The Best Circular Saw Blades: 7¼ Options and More
Contents
- The Best Circular Saw Blades Are:
- 1. Freud D0740A Diablo 7.25 Circular Saw Blade
- 2. DEWALT DW3128P5 Circular Saw Blade Pack
- 3. DEWALT DW9196 6.5 Inches Circular Saw Blade
- 4. SKIL 79510C 7-Inch Circular Saw Blade
- 5. Concord Blades WCB1000T080HP Circular Saw Blade
- 6. IRWIN Metal-Cutting Circular Saw Blade – 4935560
- Buying Guide: Things to Consider When Buying a Circular Saw Blade
- The Size of the Blade
- The Material Used to Make the Blade
- The Kerf of the Blade
- The Coating
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
The right blade matters as much as the saw. A dull or wrong blade cuts slowly, burns wood, and splinters edges.
Below we review six blades for wood, metal, and masonry. First, check that a blade matches your saw's diameter, arbor size, and maximum RPM.
OUR TOP PICK
If we had to single out one circular saw blade, it has to be the Freud Diablo. It’s tough and versatile, and can cut through different types of wood.
The Best Circular Saw Blades Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Freud D0740A Diablo 7.25 Circular Saw Blade | 1. Freud D0740A Diablo 7.25 Circular Saw Blade | - Size in Diameter: 7.25 inches - Material: Carbide - Number of Teeth: 40 - Weight:4.8 ounces | Check Current Price |
| 2. DEWALT DW3128P5 Circular Saw Blade Pack | 2. DEWALT DW3128P5 Circular Saw Blade Pack | - Size in Diameter: 12 inches - Material: Tungsten Carbide - Number of Teeth: 32T and 80T - Use: 12-inch miter and table saws | Check Current Price |
| 3. DEWALT DW9196 6.5 Inches Circular Saw Blade | 3. DEWALT DW9196 6.5 Inches Circular Saw Blade | - Size in Diameter: 6.5 inches - Material: Carbide - Number of Teeth: 40 - Weight:7.2 ounces | Check Current Price |
| 4. SKIL 79510C 7-Inch Circular Saw Blade | 4. SKIL 79510C 7-Inch Circular Saw Blade | - Size in Diameter: 7 inches - Type: Turbo rim diamond blade for masonry (no teeth) - Weight: 14.2 ounces | Check Current Price |
| 5. Concord Blades WCB1000T080HP Circular Saw Blade | 5. Concord Blades WCB1000T080HP Circular Saw Blade | - Size in Diameter: 10 inches - Material: Titanium Carbide - Number of Teeth: 80 - Weight:1.7 pounds | Check Current Price |
| 6. IRWIN Metal-Cutting Circular Saw Blade – 4935560 | 6. IRWIN Metal-Cutting Circular Saw Blade – 4935560 | - Size in Diameter: 7.25 inches - Material: Carbide - Number of Teeth: 68 - Weight:13.8 ounces | Check Current Price |
1. Freud D0740A Diablo 7.25 Circular Saw Blade
The Freud Diablo D0740A is a 7-1/4-inch, 40-tooth finish blade for wood.
It uses titanium carbide tips on a steel plate and has a thin kerf. It fits any circular saw that takes a 7-1/4-inch blade with a 5/8-inch arbor, including many battery circular saw models. Smaller 6-1/2-inch cordless saws need a smaller blade.
Forty teeth sits in the combination range, so it gives smoother crosscuts than a 24-tooth framing blade while still ripping reasonably well. It works in softwood, plywood, and hardwood for deck, fence, and trim jobs.
A coating reduces heat, gumming, and corrosion. Laser-cut vents reduce noise and vibration, and expansion slots help keep the blade flat as it heats up.
Specs
- 7.25 inches
- Carbide
- 40T
- 4.8 ounces
Pros
- Corrosion and heat resistant
- Fine finish
- Minimizes noise and vibration
- Durable and fast
Cons
- Cuts slower than a 24-tooth blade for rough framing
2. DEWALT DW3128P5 Circular Saw Blade Pack
The DEWALT DW3128P5 is a two-pack of 12-inch blades: a 32-tooth blade for fast general cuts and an 80-tooth blade for fine finish cuts. Note that 12-inch blades fit miter and table saws, not handheld circular saws.
The blades are balanced to reduce vibration. A wedge-shaped shoulder puts more steel behind each carbide tip for durability.
The thin kerf cuts quickly, and an anti-stick coating reduces gumming and friction. They work well on plywood, chipboard, and hardwood. The plates are stamped rather than laser cut, and the coating is fairly light.
Specs
- 12 inches
- Tungsten Carbide
- 32T and 80T
- For 12-inch miter and table saws
Pros
- Cuts accurately
- Durable
- 80 and 32 tooth pair saw blades
- Smooth and clean cuts
- Versatile
Cons
- Does not fit handheld circular saws
- Light coating
3. DEWALT DW9196 6.5 Inches Circular Saw Blade
The DEWALT DW9196 is a 6-1/2-inch carbide blade for cordless and compact circular saws that take that size.
It suits framing, roofing, and concrete form work. The face-ground teeth are sharp, which lowers the cutting force your saw needs.
The ultra-thin kerf cuts faster and puts less load on a battery saw. An anti-stick coating reduces friction and gumming, and an anti-kickback shoulder limits how much each tooth can bite.
Specs
- 6.5 inches
- Carbide
- 40T
- 7.2 ounces
Pros
- Anti-kickback shoulder design
- Ultra-thin kerf
- Good match for cordless saws
- Offer more precise and clear cuts
- Anti-stick rim to reduce friction and gum-up
Cons
- Fits only saws that take 6-1/2-inch blades
4. SKIL 79510C 7-Inch Circular Saw Blade
The SKIL 79510C is a different kind of blade. It is a 7-inch turbo rim diamond blade for masonry, not a toothed wood blade.
It has a continuous diamond rim instead of teeth, and it lasts much longer than abrasive masonry wheels. It cuts concrete block, concrete, brick, and general masonry.
It is rated for dry cutting. Dry-cutting masonry releases crystalline silica dust, so use water delivery or a dust shroud with a vacuum and wear a respirator. OSHA's construction silica rule calls for a saw with an integrated water delivery system that continuously feeds water to the blade for handheld power saws on these materials.
If you use it on a grinder, the grinder must accept a 7-inch wheel and have the correct guard in place.
Specs
- 7 inches
- Turbo rim diamond
- No teeth (continuous rim)
- 14.2 ounces
Pros
- Suitable for a wide range of applications
- Fast cutting results
- Outlasts abrasive masonry wheels
- Affordable
Cons
- Dry cutting creates silica dust that needs control
- Masonry only, not for wood
5. Concord Blades WCB1000T080HP Circular Saw Blade
The Concord WCB1000T080HP is a 10-inch, 80-tooth finishing blade for 10-inch table saws and miter saws. It does not fit handheld circular saws.
Eighty teeth give a smooth crosscut in softwood, plywood, hardwood, and composites. It can rip, but slowly, since high tooth counts suit crosscuts best.
The 2.5 mm thin kerf reduces waste and load on the saw. A 15-degree hook angle and Titanium Carbide ATB grind help leave a clean surface, at a reasonable price.
Specs
- 10 inches
- Titanium Carbide
- 80T
- 1.7 pounds
Pros
- Smoother and precise cuts
- Versatile
- Thin kerf for reduced material waste and fine cuts
- Titanium carbide tips
- Inexpensive
Cons
- May chip or splinter material sometimes.
6. IRWIN Metal-Cutting Circular Saw Blade – 4935560
The IRWIN 4935560 is a 7-1/4-inch, 68-tooth carbide blade made for cutting metal, such as steel sheet, studs, and thin plate. It pairs with the saws in our guide to the best circular saws for the money only if the saw's speed is within the blade's limit.
It is laser cut, with vents that reduce vibration for straighter cuts. Pair it with a circular saw track guide for straighter cuts in sheet.
Check the maximum RPM printed on the blade against your saw's no-load speed. Many 7-1/4-inch wood saws run faster than metal-cutting blades are rated for, so a dedicated metal-cutting saw is the safer match.
Wear eye and face protection when cutting metal, since hot chips fly. An anti-kickback tooth design helps the blade cut steadily.
Specs
- 7.25 inches
- Carbide
- 68T
- 13.8 ounces
Pros
- Anti-kickback tooth design
- 68 carbide teeth
- Ideal for cutting steel sheet
- Anti-vibration vents
Cons
- Teeth can chip if forced or used on thick stock
- May be rated below the speed of some wood circular saws
Buying Guide: Things to Consider When Buying a Circular Saw Blade
The Size of the Blade
Buy the diameter your saw is made for. Most full-size circular saws take 7-1/4-inch blades, many cordless saws take 6-1/2 inches, and compact saws take about 4-1/2 inches.
Table and miter saws use 10- or 12-inch blades. Also match the arbor hole, and make sure the blade's maximum RPM is at least your saw's no-load speed.
The Material Used to Make the Blade
Match the blade material to what you cut. Diamond blades are for masonry, concrete, and tile, not metal.
For wood, and for metal with a blade designed for it, choose carbide-tipped tungsten blades. Plain steel blades are cheap but dull quickly.
Tooth count matters too. This Old House notes that ripping blades usually have 24 to 30 teeth, crosscut blades 60 to 80, and combination blades 40 to 50.
The Kerf of the Blade
The kerf is the width of the slot the blade cuts. Full-kerf blades are about 1/8 inch wide and suit powerful saws.
Thin-kerf blades are about 3/32 inch, waste less wood, and put less strain on low-power and cordless saws.
The Coating
The coating of a blade is designed to provide the blade with a layer of protection against everyday use. Many blades come with a level of coating to reduce gum-up and friction. The coating also helps to resist corrosion, hence prolonging the life of the blade.
Final Thoughts
Pick a blade by your saw's size and the material you cut: carbide for wood, a metal-rated blade for steel, and diamond for masonry.
Our best pick for cutting wood is the Freud Diablo. Its 40 teeth handle plywood, softwood, and hardwood with clean cuts at a fair price.
Sources
- All About Saw Blades, This Old House
- 1926.1153: Respirable crystalline silica, OSHA
