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A circular saw is completely useless without a strong circular saw blade.
But it can be complicated to figure out which blade option will work best for your specific projects and cutting needs.
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Never fear, we have compiled an exhaustive list of the best 7 1/4" circular saw blades available! Read on to learn more about these fantastic products.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 7 1/4" Circular Saw Blades
- BEST OVERALL : Concord General Purpose Blade
- RUNNER-UP: Freud D0760X Diablo Ultra Finish Blade
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Makita A-94530-10
- OVERPEAK Blade
- IRWIN Tools Marathon Blade 24030
Comparison of the Best 7 1/4" Circular Saw Blades
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Why Did These Circular Saw Blades Make Our List?
Here were the top features we looked out for when choosing our blades:
Lack of Chipping
The best circular saw blades are able to cut through even the thinnest of materials without a large amount of chipping, to produce straight and true cuts that are aesthetically pleasing. We tried to hone in on blades that users reported had the least amount of chipping.
Versatility
A circular saw blade should never be a one trick pony. We looked for blades that can handle both thick, tougher materials, and thinner materials that required more precise cuts. As a plus, we also found some blades that can be used in multiple kinds of saws.
Ease of Use
You do not want to work with a circular saw blade that is difficult to attach to your saw, or is complicated to sharpen, or tends to gum up easily and requires a lot of maintenance. We paid attention to user reviews and selected the blades that were most convenient for users to operate.
Our Top Picks for the Best 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw Blades
Okay, now that you know what to look for with these blades, let’s check out some of the top products:
Best Overall:
Concord Blades WCB0725T080HP
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
Users appreciate that this blade has an extremely low level of vibration. Not only does that make it easier to use, it also reduces noise. Plus, a lower level of vibration means increased user control, which always means increased user safety. And you simply can’t put a price on safety.
What We Love About It
We liked that there was very little effort required to change the blade and get it up and running. It arrives extremely sharp, so there is no need to sharpen it further. And unlike a lot of other blades, this one thankfully does not come in a ton of packaging.
Who’s This Perfect For?
If you are looking for a blade that can handle making very thin, very precise cuts, this is the best option for you. Users report that they were able to use this blade to cut melamine and there was no chipping on the top surface of the workpiece.
Final Thoughts
The Concord model for circular saws is an all around excellent product option. It is our number one choice because of its lack of chipping, its lower levels of vibration, and its ability to cut through a wide range of material.
Runner-up:
Freud D0760X Diablo Ultra Finish Saw Blade
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
People appreciate the aesthetic of the cuts this blade is able to make. They report that the cuts are so straight and clean, you will probably not even need to take extra time to sand the cuts down afterwards – they will be flawless just as they are.
What We Love About It
We are big fans of the coating on this blade. It helps to protect the blade from vibration damage, which allows it to last for a longer period of time. The coating also reduces the potential for the blade to warp, which can be extremely dangerous.
Who’s This Perfect For?
Users report that this blade is an excellent option for cutting softer woods. If you are planning to cut ebony, padauk, cherry wood, rosewood, or even mahogany, then this blade is an ideal choice for you to make fine, precise cuts without ripping these softer wood options apart.
Final Thoughts
We were impressed with a number of features on this model, including its anti vibration coating, its laser cut heat expansion slots, and the fine preciseness of the cuts it can make. If you want a blade that can reduce your workload and handle even softer woods, you can’t go wrong with this Freud model.
Best for the Money:
Makita A 94530 10
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
People are impressed with the unique tooth shape on this model. Makita has patented their “M-shaped” tooth, which has two separate cutting points and is able to strike the balance between the speed of a blade with fewer teeth and the finish of a blade with more teeth.
What We Love About It
We could not believe that a Makita blade was available at such a low price. Given the reputation Makita holds in the woodworking world, we imagined that a blade from them would probably break the bank – yet this model does the exact opposite, and will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Who’s This Perfect For?
If you are focused on the most accurate cuts possible, you have got to go with this model. The forked carbide increases overall accuracy while you are making your cuts, and also moves the wood dust away and out of the kerf for improved accuracy on future cuts.
Final Thoughts
Makita tools usually run at exceptionally high prices – but this one seems to be an exception to the exception! Invest in this blade and you will not only save a ton of money, but get a blade with high levels of accuracy and the patented M-shaped teeth.
4. OVERPEAK 7 ¼ Inch Circular Saw Blade 60 Tooth
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
Users appreciate the versatility of this blade. Because it operates using sixty teeth, it works well with both circular saws and other types of saws, including miter saws. You get more bang for your buck with this product option with the ability to use it in a variety of settings.
What We Love About It
A lot of blades have a tendency to become very hot very quickly, often requiring users to halt their projects, sometimes mid-cut. A hot blade can become a safety hazard. But this model is specifically designed to not overheat very easily, so you can work for a long time without needing to stop.
Who’s This Perfect For?
This blade is especially recommended for use at home or for do it yourself projects. The sixty teeth on this bad boy walk the line of being able to handle both thicker woods and thinner cuts, and produce a nice aesthetic while not really compromising on efficiency.
Final Thoughts
This model is one of the most versatile options on our list, with its blade tooth count making it suitable for a wide variety of different projects. If you want a blade that can do it all, and will not require you to frequently stop and wait for it to cool down, you can’t go wrong with this OVERPEAK.
5. IRWIN Tools MARATHON 24030
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
People report that this blade can go beyond cutting through plywood to also handling all different types of metal. It works particularly well with cutting through aluminum. It can also handle lots of different kinds of hardwoods, such as cherry, walnut, and even something as tough as maple.
What We Love About It
We appreciated the inclusion of an anti kickback tooth shoulder on this model. You can never be too safe when working with circular saws, and this additional safety feature makes a big difference. Without worrying about the kickback, you will be able to make more cuts with increased confidence.
Who’s This Perfect For?
If you want to work with pressure treated lumber, you have got to go with this product option. It has a silicone coating, which means pitch and resin buildup will be reduced when cutting through pressure treated lumber, as opposed to working with competitor brands which are not designed for that material.
Final Thoughts
The IRWIN MARATHON blade stands apart from the crowd for a number of reasons. It is great for cutting through hardwoods, metals such as aluminum, and pressure treated lumber, and it can last for a long time without needing to be sharpened. You will not be disappointed if you invest in this model.
In summary, here are the best 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw Blades
Perks of Getting a New 7 ¼ Circular Saw Blade
If you have been working with the same blade for a while, you may be hesitant to change things up. Here is why you should upgrade:
Sharpness
No matter how often you sharpen your old blade, you really can’t beat the bite on a brand new model. Plus, some of the newer blades available on the market today have specifically designed teeth to help make more efficient and cleaner cuts.
Coating
The coatings on newer circular saw blades can make a big difference. Some of these coatings can reduce overall vibration, meaning these blades are more safe to operate, while others help with cutting through certain materials, such as pressure treated lumber.
Noise
You will likely not realize how loud your old blade has become until you work with a newer model. While you should always use ear protection when working with any power tool, the more modern blades can be significantly quieter than older versions.
Types of 7 ¼ Inch Circular Saw Blades
Circular saw blades are sorted into types based on the number of teeth they have, which dictate the types of jobs they can do. Here are the top four circular saw blade types and what they can handle:
Demo Blades
These blades have the smallest amount of teeth at fourteen. As a result, they can cut more quickly than any other type of blade, but will make a much rougher cut. These are a good option for cutting thicker material.
Sheet Good Blades
These blades have forty teeth and are an excellent option for cutting through thinner plywood (unless it is something super thin like veneered plywood). With this many teeth on the blade, though, you are starting to seriously compromise cut speed.
Miter Saw Blades
These blades rock eighty teeth and are really the only solid option for finishing work, or if you need to make substantial cuts across the grain of your wood and not have them look super rough. Keep in mind this blade is not efficient or speedy.
Framing Blades
Framing blades have twenty four teeth. These are the most common circular saw blades that strike a good balance between efficiency and cut smoothness. However, these blades are not a good option for making cross cuts.
How to Install 7 ¼ Inch Circular Saw Blades
Before doing anything at all with your saw, make sure it is completely unplugged. You can never be too careful when it comes to your own safety.
- If your saw has a spindle lock button (typically located near the blade guard), find it and lock it to prevent any chance of the saw spinning while you are changing out the blade.
- Loosen the bolt by turning it in a counterclockwise direction (if your blade is on the right of the saw) or a clockwise direction (if your blade is on the left of the saw).
- Unscrew the bolt and take it out, along with the washer if there is one present.
- Pull the lower blade guard out of the way.
- Ensure that your blade’s teeth are facing the right direction, towards the front of your saw. There will likely be arrows on both the blade and the blade guard to confirm this.
- Slide the blade into the slot.
- Replace the washer and the bolt, and tighten everything until it is very snug.
- Make sure that you pay attention to how your blade is cutting – if it ever gets to a point where it is more resistant, taking longer, or giving off a smell like something is burning, do not hesitate to change your blade out! The whole process outlined above is simple and straightforward enough that you should not delay for any reason.
Check out the video linked below for a more in depth overview of the process we just described:
People Also Ask
We have compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions in regards to circular saw blades:
How Many Teeth Should My Circular Saw Blade Have?
As mentioned above in our overview of the different types of circular saw blades, the teeth count on your blade can impact both how fast you cut and how smooth your cuts are. If your priority is speed, go with fewer teeth; if your priority is smoothness, go with more.
Which Way Does a Circular Saw Blade Go?
Circular saw blades by default rotate counter clockwise. This design ensures that the material you are cutting will be pushed forward and towards the blade, which increases user control and therefore user safety.
What is the Most Common Circular Saw Blade Size?
The most common circular saw blade size is 7 ¼ inches (hence our decision to review blades of this size in this article!). Blades of this size can handle cutting through lumber of about two inches in thickness. To learn more, be sure to check out our 6.5 vs 7.25 circular saw article.
What Does Kerf Mean?
If you have done any research at all into saw blades, you have likely heard the word “kerf” thrown around. Kerf refers to the thickness of the cut a saw blade is able to make. Thinner kerf leads to more precise cuts.
Conclusion
Working with a high quality blade can make a huge difference in the operation of your circular saw. Make sure you choose a blade that fits the specific needs of your project – whether that means a blade with fewer teeth for increased speed and efficiency, or a blade with more teeth for finer, more accurate cuts. No matter what your needs, you will not be able to go wrong with a model from our list here.