10 Best Circular Saw Blades of 2023

Photo: deviousmaids.net

Every once in a while, you need to replace your saw’s blade if the current one is worn out. You may also be required to change it when cutting different materials, which is quite common when working on different projects.

If your saw requires a circular blade, there are different types and varieties to choose from in the market, and this might make the selection process a bit challenging if you don’t know what to look for.

However, this review covers 10 of the best circular saw blades that you should consider buying.

10 Best Circular Saw Blades – Review 

IMAGE	​PRODUCT	​FEATURES
	1. DeWalt DW9196 (Best For Rough Carpentry)	40 teeth with an 18˚ hook angle for aggressive cuts Resin-filled expansion slots Anti-kickback design Non-stick rim
	2. Irwin 4935560 (Best For Cutting Aluminum)	7.25-inch diameter size with 68 teeth Metal cutting grade carbide teeth Anti-kickback shoulders Anti-vibration vents
	3. DeWalt DW9153 (Best For Paneling)	6.5-inch size with 90 teeth Designed for paneling and vinyl siding Non-stick rim and thin 0.059-inch kerf Anti-kickback design with a low 3˚hook angle
	4. Skil 79510C (Best For Bricks & Concrete)	7-inch diameter Steel turbo rim with a diamond knockout Capable of handling speeds of up to 8,500 RPM 0.118-inch kerf
	5. Porter-Cable 12057 (Best For Plywood)	4.5-inch diameter with 120-teeth 3/8-inch arbor Ideal for plywood and thin plastics All steel construction
	6. Rockwell RW9282 (Affordable)	Affordable 4.5-inch diameter with a 0.047-inch kerf 10,000 RPM max spin speed Suitable for wood, aluminum, thin metal sheets, etc.
	7. Diablo D1050X (With Heat Expansion Slots)	10-inch size with 50 teeth grouped in fives Laser-cut heat expansion slots and stabilizer vents Micro grain titanium carbide tips Anti-stick rim with shock-resistant brazing
	8. Diablo D1040X ATB (Low Noise)	10-inch diameter with 40 teeth Laser-cut stabilizer vents and expansion slots Micro grain titanium carbide tips Hardened steel body with a non-stick coating
	9. Diablo D12100X (With Axial Shear Face Grind)	12-inch diameter with axial shear face grind 100 teeth with double-side grind tooth geometry Perma-shield non-stick coating TiCo high-density carbide tips
	10. Concord Blades WCB1000T080HP  (Soft & Hard Wood)	10-inch diameter with 80 teeth General-purpose ATB grind design Usable in miter, hand, chop, table and circular saws Heat expansion slots

1. DeWalt DW9196 – Best Circular Saw Blade for Rough Carpentry

Photo: DeWalt

• Diameter: 6.5 inches
• Teeth: 40
• Arbor Size: 5/8 inches
• Kerf: 0.063 inches
• Hook Angle: 18˚

DeWalt’s DW9196 is the ideal blade for rough carpentry due to two main reasons. First, it has only 40 teeth, which are relatively few, and the fewer the teeth, the aggressive the cut will be.

The blade also has a relatively high hook angle (18˚) and the higher the hook angle, the more aggressive the blade.

Other than that, the piece has an anti-kickback design that prevents it from pushing out due to its rugged tips, and this also reinforces the carbide tip for shock resistance when in use.

More features include resin-filled expansion slots for dampening noise and vibrations, tough and durable tungsten carbide tips that stay sharper for longer, and a non-stick rim for preventing gumming.

However, this unit is not ideal for fiber cement, ferrous metal, masonry or concrete projects.

Pros:

• Few teeth and a high hook angle give an aggressive cut
• Anti-kickback design for shock resistance
• Resin-filled expansion slots dampen noise and vibrations
• Tough and durable tungsten carbide tips
• Non-stick rim

Cons:

• Not recommended for fiber cement, ferrous metal, masonry or concrete projects

2. Irwin 4935560 – Best Circular Saw Blade for Cutting Aluminum

Photo: Irwin

• Diameter: 7.25 inches
• Teeth: 68
• Arbor Size: 5/8 inches

If you are looking for a circular saw blade for cutting aluminum sheets and other metals, Irwin’s 4935560 is the best option to consider. This is because it is fitted with metal cutting grade carbide teeth, which are tough and very durable.

These teeth are supported by anti-kickback shoulders for shock resistance and improved safety by reducing sparks.

Other features include a 7.25-inch diameter size with 68 teeth and anti-vibration vents for dampening noise and vibrations.

On the downside, the disc has no expansion slots to prevent warping when hot, and it is only designed for metal cutting, not wood cutting.

Pros:

• Tough and durable metal cutting grade carbide teeth
• Anti-kickback shoulders for shock resistance and improved safety
• Anti-vibration vents

Cons:

• Not ideal for wood cutting
• No expansion slots

3. DeWalt DW9153 – Best Circular Saw Blade for Paneling

Photo: DeWalt

• Diameter: 6.5 inches
• Teeth: 90
• Arbor Size: 5/8 inches
• Kerf: 0.059 inches
• Hook Angle: 3˚

This 6.5-inch diameter circular saw is built specifically for paneling and vinyl siding, and it features a steel construction with 90 teeth with a low 3˚ hook angle that minimizes kickbacks as you cut.

That said, you can also use the piece to cut other materials such as hardwood, softwood, chipboard, and plywood, and it has a relatively thin 0.059-inch kerf, which makes it cut faster, minimize wastage and produce finer results.

Other features include a non-stick rim that reduces gumming and friction, an anti-kickback design for impact resistance and reinforcing the carbide tips and a maximum spin speed of 7,000 RPM.

However, this unit does not have expansion slots to prevent warping when hot and it is not ideal for ripping because it lacks large gullets.

Pros:

• Ideal for paneling, vinyl siding and different types of wood
• Strong steel construction with a thin kerf for quick cutting
• Non-stick rim prevents gumming
• Anti-kickback design reinforces the carbide tips and improves shock resistance

Cons:

• Might warp at high temperatures because of lacking expansion slots
• Not ideal for ripping

4. Skil 79510C – Best Circular Saw Blade for Bricks and Concrete

Photo: Skil

• Diameter: 7 inches
• Arbor Size: 7/8 inches
• Kerf: 0.118 inches

Skil’s 79510C is quite unique because it has a steel turbo rim with a diamond knockout, and this makes it ideal for cutting tough materials such as bricks, concrete, concrete blocks and masonry materials in general.

Additionally, the unit is quite thick (0.118 inches), which improves its toughness when cutting these tough materials, and makes it capable of handling a high spinning speed of 8,500 RPM.

That said, the piece should only be used in grinders and circular saws, and in dry conditions for maximum durability. On the downside, it cannot be used to cut wooden pieces.

Pros:

• Tough steel rim with a diamond coating for smooth cutting of tough materials
• Thick 0.118-inch kerf enhances cutting performance on hard materials
• Capable of handling high spinning speeds of up to 8,500 RPM

Cons:

• Not ideal for wet conditions. Lacks a corrosion-resistant coat
• Not ideal for cutting wood

5. Porter-Cable 12057 – Best Circular Saw Blade for Plywood

Photo: Porter-Cable

• Diameter: 4.5 inches
• Teeth: 120
• Arbor Size: 3/8 inches
• Kerf: 0.1 inches

Plywood blades are usually fitted with at least 100 teeth. With its 120 teeth, Porter-Cable’s 12057 is the perfect piece for plywood cutting, and can also be used on thin plastic and vinyl, leaving a very clean cut that might not require final finishing.

The blade has a tough all-steel construction that is very durable and can handle spinning speeds of up to 7,500 RPM.

On the downside, the piece is quite small (4.5-inch diameter), which means it has a smaller depth of cut as compared to the larger ones. It also lacks anti-vibration slots.

Pros:

• Smooth finishing 120-tooth design. Ideal for plywood, thin plastic and vinyl
• Tough and durable steel construction
• Withstands speeds of up to 7,500 RPM

Cons:

• Small blade size with a smaller depth of cut
• No anti-vibration slots

6. Rockwell RW9282 – Affordable Circular Saw Blade

Photo: Rockwell

• Diameter: 4.5 inches
• Teeth: 60
• Arbor Size: 3/8 inches
• Kerf: 0.047 inches

If you are on a tight budget, Rockwell’s RW9282 is an affordable circular saw blade that you should consider. Though quite small (4.5-inch diameter), it is equipped with 60 teeth and has a narrow 0.047-inch kerf, which results in smooth cuts with minimized wastage.

The blade is also designed for high speeds and can comfortably handle up to 10,000 RPM for extremely quick cutting. That said, it is suitable for cutting wood, aluminum, thin sheet metal, drywall, and plastic, making it very versatile.

However, the unit is only compatible with Rockwell’s RK3441K circular saw, which limits its compatibility.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Multiple teeth (60) with a narrow kerf give smoother cuts with reduced wastage
• High 10,000 RPM max spinning speed
• Very versatile. Ideal for cutting aluminum, thin metal sheets, wood, drywall, and plastic

Cons:

• Small blade size. Gives a small depth of cut
• Only compatible with Rockwell’s RK3441K circular saw

7. Diablo D1050X – Circular Saw Blade with Heat Expansion Slots

Photo: Diablo by Freud

• Diameter: 10 inches
• Teeth: 50
• Arbor Size: 5/8 inches
• Kerf: 0.098 inches
• Hook Angle: 15˚

Diablo saw blades are some of the best in the market and looking at this D1050X, it is easy to see why. For starters, the blade has heat expansion slots that have been laser cut with high precision.

These slots allow the blade to expand as it heats up so as not to affect its straight cutting accuracy.

The unit features laser-cut stabilizer vents, which help to trap noise and vibrations, while also helping to keep it cool and with reduced warping.

50 teeth do the cutting, and they are closely grouped into sets of five with a large gullet between two sets. This close grouping gives a small bite-size, which is ideal for crosscutting, while the gullet efficiently pushes out chips when ripping.

Other features include sharp and durable micro-grain titanium carbide tips, an anti-stick rim with shock-resistant brazing and a maximum spin speed of 7,000 RPM.

However, this piece is only designed to cut wood and wood composites. It cannot be used on metal sheets or drywall.

Pros:

• Heat expansion slots allow for even expansion to prevent warping
• Stabilizer vents trap noise and vibrations
• Large gullets in between grouped teeth for pushing out chips when ripping
• Sharp and durable titanium carbide tips
• Anti-stick rim

Cons:

• Only suitable for wood and wood composites

8. Diablo D1040X ATB – Low Noise Circular Saw Blade

Photo: Diablo

• Diameter: 10 inches
• Teeth: 40
• Arbor Size: 5/8 inches
• Kerf: 0.098 inches
• Hook Angle: 15˚

This Diablo D1040X ATB blade is equipped with laser-cut stabilizer vents, which help in dampening vibrations and reducing noise when spinning. These vents also assist in heat dissipation so that the blade cannot warp by expanding unevenly.

The actual heat dissipation is actually tasked to laser cut heat expansion slots that give enough room for the blade to expand so as to avoid warping, which might result in crooked cuts.

A hardened steel body ensures that the piece is very sturdy and durable while micro-grain titanium carbide tips maintain sharpness for consistent cutting performance over the long term.

Other features include a non-stick coating that prevents gumming and corrosion, and shock-resistant tri-metal brazing for shock resistance.

On the downside, this blade is only suitable for OSB, wood, and plywood, and it lacks large gullets between teeth for efficient removal of chips when ripping.

Pros:

• Laser-cut stabilizer vents for reducing noise and dampening vibrations
• Expansion slots prevent warping as the blade heats up
• Sturdy hardened steel body
• Sharp and durable micro-grain titanium carbide tips
• Non-stick coating

Cons:

• Only suitable for wood, boards and wood composites
• No large gullets for quick chip removal

9. Diablo D12100X – Circular Saw Blade with Axial Shear Face Grind

Photo: Diablo

• Diameter: 12 inches
• Teeth: 100
• Arbor Size: 1 inch
• Kerf: 0.098 inches
• Hook Angle: 7˚

With its axial shear face, Diablo’s D12100X is built to cut cleanly through your wood or wood composite material, leaving a smooth high-quality finish.

Additionally, the blade is fitted with 100 teeth with double-side grind tooth geometry, which means you get 200 grinds. This design ensures you get a precise and polished finish that is equivalent to that of 220-grit sandpaper.

The brand’s proprietary TiCo high-density carbide is used on the blade’s tips, and this delivers a longer life span and consistent cutting performance because of maintaining the edge sharpness.

More features include a perma-shield non-stick coating for protection against heating, corrosion and gumming, laser-cut stabilizer vents for reducing noise and vibrations, heat expansion slots that prevent warping and tri-metal brazing for shock resistance.

However, this piece is quite costly, and it lacks large gullets for chip removal when doing rip cuts.

Pros:

• Axial shear face for smooth, high-quality finishing
• Double-side grind tooth geometry provides a polished and precise finish
• Sharp and durable TiCo high-density carbide tips
• Perma-shield non-stick coating protects against corrosion and gumming
• Stabilizer vents for noise and vibration dampening

Cons:

• Expensive
• No large gullets for chip removal

10. Concord Blades WCB1000T080HP – Soft and Hard Wood Circular Saw Blade

Photo: Concord Blades

• Diameter: 10 inches
• Teeth: 80
• Arbor Size: 5/8 inches
• Kerf: 0.102 inches
• Hook Angle: 15˚

With its Alternate Bevel Top (ATB) grind, this piece from Concord Blades is a general-purpose wood cutting blade that is suitable for cross-cutting, ripping and finishing softwoods that are up to 1 inch in thickness and hardwoods that are up to 3.5 inches thick.

The unit can also be used in multiple types of saws, which include miter, hand, chop, table and of course, circular saws, and features the common 5/8-inch arbor for easy fitting on most of these types of saws.

Other features include expansion slots to prevent warping as the blade heats up and 80 teeth for smooth finishing. However, anti-vibration vents are not built-in and the rim does not have a non-stick coating, which might lead to gumming.

Pros:

• General-purpose ATB grind design for cross-cutting, ripping and finishing purposes
• Suitable to use in multiple types of saws
• Expansion slots help prevent warping due to heat
• 80 teeth give a smooth finish

Cons:

• No anti-vibration slots
• Lacks a non-stick coating

How to Buy the Best Circular Saw

Photo: istockphoto.com

1. Types of Circular Saw Blades

Standard Blades

This is the commonly used type for cutting wood and wood composites. With these, the most important thing to check is the number of teeth. Generally, few teeth mean the blade cuts faster but creates a rough finish. Many teeth cut slowly but leave a smooth finish.

That said, for ripping, you need a blade with few teeth (not more than 50) so as to cut aggressively. They should also have deep gullets for quick chip removal.

On the other hand, for plywood and chipboards, a blade with many teeth (above 50) is recommended so as to create a clean finish.

Continuous Rim Blades

As the name suggests, these blades have a continuous rim with no teeth. Instead, the edge is fitted with hard synthetic diamonds, which create a very clean finish when cutting tiles and slates. However, with these, check whether the piece is meant for dry or wet cutting application.

Turbo Rim Blades

These blades are similar in design to the continuous rim blades above but are fitted with serrated rims so as to cut aggressively through concrete, bricks and other masonry materials.

Segmented Blades

Segmented blades are also fitted with diamond edges, but this edge is divided by deep gullets. This design makes the blade very aggressive, with the ability to cut harder materials, but leaves a rougher finish.

Abrasive Blades

This type is made using abrasive compounds such as silicon carbide or aluminum oxide and does not have teeth. The abrasive material is responsible for cutting and is suitable for working on masonry materials and metal.

2. Blade Size

A blade’s size is measured in inches across the diameter. There is an advantage to having larger blades because they give a larger depth of cut, meaning that you can cut thicker materials. However, you need to make sure that it fits in your saw.

3. Arbor

An arbor is the center hole through which a saw blade mounts to a circular saw. It is important to check the size of this hole for compatibility purposes because the blade must fit into your saw.

4. Kerf

Kerf refers to the thickness of the blade and more specifically, the width of the tooth at its widest point. Thinner blades give minimal wastage because the area they cut out is very small, and also cut faster due to the reduced resistance.

However, they are not as durable as the thick ones. If you are dealing with very hard materials, ensure you get a thick blade so that it does not break.

5. Hook Angle

Hook angle is the angle of the position of the tooth as it gets into contact with the surface being cut. A high, positive hook angle points towards the surface, creating a rough, aggressive cut with a faster feed rate.

On the other hand, a blade with a low, negative hook angle cuts slower, smoothly and with reduced chances of kickbacks. If you want a smooth finish, a low hook angle is best.

6. Coating

Some circular saw blades are coated with a non-stick material to reduce friction and gumming. This coating also helps in preventing corrosion for durability purposes. It is important to check for this factor because it directly affects the performance and longevity of the blade.

Conclusion

In summary, the most important thing that you need to consider when buying a circular saw blade is the material that you want to cut. This will guide you in getting the best blade for the job, after which you can check the other factors to narrow down your selection.

All in all, after reading through the review and buying guide above, you will be in a better position to pick the best circular saw blade that suits your needs.