Ryobi Adds Long-Anticipated Cordless Framing Nailer To 18V Lineup

Ryobi has a tool solution for pretty much any application you can think of, but there actually are a few gaps. The Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Framing Nailer fills one of the big ones that fans have been asking for. It enters the ring with two separate models and we wanted to know how they compare to other nailing solutions.

Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Framing Nailer: The Big Deal

These two models mark Ryobi’s first venture into the cordless framing nailer world. They include a 21° full head nailer and a 30° full and clipped head nailer. The nailers’ brushless motors allow the driving power to sink nails from 2 inches to 3 1/2 inches in length and claim the power to drive flush in hardwoods.

Thanks to Ryobi’s Airstrike Technology, these cordless framing nailers don’t require wrangling around air hoses or consumable gas cartridges. Instead, this technology utilizes an internal piston to compress enough air to each nail you’re driving with just an 18V lithium-ion battery.

A couple of things stand out in the design. One is that there is a field-serviceable air-fill valve on the tool. Unlike some designs that require you to take the nailer into the service center for filling, you can do it yourself when you notice you’re not getting the driving depth you’re used to.

The other element is a shock absorber for the battery. We first saw this kind of feature on high-vibration tools, such as Milwaukee’s monster M18 Fuel 1-inch impact wrench, but it’s not so common on nailers. Still, vibration can significantly reduce the life of your battery, so its inclusion gets two thumbs up from us.

Additional Features

• Tool-free drive depth adjustment
• Single and bump fire modes with a selection switch (no trigger changes required)
• Integrated rafter hook for easy on-the-job storage
• 21° capacity: 33 nails
• 30° capacity: 60 nails
• Drives up to 750 nails with a 4.0Ah High Performance battery

Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Framing Nailer Price

Both nailer models have a retail price of $329 for the bare tool. Kit options are also on the way. You can find them exclusively at The Home Depot starting in 2023. Ryobi backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty.

The post Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Framing Nailer appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Arguably one of the oldest tools known to humanity is the hammer. The irony is that we’re still trying to come up with new ways to improve it! While it might be a prehistoric tool, it’s unlikely to go extinct any time soon since most homes (at least in the USA) are still constructed out of wood. While the best nail guns take a lot of the work out of driving nails, you still find a hammer slung from the hip of any framing contractor. For this reason, we looked at many of the current hammers on the market to select the best framing hammer.

The Best Framing Hammer – A Key Tool

In the years I’ve done construction, I’ve found many strong opinions on hammers. Actually, now that I think about it, hammers could be one of the most polarizing tools I’ve encountered. Everyone has their opinions on what makes a good hammer. Steel, wood, or fiberglass handle? Titanium or steel head? Straight or curved handle? Smooth or textured grip? In full disclosure, even I have to admit some bias. My framing hammer of choice for the last several years has been a Douglas 20 oz framer. This hammer is great because of the genius head to handle connection, the straight, chisel-tipped ripping claw, and the side nail puller. The fit and finish are second to none, and there is a certain balance that I appreciate. It is a beautiful blend of function and form. But is it the very best hammer? That’s a very good question. I’d like to find out.

Although I had some favorites, that’s not to completely diminish the other hammers in our lineup. Some of them definitely had some great qualities worth mentioning. Following are our recommendations on the best framing hammer for various applications.

Best Framing Hammer Overall

Stiletto Ti16MC 16 oz.

The claim to fame of the Stiletto Ti16MS framing hammer is its 16 oz. titanium head. This head, combined with a straight hickory handle, was the overall lightest hammer in the lineup. However, it still weighed more than the Stiletto 12 oz Titanium Remodeler hammer. The head is very classic in its style with a large strike face and deep milling.

There is a magnetic nail holder on the top of the head. At the base where the handle is inserted into the head, there is about a 3/4-inch extension of extra metal. This provides some strike protection to the handle. Quite simply, this hammer is a joy to swing, and over time your arm, shoulder, and elbow will thank you. While the $107 retail price tag is the second most expensive in the test, you can find it online for far less. And really, if you’re swinging a hammer all day long, I’m not sure you can put a price on comfort.

Pros: Lightest hammer in the test, Second largest strike face.
Cons: Cost.
Verdict: The heavy-hitter with the lightest swing.
Price: $99.99

Best Framing Hammer for Demolition

DeWalt DWHT51411 17 oz.

While I’m normally a fan of DeWalt tools, this hammer frustrated me. The thing that got to me was the oddly-angled head. What I found is that it never seemed to swing with the feel of a traditional hammer—often striking unevenly. Still, we loved the “Fubar”-like design that grips and twists 2x4s effectly when using a nailer (in your other hand) to secure studs. We also loved the integrated side nail puller.

Pros: Low price, nail puller.
Cons: Odd swing, no nail magnet.
Verdict: While it swings well and hits hard, the sticky coating on this handle will likely drive you nuts.
Price: $37.99

Best Wood-Handled Framer

Vaughan & Bushnell 2115C Dalluge 21 oz. Framing Hammer

The Vaughan & Bushnell 2115C Dalluge Framing Hammer features a 21-ounce waffled head. As a framing hammer, we love the simple design. The 18-inch hickory handle feels great in the hand and gives you a comfortable swing. The steel head also features a magnetic nail holder. Of all the hammers tested, this tool felt most like the quintessential framer.

Pros: Magnetic nail puller, comfortable swing
Cons: None
Verdict: If you want a traditional “no-frills” framing hammer, it doesn’t get better than this.
Price: $65

Dead On Tools 24oz Investment Cast Wood Hammer

We’d call this one a runner-up. This 24-ounce hammer really felt easy to swing—despite its weight. From the black wood handle to the milled face, the Dead On Tools 24oz investment cast wood hammer means business.

We like the magnetic nail set and the confident straight black hickory handle. The hammer measures a full 18-inches from top to tail and it swings very naturally with excellent overall balance. If you’re all about the look this may be your tool!

Pros: Excellent balance, inexpensive.
Cons: No frills, non-replaceable head.
Verdict: This hammer is cool, but it’s not titanium and might have difficulty keeping its good looks.
Price: $99

Best Steel Framing Hammers

DeWalt MIG Weld Framing Hammers

Coming to market with a metal-handled hammer proves tricky since other well-established tools already exist. Where the DeWalt MIG weld framing hammer differs from others is its construction methods. Rather than a single forged handle and head, DeWalt uses three separate steel forges that it then mig welds together.

DeWalt does this so that it can heat treat each of the pieces differently. Combined, the hammer has good wear, toughness, and flexibility in all the right places. All in all, this hammer is comfortable to use. It exhibited decent balance as well. You can find these in sizes ranging from 12 to 15 ounces.

Pros: Light head with a large strike face, Attractive, Easy to swing, Size options.
Cons: Transfers more vibration than a wood-handle hammer.
Verdict: A heavy hammer that swings lighter than you might expect.
Price: $54

Douglas FR-20S or DFR-20S 20 oz.

This Douglas hammer was a gift to me from my brother who is a framing contractor in Alaska. He promised me that this hammer would become one of my favorite tools because of its balance, design, and features. He was completely right, as I’ve used this tool more than any other over the last 5 years since he gifted it to me. This hammer has a genius handle-to-head attachment system that is not only rigid but also provides handle overstrike protection.

Because of how it’s designed, it features one of the easiest-to-replace handles in the industry. The face features inverted dimples which help grip nails still but don’t mar delicate materials, and its built-in side nail pull and almost ruler-straight claw make it easy to do demo and disassembly work. This handle is relatively unchanged throughout the years except that the new model features an attractive red accent color. Unfortunately, Douglas cannot seem to keep this tool in stock. Neither can Vaughan who makes the similar (but titanium) 7180 Dalluge. If you can find one—buy it!

Pros: Stainless steel head, Excellent balance, Great fit and finish.
Cons: Cost and availability (they cannot seem to keep items in stock).
Verdict: In my opinion, this is the hammer to beat.
Price: Vaughan & Bushnell 7282 for $99

Best Titanium Framing Hammer

Stiletto TB3MC 15 oz Ti-Bone titanium hammer

I know we chose the hickory 16-ounce model as our top overall, but this model is titanium through-and-through. This 15-ounce hammer dates back to the beginning of the Stiletto brand. The Stiletto Ti-Bone III titanium hammer features a milled face (they have smooth as well) and an integrated 180º side nail-puller. The TB3MC hammer stands as one of my top four favorites out of the models I looked at.

It really drives hard—like a much heavier steel hammer. I’d put it around 24 ounces or higher if you want a comparison. The hammer features a removable steel face so you can purchase replacement heads (smooth or milled) without having to buy a whole new tool. It also gives you the strength of that steel hit with the weight of a titanium hammer.

It also featured titanium all the way through the hammer—not just at the head. The rubberized grip on the handle gives you a secure hold and doesn’t seem like it will peel or crack. We also love the well-placed thumb indent at the top of the coated handle.

Pros: Great price, Classic look, Nice balance.
Cons: Nothing to complain about here.
Verdict: One of my favorite hammers, and one of the best-looking in the crowd.
Price: Check out the 16oz titanium equivalent for $99

Best Budget Framing Hammer

Dead On 24 oz. Milled Face Straight Hickory Hammer

Dead On used to call this hammer the “Death Stick”. That inherently makes it cool (though not necessarily good). The steel head measures 24 ounces and includes a built-in magnetic nail set. You get a black curved hickory handle. This hammer falls in the middle for overall weight yet it had a balanced feel when swung.

The face of the hammer is not as aggressively textured as I like since it was investment cast and not finish machined. The strike face size is also the second smallest out of the hammers that I looked at. Finally, Dead On heat-treated the face area and claws to maximize life. You can find cheaper hammers, but for the price, we like this as our budget pick.

Pros: Cool name.
Cons: Smaller strike face, not very aggressively textured
Verdict: An aptly named tool whose name and look might be a bigger hit than the actual hammer.
Price: $34

Best Made in the USA Framing Hammers

Hardcore Hammers The Original 19 oz.

The idea behind The Original is certainly innovative. By slightly recessing the waffle, face wear by striking anything other than the nail is pretty much eliminated. However, the area surrounding the face is larger than I would like, so strikes anywhere other than near the dead center of the face are potentially nail-bending shots. Because of the face, it seemed to take an extra whack to really set nail heads flush with the wood. This tended to leave a decent circle imprint around the nail.

We did like the dual nail magnets on the top and bottom of the face. Hardcore Hammers also makes these tools in the USA.

Pros: Double nail magnets, lightweight steel head, hardened steel waffle face.
Cons: Small strike face area, Glancing blows tend to more easily bend the heads of nails.
Verdict: A hammer with a great idea that could use some tweaking.
Price: $105

Vaughan California Framer 19 oz.

The Vaughan California Framer 19 oz hammer has classic styling and size. If you like to wield a full-size hammer that hits hard, this American-made classic isn’t just a good choice—it’s a good value as well. I picked this hammer as one of my top four selections in this line-up.

Pros: Heavy head hits hard, No surprises.
Cons: Not much to complain about.
Verdict: This classic-style hammer hits hard and drives nails home as you’d expect.
Price: $46

Estwing Big Blue 25 oz.

This metal-handled Estwing hammer is probably the most identifiable out of our test. Time and time again I have seen these hammers beat to heck with faces worn smooth from use. Unlike wood-handled hammers, these metal Estwing tools have the distinction of being nearly indestructible. Perhaps that’s what makes them great for pulling nails and heavy-duty prying in addition to their nail-driving abilities.

While this hammer was the heaviest in our test, it still displayed good balance. The USA-made Estwing line of metal-handled hammers sits in my top four hammers list simply because of their durability and balance.

Pros: One piece handle and head, Reasonable price, Nice finish.
Cons: Nothing negative to note.
Verdict: This hammer is practically a staple tool in most contractors’ pouches and bags. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done.
Price: $49

So What Makes for the Best Framing Hammer?

To better understand some hammer technology (yes, there actually is technology involved), it makes sense to have a quick science lesson on the physics of a hammer.

Don’t worry, this won’t hurt much.

How Mass Plays a Role – WARNING: Math Ahead!

A hammer is a force amplifier that converts mechanical work into kinetic energy and back again. When swinging a hammer, kinetic energy gets stored in the hammer’s head. The kinetic energy equals the length of the swing times the force produced by your muscles (and gravity). When the hammer strikes the nail, the nail stops the head with an equal and opposite force.

Where this gets tricky is when you start to take into consideration the effect of the mass of the hammer’s head. The amount of energy delivered to the nail by the hammer is equal to one-half the mass of the head times the square of the head’s speed at the time of impact. The key here is that the energy delivered to the nail increases linearly with mass but it increases quadratically with the speed.

KE = 1/2 mv²

Let me summarize that for you: An easier-to-swing hammer delivers more energy to the nail. This forms one of the key arguments in the titanium hammers vs steel hammers debate.

Hammer Handles Matter Too

Lightweight hammer heads allow for faster swing velocity, but handle designs can also help the efficiency of your swing. That includes taking into account vibration-absorbing materials, length, and angle. Essentially, to find the best framing hammer, it will have to have a combination of certain head and handle qualities that make it feel “right”.

There are literally hundreds of hammers out there, so for the sake of time and practicality, we tried to limit the playing field to framing hammers whose head weights ranged in the low to mid 20 ounces, had long handles, straight rip claws and milled faces. Both titanium and steel models were acceptable. Our list of hammers is in no way inclusive of all that is available. There are many more manufacturers and models that I did not get a chance to put my hands on yet. Perhaps I’ll have to revisit this after I collect and evaluate all of the hate mail I’m sure to get following this best framing hammer review. (I did mention this was a contentious topic, did I not?)

Measuring and Weighing the Best Framing Hammers

I started out by weighing each hammer. Then I measured the face size using calipers, handle length with a tape measure and set up a grid to make comparing and evaluating the various tools easier. When I measured the face, I didn’t use the outer diameter of the head, but rather the area of the milled surface. In almost every hammer that space is smaller than the head’s full outer diameter. I figured it was more important to know the actual striking area of the hammer as opposed to the full head size.

It is also interesting to note that while some hammers might have a lightweight head, the handles sometimes added back enough weight to counteract any gains achieved in shaving off some extra steel. We point this out because a hammer’s weight is more than just the head. It’s the entire hammer (a number manufacturers do not always prominently advertise).

Manually Testing the Framing Hammers

I tested out each hammer with both bright and galvanized 16 penny (16D) nails. I drove the nails into spruce studs and some pressure-treated 4x4s. Since so much of a hammer’s function is dependent on the skill and technique of the user, extensive testing really is not necessary for the scope of this article. In other words—I didn’t have to drive in thousands of nails before drawing some conclusions.

In fact, I took lots of breaks so that I wouldn’t be swayed by a tired arm or a sore wrist. Perhaps in the future, when time and budget permit, I can develop a piece of scientific equipment to analyze things like striking force, vibration, and swing efficiency. While it would be cool to have statistics on these variables, this is ultimately a subjective topic requiring a subjective review.

Reviewing hammers is just like reviewing trucks. Some Pros are polarized on which brand they like. You can test, re-test, and crown a winning truck of the year (every year). Everyone still has their personal preference on what pickup they want to drive.

Maybe the best hammer test would have all of the participants blindfolded and I could hand them a random hammer to see what they really think. While they wouldn’t be swayed by brands, colors, materials, and logos, it might be one of the more painful tests we’ve ever run!

Value, Features, and Performance

After spending some time with all of the hammers I ended up with this list of what I felt were the best. I based this on their value, features, and overall perception of their performance. Of course, nearly any framing hammer will drive a nail. However, not all of them will do it well. In addition to my beloved “benchmark” Douglas framing hammer, I tested steel and titanium selections from Stiletto, Estwing, DeWalt, Vaughan, and others. I also looked at a cross-section of synthetic, steel, and wood handles.

In the same way that I prefer Ford trucks, I might also display a slight bent towards more traditional hammers. This entire experience remains largely subjective.

While I may prefer particular features, the best test of a hammer is picking one up and taking a swing!

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

Ever check out a “review” site and you can’t tell if they actually tested the tools or if they’re just “recommending” the Amazon top sellers? That’s not us. We won’t recommend anything unless we’d actually use it ourselves and we don’t really care who the primary retailer is. It’s all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product.

We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction, automotive, and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.

Each year, we bring in and review more than 250 individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year.

The post Best Framing Hammer for Pros appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

The Swanson Aluminum Speed Square is one of our top 10 go-to tools in the framing and construction business. It is simply one of the tools you will invariably keep in your tool belt. You’ll find yourself using it for cutting simple lumber. You can also make complex angle calculations and measurements on roofing trusses. We decided to take a look at a few of Swanson’s classic Speed Squares and highlight some of the improvements they’ve made on the latest models. Today, we’re looking at the Speed Square Pro (S0100-A), Speed Trim Square (S0145), 7-inch original Speed Square (S0101), and the Big 12 Speed Square (S0107).

Swanson Aluminum Speed Square Foundations

Back in 1925, Albert J. Swanson had an idea to determine the pitch of a roof and the Swanson Speed Square was born. By 1930, there was enough demand for his innovative product to begin commercial interstate sales.

To this day all other rafter squares essentially model their products after his design. Many years ago I was using a standard combination square to measure and cut a piece of lumber when a contractor friend of mine sauntered over and handed me his Swanson Speed Square.

Like Swanson, I’ve never looked back. Swanson aluminum Speed Squares are a refreshing new take on the original steel models, offering the same accuracy with a lighter design than the original die cast models.

Swanson Aluminum Speed Square: The New Generation

The Speed Square Pro and Speed Trim Square start with all the features of the original Swanson aluminum Speed Square we’ve been using for more than a decade. They take it up a notch to include some really helpful measuring tools. These improvements make on-the-fly measurements and layouts faster and easier than ever before.

Swanson Speed Square Pro S0100-A

The S0100-A maintains the same dimensions and general feel as the original but adds a few new tricks.

What’s New?

• Large bold indicator markings
• 2x longer scribe bar than the original speed square with notches every 1/8-inch
• 1 1/2-inch edge to help mark both sides of a 2x stud
• 22 1/2° angle indicator coming off of the pivot lets you make quick and accurate layouts when framing
• Diamond indicator at 5-1/2 inches for quick measurement when working with 2×6 material
• Beveled edges get the square’s markings closer to your working material so you can make more accurate top cut measurements
• Price: $13.98

Swanson Speed Trim Square S0145

The Trim Square is a pint-sized version of the original, measuring just 4 1/2 inches. Don’t let its size fool you though. This capable square will help you greatly cut down on any guesswork the next time you’re working with shorter materials such as case and base.

What’s New?

• Large bold indicator markings
• Roughly half the size of the original speed square
• 2 5/8-inch scribe bar with notches every 1/8-inch
• Easily identify common angles with the bold markings 22-1/2°, 30°, 45°, and 67-1/2°
• 3/8-inch drill guide hole helps you perfectly center drill bits on 3/4-inch stock
• Dual reference base lets you accurately center mortise and tenon joints at 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch increments
• Price: $12.99

Swanson Aluminum Speed Square: Tried and True Classics

Original Swanson Aluminum Speed Square S0101

The Swanson aluminum Speed Square measures 7 inches in length along its height and width. The tool is approximately 3/4 inches wide with two lips that can rest, on either side, against a piece of lumber for measurement. This tool is perfect for use as a square, miter square, protractor, line scribe (1 inch to 2 1/4 inches) or even a small circular saw guide. Lightweight at less than 8 ounces, it fits easily into most tool pouches.

• Price: $9.98

Swanson Big 12 Speed Square S0107

The Swanson Big 12 Speed Square is a larger, more capable version of the standard Speed Square. It functions as the perfect tool for laying out stairways. I loved using this tool for laying out countertops that butt against non-square walls. Where I lived, many houses built in the 20s feature out-of-plumb and out-of-square walls, so I got a lot of use out of it.

This tool also includes a separate Layout Bar. It’s helpful when marking and adjusting for out-of-square corners.

The Big 12 Speed Square weighs more than its little brothers—about three and a half times more. It weighs 1 pound, 11 ounces with the Layout Bar attached. As such, this is an excellent tool to have in your arsenal, and while you may actually reach for it quite a bit while on the ground, it’s tough to carry in a tool pouch.

• Price: $20.97

Swanson Aluminum Speed Square Build Quality And Design

All four models are made from a heavy gauge aluminum alloy and look exceptionally well-built. They feel as if they could withstand several drops from a multi-story building onto solid concrete. They feature deeply impressed markings for length, hip/valley measurements, scribe detents, and protractor degrees. That said, the Pro and Trim square’s markings are noticeably deeper and larger compared to the original’s markings.

Swanson includes a diamond mark with these squares. Laid out properly with the plumb line of a rafter, this mark gives you a quick way to mark seat or heel cuts. Align the Diamond cutout at 3 1/2 inches square with the plumb mark, set the pivot point of the square against the rafter, and set the protractor (hypotenuse) side at the 45° mark. Scribe your line across the top from Diamond to pivot and you’re all set. If this all sounds like Greek to you, that’s no problem. Swanson includes its handy “Blue Book” for Rafter Lengths and Roof Construction.

Conclusion

The Swanson Speed Square is one of those staples of construction tools that no serious builder or journeyman should be without. If these heavy-duty aluminum squares aren’t your cup of tea, check out Swanson’s other offerings which are available in a composite plastic form at a fraction of the weight. Some even integrate a block level, so you can use them in additional ways.

The post Swanson Aluminum Speed Square Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Cordless has come a long way since the early days of lithium-ion power. Where circular saws were initially struggling for adequate performance (and even a 7 1/4-inch blade), they now exceed the performance of 15-amp corded models. We decided to test the waters and pulled our expert team together to discover who makes the best cordless circular saw from an elite top tier of advanced models.

Even though we’re East Coasters, we decided to open things up a bit here at the top tier. We use both sidewinder and rear-handle styles and we’ll give you our opinion on both.

Best Cordless Circular Saw Overall (Sidewinder)

Metabo HPT MultiVolt Circular Saw C3607DA

When the final scores were tallied, Metabo HPT’s MultiVolt circular saw edged out the Milwaukee M18 Fuel. Thanks to perfect scores in the cutting performance and accuracy sections and high scores in most of the others, it comes away with our award for the Best Cordless Circular Saw. It’s also the strongest sidewinder model we tested.

Price: $149 bare

Best Cordless Rear-Handle Circular Saw

Flex 24V Cordless Rear Handle Circular Saw FX2141R

After testing Flex’s rear-handle saw against the top competitors, we were left with no doubt it’s the best cordless rear-handle circular saw currently available. Its design is solid and its features are thoughtful. What sets it apart is that it’s stronger and faster than any other model we tested, plus it has the advantage of Stacked Lithium pouch-style batteries.

Price: $249 bare, $399 kit with 10.0Ah Stacked Lithium battery and charger

Best Cordless Circular Saw Capacity

Makita 40V max XGT 10 1/4-Inch Circular Saw GSR02

When it comes to high-capacity cordless circular saws, two models stand out from the rest. Both Makita’s 40V max XGT GSR02 and Skilsaw’s 48V cordless Sawsquatch have 10 1/4-inch blades with Makita owning a very slight advantage on its 3 3/4-inch capacity.

While Skilsaw has the advantage of a true worm drive, Makita enjoys a significant weight advantage, a very smooth direct drive system, and is AWS-capable.

Price: $349 bare, $499 with 4.0Ah battery and charger

Best Lightweight Cordless Circular Saw

Flex 24V 6 1/2-Inch Inline Circular Saw FX2131A-1C

Flex’s cordless incline circular saw is our lightweight pick in the high-performance class. At 7.1 pounds bare, it’s only 9.1 pounds once you add a 5.0Ah battery. Not only is it the lightest, but the belt drive design allows this 6 1/2-inch saw to cut with the same capacity as other 7 1/4-inch saws. Plus, its cutting power is excellent.

If you’re looking for a lightweight cordless circular saw, Flex is your best bet.

Price: $249 with 5.0Ah battery and charger

Best Cordless Circular Saw for Metal Cutting

MIlwaukee M18 Fuel 8-Inch Metal Cutting Circular Saw 2982

There’s a lot of temptation to simply swap blades and make a standard circular saw cut metal. However, there are cordless circular saws out there specifically designed with the torque and features to cut metal well. Our favorite is Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 8-inch metal cutting circular saw. Successfully making the transition from its outstanding corded model to cordless, it has the muscle to cut a 1-inch thick steel plate! Add in chip collection with an M18 High Output battery for the power source and there’s no better cordless option in our opinion.

Price: $399 bare, $549 with an 8.0Ah High Output battery and charger

Best Cordless Circular Saw Value

Skil PWRCore 20 XP 2 x 20V Rear Handle Circular Saw CR5429B-03

Skil relaunched a while back as a brand targeting DIYers, but the performance levels were so good in the brushless tools, that they were outperforming some Pro brands. Enter PWRCore 20 XP and a 2 x 20V rear-handle circular saw targeting professionals. We tested it side-by-side against the traditional Pro brands we use and there’s no question in our minds that the build and the performance have what it takes to thrive day in and day out on the jobsite.

Price: $249 with two 5.0Ah batteries and charger

Best Cordless Circular Saw Blade

There are a lot of quality blades on the market right now and you can get a quality framing blade for $10 – $15 or a demo blade for $15 – $20. Of course, there are also discounts for bulk purchases. Here’s a list of the best circular saw framing blade options we frequently use and recommend:

• Crescent Nailslicer Framing Blade (outstanding tooth durability on tough cuts)
• Diablo 24T Framing Blade with Tracking Point (excellent all-around performance)
• Flex Framing Blade (excellent all-around performance)
• Makita Max Efficiency Blade (perfect for extending runtime on cordless saws without sacrificing performance)
• Milwaukee Framing Blade (excellent all-around performance)

Best Cordless Circular Saw | More Options from Brands We Trust

Best Bosch Cordless Circular Saw: 18V ProFactor Strong Arm GKS18V25CN/GKS18V-25GCN

Bosch has a pair of circular saws on its high-performance ProFactor line and both have the same foundation. The only major difference is one shoe is standard and the other is track-compatible. It’s completely up to you. Either way, these saws are a big step up in performance and design from Bosch’s previous cordless circular saw generation.

Price: $219 bare, $369 with 8.0Ah Core18V battery and charger ($279/$429 for track-compatible version)

Best DeWalt Cordless Circular Saw: FlexVolt Advantage DCS573

Whether you’re looking for a sidewinder or rear-handle style, DeWalt’s FlexVolt line is the way to go for the best cordless performance. However, it’s the FlexVolt Advantage circular saw we recommend for most people. With a 20V Max battery, you get very good performance and it kicks up to a whole new level when you use a FlexVolt battery. You get the benefit of being able to use either battery with a very real advantage when you use FlexVolt packs.

Price: $199 bare

Best Flex Cordless Circular Saw: 24V 6 1/2-Inch Inline FX2131A-1C

Flex has three outstanding flagship circular saws to choose from and our favorite is the 6 1/2-inch inline model. From its high cutting capacity and solid performance to its lighter weight and reachable price tag, we turn to it frequently.

Price: $249 with 5.0Ah battery and charger

Best Greenworks Cordless Circular Saw: 24V Brushless 7 1/4-Inch 1501202AZ

Running a 24V battery that’s also compatible with 24V and 48V lawn care equipment, Greenworks’ circular saw sports a brushless motor to drive its full-size 7 1/4-inch blade. One of the nice things is the weight—the bare tool is just 7.39 pounds and either the compact 2.0Ah or 4.0Ah battery keeps the entire package under 10 pounds.

Price: $119.99 bare

Best Hart Cordless Circular Saw: 20V Brushless 7 1/4-Inch HPCS25

If you’re a DIYer looking to step up your cutting game to the brushless level, Hart’s HPCS25 is a compelling option. Aside from the higher performance, runtime, and service life a brushless motor offers, this is also one of the lightest full-size saws you can get your hands on. Bare, it weighs 6.56 pounds and when you add a 4.0Ah battery, it’s still under 8 pounds!

Price: $128 bare

Best Hilti Cordless Circular Saw: Nuron 22V SC 30WR-22

When Hilti developed the Nuron cordless power tool system, we knew we were in for higher performance, but we had no idea how much higher its cordless circular saw would fly. Thanks to a new brushless motor, the Hilti SC 30WR-22 now runs twice as long on a charge and cuts some three times faster than its previous cordless models. Plus, it’s still doing it on a single 22V battery!

Price: $249 bare

Best Kobalt Cordless Circular Saw: 24V XTR XKCS 124B-03

Kobalt decided to kick down some doors with the launch of its advanced XTR line of 24V cordless tools. It shows a huge improvement in cutting performance for the circular saw in the line. Cutting a 5500 RPM with its brushless motor and powered by an Ultimate Output battery, it’s a very nice upgrade for Kobalt fans that have been using the 6 1/2-inch saw that’s been out for a while.

Price: $149 bare

Best Makita Cordless Circular Saw: 18V X2 (36V) AWS Capable XSH07

When you look at how deep Makita is in the cordless circular saw department, there are so many genuinely great options from compact all the way to high-capacity. For your every day professional cutting needs, it’s tough to beat the XSH07. As an 18V X2 model, it has the power of 36V working for it without having to leave Makita’s massive LXT platform. Built on the foundation of the XSH06, it’s essentially the same saw but AWS-compatible so you can automatic vac activation even though you’re using a cordless saw.

Price: $289 bare

Best Metabo Cordless Circular Saw: 18V KS 18 LTX 66 BL

There’s a lot to love about Metabo’s 6 1/2-inch KS 18 LTX 66 BL circular saw. It starts with low weight—just 7.7 pounds bare and 9.9 with a battery. Then it adds a track-compatible shoe. With Metabo or other FS-style tracks, you get outstanding accuracy for cross, rip, and miter cuts without the need for a larger saw. Plus, Metabo tools and batteries are cross-compatible with more than two dozen other brands in the Cordless Alliance System (CAS)! There’s even more, so be sure to check out our article by clicking the headline above.

Price: $469 bare

Best Metabo HPT Cordless Circular Saw: 36V MultiVolt Rear-Handle C3607DWA

We’ve been throwing around a lot of love Metabo HPT’s 36V sidewinder, so let’s switch gears and talk about the 36V rear-handle circular saw. Confident in its cutting the big story is its incredibly low weight of 10.6 pounds with a battery. That’s more than 2 pounds lighter than Milwaukee and DeWalt, and a pound lighter than Makita. As part fo the 36V MultiVolt system, it’s compatible with Metabo HPT’s AC adapter. The only slight question marks are the lack of an LED light and no onboard tool storage.

Price: $199 bare, $349 with 4.0Ah battery and charger

Best Milwaukee Cordless Circular Saw: M18 Fuel 2732

Milwaukee’s 2732 was our overall best cordless circular saw in 2021 for good reason. It set a new standard for performance with it combination of brushless motor and M18 High Output batteries. Built around that, the design team simply didn’t swing and miss at any element of the design. While the saw has slipped into a very close second overall, it’s still one of the top-performing and best-designed cordless circular saws available.

Price: $249 bare, $449 with 12.0Ah High Output battery and charger ($159 reconditioned)

Best Ridgid Cordless Circular Saw

Ridgid’s post-Octane brushless line continues to roll out, this time with a circular saw that has 35% more cutting speed and matches the power of a 15-amp corded saw. While the performance gain is the big deal, it also does a nice job of hitting the high points of Pro-level features, such as an electronic brake, vacuum port, and a 2 9/16-inch cutting depth. As usual, the saw comes with a lifetime service agreement when you register your purchase.

Price: $179 bare

Keep your eyes open—Ridgid also has an 18V brushless rear-handle saw on the way!

Best Ryobi Cordless Circular Saw: 18V One+ HP Brushless PBLCS300

The PBLCS isn’t Ryobi’s first brushless circular saw, but the HP Brushless upgrade and HIgh Performance battery certainly make it the best to date. In addition to its stronger, faster cutting performance, it’s also a very compelling value with a bare tool price under $100 and a kit price uunder $200.

Price: $99 bare, $199 with 4.0Ah High Performance battery and charger

Best Skil Cordless Circular Saw: PWRCore 20 XP 2 x 20V Rear Handle CR5429B-03

With a solid design and taking home a Best Value award for 2022, Skil’s PWRCore 20 XP rear-handle is its best cordless circular saw currenlty available.

Price: $249 with two 5.0Ah batteries and charger

Best Cordless Circular Saw Buying Guide | What We Look For

Cutting Power

It wasn’t that long ago we had to feather cordless circular saws compared to the way we cut with corded models. Today’s battery-powered options are much better and many brands easily outperform 15-amp corded saws with their flagship brushless models.

If cutting power is your number one priority, expect to pay for a more expensive saw. However, if you don’t mind taking your time, there are some excellent high-value cordless options that can help you get the job done for less.

Tracking

Tracking isn’t about having an arbor that’s off—that would be a defect and you should return the saw if that’s the problem. Sometimes the handle design can encourage you to push to one side or the other, especially with saws that have the front and rear handle close together. Most of the time, you can adjust to the handle design pretty quickly.

Guard Action

The lip of a circular saw guard can catch in some cases. Even when it’s smooth on a typical cut, thin, miter, bevel, or compound cuts can expose issues. Make a series of test cuts on scrap material to see if your guard catches on a particular type of cut so you know when to manually lift it without dragging away from your cutline.

Dust and Chip Removal

Many of the best cordless circular saws have vacuum ports and those do a better job of clearing chips and dust away than those without. However, the majority of our team never connects a vac for normal cutting. We prefer a vacuum adapter that’s either removable or pivots to direct the chips where we want them.

In general, most circular saws do a good job of clearing dust and chips. As RPMs drop because of a lower top-end speed or bogging down, the clearing suffers. Look for models with at least 4500 RPM (5000 is even better) and a brushless motor to maintain effective clearing.

Handle Ergonomics

Handle comfort is largely an individual choice with the size of your hand driving a lot of what feels best. While rear handles are rarely an issue, our crew is drawn towards front handle designs that aren’t too thin, too close to the rear handle, or angled in a direction that becomes uncomfortable. See if you can put your hands on the saw in the store before you take it home. If your hate the grip in the store, it’s unlikely to get better once you’re cutting.

Weight

Because you nearly always cut on top of your material, the weight comes into play primarily when you’re carrying your circular saw from one place to another. However, heavy saws can contribute to “stickier” cutting if the shoe isn’t low-friction enough. There’s no reason to carry more weight than you have to, though, and it’s possible to get a Pro-level saw under 10 pounds with the battery.

Price and Value

We’re big on value and love figuring out what the best saw for our budget is. Start with what you know you’re willing to spend and build your priorities from there. Here are things we consider as part of our value calculation:

• Performance
• Design and features
• Depth of compatible tool on the same battery system
• Service after the sale and warranty

Sidewinder or Rear-Handle?

The spread between sidewinder and rear-handle cordless circular saw styles are largely regional. The West Coast tends to prefer rear-handle while the East Coast generally goes sidewinder.

Most cordless rear-handle saws aren’t true worm drives. The exceptions are Skilsaw’s 48V cordless worm drives. The rest use a direct drive gearing system and go with a rear-handle design to accommodate the preference to that style.

Like their corded counterparts, cordless rear-handle saws are heavier than the more compact sidewinder style.

Both styles use brushless motors and a direct drive (aside from Skilsaw’s worm drive), so there isn’t necessarily the same higher torque in the rear-handle style as there is with corded models.

When it comes to these high-end cordless circular saws, it’s more a matter of preference.

Voltage

There’s some confusion between 18V and 20V cordless circular saws. Many folks believe that 20V is more powerful, but they’re actually the same voltage.

More brands are using 6-cell sets instead of the 5-cell sets we see on 18V/20V max tools. Those actually run at a higher voltage. Marked 24V Max or 22V, they run at 21.6V nominal. With 20% more cells, they really do have the potential to produce more power or runtime.

36V/40V Max batteries are one way to get more power. Makita and Skil both have 2-battery systems that take 18V/20V max batteries and combine them in series on the tool to reach a higher voltage. Makita also has a 40V max XGT line and Metabo HPT has a 36V MultiVolt system.

Skilsaw has a couple of options for its 48V TrueHVL system while DeWalt’s FlexVolt system runs a 60V max (54V) platform.

However, the advent of advanced batteries using 21700 lithium-ion cells and more recently pouch cell batteries makes it possible to deliver more power to lower voltage systems without the need for bulkier high-voltage battery packs.

Blade Left or Blade Right?

Very few Pros and DIYers we come across don’t care what side the blade is on. Nearly everyone has a preference and won’t buy a saw with a blade that sits on the “wrong” side. Your best bet is to try both and see which one is easier for you to track your cutline.

As a right-handed user, I prefer a blade-left design. Then again, PTR’s Editor-in-Chief, Clint DeBoer, is also a righty and prefers blade-right. Read more about the considerations here.

Features To Look For

• Brushless motor: offers better performance, runtime, and longer life
• Electronic brake: stops the blade quickly as a safety feature
• Rafter hook: great for hanging on a variety of objects instead of setting the saw on the ground
• Trigger safety design: some people prefer a push-in style, others a push-down
• Dust port: offers a connection to a vacuum for better cleanup
• Rail compatibility: gives the saw the ability to attach to a track for highly accurate cuts
• LED light: adds light to the visible blade area to help you see your cutline
• Cutline blower: uses exhaust airflow to push sawdust away from your cutline
• Magnesium components: reduces the weight without sacrificing strength

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

Ever check out a “review” site and you can’t tell if they actually tested the tools or if they’re just “recommending” the Amazon top sellers? That’s not us. We won’t recommend anything unless we’d actually use it ourselves and we don’t really care who the primary retailer is. It’s all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product.

We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction, automotive, and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.

Each year, we bring in and review more than 250 individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year.

We consult with innovators in the technology and design of tools to gain a broader grasp of where these products fit and how they work.

We work with more than two dozen professional contractors around the United States who review products for us on real job sites and consult with us on testing methods, categories, and weighting.

We’ll provide more than 500 pieces of new content this year absolutely free for our readers—including objective evaluations of individual tools and products.

The end result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a tool.

The post Best Cordless Circular Saw Reviews for 2022 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Deckbuilding and miters saws are a perfect match-up of a tool to a project. When I was approached about doing a comparative best 12-inch compound miter saw review I couldn’t think of better timing. Finding the best 12-inch miter saw requires testing many different tools at once. My comparison review coincided with a renovation of two side-by-side 1920’s bungalow-style homes. Both feature full-width front and back porches and all four had seen better times. The project required complete demolition and rebuilding. Between that and the eventual trim-out—I had LOTS of cutting in my future!

My new porch design for these homes departed slightly from the original framing. That consisted primarily of 2×6 members with tongue and groove porch flooring. To meet the current Florida hurricane codes, I had to beef things up slightly. I chose 2×8 framing members and larger timbers for the columns and railing posts. Needless to say, I had plenty of cutting planned for these seven saws.

Editor’s Note: Check out our best miter saw article for our top overall recommendations.

Best 12″ Corded Miter Saw

Bosch GCM12SD Axial Glide Miter Saw

• Pros: Compact size, Integrated expanding table extensions, Easy access side bevel level
• Cons: Clunky thumb-activated trigger safety, No crown bevel detent

The Bosch GCM12SD Axial Glide miter saw has a lot of great features that make it an easy top pick. The axial glide mechanism makes these the smoothest gliding miter saws we’ve ever used. Even years after its initial launch, we still haven’t used a smoother saw. For something close, check out the 10-inch Delta Cruzer miter saw.

The 12-inch Bosch Axial Glide saw cuts in a more compact manner than most, yet it allows some of the tallest cuts. You can burrow right through 6-1/2″ tall material held up against the fence.

We love the front-mounted bevel adjustments—among the easiest to set in the industry. They don’t force you to reach behind the saw. We also really like the integrated table extensions that expand easily out of the base from both sides.

This saw runs about $599.

Buy Now at Acme Tools

Buy Now at Amazon

Also recommended:

• Milwaukee 6955-20 Miter Saw with LED Angle Gauge
• Skilsaw SPT88-01 worm drive miter saw
• DeWalt DWS716XPS 15-amp miter saw

You can’t talk about 12-inch corded miter saws without recognizing the Milwaukee 6955-20 miter saw. With its incredible power and handy LCD angle display, this saw distinguishes itself as the “Cadillac” among corded miter saws. While the basic design remains little changed over the past decade or so—there’s a good reason. You don’t mess with something already so well-developed. If you can afford it, this saw will transform your shop space. Just don’t expect to move it around easily without mounting it to a good wheeled stand.

This excellent saw retails for $749.

We also like the Skilsaw worm drive miter saw. It’s a powerful, accurate saw that also moves around the job site easily. So easily, in fact, that other manufacturers should take note. This miter saw works really well as a framer’s saw or for remodelers—mostly due to the power output and size. Trim carpenters and fine woodworkers should also factor in a high-TPI blade upgrade right from the start.

You can pick it up for $650.

Finally, the DeWalt DWS716XPS also remains one of our stalwart favorites with its solid build quality. We also love the LED cutline that works in broad daylight. You’ll never want to use a laser again. Handles both 6-1/2 in. of base molding vertically and 6-5/8 in. of crown molding vertically nested.

Grab it for $380.

Best 12″ Cordless Miter Saw

Makita XSL07PT Cordless Miter Saw (also XSL08PT)

• Pros: Front bevel controls, against-the-wall placement, excellent run-time, zero blade wobble
• Cons: Expensive, cutting standing crown with a left bevel requires fence removal

The Makita XSL07PT cordless 12-inch miter saw runs off a pair of 18V batteries for 36V power. This flagship cordless 12-inch compound sliding miter saw helped us run through cuts on trim and framing material like butter. For all its capacity and size, the tool takes is remarkably portable and compares well against its competition.

The saw exhibits absolutely no blade wobble, giving us perfectly consistent cuts every time. We found we could cut 5-1/4″ speed base upright at 45 degrees in either direction. You get convenient front bevel adjustments and the saw miters to 60º in both directions.

The innovative rail design allows placement of the saw up against the wall without the complexity of a Glide system. Lastly—and perhaps most importantly—we cut an entire day’s worth of crown and base off one pair of 5Ah batteries!

This saw retails for around $999 for the XSL07PT kit with two 5.0Ah batteries, dual port rapid charger, blade, dust bag, vertical clamp, wrench, and triangle. If you want the XSL08PT model with AWS-capable wireless Bluetooth connectivity, it runs $1,059.

Buy Now at Acme Tools

Buy Now at Amazon

Also recommended:

• Milwaukee cordless 12-inch sliding miter saw with One-Key
• DeWalt FlexVolt DHS790AT2 miter saw

For a full-size cordless miter saw, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel cordless 12-inch sliding miter saw does well. At just 48 pounds with the M18 High Output 12 Ah battery pack installed, it’s 26% lighter than their corded Milwaukee 6955-20 miter saw. The easy-to-grab side handles make this full-size saw as portable as possible. And it cuts like a corded saw.

You can pick it up for $849 as a kit or $699 as a bare tool.

Of course, if you occasionally need a corded connection, it’s hard not to love the DeWalt FlexVolt DHS790AT2 miter saw. Built on the flagship DWS780 platform, this is one of the only 12-inch cordless miter saws with an available power adapter to let you run it indefinitely on AC power.

The kit with batteries and an AC adapter costs just $799.

Best Portable 12″ Miter Saw

Makita LS1221 Miter Saw

• Pros: Lightweight, Easiest trigger safety to use, Almost no plastic, table extensions, material clamp
• Cons: Short material cut height against the fence, small dust collection port, No crown bevel detent

The Makita LS1221 came in as the lightest saw in our round-up. Ironically, it also had the least amount of plastic parts—figure that one out! Put it all together, and the Makita LS1221 easily qualifies as our best portable 12-inch miter recommendation.

Don’t let the lightweight fool you into thinking that this saw lacks features or power, however. This saw has a gear reduced direct-drive motor which makes it by default a single bevel saw. Every bit of the saw is either painted or has a nice machined finish. There were no unfinished or sharp edges hidden anywhere. The overall build quality of this saw feels like a Swiss watch.

Unlike all the other saws in the review, the swing arm that activates the blade guard is almost completely hidden which makes for a tidy appearance. We really appreciate the dual table extensions that remove easily. You also get a material clamp. Also, every user-removable or adjustable item can adjust using the same included wrench!

This saw retails for around $300 and includes the saw, 12 in. 40-tooth blade, vertical vise, (2) extension wings, socket wrench, and dust bag.

Buy Now at Acme Tools

Buy on Amazon

Also recommended:

• Skilsaw SPT88-01 12-inch Worm Drive Miter Saw

51 pounds may not seem like the ultimate in portability, but given the power of the Skilsaw SPT88-01 12-inch worm drive miter saw, it’s super-light. Also one of our favorite corded models, we love the power and accuracy of this saw. For framing or carpentry, we find the power and size almost perfectly balanced.

You can pick it up for $650.

Best 12″ Miter Saw for the Money

DeWalt DW716 Miter Saw

• Pros: Quiet, Tons of miter and bevel detents, removable fence allows for cutting up to 2×10
• Cons: No material clamp included, Blade guard can slice your thumb (read the manual)

Due to its power and unbelievable capacity, the DeWalt DW716 set itself apart as our recommendation for the best 12″ miter saw for the money.

We quickly identified the DeWalt as the quietest 12-inch miter saw in the bunch. Its refined belt drive system plays the largest part in making that possible. The saw bevels up to 48° in both directions with five common detents. We liked the speedy miter lever lock and the 11 stops (more than all the other saws we tested).

The DeWalt DW716 started out accurate right out of the box. Probably our biggest gripe is that if you hold your thumb to the side of the handle, rather than down, you can expect the blade guard to swing up and potentially grab your thumb as you move the saw towards your workpiece. Of course, this only happens once before you learn how DeWalt intended you to hold the handle. In the manual, it explains that this is by design (not the thumb slicing part!). You can use your thumb to position the guard for certain cuts when you need to hold the guard out of the way.

Remove the main fence, and you can use the remaining smaller fence with a 1-1/2″ thick sacrificial board. That bumps up your crosscut capacity to an astounding 2×10. Remember, this saw lacks a slide! This alone makes it one of our favorites. If you pick up this saw, we suggest you spring for the excellent DWX726 stand as well.

This saw retails for around $299 and includes the saw, 12 in. 40-tooth blade, vertical vise, (2) extension wings, socket wrench, and dust bag.

Buy Now at Amazon

Buy Now at Acme Tools

Also recommended:

• Skilsaw SPT88-01 12-inch Worm Drive Miter Saw

51 pounds may not seem like the ultimate in portability, but given the power of the Skilsaw SPT88-01 12-inch worm drive miter saw, it’s super-light. Also one of our favorite corded models, we love the power and accuracy of this saw. For framing or carpentry, we find the power and size almost perfectly balanced.

You can pick it up for $650.

Best Budget 12″ Cordless Miter Saw

Ryobi TSS121 12 in. Sliding Miter Saw with LED

• Pros: Low cost of entry, tons of clearance for up to a 13-1/4 in. crosscut, electric brake
• Cons: Single bevel, average dust collection

For the serious DIYer, we find it hard not to like a 15-amp sliding miter saw for $269. You get all the clearances of a 12-inch miter, but for the price of a 10-inch model. On the slide, you get plenty of room to cut through 2×12 boards at 90-degrees. An LED cutline indicator and work-light help improve cut accuracy and visibility.

The saw miters 47° left and right with stops at the most common crown molding angles 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, and 45° both left and right. There’s also the expected miter detent override.

The 1-1/4 in. dust port works OK, but this won’t collect as much dust as other saws we’ve used. Lastly, we do appreciate the electric brake which stops the blade quickly and you can’t go wrong with a 3-year warranty.

Buy Now at Home Depot

Also recommended:

• DeWalt DWS715 12-inch single-bevel miter saw ($229)
• Metabo HPT C12FDHM 12-in dual-bevel compound miter saw ($179)
• Ridgid R4222 dual-bevel sliding miter saw ($399)

Common Features

Of the dozen or so saws we considered and tested for these recommendations, certain features remain common throughout. These should be the minimum standard of what to look for when shopping. All the saws have 15-amp motors, electric motor brakes, top-mounted carry handles, adjustable fences, and dust collection bags.

Each of the saws came with a carbide-tipped blade that ranged from 30 to 60 teeth. For adjustments, all the saws are able to offer left and/or right miter cuts past 45 degrees. Also, as a minimum, all could do left-hand bevel cuts up to 45 degrees.

Not every manufacture offers both single and dual bevel capabilities, and not every user requires both (though we generally prefer dual-bevel). Finally, all saws tested provide preset miter and bevel angles—typically with stops. Most have at least 9 positions of built-in miter stops with a dedent at 0 degrees and detents in both directions at 15, 22.5, 31.6, and 45 degrees. Bevel stops typically have detents at 0 and 45 degrees.

Testing Preparation

As the saws came in, we carefully opened each box and inspected the tools. When checking out a brand new saw, one of the first things we do is to verify how true the blade is to the table and fence. We had to adjust the squareness of two of the saws that came in. Everyone should learn to how to calibrate a miter saw rather than trust they arrived from the manufacturer dead-square.

To further even the playing field we removed the factory-installed blades and replaced each with brand new blades. We alternated using blades from both Irwin Marples and Diablo depending upon the test and cut. Both blades feature thin kerf ATB (Alternate Top Bevel) ground carbide teeth. With each saw cutting with the same new blade, it made it easier to compare performance.

Testing 12-inch Miter Saws

90 Degree Cut Capacity Testing

Testing seven saws is not something that happens all at once or in a very fast way. These are large tools, and it takes a while to get to know the features of each tool. Thankfully we had a reasonable amount of time to use the saws on multiple occasions. We tested both in the shop and out in the field on one of our four porch projects.

In testing, one of the first things that come to mind with a miter saw is how big a piece of wood will it cut. Given the blade size, you would think that all the saws would have about the same cut capacity, but given the geometry of the blade axis, the fence, and the swing arm design there is some room for differences. The best 12″ compound miter saws will slice through 2×8 lumber with no problem, but some models will exceed even that by a small margin. 12-inch sliding miter saws should easily clear a 2×12.

Cutting Lumber

First, we tried different size pieces of nominal sized lumber at a 90-degree cross-cut and it pretty much boiled down to a pass/fail on if the saw could handle it when it came to nominal sized material like 2×4, 4×4, 2×6, 2×8, and 1x material from 4 through 8 inches. Of course, each saw was able to handle any of these materials. We tested the widest and thickest pieces that could be cut laying flat on the table.

In our deck building, we largely used these saws for cutting the 2×8 framing members to length and trimming the 5/4”x6” deck boards. Since each saw had the same blade and essentially the same size 15-amp motor, we never experienced any instances where the motors bogged down or seemed stressed, even when cutting new, wet pressure-treated wood.

Angled Cut Capacity Testing

Miter angle cuts on all the saws were easy to adjust and lock In, even if it was not one of the preset detents. There is a range of methods to adjust and lock in the miters with most of the saws having a screw-down type handle to lock in the miter angle. All the saws had at least 9 miter stops with the DeWalt being the one with more at 11. These preset angle stops make it a snap to quickly find common cut angles. All the saws allowed an override on the detents with the Milwaukee providing the most accurate way to measure miter angles thanks to its digital miter angle readout. All the saws were able to fully rotate the table in both left and right directions.

The commonalities in the bevel cuts with these saws are where we discovered the largest differences. Since some of these saws in this review are single bevel and others are dual, there are some obvious differences there. All the saws have stops at 0 and 45-degree bevel angles and four of them also have a 33.9-degree detent setting for cutting crown.

Cutting Crown Molding

If you are not a regular at cutting crown molding, it can be one of the most challenging cuts to make since they need a compound angle cut. Since all these saws allow for compound angle miter cuts, you no longer have to use the traditional method of standing your crown trim boards upside down against the fence. Still, vertical cut capacity rules the roost and makes these cuts very simple.

You can also easily set the miter and bevel using the integrated stops and cut the crown trim laying face up, flat against the table. We love that most Ridgid miter saws actually put a crown cutting guide permanently affixed to the miter adjustment handle. For most (or anyone who hasn’t done it in a while), it takes a little thinking to still get it right—even with the built-in angle stops.

Adjusting Bevel Angles

Adjusting the bevel angles varied greatly. The best 12″ compound miter saws allow easy adjustment of bevel and miter. Most of the ones we tested have some sort of large rotating handle on the back of the saw that must be loosened before you can pivot the head. On these saws, you must reach behind or the saw to adjust.

The Hitachi has a unique micro-adjustment that, once the main screw is loose, you can rotate the barrel to dial in an exact angle. With the Milwaukee 6955-20, Makita LS1219L (and XSL07Z/XSL08Z), and the Bosch GCM12SD Axial Glide, you get bevel controls right up front. This makes adjusting the bevel angles almost effortless.

Conclusion

While no single miter saw did everything, I think we have some good recommendations for most users. I used budget-minded Ryobi and Skilsaw models right next to the most expensive Milwaukee and Makita saws. There are differences to be sure. Your next miter saw purchase will come down to how you need to use it, price, capacity—and possibly even convenience.

Plus, with new cordless 12-inch miter saws, you may find yourself trying to match a new model to your battery platform of choice.

Keep in mind that the best 12-inch miter saw targets users looking for the highest cut capacities. You may find that you’ll do better with a smaller, more portable sliding saw.

The post Best 12-inch Miter Saw Reviews 2022 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

I’m not sure you could have teed up a grudge match any better than 2017 did with the DeWalt FlexVolt Worm Drive Style Saw vs Makita Rear-Handle Saw. These two kings of the cordless circular saw world make for one of the most requested head to heads we’ve received from our audience. So let’s dive in.

DeWalt FlexVolt Worm Drive Style Saw vs Makita Rear-Handle Saw: General Design

At the beginning of the DeWalt FlexVolt Worm Drive Style Saw vs Makita Rear-Handle Saw conversation, there’s not a lot that separates the two in basic appearance. As the first cordless saws to challenge the corded worm drive market, both go with a blade left, rear-handle design. You can use the same 7-1/4″ blade for both, but you’ll need to pop off the diamond knockout for the FlexVolt.

There’s also not much separating them in the feature set. You get a blade brake, magnesium base, rafter hook, and brushless motor no matter which one you choose. If a cutline blower is a make-or-break feature for you, realize that Makita does not have one.

DeWalt DCS577 vs Makita XSR01 Saw Power Source

Power source makes up a key difference between the two saws. DeWalt uses their FlexVolt 60V Max battery. The kits come with either a FlexVolt 6.0 or 9.0 battery.

Makita’s saw is on their 18V X2 platform, so you need two batteries to use it. These can be anywhere on Makita’s 18V LXT range, but we recommend going with their 5.0 Ah packs that you can get with the kit.

In terms of potential energy, you’ll get either 120 watt-hours (FlexVolt 6.0) or 180 watt-hours (FlexVolt 9.0) with DeWalt. With Makita, two 5.0 Ah packs will give you 180 watt-hours while 6.0 Ah packs will give you 216 watt-hours. At least, that’s how it was when these tools first came out. NOw that DeWalt has a 12.0Ah FlexVolt battery, its 240 watt-hours top Makita.

Geek note: Normally, watt-hours are calculated as nominal voltage x amp hours which would make DeWalt 108 and 162 watt-hours, respectively. However, the batteries have the watt-hours printed on the battery as 120 and 180. Also, a 60V DeWalt “9.0Ah” pack really operates as a 3Ah battery at 60V. We note this in our comparison chart below.

The good thing with Makita’s system is that those batteries work on all of their 18V LXT tools and you can grab batteries from any of the other tools in the line – even compact packs in a pinch – to power the saw.

DeWalt’s FlexVolt battery will work in any of their FlexVolt or 20V Max tools, but you can’t grab a 20V Max battery and use it in the FlexVolt saw. So from a system-wide compatibility standpoint, Makita holds the edge here as well.

Makita Rear-Handle vs DeWalt FlexVolt Worm Drive Style Saw Ergonomics

Neither one of these saws is lightweight – nor should you expect them to be. Worm drive circular saws are much heavier than their sidewinder counterparts and these follow suit. The difference in weight is significant. Makita weighs in at 12 lbs, 10.8 oz with a Diablo framing blade and two 5.0 aH batteries on board. DeWalt is more than a pound heavier at 13 lbs, 11.8 oz with the same blade and FlexVolt 9.0 pack. Makita’s the clear winner there.

With nearly identical safeties and triggers, the feel boils down to handle design. DeWalt gives a slightly more form-fitting main handle, though I wouldn’t call either one uncomfortable for this class of tool.

The support handles angle out nearly identically and neither have overmold here. Makita sticks with a more traditional thin diameter bar while DeWalt gives you a wider handle with contours. I give the nod to DeWalt here since I like the wider support handle.

DeWalt FlexVolt Worm Drive Style Saw vs Makita Rear-Handle Saw Cutting Capacity

With a 7-1/4″ blade, both of these saws are very close to each other in cutting capacity. Makita (2-9/16″) holds a slight edge over DeWalt (2-7/16″) at 90°. However, DeWalt (1-7/8″) takes over at a 45° bevel with Makita cutting 1-3/4″ at the same angle.

Since both saws also have the same 53° bevel capacity, Makita gets the nod for 90° cuts and DeWalt for 45°. But with only 1/8″ separating each one, very few Pros will find that one doesn’t get the job done over the other. It’s worth noting that Makita can make it through 3x material in one pass thanks to the extra capacity.

DeWalt FlexVolt Worm Drive Style Saw Vs Makita Rear-Handle Saw: Performance

We put a Diablo Framing Blade with Tracking Point on both saws and led through a series of full depth rip cuts in 8′ long 4×4 pressure treated lumber. Well, almost full depth. Since Makita has a slightly deeper capacity, we set it to match DeWalt at 2-7/16″. We also put them up against Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Circular Saw and Skilsaw’s SPT77WM-22 worm drive. The results were astounding, especially considering how wet the wood was!

• Milwaukee M18 Fuel Circular Saw – 1:04.96

• Skilsaw SPT77MW-22 – 0:27.96

• Makita Rear-Handle Saw – 0:18.64

• DeWalt FlexVolt Worm Drive Style Saw – 0:11.36

Milwaukee proves that an 18V circular saw can make a full depth rip cut and Skilsaw set our baseline since it’s an outstanding corded model. In this particular test, both Makita and DeWalt blew the corded model out of the water. As you can see from the results, DeWalt can walk away from this head to head with some swagger in their step.

DeWalt FlexVolt Worm Drive Style Saw vs Makita Rear-Handle Saw Specs

DeWalt FlexVolt Worm Drive Style Saw Vs Makita Rear-Handle Saw: Price

Price is relative since some users need batteries and other might not. Here’s how it breaks down.

DeWalt FlexVolt Worm Drive Style Saw

• DeWalt DCS577B bare tool $249
• DeWalt DCS577X1 FlexVolt 9.0 kit $399

Makita Rear-Handle Saw

• Makita XSR01Z bare tool $199
• Makita XSR01PT 5.0Ah kit $349

Whether you’re in the market for the kit or just the bare tool, there’s no doubt that Makita gets the win in price. As a premium tool manufacturer, that’s not something we get to say a whole lot with Makita. So the question you have to answer is whether the extra power of the DeWalt Framing Saw is worth an extra $30 – $50.

The Bottom Line

The DeWalt FlexVolt Worm Drive Style Saw and Makita Rear-Handle Saw are so close to each other in design that it really boils down to whether you want the more powerful/better handle ergonomics or the better price/lighter weight. You can also factor in which cordless lineup is more attractive to you. DeWalt has the clear advantage in power, but both outperform corded worm drives handily. As the top two cordless circular saws in the industry currently, there’s really not a wrong answer here.

The post DeWalt FlexVolt Worm Drive Style Saw vs Makita Rear-Handle Saw appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel cordless framing nailers (2744-21 and 2745-21) hit store shelves back in June 2020. They put out both 21-degree and 30-degree models that work identically save for the nails used. We only wish it would have been here in time for our best framing nailer shootout.

Pros

• Zero delay, even in bump fire mode
• Sinks nails on every single shot, including when you’re rapid firing in bump mode
• Optional extended magazine holds 2 full sticks of nails
• Depth adjustment knob is conveniently located and easy to adjust
• Worked well in our testing with both paper and wire collated strips
• Fires full head offset and clipped head nails
• Simple electronic switch to change from sequential to bump firing
• Folding rafter hook and separate belt clip included

Cons

• Heavy—11.3 pounds with stock magazine and 5.0Ah battery
• Slightly bulkier than pneumatic framing nailers
• More plastic used in construction and no metal rear strike plate

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Framing Nailer

First Impressions

We initially got our hands on the Milwaukee battery-powered nailers at NPS 2019 and went to town driving 3-inch nails into laminated engineered lumber. They can fire up to 3 nails per second—which feels close to what we ask of our pneumatic framing nailers.

As fast as we could pull the trigger, it shot nails into our workpiece. There’s absolutely no delay in these nailers. It’s very much like using a pneumatic tool.

Raising the Roof

Once we got our hands on a model we could hang onto longer, we put it to use on a roofing project. We needed to completely replace it down to the plywood and found several areas that needed new wood, too.

With code-approved pattern and fasteners, we need to lay down our plywood with 2 3/8-inch ring shank nails. Initially, the nails were a little proud, but a quick depth adjustment took care of that.

Positioned on top, the metal knurled knob is super-smooth compared to many of the other framing nailers we’ve used. It turns easily from one position to the next and works just as well with or without gloves.

With the size nails and materials we were fastening, we didn’t expect any issues with power or drive consistency. The nailer performed beautifully on this job with zero jams or misfires.

Milwaukee Cordless Framing Nailer Freedom

Our roofing project really highlighted the cordless freedom this nailer offers. Once the bad wood was identified and removed, we were able to quickly get started and move around with no compressor to set up or hose to drag around.

Since the Milwaukee M18 Fuel cordless framing nailer functions completely off the M18 battery platform, you don’t need to use gas cartridges. This results in all-day usability since you can swap out a pack as another one charges. You never have to run to the store to get a cartridge.

We also like the compactness of this nailer. At 14.1 inches across the head, it easily fits between studs for close-quarters nailing. While the extended magazine adds some bulk and length, it’s no worse than a compact pneumatic nailer. Without the hose dragging behind, you can quickly move from one section of studs to another and not worry about getting tangled up.

Milwaukee 2744-21 and 2745-21 Extended Capacity Magazines

Milwaukee added an optional extended capacity magazine to address the need for more nails. No one else does this to our knowledge—most battery-powered nailers use short mags.

It represents a real advantage for these nailers. By swapping out magazines, there’s enough capacity in both the 21-degree and 30-degree models to hold two strips of nails.

The cost for this optional component is $69, but given the ergonomics and the speed with which this tool works, we’d opt for it right out of the gate. On the 21-degree framing nailer, the standard magazine holds up to 45 nails and the 30-degree holds 51.

With the extended magazine, the Milwaukee 2744-21 21° nailer and 2745-21 30° nailer can each hold up to 83 nails—two full strips. This lets you send more nails home before having to reload than any other cordless nailer on the market.

It’s worth noting that the magazines aren’t interchangeable between angles. The driver system is specific to each style. Make sure you buy the one that matches the angle of your nailer.

Battery Life

In terms of battery life, both the Milwaukee 2744-21 and 2745-21 can sink anywhere from 500-700 nails on a single 5.0Ah battery. While that varies based on the size nails you’re using and the material you’re fastening, it’s enough to cycle a couple of batteries and make through your day without interruption.

Weight

There’s no getting around that this is a heavy tool for a framing nailer. With a 5.0Ah battery and stock magazine, it weighed 11.3 pounds on our scale.

It’s something you’re going to notice, especially when you’re nailing overhead. The upside is that the weight is balanced pretty well.

Other Milwaukee Cordless Framing Nailer Field Notes

Power Up and Mode Changes

There’s a separate electronic power button on the back of the tool. You need to hold it down for a second to turn the tool on, so an accidental bump in your truck box isn’t going to power it up.

The mode switch button is just below that. Like the power button, you need to hold it down for a second, keeping accidental presses from changing modes on you.

Toe Nailing

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel cordless framing nailer is a decent toe nailer. It fits between studs easily and getting an angle for the shot is easy enough. There’s pretty solid visibility around the nose as well.

The nose spurs aren’t very aggressive, though. That tends to let the nose slip from time to time.

Jam Clearance

If you get a jam, there’s enough access to get a pair of needle-nose pliers around the offending nail. If you still can’t quite get it, the Allen wrench stores conveniently along the right side of the nailer to remove the magazine.

Belt and Rafter Hooks

Milwaukee included a nice treat in that there are both belt and rafter hooks that come with the nailer. The belt hook may be hit or miss depending on how you use it. It recesses slightly from the magazine and we ended up using the rafter hook much more frequently.

The rafter hook is large and stout in construction, easily hanging from a joist or ladder rung. It swings out of the way when you don’t need it.

Both hooks are removable if you find you don’t want them.

LED Light

Both the Milwaukee 2744-21 and 2745-21 cordless framing nailers feature an integrated LED light positioned on the bottom which illuminates where you’re hitting. That’s not something you get with a pneumatic nailer and we don’t expect it to be a make-or-break feature, but it’s nice to have, especially on remodeling jobs.

Additional Features

• Rubber bumpers protect the tool when you set (toss) it down.
• Dry fire lockout
• No-mar tip included

Pricing

No matter which nailer angle you prefer, expect to pay $349 for the bare tool. You can also get the Milwaukee M18 Fuel cordless framing nailer for $449 as a kit with a 5.0Ah battery and charger.

The Bottom Line

Because there are no issues with driving power and nailing speed, the only question is how often you want to reach for your Milwaukee cordless framing nailer. Its weight is its major limitation and we know there are some contractors out there making the adjustment to use it as a primary framing nailer.

From our perspective, it does its best work for remodeling contractors, repair, and punch list jobs. When you’re stopping by for a quick job or moving around a lot, the lack of a compressor and hose saves time and really frees you up while you work.

Milwaukee Cordless Framing Nailer Specifications

Milwaukee 2744-21 21° Framing Nailer

• Model: 2744-21 (kit), 2744-20 (tool-only)
• Nail sizes: 2 in. – 3-1/2 in.
• Nail diameter: 0.113 in. – 0.148 in.
• Magazine capacity: 45 nails
• 700 nails per charge on a RedLithium XC5.0 battery
• Sequential and contact actuation modes
• Dry-fire lockout, belt hook, rafter hook, & LED work light
• Kit includes: M18 FUEL 21° framing nailer, M18 RedLithium XC5.0 battery pack, charger, and carrying case
• Price: $349 (tool-only), $449 (kit)

M18 FUEL 21° Framing Nailer Extended Magazine

• Model: 48-08-2744
• Magazine capacity: 83 nails
• Nail sizes: 2 in. – 3-1/2 in.
• Nail diameter: 0.113 in. – 0.148 in.
• Price: $69

Milwaukee 2745-21 30° Framing Nailer

• Model: 2745-21 (kit), 2745-20 (tool-only)
• Nail sizes: 2 in. – 3-1/2 in.
• Nail diameter: 0.113 in. – 0.131 in.
• Magazine capacity: 51 nails
• 700 nails per charge on a RedLithium XC5.0 battery
• Sequential and Contact Actuation Modes
• Dry-fire lockout, belt hook, rafter hook, & LED work light
• Kit includes: M18 FUEL 30° framing nailer, M18 RedLithium XC5.0 battery pack, charger, and carrying case
• Price: $349 (tool-only), $449 (kit)

M18 FUEL 30° Framing Nailer Extended Magazine

• Model: 48-08-2745
• Magazine capacity: 105 nails
• Nail sizes: 2 in. – 3-1/2 in.
• Nail diameter: 0.113 in. – 0.131 in.
• Price: $69

The post Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Framing Nailer Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

The Bosch Gravity-Rise T4B miter saw stand is smart, durable, and simple to use. With it, professionals set up easily from the back of a work truck, van, or trailer. And forget about ever carrying your miter saw again. The T4B features the same Bosch Gravity-Rise system as the former TS2000.

Editor’s Note: Check out our best miter saw article for our top recommendations.

Bosch T4B Design and Durability

Similar to other folding miter saw stands, the Bosch Gravity-Rise T4B stand works effortlessly and allows for rapid set-up and breakdown. Where it differs has to do with the build quality. We’ve affixed the rather hefty Bosch 12-inch Glide Miter Saw and taken this stand everywhere. The solid rubber wheels never go flat and we have yet to bend and the rigid tubular frame.

We also prefer this style of stand to smaller, lighter stands that have straight legs and wheels at the top. These stands work in a pinch. They also cut down on weight. They don’t measure up—in our opinion—when it comes to ease of use. You have to remove the miter saw on these stands whereas Bosch designed the Gravity Rise miter saw stand to always hold the saw.

Using the Bosch Gravity Rise Stand

With a simple turn of the release lever, you guide the miter saw stand into a working position. The weight and balance flow smoothly as it rises thanks to the heavy-gauge steel and aluminum construction. You can set the leveling feet to compensate for uneven terrain.

Turn the same release lever again, and the entire stand folds into a pushcart design, complete with 8-inch pneumatic wheels. It works really well when transporting the saw over rough job site terrain. We’ve lifted it over curbs, gone over dirt, mud—everything you can think of—all with the stand fully-loaded.

Using miter saws with this stand allows for up to 16-18 feet of support. You can easily adjust the height of the outfeeds as well with up to 12-inches of play. Bosch does a great job marking everything in Red that adjusts. We LOVE that. You never have to waste time looking for the right knob to turn.

Bosch Gravity Rise Miter Saw Stand Compatibility

The Bosch T4B utilizes an aluminum support rail and special universal Rapid-Release tool mounts that attach to the base of all Bosch (and most competitors’) miter saws. We’ve used it with several different saws and found it to truly universal so far. You get enough adjustment to balance the miter saw so it doesn’t tip backward or forward. So far, we’ve been able to get a good fit on glide-style, sliding, and non-siding saws.

Bosch T4B Miter Saw Stand Specs

• Dimensions (HxLxW): 48.42 x 51.5 x 27.75 in.
• Material: Steel
• Material support: Up to 18 ft.
• Wheels: 8 in. solid rubber
• Integrated outfeed and supports (12 in. max height)
• Adjustable telescoping leveling leg
• Universal mounting system
• Weight: 76.7 lbs.
• Price: $351

Conclusion

We made this our top pick in our best miter saw reviews article for good reason. If you use smaller, more portable miter saws, this is probably overkill. If, however, you run a full-size 12-inch miter saw, consider budgeting in the Bosch Gravity Rise miter saw stand.

The post Bosch Gravity-Rise Wheeled Miter Saw Stand T4B appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Second-Generation DeWalt FlexVolt Circular Saw Packs Higher Performance

The DeWalt FlexVolt 60V max circular saw (model DCS578) was one of the first tools to launch with the FlexVolt line and it was a good design with plenty of power.

DeWalt’s product team wasn’t content to let it be and we tested the updated DCS578 against the best from Makita, Milwaukee, and more!

Pros

• One of the most powerful cordless circular saws we tested
• Excellent dust and chip ejection
• Increased cutting depth to 2 9/16 inches
• Accurate cutline notches
• Excellent tracking
• Handle design is our favorite among tested saws

Cons

• Guard hangs up on 45º/45º compound cuts
• Shoe friction is higher than most competing saws

DeWalt FlexVolt 60V Max Circular Saw

Cutting Power

DeWalt promises 47% more power than the original DCS575. That moves the DeWalt FlexVolt 60V max circular saw from 1600 watts to a monster 2456 watts of power.

The saw felt powerful making its initial cuts. It definitely has no issues cutting through 2x lumber and sheet goods with ease.

To get an idea of power compared to other brands’ advanced circular saws, we stacked two sheet of 3/4-inch OSB subfloor and cut as fast as the saw would let us.

Cut after cut, the DeWalt DCS578 proved it is in the upper tier with the most powerful cordless circular saws. Is it the most powerful?

Not in this test. But that’s kind of like the 3 teams in the College Football Playoff that don’t win the national championship. They’re still outstanding football teams.

It’s also worth noting that the maximum cutting depth is higher. Moving from 2 1/4 inches to 2 9/16 inches, it now has the depth to cut through 3x material in one pass.

Guard Action and Shoe Friction

DeWalt’s guard action is smooth, just like we expect. The design takes of most cuts extremely well. It tackled thin, thick, 45º miter, and 45º bevel cuts just fine.

The only one we ran into an issue with was a compound 45º miter/45º bevel. The guard catches before it can fully rotate out of the way. If you’re making that cut, you’ll need to manually work the guard up until its clear.

Like the original FlexVolt circular saw, there’s still quite a bit of shoe friction to overcome. It’s something we’re only seeing on this model as the worm drive style version slides more easily. We don’t consider it a deal-breaker, though.

Sightline and Chip Clearance

If you’re the kind of person that prefers to watch the blade against the cutline rather than the shoe notches, the DeWalt FlexVolt 60V max circular saw does fine in that department.

The framing doesn’t fully block your sightline, though it’s not as wide open as we found with Milwaukee’s 2732. A cutline blower and LED light help to keep the line visible while you cut.

If you’d rather follow the notches, you’re in even better shape. With a Spyder 7 1/4-inch framing blade installed, we found both the 90º and 45º notches were perfectly in line with the blade as we cut.

The saw also does a great job of clearing chips out of the way. It ejects them powerfully through the guard and down toward the floor. Even though some of the debris might end up on (and in) your shoes, that’s a trade-off we’ll gladly make for a clean site line.

While it doesn’t come in the kit, you can get an optional dust port to vacuum up the dust and leave a much cleaner work area.

Tracking

Tracking isn’t usually an issue for most cordless circular saws unless you have a bent arbor. Where you can run into occasional issues is if the handle design encourages you push right or left slightly.

We didn’t have an issue with that all using the DeWalt DCS578. In fact, the large front handle design, angle, and distance away from the rear handle was our favorite of all the saws we tested.

Even though the weight is really on the material, the handle position helps balance the saw well and cut lighter than its 11.5-pound weight (with 9.0Ah battery).

Additional Features

• Electric brake
• Rafter hook
• 57º max bevel with stops at 22.5º and 45º

DeWalt DCS578 FlexVolt Circular Saw Pricing

As a bare tool, the DeWalt DCS578 FlexVolt 60V max circular saw runs $199. It’s $20 more than the DCS575 is currently.

Moving to the single-battery kit, it’s $299. That’s the same price as the single-battery 575 kit and it comes with a 3.0/9.0Ah battery instead of a 2.0/6.0Ah pack.

The 2-battery kit runs $449, $50 more than the DCS575, but it comes with the higher-capacity batteries.

DeWalt DCS575 vs DCS578

The Bottom Line

The DeWalt FlexVolt 60V max circular saw clearly has top-tier cutting performance that competes well against the best that other brands have to offer. Its overall design and cutting experience overcome the couple of hiccups we found, making it an easy selection for Pros that want the best DeWalt has to offer in a cordless sidewinder.

DeWalt 60V Max FlexVolt Circular Saw Specs

• Model: DeWalt DCS578
• Brushless Motor: Yes
• Bevel Capacity: 57º
• Bevel Stops: 22.5º and 45º
• Blade Size: 7-1/4 in.
• Brake: Yes
• Depth of Cut at 45º: 2 in.
• Depth of Cut at 90º: 2-9/16 in.
• Weight: 8.2 lbs.
• Warranty: 3-Year
• Price: $199 (Bare Tool), $299 (one-battery kit)

The post DeWalt FlexVolt 60V Max Circular Saw Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

New Senco JoistPro Nailers Increase Productivity with Extended Magazines

Senco has just added two pneumatic nail guns to the JoistPro line of metal connector nailers. The 150MXP and 250MXP, designed primarily for use in hanging joists, hurricane straps, and rafter ties, both feature several design innovations to ramp up productivity on the job site. The big change is in the extended magazines that now hold two full strips of nails.

New Senco JoistPro Nailers

JoistPro 150MXP Nailer

The JoistPro 150MXP nailer fires 1 1/2-inch nails from .131 to .148 in diameter. The 34° extended magazine holds two strips of Senco paper-tape collated nails. With double the nails in the clip, you cut the time spent reloading in half.

Senco has also added a redesigned adjustable hook to this JoistPro Nailer. It uses heavier-gauge steel, which lets you securely hang the nailer from a tool belt or rafter.

The nose design exposes each nail tip before it fires, letting you pick your placement into the pre-punched holes of your metal connecting hardware.

At 5.3 lbs., the Senco JoistPro 150MXP nailer is more than a pound lighter than the similar Paslode PF150S-PP positive placement nailer. It’s nearly a pound heavier than the Everwin MCN40, MAX SN438J, Metabo HPT NR38AKM, Dewalt DWMC150, and Bostitch MCN150. Those models, however, lack the extended magazine.

JoistPro 250MXP

The Senco JoistPro 250MXP Nailer is the next step up for power. It fires 1 1/2-inch to 2 1/2-inch nails that can range from .131 to .162 inches in diameter. However, because this model features a rear-load magazine that captures the nail by its head, you don’t need to make manual adjustments when switching gauges.

This model also features the 34° extended magazine that holds two strips of paper-collated nails. The redesigned hook and modified nosepiece both appear on this model as well.

Additionally, the 250MXP has an upgraded depth-of-drive wheel. Not only does this improved wheel increase the tool’s overall durability, but it also allows for more consistency in various materials.

Again, Senco has cut the weight on this nailer model to 6.6 lbs. That makes it almost two pounds lighter than the Paslode F250S-PP but a little over 1/2-pound heavier than the Bostitch MCN250S. It’s almost identical in weight to the Metabo HPT NR65AK2M but without the ridiculously long head length.

Shared Features

Both of the new Senco JoistPro Nailers feature a 360° adjustable exhaust port to redirect blowback. Dryfire lockout prevents damage to the tool should you try to fire it without any nails. Both models also feature Senco’s comfort-grip overmolding.

Released alongside the new nailers, Senco also has new metal connector nails. The hardened nails come in these configurations: 3,000 .148-inch by 1 1/2-inch; 2,500 .148-inch by 2 1/2-inch; and 2,000 .162-inch by 2 1/2-inch.

Pricing

Both Senco JoistPro Nailers come with 5-year limited warranties. The 150MXP retails for $209, while the 250MXP will run you $294—a modest premium over the prior models with single-strip magazines.

Shop Senco at Acme Tools

For more information about Senco and their entire product line, visit Senco.com.

Senco JoistPro Nailer Specs

JoistPro 150MXP

• Item #: 10P0001N
• Dimensions (HxLxW): 12 x 17-3/4 x 4 in. (302 x 450.85 x 100 mm)
• Trigger: Sequential
• Operating Pressure: 70 – 120 PSI (4.8 – 8.3 Bar)
• Air Consumption: 2.3 (SCFM)
• Air inlet: 1/4 in. NPT
• Nail capacity: 55 x 34° nails
• Nail size: 1-1/2 in.
• Power Type: Pneumatic
• Weight: 5.3 lbs (2.4 kgs)
• Warranty: 5 year
• MSRP: $209

JoistPro 250MXP

• Item #: 10R0001N
• Dimensions (HxLxW): 14-1/8 x 19 x 4-5/16 in. (359 x 482.6 x 110 mm)
• Trigger: Sequential
• Operating Pressure: 70 – 120 PSI (4.8 – 8.3 Bar)
• Air Consumption: 4.1 (SCFM)
• Air inlet: 1/4 in. NPT
• Nail capacity: 55 x 34° nails
• Nail size: 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 in.
• Power Type: Pneumatic
• Weight: 6.6 lbs (3 kgs)
• Warranty: 5 year
• MSRP: $294

The post Senco JoistPro 150MXP and 250MXP Metal Connector Nailers appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.