Safety tips for using circular saws

Despite their ability to be used one-handed, circular saws should be held with both hands for maximum control and safety.

Whether a right- or left-blade saw, worm drive or sidewinder style,  circular saws are often used close to a user’s hands and body.

And they can quickly bite you if you’re not paying attention and following these safety tips for using circular saws.

Like table saws and miter saws, circular saws can put your fingers pretty close to an unforgiving spinning blade. Following power tool safety tips for circular saws will help you minimize the risk. And manufacturers of circular saws continue to improve safety with the latest introductions.

Make sure you get the safety improvements when upgrading circular saws. And always look through the manual for recommended power tool safety tips for using circular saws.

Safety tips for using circular saws

Despite their ability to be used one-handed, circular saws should be held with both hands for maximum control and safety. This means clamping down small workpieces so they don’t slide away from you.

If you have to operate the saw with one hand, guide crosscuts against a thick triangular rafter square held against the material with your other hand to keep the cutline straight and to avoid binding the cut.

Never alter the lower guard or attempt to tie or wedge it open. The lower guard must pivot freely to keep the blade fully guarded.

If it catches on angled cuts or thin shave cuts at the end of a board, rotate and hold it open with an extended fingertip while keeping both hands safely on the saw.

A blade brake is a real time-saving safety feature on circular saws. Wait until the saw’s brake stops the blade before setting it down or pulling it close to your body in case the guard is stuck or pulled open. Saws without brakes require a much longer wait.

–By Michael Springer