Nothing will damage your saw more, or create a stronger kickback, than a circular saw hitting something metal.Īny power tool can be dangerous, and a circular saw is no exception.

Double check for nails or any other metals your saw might come into contact with.

With your saw unplugged (or with the battery out), test the guard can freely move back and forth (most blade guards will automatically spring back into the safety position when a cut is complete).

Make sure the retracting guard blade is working correctly.

The more exposed blade you have, the bigger the risk of your saw binding or kicking back. The saw blade should come 5-10mm past the depth of the wood you're cutting. Watch the position of your body and stay slightly to one side of the tool.

Circular saws have a pretty impressive kickback when they first begin to cut.

Waste material will normally be ejected to the left of the saw.

Most saws are designed for right handed people and therefore if you’re a leftie, you need to be extra vigilant against chips and saw dust.

Your saw blade should be in good working condition and sharp before you attempt to cut anything.

Make sure the excess wood (waste side) is free to fall away after a cut, while your 'keep side' stays firmly in place.

Use a work bench and clamps for smaller pieces, and an extension table or roller supports for larger pieces.

Make sure your workpiece is supported properly when you're cutting.

If you cut between two points of pressure, you’re likely to squeeze the blade during the cut (called binding), possibly causing kick back.

Never take your eye off where you’re cutting - that’s how you lose fingers.

If you’re using a corded saw, keep all cables and leads away from the cutting path.

Staying Safe When Working with a Circular Saw

Looking to upgrade your tired, old circular saw? Check out our circular saw buying guide or view the entire range of circular saws here. We’ve also included a couple of top tips and trade secrets so you can be a cut above the rest. If you want to learn how to use a circular saw, this guide is a great place to start for the essentials. This SGS how-to guide is designed to help you make simple cuts through timber in a quick, safe and accurate way. If you need to know how to safely cut with a circular saw, you’re in the right place. An electric circular saw is the perfect tool for making quick cuts in wooden boards for professional and DIY projects, however incorrectly using your saw can be dangerous.

Your circular saw is probably one of the most impressive power tools in your workshop, so it’s worth knowing how to use it to its full potential.

Electric saw