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Whether you are a seasoned contractor, budding concrete sculptor, or even someone who fancies themselves a concrete cutter, the options in the market are numerous. Wading through all of these can be tiring, more so if your experience with this kind of saw is limited.
This guide looks at the different concrete saw options in the market and classifies them using different criteria such as the power, size, and even price. Below you will find our best takes in several categories of saws, giving you the power to make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
Hoping to cut right to the chase? Below are the best concrete saws:
Comparison Chart of the Best Concrete Saws
Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
Evolution DISCCUT1 Saw  | Best Overall | |
Husqvarna K760 Saw  | Runner-up | |
DEWALT DCS690X2 FlexVolt  | Best for the Money | |
Makita 4199KB Dry Saw  | Best Electric Concrete Saw | |
Husqvarna K970 Saw  | Best Concrete Chain Saw |
What Is a Concrete Saw?
A concrete saw is a power tool that is used in construction, primarily for cutting through solid building materials such as concrete, asphalt, brick, tile, and masonry. The design can be small for handheld types, or larger walk-behind variety. Being a super heavy-duty tool, concrete saws may be gas-powered, hydraulic or pneumatic pressure, or have an electric motor.
Gas operated concrete cutters are mostly used outdoors because the exhaust fumes they produce can be harmful in an enclosed space. Electric saws are popular because you do not have this problem when working indoors, for example in basements. They do however require an outside power source or several extension cords.
Can Any Saw Be Used To Cut Concrete?
The short answer is no. This is because there are certain features found in a concrete saw that make it ideal for working on concrete. To begin with, the blade needs to be strong enough to cut through dry concrete slabs, which are dense and heavy. This is why they come equipped with a diamond saw blade, which is specially designed for this task. Sometimes, abrasive cut-off wheels are used.
The friction generated by cutting concrete requires the saw to have a high tolerance for heat and abrasion. It also requires that the blade be cooled to make your saw last longer.
How Do I Choose A Concrete Saw?
Knowing what to look out for before making your concrete saw purchase will not only save you money in work hours, but also in terms of quality of work. These include;
Blade
The blade should be sizeable enough to make deeper cuts. The best sizes are between 10 and 14 inches. A good quality concrete saw should be able to work with several sizes of blades,and the swapping process should not require tools.
Weight distribution
Working on a concrete saw is intense physical work. This is why you should look out for the weight distribution metrics on your saw. You should also choose one with ergonomic handles and low vibrations. This will be kinder on your wrist and back, and allow you to get more work done. Low vibration saws also tend to have a good noise rating, which will protect your hearing as you work.
Motor
The choice between gas operated or an electric concrete saw will boil down to what you intend to use it for. If most of your jobs are indoors or in enclosed spaces, then an electric saw will be ideal. Gas operated saws can be hazardous to your health if used indoors. Yous should also look out for the manufacturer’s warranty on the motor. Longer, more comprehensive warranties are ideal.
Review of the Best Concrete Saws
There are various concrete saw options available in the market and to help you make an informed decision, this guide will look at the best option for you, whether it be gas-operated or electric.
Best Overall:
Evolution DISCCUT 12" Disc Cutter
PROS
CONS
What are people saying
This concrete saw is one of the best electric alternatives to gas-powered cutters. The motor is reasonably powerful at 15 Amp and is capable of producing enough force to cut through tough reinforced concrete. It is also a safer alternative to gas-operated saws that can be used indoors.
The saw is built to produce lower levels of vibration when in use and does not require any routine maintenance to run smoothly.
What we love about it
We love that the saw comes with an ergonomic grip that is well-positioned in the middle to distribute the weight evenly. It also comes with front and rear support handles to help you accurately cut through concrete both horizontally and vertically. This is a welcome relief since this saw is heavier than the gas-operated alternative. The weight distribution reduces the chances of injury when working.
Who is it perfect for?
This saw is perfect for contractors, landscapers, and house remodelers. Being electric, it can be used indoors, which is a huge plus if you work on houses all day. You do not have to worry about damaging your health from dangerous fumes emitted when gas is burned to power the motor.
Since it is capable of cutting through different building materials including brick and paving, this is the ideal saw for working on multiple platforms. Ultimately, this saw is a great all-around saw for most amateur and professional work.
Final thoughts
This saw ticks all the right boxes when it comes to concrete cutters. It is ergonomically designed to distribute the weight and reduce the chances of injury while in use. The 12’ blade is more than adequate, and the spindle lock mechanism allows you to swap in a new one easily.
Runner Up & Best Gas Saw:
Husqvarna 967181002 K760 II 14-inch Saw
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
The main thing about this saw is cutting power. It comes with a 5 horsepower motor that is capable of producing up to 8000 rpm. This is enough to cut through most construction material, including reinforced steel. It comes with a poly V belt which reduces re-tensioning and provides better power distribution.
What We Love About It
We love the ergonomic design and the low vibration core. The vibration with the motor at full throttle is measured at least 2.5m/2 which means you can work for longer.
This saw is designed to protect your wrists and joints when working long hours, reducing chances of injury. There is an active air filtration which reduces the number of emissions from the exhaust, meaning you can work for longer hours with reduced risk of injury.
Who Is It Perfect For?
This saw is perfect for pavers and outdoor contractors. The gas-operated motor means there will be exhaust which may lead to carbon poisoning in enclosed spaces. It comes with a large 12-inch blade, suitable for most jobs.
This saw can also accomodate 14-inch toothless blades. These are sold separately, but the toothless design means there is no risk of getting caught on the material. This, in turn, lessens the chances of shocks and kickbacks.
Final Thoughts
This is arguably the best gas operated concrete saw in the market today. The flexibility of blades is a big selling point, with the 14-inch toothless blades standing out. It also comes with a digitized ignition system which is pretty cool. It reduces the occurrence of engine sputters, which improves start times.
Best Saw for the Money:
DEWALT DCS690X2 FlexVolt 60V Max Kit
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
The high-performance motor on this saw is more than adequate it can easily cut through paving stones, rebar, steel, and concrete. The brushless design makes it efficient with power and the saw can run for longer without the worry of wear. It is capable of generating 6500 rpm and comes with instant-on capability. The blade is capable of making cuts up to 3¼ inch deep.
What We Love About It
We love that this saw can be used in tight spaces comfortably. This is thanks to the approach angle selection offered by the rotatable guard. The 5-point guard allows for optimal visibility and easy access which is necessary when working in tight spaces.
We also love that the drivetrain is not belt driven and is made of metal. This means that the saw will serve you for longer and need less maintenance in its lifetime, giving it an edge over many other products on the market.
Who Is It Perfect For?
This saw is perfect for contractors, small construction companies, and interior remodelers. The saw is capable of working excellently in tight spaces and this is a trait necessary in their line of work. It also comes with an OSHA Table 1 compliant dust management system. This is important for anyone working indoors, where there is likely to be limited ventilation.
Final Thoughts
This is a saw that is capable of cutting through anything. It also comes with nifty features that distinguish it from the competition. For instance, the heavy load indicator light is a nice touch. It gives you feedback on power and runtime during jobs.
This saw does, however, have several complaints on the runtime of the battery during heavy jobs. This is something you may want to look at if you work with a lot of reinforced concrete.
Best Electric Concrete Saw:
Makita 4100KB 5" Dry Masonry Saw
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying
This saw is made with the convenience of the user in mind. The top handle is designed to be comfortable to hold even when the saw is in use. It also comes with lock-off button which is well placed and easy to reach. The depth gauge is large and easy to use. It is also rubberized to help with easy adjustment.
What We Love About It
The motor on this saw is a joy. At 13 amps, it is capable of a high 12,200 rpm which is more than adequate for most jobs. The high rev count means you can exert more out of your saw without risk of damaging the motor. This saw also comes with a transparent guard to help increase visibility when cutting.
Who Is It Perfect For?
This saw is perfect for sculptors, house remodelers and indoor contractors. This is because you get a relatively high cutting depth of 1-9/16 inches at 90 degrees. Other features such as the optional guide rail adapter and the transparent upper guard. The guide rail increases the cutting accuracy of the saw.
Final Thoughts
This saw has a lot of features working to make it the best electric option when it comes to concrete cutters. The high depth of cut is something you may want to look at and see if it fits with your intended application of the saw. This saw is also capable of being paired with contour blades for better versatility in radius cutting.
Best Concrete Chain Saw:
Husqvarna 966037802 K970 Concrete Chain Saw
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying
This is a versatile cutter that is best suited for jobs that require patience and precision. It is capable of cutting up to 15 inches on one side. It can also be used to accurately make small openings measuring as small as 4.3 inches. This makes this concrete cutter best suited for making adjustments in doorways and windows during construction.
What we love about it
We love the diamond chain that comes with this saw. It can be purchased in several levels of hardness. They are all designed to be used in high power situations and can handle tough operations. The chains are also easy to fit and can be tensioned without the use of any tools.
Who Is It Perfect For?
This is perfect for outdoor contractors and pavers. The large cutting depth and the powerful motor are ideal for dealing with reinforced concrete and paving blocks.
It also comes equipped for outdoor work thanks to the sturdy construction, and additional features such as the muffler design which is integrated with a heat deflector, and unique cylinder design.
Final Thoughts
This is a heavy-duty chainsaw that is designed to tackle even the most delicate of concrete cutting jobs. The powerful motor, the 1.1-quart fuel tank, and the heat deflector means you can use this saw for longer.
This saw comes equipped with a digital ignition that combines with the uniquely designed carburetor, the air purge, and compression valve to give you a smooth and easy start.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Choosing the correct brand of concrete saw to buy is an important decision. It could mean the difference between a well-done job, and you spending a lot of money on a dud. To help you get your purchase decision right the first time, here are some things to consider:
- Motor: the motor should be powerful enough to handle a variety of cutting jobs, across different materials such apart from concrete, such as rebar, brick, and paving. Other motor and drivetrain details should also come into consideration. There are concrete saws that use a belt while others are direct drive. Pick what works best for you.
- Vibration statistics: Low vibrations mean a more conducive worksite since it means less construction noise. It also means that there will be less strain on your joints and you can work for longer periods.
- Gas operated or electric: Gas-operated saws tend to have more power and can last longer on the job site on one tank of fuel. They are however not ideal for working indoors and can cause dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning. Electric saws come with the benefits of a decently powered motor in comparison, but require extra extension cords to work outside.
Conclusion
By now, you should have a pretty good idea of what type of saw would work best for you. You should also be able to spot a saw that suits your needs from the list we have carefully put together. Be sure to carefully go through each review before making your purchase decision.