DIY projects are all fun and games as long as you gave the right tools by side. And if you’re a DIY enthusiast who loves to do small projects around the home then it might be worth investing in a good mini and compact circular saw. Unlike large wood-cutting circular saw, a mini saw is lightweight and can be used for multipurpose. You can easily carry a small circular saw in your hand to finish various small projects around the property.
In addition to being lightweight, these mini handheld saws can reach tight spaces effortlessly. For example, it will be easy for a small cordless circular saw to cut an extended piece of wood/pipe than a large saw under the kitchen sink or furniture.
Apart from straight clean cuts, many models also allow for bevel or milter cuts. This feature lets you shape your project as you desire. And who doesn’t love the results when they match or exceed your expectations.
But for that, you need to have the best compact circular saw in hand. We understand it is difficult to catch one good fish from the vast sea. And not products on the market are worth buying. So after vigorous testing and studying several tools individually, we’ve listed down the top handheld circular saw. Check the in-depth reviews to know more about each tool.
Table of Contents
Best Mini Circular Saws
Here are some of the best small circular saws that can help you achieve more in your workshop.
1) DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX Circular Saw, 4-1/2-Inch
Finish various projects around the home/apartment effortlessly with Dewalt cordless 4-1/2-inch circular saw. Being cordless, you do not have to worry about finding a reliable plug nearby. Simply charge and insert the battery in place, to begin with, the project. In addition to a lightweight design, Dewalt Atomic battery-powered hand saw is equipped with a brushless motor.
This powerful, efficient, and quiet-working brushless motor can tackle most of the work. Plus, it allows you to cut up to 339 linear feet of 3/4-inch using a DCB205 battery. Whereas, bevel gear allows you to cut 2x material at a 90-degree angle with a 4-1/2-inch blade. So cutting a ply straight with Dewalt is just like applying butter to a slice of bread.
There are times where we lack judgment while cutting materials of a certain density. So Dewalt mini circular saw features an electronic brake system. This safety mechanism stops the blade quickly to prevent any unfortunate accident or damage to the blade. And do not worry about wood shavings flying around the space as an onboard dust port lets you set the direction to work in a mess-free environment.
Pros:
- Convenient on-board blade key storage
- Bevel gear design allows for 2x cut on the material at 90º and 1x material cut at 45º
- Elongates handle eases cutting OSB and plywood
- The ergonomic design of the unit lets you rip the wood with one hand
- Easy-to-remove auxiliary handle for better control
- Safe electronic brake system
- Up to 45-degree bevel cut capacity
- Best compact cordless circular saw for home use
Cons:
- Bare tool only. Does not include a battery or charger
Key Features:
- 4-1/2-inch blade diameter
- Brushless motor
- 20-volt
- 1-9/16-in max cut at 90º
- 4500 rpm
- Weighs 6.6 pounds
- 3-year limited warranty
2) Makita 12V Max CXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Circular Saw Kit
DIY projects require dealing with different materials. And not all mini and compact saw allows the use of various materials. But that would not be a problem with Makita 12V lithium-ion cordless circular saw kit as the tool is designed to work with different materials. It comes with a sharp 3-3/8-inch circular saw blade that cuts through plywood, MDF, pegboard, particleboard, melamine, drywall, and much more.
Even though the blade diameter measures 3-3/8 inches, it delivers a cutting depth of 1-inch for wide materials. Also, thanks to the powerful Makita-built motor that provides a no-load speed of 1500 RPM. The small sharp saw blade in combination with a high-speed motor offers faster cutting. Be it plywood or drywall, Makita multifunctional saw will finish the job quickly.
You can start using the tool right after unboxing as Makita SH02R1 comes with 2 lithium-ion 2.0Ah batteries, a 12V Max CXT lithium-ion charger, a 3-3/8″ 20T CT saw blade, and a tool case. The solid tool case lets you store the components safely when the project is over for long-lasting efficiency.
Pros:
- Adjust cutting depth from 1-inch at 90º and 5/8-inch at 45º
- Cuts various materials including plywood, drywall, melamine, particleboard, etc
- Attached blade wrench for quick blade changing
- Good quality lightweight handheld saw weighing just 3.5 pounds
- Battery protection against overloading and over-heating
- An LED indicator on the battery base helps to determine the remaining battery life
- Comes with a complete kit that includes batteries and a charger to start using the tool right after unboxing
- Best rated compact circular saw for small hands
Cons:
- The blade is on the right side instead of left
- Handle design could had been better
Key Features:
- 3-3/8″ blade size
- 1500 RPM
- Adjustable cutting depth
- Tilting base
- Built-in dust blower
- Weighs 3.5 pounds
- 3-year limited warranty on tool, battery, and charger
3) Rockwell RK3441K 4-1/2” Compact Circular Saw
Looking for a budget handheld circular saw? Then Rockwell RK3441K is the best option. Costing under $100, this mini saw is ideal for both home and job site use. Equipped with a 5-amp motor, the machine provides a no-load speed of 3500 rpm. This much speed is enough to cut dense plywood and particleboard.
Rockwell compact electric circular saw features a 4-1/2″ blade that has a kerf less than half the thickness of larger 7-1/4-inch saw blades. A thin blade helps in the precise cutting of wood which is most important for the overall quality of the project. Also, thin weight reduces tool weight as well as causes less motor strain.
This thin blade is placed on the left side of the tool for better cut-line visibility. And better visibility results in clean cuts. This feature makes the corded hand saw perfect for beginners, especially woodworkers. Speaking of wood, this little tool is excellent for cutting thick logs of wood. The sharp blade breezes through 2-inch nominal lumbar material like butter. Thus, bye-bye to bulky large saws.
Pros:
- Built-in dust port, plus, easy vac hookup encourages to work in a clean environment
- Impressive cutting depth, 2-inch stock lumbar
- Left-handed blade housing lets you see the cut line clearly
- The ergonomically designed handle allows for one-hand operation
- Comes with a 24T TCT blade, a parallel guide, vacuum adapter, and a blade key
- ETL listed
- Best mini and compact circular saw under $100
Cons:
- It’s challenging to hit the lock button and trigger together
- Not ideal to work on concrete or metal
Key Features:
- 5 Amp motor
- 4-1/2″ saw blade
- Sidewinder
- 10 ft cord length
- Keyed blade change
- Max cut depth @ 45º: 1.125-in
- Weighs 5 pounds
- 3-year limited warranty
4) WORX WORXSAW 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw
New projects are exciting especially if you’re a beginner. And it is important to use the right tools as not only does it help to finish the project on time but also encourages you to take big projects in the future. And Worx Worxsaw 4-1/2-inch compact circular saw is an excellent choice for newbies. This tool is ergonomically designed, lightweight, and most importantly, inexpensive.
The wide tooth round blade is specially designed for wood. It can easily slice up to 2-inch stock lumber in one go. Also, the sharp blade cuts 2x4s. And to finish the chopping part precisely, Worx electric handheld saw offers left-sided blade optimization. Such arrangement gives a clear view of the cut line that ultimately results in cleaner cuts.
Worx Worxsaw WX429L is engineered with cutting-edge technology that again, helps with clean cuts. And if your blade wears out after rigorous use, simply take advantage of the tool’s spindle lock. In just 3 steps you can replace the old blade with a new circular saw. Then either do a straight cut or set the depth gauge from 0 to 45 degrees for fine bevel cutting, as per the project demands.
Pros:
- The package includes one parallel guide, a vacuum adapter, and an Allen key
- You can attach the dust port to vacuum to work in a clean environment
- Integrated safety trigger prevents accidental cutting
- While the included carbide-tipped saw blade is ideal for cutting wood, you can change the blade to cut other materials like plastic, metal, or ceramic tiles
- ETL listed
- With a peak of 4000 RPM, the tool offers quick cutting
- The thinner blade causes less strain, thus, increases the life of the tool
- Best worx compact circular saw for the money
Cons:
- The guide sits lower which might cause trouble initially
- Not an ideal tool for everyday heavy-duty job site work
Key Features:
- 4.5 A motor
- 4-1/2-in blade diameter
- Keyed blade change
- 24 T carbide-tipped blade
- 3500 RPM
- Weighs 4.4 pounds
- 3-year limited warranty
5) Makita 18V Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless Circular Saw
Highly functional and powerful, Makita XSH04ZB brushless cordless large circular saw is specially designed for pro DIYers. Featuring a 6-1/2-inch circular saw blade, the tool is engineered to deal with a wide variety of cutting and ripping applications. Though the size of the tool is large than the rest of the products on the list, it is still a compact saw as compared to bulky job site wood cutting tools.
This heavy-duty circular saw is ideal for a contractor for framing, roofing, formwork, and more. Equipped with Makita built-in brushless motor, you’ll never run out of power with this tool. The powerful motor delivers up to 5000 RPM speed that rips lumbar boards in a breeze. And good power-to-weight ratio ensures minimal loss of power, plus, seamless cutting.
It is important to note that this is a cordless circular saw that uses a 2.0 Ah battery. Thanks to the use of a brushless motor that provides up to 50% longer runtime than non-brushless motos. Also, use a 2.0 Ah battery that is tested to last up to 350 cross-cuts per charge. And this much running capacity is enough to do most of the work at a job site. For extended runtime, you can use a high amp-hour 18V LXT battery.
Pros:
- Depth adjustment for precise cutting without harming tabletop
- Brushless motor increases runtime, runs quietly, and eliminates carbon brushes
- Large cutting capacity, 2-1/4-inch at 90º and bevel capacity of 0º-50º
- Aluminum base in combination with a magnesium blade cover
- Features extreme protection technology(XPT) for improved dust and water-resistant
- 3-stage led light indicators gives you an idea about battery life
- Ideal for framers, contractors, builders, and professionals
- Sidewinder drive type
- UL listed
- Best heavy-duty circular saw with 24-tooth ultra-thin kerf carbide tipped saw blade
Cons:
- Tough to operate single-handedly
- Does not include battery
Key Features:
- Brushless motor
- 6-1/2-in blade diameter
- 2-1/4-in max cut depth @ 90º
- Automatic speed change technology
- 5000 RPM
- Weighs 7.6 lbs
- 3-year limited warranty
6) TACKLIFE Circular Saw with Metal Handle
Tackle a wide variety of projects easily with Tacklife circular saw. Unlike ordinary tools, Tacklife TCS115A can work with wood, soft metal, tile, and plastic. So from cutting PVC pipes to framing wood, you can do a lot with this mini saw. The corded electric tool features a robust 5.8 Amp copper wired motor that runs cool and delivers maximum power for flawless cutting.
Besides, you can set the depth according to the material for cleaner cuts every time. Tacklife easy-set depth scaled gauge lever allows for a cutting depth up to 1-11/16 inches. This means you can cut a thick log of wood effortlessly in one go at 90 degrees. Plus, the bevel angle capacity at 45º is 1-3/8-inch, therefore, allowing you to adjust the bevel cutting angle freely from 0º to 45º.
Tacklife compact circular saw features a laser guide. On starting the tool, you will see a straight red line falling on the material. This light is nothing but a guide to help you cut the material precisely. Thus, it eliminates the need for a pencil or ruler.
Pros:
- Unique metal handle helps reduce fatigue for one-hand working
- No need for auxiliary tools
- Laser guide helps with straight, precise cuts
- Copper wired motor delivers full-size performance that is ideal to cut plastic, plasterboard, drywall, PVC pipe, and other soft metals
- Flexible 90 and 45-degree bevel cutting angle
- Left-sided blade design for better cut-line visibility
- Double protection switch for optimum safety of the user
- Best handheld circular saw with laser guide under $100
Cons:
- Blade quality is not very exceptional
- Kickbacks while working on dense materials
Key Features:
- 5.8 Amps
- 4-1/2″ blade edge
- 3500 RPM
- Laser guide
- Double protection switch
- Weighs 8.3 pounds
- 24-month warranty
7) Genesis 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw
Light-duty works around the apartment might not require an expensive, heavy-duty tool. And if you’re in search of a similar tool then get Genesis 4-1/2″ small handheld saw. This mini yet powerful tool features a 4.0 Amp motor that delivers an impressive 3500 RPM. Besides, barrel grip allows for a one-hand operation that further eases cutting in tight places.
Use of the right blade is important for the long life of the tool. Not only does it protect motor but also result in cleaner cuts. So Genesis corded electric circular saw offers a spindle lock. This user-friendly lock allows for safe and quick blade change within seconds. Initially, it comes with a 24T carbide-tipped blade that is ideal for wood cutting. But you can change the blade depending on the type of material.
Wood dust and debris flying around is a common job site view. And these tiny particles cause a lot of mess. However, that won’t be a problem with Genesis compact home saw as it features a built-in dust port that can be connected to a vacuum adapter(included) to keep the work area clear.
Pros:
- ETL(Intertek) tested and certified
- Comes with a 24T blade, rip guide, vacuum adapter, dust collector hose, and blade wrench
- Spindle lock for quick blade changes
- Easy-to-set depth and bevel controls
- Quickly cuts through all 2x materials
- Premium carbide blade
- Best mini circular saw under $50
Cons:
- Light usage only
- Safety trigger is a bit tricky
Key Features:
- 4.0 Amp
- 3500 RPM
- 24T carbide-tipped blade
- Barrel grip
- Built-in dust port
- Weighs 4.7 lbs
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
8) Rotorazer Platinum Compact Circular Saw Set
This one tool will replace all other mini tools for home use. Thanks to the high versatility of the Rotorazer Platinum compact circular saw set that is perfect for DIY enthusiasts. This single tool can do band, circular, hand, miter, jig, tile, and hand saw. This is because the tool comes with 3 blades to be used while working on different materials.
The 3 blades are Tungsten, High-speed steel, and Diamond blade. Attach Tungsten blade to cut softwood, hardwood, plywood, pegboards, and particleboard. Or switch to a Diamond cutting blade to cut tiles, ceramic, stone, and marble. For cutting dense materials like steel and aluminum, use the high-speed steel blade. In short, this mini electric circular saw is perfect for all-around use.
While many cheap handheld saws are limited to cutting in a single direction, the case is much different with this multifunctional tool. You can cut 7 in seven different directions with this tool that includes horizontal, vertical, straight lines, curved lines, corners, and even upside down. In short, this corded circular saw is perfect for both simple and fancy projects.
Pros:
- Ideal for building kitchen cabinets, dollhouses, birdhouse, tables, footrests, etc
- Includes 3 blades to cut effortlessly through different types of material
- Parallel fence for clean, precise cuts
- The strong motor is ideal for advanced projects
- Comes with a storage case
- Dust extraction system to keep the area dust and debris free
- Best multifunctional compact circular saw for home and professional use
Cons:
- Bit heavy tool
- The release button for guard and trigger works oddly
Key Features:
- 500-watt motor
- Parallel guide rail
- 4500 RPM
- 3 blades
- Protective safety guard
- Weighs 9.5 pounds
- 1-year warranty
9) WEN 4-1/2-Inch Beveling Compact Circular Saw with Laser
Redoing the bathroom or making new cabinets for your kitchen? Then you need Wen 4-1/2-in beveling compact circular saw that can handle a wide variety of jobs. Equipped with a standard saw, Wen 3625 can cut tiles, wood, drywall, sheet metal, ceramic, PVC pipes, and much more. In short, you’ll not need to take the whole toolkit out from the garage if you have this little saw in hand.
Tiny wood shavings and particles flying around is a common sight. But you can avoid the area getting messier by attaching it with the dust extraction tube. In fact, the unit comes with a dust extraction tube that attaches easily to the nozzle for minimal mess. And once the work is over, simply put the tool in the included case for better storage.
Beveled cuts are in fashion for a long time now. And to be honest, certain furniture looks beautiful with beveled cuts. So Wen compact circular saw comes allows for beveled cuts in workpieces anywhere from 0 to 45 degrees. This means you can customize your project the way you like for desired results.
Pros:
- Versatile tool; can be used to cut tile, wood, PVC pipes, metal sheet, and much more
- Left side blade location for better cutting view
- Includes a storage case
- ETL listed
- Maximum cutting depth of 1-1/8 at 45 degrees
- Laser guide on the front maximizes cutting accuracy
- Best electric handheld saw under 100 dollars
Cons:
- The location of the safety trigger is a bit awkward
- The exhaust port comes off one side
Key Features:
- 5A motor
- 3500 RPM
- 24T carbide-tipped blade
- Laser guide
- Worm drive
- Weighs 5.1 pounds
- 2-year warranty
10) HYCHIKA Compact Circular Saw Tile Saw with Laser Guide
We understand not all people can afford to buy an expensive unit. So we’ve picked Hychika mini circular saw that is both functional and budget-friendly. But do not let the low price of the power tool fool you with its performance as this 3-3/8″ saw can do a lot of work. Built with a 4 amp copper motor, the tool drives a high cutting speed of 4500 RPM.
Speaking of cutting, this compact circular saw features a bright laser guide. The bright beam of laser falls on the surface above to give you a better idea. Also, the parallel guide attachment allows you to make a precise and quick cut. Besides, you can adjust the cutting depth lever from 0-25mm(1″).
In addition to a laser guide on the front, the soft rubber grip on the handle reduces hand fatigue. While good grip results in cleaner cuts, the double protection switch enhances user safety. This safety feature stops rotation of saw immediately in case of abnormalities to protect your material from damage and keeps your hand safe as well.
Pros:
- Adjust the cutting depth easily by turning the pointed lever on the side
- Laser indicator plus scale ruler cuts precisely
- The box contains 3 saw blades, 30T HW blade for wood and plastic, 36T HS blade for soft metal, and a grit diamond blade for cutting tiles
- One-hand use design
- Affordable power tool
- The package includes a metal guide ruler, 1x hex key, 1x dust exhaust pipe, and a user manual
- Good quality handheld mini saw for household use
Cons:
- The slightly large body of the tool might not feel comfortable in small hands
- You need to slide the switch on the side and hold it to keep the saw running
Key Features:
- 4 Amp copper motor
- 3-3/8″ blade diameter
- 4500 RPM
- Laser guide
- Rubber handle
- Double safety switch
- Weighs 7.04 pounds
- 24-month warranty
How to choose the best compact circular saw
Blade Diameter:
Saw blades for a small handheld circular saw is generally of 4-1/2-inch diameter. And such blades offer a good depth to cut various materials in tight spaces. However, there are a few models that offer a large blade diameter of 6-1/2 inches that is more suited for professional tasks.
Versatile:
If you’re looking for a tool to use on various applications then go for a versatile model. And almost all mini circular saw on the market are versatile. You just need to change the blade according to the material. With the right blade, you can use a corded or cordless hand saw for cut tiles, plywood, hardwood, sheet metal, ceramic, PVC pipes, plastic, soft metal pipes, etc.
Corded or Cordless:
This is one of the biggest advantages of owning a mini circular saw. They come in corded and cordless models. If there are not many power outlet spots in your home/apartment then opt for a cordless saw. The battery-powered tool gives you the freedom to work around even if there are no sockets nearby.
While the corded electric circular saw is good if you own a small workshop. These tools operate on electricity and are best suited for long continuous use. If you love making DIY projects then go for a tool that needs a plug socket for nonstop usage.
Power:
The power of a mini and compact circular saw is determined by its no-load speed. Most of the tools operate in between 3000-4000 RPM that is ideal to work on a variety of applications. Besides, some large handheld saws offer an impressive power of 4500 RPM or more that is ideal to cut steel, aluminum, and other similar materials.
Cutting Accuracy:
Accuracy is a must while cutting any material. And thanks to the lightweight design of these tools that causes less strain on your hands. While minimal fatigue helps to keep the tool stable, the one-handed operation further eases the cutting of wood and metal. Also, many small circular saws feature a laser guide on the front that gives you the correct idea of straight-line for clean cuts in one go.
Grip and Handle:
Good grip is important while cutting dense materials as no one loves to redo the same cut again and again. So, therefore, choose a tool that offers a good grip, possibly, a rubber grip, that you can hold firmly yet not feel stress. Also, go for a mini sleek handheld circular saw if you have tiny hands as large saws will keep slipping when cutting dense materials like wood or metal.
Price and Warranty:
A good circular saw costs between $150-$250. However, there are still some good picks in the market that offers good performance without exceeding the 100 dollar mark. If you’re looking for additional features or a tool for daily use, then opt for a high-quality circular saw that has robust construction and bonus functions that can ease your daily work.
Best Uses of Small Circular Saw
Let us not go by its size as a small circular saw can do a lot of things. In short, it is a highly versatile unit if used properly. Just use the right blade while cutting different materials for clean cuts. Using the right blade also reduces strain on the motor that ultimately increasing tool life. Below listed are some popular uses of a mini circular saw.
- Plywood cutting
- Bevel slicing
- Chopping steel pipe
- Framing
- Roofing
- Shaping tiles
- Cutting PVC pipes
- Slicing a portion of drywall, etc
Safety Tips for Using Mini Circular Saws
Precautions are important and one must not skip or compromise on safety even if you need to use the tool for a tiny work. Follow the below tips for a safer work environment.
- Wear your protective eyeglasses and gloves before plugging in the tool or starting the motor.
- Let the blade rotate to its full capacity before you start cutting anything.
- Get a good grip on the handle before slicing as it will result in cleaner cuts.
- Make sure to use the correct blade for flawless cutting and fewer kickbacks.
- Unplug the tool before changing blades.
- Always keep a finger on the safety trigger to avoid any brutal accidents.
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The Bottom Line
Small but useful, mini and compact circular saws can be your go-to DIY project partner. Thanks to the small size of circular saws that fits tight spaces easily. And just like a large wood cutting saw, the compact models also offer bevel and miter cuts. These cuts are helpful if you love to make DIY projects like making wooden window frames, kitchen cabinets, small pantry units, etc.
And now when you’ve got the best mini handheld saw review list, it’s time to pick the right model for your home or workshop. Do let us know, features of which model impressed you the most and what made you choose that particular tool?
