Circular Saw
Products and appliances

Circular saws

Circular saws

A circular saw is a potentially dangerous power tool, so it’s vital to concentrate fully on the task at hand when using them and take all the necessary safety precautions. 

Cutting through timber is much easier with a circular saw as the super-sharp blades can rotate up to 85 times a second. But when working with fast-moving blades, be extra vigilant. 

Circular saws tend to be categorised by the diameter of their blade, used for various materials and depths. The three basic types of blades available for precise results are rip cut, cross cut, and combination. 

Rip cut blades typically have fewer teeth and set at a specific angle to allow for fast cuts in timber materials when cutting along the grain. Cross cuts have more teeth and are thicker blades, designed to cut across the grain which means they cut more slowly. Combination blades combine the features of both. 

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Key points

  • All circular saws (or their chargers) must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse. 
  • Whichever type you choose, avoid buying second-hand saws. 
  • Ensure the material (or surface) you’re cutting is secure and properly supported. 
  • If you make a mistake, turn it off, let it stop spinning, and start again. 
  • Keep a circular saw unplugged when not in use or when doing maintenance on it. 

Buying a circular saw

  • Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as it may not have passed all the necessary safety checks. Avoid buying second-hand as you won’t know the history and the saw may not meet the latest safety standards. 
  • Safety features to look for include a spring-loaded cover that retracts as you cut and snaps back to cover the blade when you're done, a safety trigger to prevent the saw starting accidentally, a brake to quickly stop the blade spinning, anti-kickback teeth, and a riving knife which moves with the blade preventing the cut from closing. 
  • Register your circular saw [link to register page] so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall. It’s also much easier to return a faulty product or order a repair if it’s registered. 

Using a circular saw safely

  • Before you start, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them. And, with the circular saw unplugged, check the retracting guard blade can move freely back and forth. 
  • Make sure the cable is long enough to easily reach the area you’re working in. If it isn’t, plug the saw into an extension lead or fully unwound cable reel to extend your reach safely. 
  • Wear goggles and a dust mask when operating a circular saw. Don’t wear long sleeves, baggy clothing, or dangly jewellery that could get in the way. Tie back long hair.  
  • Keep pets and children away from the area you’re working in. 
  • Check the saw for any signs of damage or a chewed cable and don’t use it if you spot anything suspicious. 
  • Ensure the material or surface you’re going to cut into is secure and properly supported, and the excess wood (or ‘waste side’) can fall out of the way once cut.
  • Select the right blade for the job and ensure it has a higher RPM (revs per minute) rating than your circular saw can produce.
  • Keep the circular saw cable out of the cutting path. And offset any kickback by staying slightly to one side of the saw.
  • If you make a mistake when cutting, don’t try to force the blade into line. Turn it off, let it stop spinning, and then start again from the markings.
  • Unplug the saw when not in use or before doing any maintenance on it. Store it in a cool, dry place such as a shed or garage. 

ALWAYS

  • Do plenty of research first before buying.  
  • Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.
  • Register your circular saw with the manufacturer.
  • Select the correct blade for the job. 

AVOID

  • Buying second-hand saws or from third-party sellers online. 
  • Forcing the blade into line if you make a mistake. 
  • Using the circular saw if you spot any signs of damage. 
  • Kickback by standing to one side of the saw when using it. 

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

If you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises, switch the saw off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer. 

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the saw is plugged in.

Safe charging

For a cordless saw, only charge the battery using the original charger or a replacement charger obtained from the manufacturer or reputable retailer.  

Charge it in a safe place on a stable surface and disconnect batteries once they are charged. Don’t overcharge or leave it charging overnight as this could be a fire risk.  

Check the batteries

If there are unusual odours, sparks, smoke, swelling, cracks, or any form of damage, stop using the battery immediately and make sure it is unplugged from the charger. 

If you need a replacement or additional battery, or if your current battery no longer holds a charge, buy directly from the original manufacturer. Don’t use batteries from other manufacturers or battery adapters, as these may pose safety risks. 

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

  • for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
  • at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
  • at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

  • 3 years for a caravan
  • 1 year for a swimming pool

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

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