Are Cordless Circular Saws Any Good?

April 4, 2024

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Contents

1 Pros
2 Cons
3 The Bottom Line

As a carpenter, I used to be sceptical of cordless circular saws. I wondered if giving up the unlimited power of an AC cord was worth the convenience of no cord. However, after trying out several cordless circular saws over the years, I’ve found they absolutely can deliver ample cutting power for most home DIY tasks.

Cordless technology has improved tremendously, with lithium-ion batteries providing long runtime. Many pro-grade cordless saws like the DeWalt FlexVolt actually rival the power of corded! Here are some of the biggest pros and cons to consider with cordless circular saws:

Pros

Unlimited mobility – no cords restrict where and how you can cut material. Great for outside work.
Quick convenience – no finding an outlet or running extension cord. Just grab and cut!
Less fatigue – a cordless saw’s light weight reduces arm strain during extended use.
Safety – no worries about cord tripping hazards or getting cords pinched mid-cut.

Cons

Runtime limits – eventual battery depletion if not swapped out. Keep multiple charged batteries ready.
Less torque – lower voltage batteries can’t sustain max power as long as a corded saw.
Cost – buying batteries and chargers adds cost versus a corded saw’s single expense.

The Bottom Line

For casual users doing occasional jobs, cordless saws provide outstanding freedom and convenience without sacrificing much power.

Even pros are adopting cordless tools more frequently. Just be mindful of runtime limits. I always recommend having back-up charged batteries ready to swap for long work days.

But for most light-duty home DIY tasks, today’s cordless circular saws are absolutely powerful enough to get the job done right!