Corded Vs Cordless Circular Saw | Comparison & Uses Explained 2024

The duel between a corded and cordless circular saw has to catch up to you at some point, whether you are purchasing a circular saw for the first time or considering switching from one type to the other. The others you choose to ask from can get pretty opinionated, pushing you towards the option they think is right.

Though what’s the right option for them can’t necessarily be the right one for you. Eventually, you have to decide and choose. A circular saw is an incredible cutting tool, whether it’s carpentry or DIYing, and not just for woodwork but for all the other materials as well. While the debate between the corded and cordless models keeps raging on and seems endless, you don’t have time to be caught up in that, right.

Both come with their respective pros and cons, some that might be more important for you to consider than others. So, while there is nothing I can say about the universal debate, what I can promise is to resolve the personal debate that you are having regarding which one you should get. By the end of this piece, there will be some misconceptions that will be cleared for you, and you will have come to a conclusion. Please check out, how to use the circular saw properly.

Corded Vs. Cordless Circular Saw

These are the major differences between the corded and cordless circular saw along with their advantages and disadvantages.

Corded Circular Saw

Your circular saw is corded as it has a power supply cord that plugs into an electrical outlet that supplies the power to the tool for its operation. There are a number of advantages as well as drawbacks to a corded model of circular saw, all of which need to be considered before coming to a conclusion. Let’s start with the advantages of the corded units of the tool.

Advantages

Starting with the cutting power, a corded circular saw has incredible cutting power making it able to go through the most daunting of cutting tasks. This cutting power applies to any and all the materials that are there, from huge logs to tough metals; it rips through any material you throw at it. That is because of the steady power that the electricity supply provides to the saw, which is a constant source throughout the cutting process.

A corded circular saw does not test the muscle power that is required to move it around. It is relatively lighter in weight since it utilizes an external power source. Normally, it would weigh from about 7 to 12 pounds, making it lightweight from the cordless counterpart. Corded circular saws are also easier to maintain and use. Also check out the best circular saws you can purchase.

Along with a powerful motor, powered by up to 15 amps and with an RPM speed of 5200 rpm, corded circular saws also have larger blades, which make them able to cut through heavy-duty materials. The blades of a corded circular saw measure about 7.25 inches, and the number of teeth on the blade can range from 32 to 80. The blade cuts deeper regardless of the thickness and toughness of the material and also performs faster.

Corded models are also more affordable than cordless models, though some extremely powerful ones can cost as much as the latter. A feature that adds to the convenience is that there is no need to assemble a corded unit after purchasing; it comes all ready for getting to work.

Disadvantages

The most obvious drawback of a corded circular saw lies in the name itself; it is corded, hence limited. You can go carrying the circular saw only as far as the cord allows, not farther than that. This limits the movement of the saw, keeping you from moving it around any way or as far as you like. The saw has to stay in a certain area to operate hence no portability. This limited movement also limits the efficiency of the saw; it is bound to interfere with some types of cuts.

Another drawback is that the saw will only work as long as there is electricity; it all comes down to it, no power source, and the saw is as good as useless. This dependability makes corded circular saws unreliable; you cannot use them anywhere you like, not unless the area or place has a steady power source apply. These two are the disadvantages of a corded circular saw arising from the unit’s dependability on electricity to operate.

Cordless Circular Saw

A cordless circular saw does not have a power supply cord trailing behind it, connecting it to some electrical energy source. It does not rely on some external power supply outlet rather comes with rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that power the unit.

For the saw to keep on working, you need to make sure every time that the battery is charged enough. The charger comes packaged with the unit. While the cordless model shares similarities with the corded counterpart, there are still differences hence advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

The most prevalent feature of a cordless circular saw which makes for a great plus is the lack of limitations that sprout from the absence of a lagging power cord. You don’t have to worry about anything holding the saw back while you move it around any way you like and how far you like, extending your workspace a great deal. So, the design of a cordless unit is portable and convenient.

Although the cutting power is not as tremendous as the corded models, the cordless units can still come with really powerful motors, especially if they are brushless. A brushless motor is powerful, has a long life span with reduced chances of wear, so it can work for many years. Some cordless models also come with 5200 RPMs, and some are also particularly lightweight, weighing as low as 6.8 pounds.

The internal power source makes the cordless circular saws able to operate at any place and area, not looking out for some electrical power source. This lack of restriction saves a lot of time and other problems. The battery works for a great amount of time if fully charged and if new. Some batteries have even more impressive life spans than others, going on for hours after each charging session.

Cordless units also make for a safer option as compared to corded saws. Since there is no cord, there is nothing to keep looking back to for you, nothing you can possibly tangle into and risk a fall, which, needless to say, can be quite dangerous. Also, the teeth of the blade of a cordless unit are smaller (have a look at the best circular saws that are small in size), which ensures safety in case of any mishap; there will not be much harm as compared to a corded unit.

Disadvantages

The most prominent disadvantage of a cordless circular saw is the lesser cutting power. With the smaller motors, they are not as powerful as their corded counterparts. Their batteries are not able to generate as much power. Also, no matter how powerful they are, they tend to wear down with use reducing the cutting power further.

The charge also runs out; even if it’s after working for hours, you have to charge them again. This limited cutting power makes the cordless saw able to tackle small to medium level cutting tasks only. The blades are also smaller, with lesser cutting depth than corded saws. They are not to be used for heavy-duty cutting tasks. They also tend to be relatively heavier because of the battery inside, which will take a toll on your muscles. Cordless circular saws are also more expensive.