initially launched before Hitachi changed its name to Metabo HPT. The C7UR and C7URM circular saws hit the market with their high speeds. This saw has 6800 RPM making it a beast of a power tool. It will cut any wood that it comes across with ease, and it has an excellent cutting speed. 

The C7UR is cheaper, at $119.99, while the C7URM comes in at 149.99. The C7URM is lighter but has the same cutting performance as the C7UR.

If you don’t want to pick up this saw but want something similar, check out the Makita 5007MG or the Skilsaw SPT67M8-01. These are also great options that are highly rated and bestsellers. The Makita corded circular saw doesn’t have as much speed as the Metabo HPT’s, but it’s fast enough and contains magnesium to help keep the saw’s weight down. The Makita 5007MG goes for $139. 

The Skilsaw SPT67M8-01 is left-blade dominant, but it does trade off blade speed for more torque. It weighs under 9 pounds and has all the features you’ll need. However, it doesn’t have a blade brake that holds it back. 

2. Bosch CS10 7-¼-Inch 15 Amp Circular Saw

Best Corded Circular Saws

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The Bosch CS10 7-¼-Inch 15 Amp Corded Circular Saw is another excellent option. It’s solidly built, is a 7 1/4-inch saw, and comes with a 15 amp. This circular saw can execute the most challenging applications. It can drive through 2-7/16 inch material at 90°, delivers fast deep cuts. In addition, it’s considered lightweight since it only weighs 10.2 Lbs. 

I would like to mention that it comes with a magnesium footplate for precision and steadiness, an anti-snag lower guard for easy cutting, and a depth gauge that’s easy to read. It provides an unobstructed view of the cut line for more accurate cuts. The CS10 also features a 56° bevel capacity and positive detents at 22.5° and 45°. This means you will be able to work on various projects with ease. The blade has 24 teeth that will tackle most site and workshop jobs with ease. There are also simple levers for quick adjustment and an onboard wrench for blade changes.

This corded circular saw comes with a snag-free blade guard and dust blower, two wonderful features. It’s an excellent all-rounder saw that’s very competitively priced. It also comes with a carry bag is a nice extra.

3. DeWalt 7-¼-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake 

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We have the DeWalt 7-¼-Inch Circular Saw listed as number 3 on this list but don’t let that ranking scare you. All of these corded circular saws are great choices. This is a good option for DIY enthusiasts and professionals since it offers nearly everything you’ll need. DeWalt also has high standards for durability, precision, and reliability.

The 15-amp motor is powerful, has a maximum depth of cut is 2 9/16 inches, bevel angle is up to 57 degrees, with detents at 22.5 and 45 degrees. Blade changes and adjustments are lever-operated. One massive benefit to this is that it’s 8.8 pounds, making it one of the lightest circular saws in its class. However, don’t let this fool you: it can deliver up to 5,200 RPM and 1,950 max watts. So even though it’s one of the lightest in its class, it’s more than capable of powering through the most demanding cutting applications.

It also comes with a dust blower which is also a helpful addition. The blade that comes with this saw has 18 teeth which offer aggressive and fast cutting. However, you may want to consider changing the blade if you need to complete sheet work. This is because it’s a bit coarse for that; a 24-tooth version of this blade is an affordable option.

This saw has a durable aluminum base and shoe that ensures smooth movements and accurate cuts. It also has an anti-snag ball-bearing lower guard that provides additional control and prolongs the lifespan of the corded circular saw. 

4. Skilsaw SPT 77 WML Worm Drive Circular Saw 

Best Corded Circular Saws

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If you’re someone who prefers the higher torque and inline design of a worm drive, I recommend you take a look at the Skilsaw SPT 77 WML Worm Drive Circular Saw. 

In my opinion, this corded circular saw is the best corded worm drive circular saw. Its 77-series 15-amp motor provides plenty of power to cut wood, while the magnesium housing for the motor, gear, and shoe helps keep the weight down to 11.5 pounds. I would like to note that this is the saw’s weight without the blade. It’s not the lightest circular saw on this list, but it’s still incredibly lightweight for this style of corded circular saw.

This circular saw is one of the more expensive ones since it runs for $199. However, a twist-lock plug version of this saw is available for $209.

5. Black + Decker 7-¼-Inch Circular Saw with Laser 

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The Black & Decker 7-¼-Inch Corded Circular Saw with Laser is the typical tool you often see with this brand. This circular saw is a basic tool, but it offers all of the features you’ll need. In addition, its price makes it a common choice because it puts it within reach of those who might only use it occasionally.

The motor has a slightly less powerful amp than the others on this list; it’s a 13-amp unit. It’s not a massively powerful motor but still capable of powering this 7 1/4-inch circular saw with ab 18-tooth blade to make a maximum 2 1/2-inch cut depth. It will bevel to 45 degrees, and all adjustments are tool-free. The shoe is steel; however, I would like to note that much of the body is plastic. This results in the saws being incredibly lightweight, 7 pounds. What I love most about this corded circular saw because it comes with a laser. The laser will allow you to make consistent and accurate cute. It’s surprising at the price that it has a laser guide.

Wrapping Up

There are the best corded circular saws! We hope this buying guide helped you find the best corded circular saw! Do you have a favorite circular saw from this list? Do you own a circular saw already? If not, are you considering purchasing one now? Please feel free to leave a comment; we would love to hear from you! 

Did you enjoy this article? Check out some other articles I have written: 

About Brianna Goulet

Brianna is a freelance writer who covers home decor, DIY projects, and tool reviews. She’s written for a variety of sites on these topics. She's originally from Massachusetts but she's currently living in Florida.

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