Having personally tested and analyzed numerous circular saw blades, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of choosing the right blade. Settling for anything less might disappoint performance and lead to a blade that fails prematurely.
To assist you in making an informed decision, I’ve meticulously reviewed and compiled a comprehensive guide on the best circular saw blades available.
Reviews of the Top Circular Saw Blades
1. Dewalt DWA161240 6-½-Inch 40-Tooth Circular Saw Blade
Dewalt has made it on my list again. This brand created a 40-tooth circular saw design and considered a great circular saw blade type for versatility and toughness. The entire blade is created from tungsten carbide for extra wear resistance and the anti-stick coating will fight blade friction against the material.
The thin kerf is excellent for a smoother cut and finish, but the blade is still very strong and has a reinforced shoulder. The thinness of the Dewalt DWA161240 blade does not compromise durability due to the shoulder protecting against nail-embedded wood.
What I Like
- High-density carbide construction
- It has a thin kerf design
- It has an anti-stick coating
- Impact-resistant against nails
- Smooth cut jobs
- It's suited for both corded and cordless circular saws
- It has a reinforced shoulder
- Patented body slots
- It is ideal for cross-cutting and framing
What I Don’t Like
- It has a slight vibration
- Plywood cuts are less smooth
2. Makita B-61656 7-¼” 24T Carbide-Tipped Max Efficiency Circular Saw Blade
The Makita B-61656 may be at the higher price range, but it is worth the premium price if you consider what it offers. It is highly durable and excellent for framing materials.
Its 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade provides users maximum efficiency. The alternate face with raker teeth gives the blade more power for smoother and accurate cuts. These blades can offer a woodworker up to 70% more speed than other circular saw blade options.
The ultra-thin kerf with slim tip bottoms is ideal for furniture-grade cuts with lower resistance resulting in efficient and faster-cutting speed.
What I Like
- It has alternating teeth
- It has Tungsten carbide teeth
- 70% more efficient
- It has ultra-thin kerf
- Reduced swing width
- It is excellent for framing
- It's suited for miter cuts, rip cuts, and cross cuts
- Highly durable
What I Don’t Like
- It might have some kickback against certain wood
- It is ineffective against nails
3. IRWIN Tools MARATHON Carbide Corded Circular Saw Blade
If the Makita blade is a bit too rich for your blood, I recommend the Irwin Tools Marathon Blade offering functional features for such a reasonably priced saw blade.
It’s easy and safe to use with a silicone coating that outfits the blade to slice through materials than any other power tools. The coating also reduces pitch and resin buildup.
The carbide teeth are durable and hard-wearing for large-scale construction jobs. Every other tooth on this circular saw blade is thinner that can reduce cutting time. It also features heat vents that will eliminate vibrations, making it one of the best circular saw blades that made the list.
What I Like
- It is easy to use
- It has durable carbide teeth
- Silicone coating
- It is excellent for a variety of applications
- Anti-vibration vents
- Every other tooth is thinner for a faster cut job
- 24-tooth count suited for framing and rip cuts
- It has an affordable price
What I Don’t Like
- It is most suitable for 2x4 plywood
- It can be difficult to rip through an oak wood
4. Freud D0760A Diablo 7-1/4" x 60-Tooth Ultra Fine Finishing Circular Saw Blade
Freud Diablo blades are the top choices among woodworkers. They have blades with a different number of teeth suited for various cut jobs. I chose the 60-tooth fine finishing option as the best blade from the brand.
With the blade’s teeth, even wet wood is no match for this blade. The super-thin kerf will also make the cut job smoother and faster, thus, reducing cut time.
The Freud D0760A Diablo Blade features a Perma-shield non-stick coating to protect you from friction and even kickback. Blades with larger teeth will chip thinner material such as plywood, but the D0760A will slice through it like butter.
What I Like
- It has a high number of teeth
- Perma-shield non-stick coat
- Anti-friction
- It has a thin kerf
- High efficiency
- It can be used with table saws and miter saws
- It has carbide tips
- Diamond knockout
- It is very suitable for MDF, aluminum, and plywood
What I Don’t Like
- Similar performance to some 24-tooth blades
- Minor veneer chipping for oak wood
5. Oshlun SBW-055036 5-1/2-Inch 36 Tooth ATB Finishing and Trimming Saw Blade
Aside from a circular saw, the Oshlun SBW055036 Circular Saw Blade is compatible with a variety of models like a table saw. The teeth are at an aggressive hook angle that makes the blade suitable for different types of lumber including softwood, hardwood, and plywood.
The kerf, along with the hook angle, will create a more efficient and smoother cut extending the battery life and reducing cut time.
For extra precision, the Oshlun SBW055036 circular saw blade features precision ground carbide tips for a surgical cut without any tear. Oshlun offers these saws in 3 different teeth counts to suit the user’s cutting needs.
What I Like
- It has a super thin kerf
- Precise and surgical cut job
- It has professional grade carbide tips
- Aggressive hook handle
- It is ideal for different types of lumber including plywood
- Supports longer battery life
- It's compatible with various portable saws
What I Don’t Like
- It is not the best for aluminum
- It has no coating
6. BOSCH DCB624 Daredevil 6-1/2-Inch 24-Tooth Framing Ripping Corded/Cordless Circular Saw Blade
For framing and rip cuts, the Bosch DCB624 will not disappoint. I loved the variety of applications this circular saw blade could perform. The teeth are carbide-tipped with micro-grain formulation for extra wear resistance.
With ATB teeth, the DCB624 excels at cross-cutting and trimming plywood, hardwood, or softwood.
Coated with Bosch’s SpeedCoat, this saw is the top choice for less friction and heat prevention. The steel body of the blade is not only resilient but also delivers the most precise cuts, won’t bend, and stays sharper even for an extended period of use.
What I Like
- Carbide-tipped with a steel body
- It is excellent for hardwood, plywood, and softwood
- It has SpeedCoat for friction prevention
- Precise cut jobs
- It stays sharper to cut longer
- Expansion slot design for heat resistance
- Low number of teeth for ripping and cross-cutting
- 6-½-inch circular saw
- General-purpose combination blades
What I Don’t Like
- It may use battery power quickly
- It can be difficult to remove from the circular saw
7. Freud D0740A Diablo 7-1/4 40 Tooth ATB Finishing Saw Blade
The next Freud Diablo option I chose is the D0740A ATB Circular Saw Blade. It definitely earns top points for robustness with carbide teeth that work on most lumber materials. The Freud exclusive TiCo high-density carbide is anti-vibration and prolongs the sharpness up to 4 times longer than regular blades.
The D0740A is also coated in Freud’s Perma-shield non-stick heat-resisting exterior. This 7-¼-inch circular saw blade would work with many different models and is covered by Freud’s lifetime warranty.
The operation with a larger circular saw blade size could be noisy, but Freud ensures that it operates quietly using its thin laser-cut kerf.
What I Like
- It has a thin laser-cut kerf
- TiCo high-density carbide
- It has anti-vibration
- It retains sharpness up to 4x as long
- It has a lifetime warranty
- It is compatible with a variety of saws
- Laser-cut ATB teeth for more efficiency
- It produces precise and clean cuts
- Diamond knockout
What I Don’t Like
- It might have splintering on the top part of the plywood
- It is not a good choice for aluminum
Circular Saw Blade Buyer’s Guide
The number of teeth, the blade diameter, and whether or not the blade features laser teeth are all factors you need to contend with to find the top product.
If you’re a novice circular saw user, you don’t need to worry if you don’t understand features like laser-cut stabilizer vents, “TPI,” and others. I am here to break down the different features to look for when buying a circular saw blade.
Blade Size and Dimensions
The first thing to look at is the lumber material you are cutting through and your saw size. I say the sizing is quite diverse, ranging from 7 inches to 14. Handheld circular saws will go for a smaller kind of blade, while full-sized options require a larger type – typically around 10-12 inches.
The smaller the size, the smaller scale the job should be. It will take a 7-inch blade twice as long to cut through hardwood as it would take a 10-inch blade.
Compatibility
In addition to considering the size, it is crucial to ensure that the chosen blade is compatible with the brand of your power tool, the project type, and the specific type of saw you are using. While manufacturers often provide a list of consistent brands, I emphasize that matching the blade to the project and the kind of circular saw is of greater importance.
For the type of saw, you need to look at the arbor size and the shaft of your saw to ensure the right fit. The type of cut you want to make will also impact the type of blade you choose. For example, if you are looking to cut dadoes and grooves, go for a dado blade.
To help you pick the best circular saw blades, I will list the different types of blades to choose from and what they are most suited for.
Flat top grind or FTG blades are powerful, great for rip cuts, but aren’t very precise. ATB or alternate top bevel blades are the top choices for general purpose use, and hi-angle ATB blades offer a higher bevel angle than their counterparts and are the premium option for smooth lines on laminate or engineered lumber materials.
Lastly, there are TCG blades or the triple chip grind. They are tough and suited for most materials; however, I remind you that triple chip grind blades are not fit for general woodworking and better used on granite, metals, concrete forms, and thicker lumber.
Blade Material and Coating
The blade material is imperative to the lifespan of the blade. I say the superior blades are either steel with carbide teeth or have the entire body made from tungsten carbide.
For steel, you may have a choice between carbon steel blades, high-speed steel or HSS blades, and cobalt steel blades.
Carbon steel is what I recommend you choose for softer materials such as plastics. Carbon steel blades are the softest among all of the steel options and the most affordable. However, because carbon steel is softer, these blades have more flexibility and tension resistance.
HSS blades do what the name suggests and are made to handle high speeds. In order to withstand the high spins, these blades are extra-durable. They are a harder version of steel and retain their sharpness long.
They also have better temperature resistance with or without protective coating. MDF and hardwood materials are no match for HSS blades, which makes them a good choice for workers who often use these materials.
Then we have the cobalt steel blades, which I recommend for the toughest jobs. They earn their name because of trace amounts of cobalt, which makes them even more robust than HSS blades. Like the HSS, cobalt blades also retain their sharpness and have high-temperature resistance.
For someone who often works with aluminum, copper, and different types of metal aside from wood, then cobalt steel blades are the top choice for you. However, there is a drawback. Because cobalt steel blades are not flexible, it makes them more prone to breaking and snapping.
These blades and the ones with a full carbide body can feature carbide-tipped teeth. Regardless of the number of teeth, carbide-tipped teeth are generally more expensive and one of the blades I recommend. If your budget allows, go straight for carbide tips as they are an excellent choice for lumber, nails, concrete forms, MDF, plywood, hardwood, and metals such as aluminum [1] material.
Premium concrete blades for circular saw also come with coating or plating technology. These blades are extra tough and can withstand heat and friction on wood better than ones without the coating. I say to look for a computer plate or laser cut anti-vibration vents to further stabilize the blade when in use.
Teeth
The teeth are also a lengthy category that features a lot for you to consider. For starters, to identify the right blade for the job you need to look at teeth count, hook angle, and design.
In general, the more teeth the saw has, the smoother the cut. This makes 60-tooth blades more precise than ones with only 24. Aside from the smooth cuts, a higher teeth count can also deliver more precise cuts. I have compiled this quick guide to help you identify the right tooth count for you.
Saw blades with 40 teeth or below are suited for framing and ripping. Ones with 40-60 teeth are still considered coarse blades and are excellent for lumber, MDF, softwood, and regular hardwood material.
Blades with a TPI of 8-18, which means they have 60-80 teeth are suited for all of the above materials plus sheet metals and plywood.
To be considered a fine tooth circular saw blade, it has to be around 80-120 teeth. Fine-toothed circular saw blades are mostly used for strong plywood, non-ferrous metals, and a variety of sheet materials.
For a general-purpose combination blade, then I suggest a fewer number of teeth ranging from 14-20. I also suggest outfitting your work area with different types of blades for your circular saw that is easy to switch out for various projects.
Changing Circular Saw Blades
To switch out the saw blades, make sure to power off your equipment and remove the battery if you have a cordless option. Next, press the arbor switch down and rotate the blade until the locking mechanism kicks in.
Also Read: Corded vs. Cordless Circular Saw
A blade wrench was most likely included in your purchase, so use it to remove the arbor nut and carefully remove the blade. Place the new blade in the arbor but make sure the teeth are facing the right direction. Then replace the arbor nut and tighten it again with the blade wrench.
Top Circular Saw Recommendation:
How to Properly Maintain a Circular Saw Blade
The maintenance of a circular saw blade will have an impact on its lifespan. One way to ensure it will always work at optimal levels is by cleaning it properly. The blade should only be cleaned when it is removed from the saw. You can use regular detergent or mild soap. Start by finding a large enough receptacle and diluting the detergent or soap of your choice with warm water.
Place the blade inside the solution for 5-10 minutes. The blades are easier to clean when all the dirt and grime have been soaked through. Grab a soft-bristled brush and start to brush the surface of the saw and the teeth of the blade gently. When you are done, rinse the blade in clean water and dry it off with a soft cloth.
Our team stresses not to hold the product by the teeth. Instead, thread your finger through the middle hole when cleaning for stability and balance.
(For accurate measure and accurate cuts, you can also use the best circular saw guides we reviewed here)
FAQ
Is more teeth on a circular saw blade better?
Yes, more teeth on a circular saw blade are better for work that requires a smoother and precise cut. More teeth will work better on thicker lumber and are suited for metal and sheet material, as well. However, a blade with more teeth will have less ripping power.
How do I choose a circular saw blade?
You choose a circular saw blade by thinking of the material you work with, the kind of cut you want to create, the tooth count, safety features, and the type of product you have. All of these factors will contribute to finding the best option for you.
Our Top Pick For a Circular Saw Blade: DEWALT DWA161240
Our experts decided on the Dewalt DWA161240 as the best circular saw blade on this review guide. It is constructed with high-density carbide for longer wear resistance. The exterior of the blade is coated with an anti-stick coating which will reduce friction during operation. Given the thin kerf design, the Dewalt DWA161240 will provide a smooth cut and precise finish.
Confused about how a trim and circular saw look the same? Well, you can check how a circular saw and trim saw perform differently here. Read next!
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
