Corded vs. Cordless Circular Saw

Circular saws are essential in any workshop. Even if you are not a professional, you are still going to need a circular saw. 

Circular saws have many forms, among which are corded and cordless circular saws. 

Before buying either of them, you have to know the advantages and disadvantages of each one. 

Short Answer:

If you are a professional, it is better to go for a high-quality cordless circular saw because it will enable you to work anywhere without having to worry about finding an electrical outlet. 

However, if you are a DIY, and you are going to use it at home or in your garage, then it is okay to buy a corded one. 

If you are at home, you can always find an electrical outlet. Corded circular saws will let you do the job with perfection. 

Corded vs. Cordless Circular Saw: Differences

Power

Corded circular saws need electricity to work. If you are using one of them and the electricity goes off, you can no longer work until it is back on again. This will, of course, hold you back from finishing a lot of work, and it will have a negative impact on your productivity. 

Moreover, if you are a professional, and someone asked you to do a job for them in a place that has no electricity, you will have no other choice than to turn down the job offer; what a waste of opportunities, right!

Conversely, if you have a cordless circular saw, you just need to charge the battery, and you are good to go! 

You can work anywhere. The job sites do not always guarantee electricity, so this is one of the reasons corded circular saws are better for professionals. 

You will never have to say no to a great job offer because it does not have electric outlets. Put your portable cordless circular saw in your car; make sure the battery is charged, and make some money!

Blades

The blades of corded circular saws are larger than those of cordless ones. Corded circular saws have blades of about 7.25 inches, while cordless ones have blades of 6.5 inches. 

Of course, bigger blades provide better performance. 

Safety 

Corded circular saws are less safe than cordless ones. The more cords on the floor, the more chances of falling. You may get tangled on one of the cords and fall on the floor and get severely injured by any sharp tool you have on the floor, for example. 

It is always better to make sure the floor is clean, just in case. Consequently, cordless circular saws provide you with more safety. 

Now, let’s discuss all that and more in detail. 

Corded Circular Saw Overview: 

Like I said before, corded circular saws get their power from electricity. So, if you do not have electricity or electrical outlet anywhere near you, there is no way you can work. This will be such a negative point if you turn down a good job just because the job site has no electricity. 

However, corded circular saws are more powerful than cordless ones. They can also last for as long as you need them as long as they are connected to a power source. 

Moreover, their blades (7.25 inches) are larger than the blades of cordless circular saws (6.5 inches). That is also why they are more powerful. 

Besides, they are versatile as they can cut through different materials like metals, wood, plastic, and aluminum. 

You can use them whether you are right-handed or left-handed. 

Sadly, they are not very safe. Imagine walking around in your job site or garage, getting tangled in one of the cords, and then falling. Horrible! 

If you are going to buy a corded circular saw, please make sure the cords are not everywhere on the floor. You should always make sure that the floor and the surrounding area is always clean and clear for your own safety.  Also, the cords may slow down your work progress since you will always need to fiddle around with long power cords. Moreover, the cords may get damaged or accidentally get cut, causing you to pay extra money to get new ones. 

Cordless Circular Saw Overview: 

As you already know, cordless circular saws need lithium batteries to operate. This feature is excellent because it means that as long as you have a charged battery, you can use them to work anywhere you need. 

I highly recommend that you have an extra charged battery with you because the battery that is already in use might get depleted. You surely do not want to let that slow down your progress! 

Cordless circular saws are lightweight and consequently portable. This is one more great feature that means that you can easily manage to put them in your car and go anywhere. 
They are also relatively quiet, so say goodbye to mad neighbors and family members. Moreover, if you are working in a garage or a job site with other people, you will no longer give them a headache. 

They are mostly suitable for light tasks, but with the right blade, they can cut through any material. 
They are safer than corded ones because there are no cords to tangle you or anything. 

Moreover, they are relatively cheap, provided that they come with a kit that has various tools, including one or two batteries. 

What We Like and Do Not Like About Corded Circular Saws and Cordless Circular Saws: 

Corded Circular Saws: 

Pros:

• Can work as long as you want as long as they get electricity 
• Larger blades
• More powerful

Cons:

• Unsafe 
• Cord may get damaged
• Limited mobility 

Cordless Circular Saws:

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Portable
• Safer
• Quite 
• Relatively cheap 
• Faster 
• Durable 

Cons: 

• Batteries may die mid-work
• Not really for heavy work

Final Thoughts: 

Now that you have reached the end of the article, you know more about each one of them. 

You also probably understand why I said that cordless circular saws are better for professionals, whereas corded ones are better for amateurs. 

If you still do not get it, let me tell you once more. 

Amateurs will be okay with corded ones because they almost always work at home or at a place that has an electrical outlet. 

However, professionals may get asked to work in all kinds of places where electricity is not guaranteed. 

Stay safe!