The 10 Best Worm Drive Saws
This wiki has been updated 20 times since it was first published in December of 2018. Circular saws are indispensable tools for professional tradespersons and amateur handymen alike. These worm drive models are especially useful if you’re frequently involved in projects that require a lot of torque, such as building construction or crafting large pieces of wooden furniture. Their design makes it easier to follow a cut line than with other types of saws, too. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Skilsaw Super Sawsquatch
2. Bosch CSW41
3. DeWalt Flexvolt
Editor's Notes
August 14, 2020:
Quality concerns led to the removal of the Big Foot BF-UG. Regarding the Hitachi C7WDM, we mentioned that it has an adjustable rafter hook which can be set to three different positions, as this feature may prove quite useful to some contractors and handymen.
Added the Dewalt DWS535B, a heavy-duty model suited for regular use by a professional contractor. The brake activates to stop the blade the moment you release the trigger, an aspect that many of its users find beneficial. Despite its heft, its body is narrow enough to access hard-to-reach spaces that some other large saws can’t.
For those who tend to focus on light-duty jobs versus elaborate projects, a more compact model — like the Hyperikon Electric or DeWalt Flexvolt — may be more your speed. You can often manage these with one hand, whereas the larger saws require the strength of both hands.
Some folks will undoubtedly only need a saw for a project or two, and in these cases, a rental is a nice option (if you can’t find a friend to borrow from). We’ve added United Rentals to the Special Honors section.
January 07, 2019:
The Hyperikon Electric only has a 4.5-inch blade, but this compact model seems like one of the best value options available for those who only need a saw for light duty work. Did some research on the Ridgid R3210, but user reports indicate that the gears tend to break down quickly, so I did not include it on this list. Added the Skilsaw Medusaw to provide a model that is designed specifically for concrete cutting.
Special Honors
United Rentals With nearly 1,200 rental locations in North America, United Rentals utilizes an intuitive online ordering system to serve a vast network of companies, municipalities and individuals. If you need a worm drive circular saw (or any other type of saw) for a one-off job, they’ll have you covered, offering daily, weekly or monthly rates. unitedrentals.com
4. Skilsaw SPT77WML-01
5. Milwaukee 6577-20
6. Skilsaw Sawsquatch
7. DeWalt DWS535B
8. Skilsaw Medusaw
9. Hitachi C7WDM
10. Hyperikon Electric
In addition to his corporate career as a marketing and communications professional in Chicago, Sam runs a popular blog that focuses on the city’s flourishing craft beer and brewery scene. He received his degree in journalism from DePaul University (which spurred his interest in freelance writing) and has since spent years developing expertise in copywriting, digital marketing and public relations. A lifetime of fishing, hiking and camping trips has left him well-versed in just about any outdoors-related topic, and over several years spent working in the trades during his youth, he accumulated a wealth of knowledge about tools and machinery. He’s a travel junkie, a health and fitness enthusiast, and an avid biker.