Last Updated On February 22, 2023
For precision cuts of various hard metals, circular saws are ideal. Especially if you have to cut through high-grade iron bars or iron sheets, there’s no better option than a circular saw. A full-sized circular saw can be too heavy to carry.
Table could not be displayed.Also, it is kept to be a device fixed at a place, and you have to bring things that you want to saw through to it and work sitting on the floor or standing by a platform. So, what are you going to do about small tight spaces?
Suppose you have to access tight spaces with a saw, and with a regular saw, you cannot cut through. There’s no way for you to fit the regular-sized saw into that tight and narrow spot. What can you do? You would need an alternative. To get an alternative to the regular-sized saw, one must get their hands on the best 4 ½ circular saw. A 4 ½ circular saw blade is compact and perfect for fulfilling your sawing needs. Also, to some extent, it can do the work of a regular saw having a smaller blade diameter.
Feel intrigued yet? Are you excited about getting the best compact 4 ½ circular saw? I know I am excited to introduce you to the 8 best 4 ½ circular saws available in today’s market.
8 Best 4 1/2 Circular Saw in 2023: Review and Buying Guide
1. Best Cordless Circular saw
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Dewalt Atomic DCS571B is one of the best cordless 4 1/2 circulars saw that you will find in today’s market. Finding proper cordless and compact circular saws on the market, where thousands of low-grade electronics exist, is a blessing. The featured motor allows the blade to spin at 4500 RPM, making it suitable for thin metal.
Bevel Gear
The added bevel-up option of the DCS571B allows the saw to bevel up to 45O. With the 45O bevel up, it can cut through 1x lumbar, and the 90O right angle allows it to cut through 2x thin metal sheets.
Design Advantage
The handle design is stretched so that you can reach about 3/4th of a foot to ensure precise rip-cutting of thin metal sheets, plywood, OSB, etc.
Lightweight
The best part about this saw is that it’s pretty light in weight. Usually, saws are expected to be heavy. But this one is the perfect example of a cordless handheld saw.
Electronic Blade Brake
A mini circular saw is a very dangerous piece of hardware. The most common issue with a compact circular saw is that it takes time to stop. But not with this one. It has electronic blade brakes that force the blade to stop quickly after the 4500RPM run.
Specifications
· Product dimension is 17.88 x 5.13 x 6.69 inches
· Weighs 6.6 pounds
· Metal made
· Lithium-ion battery powered
· The blade has 24 teeth
Things we like
· Has a removable auxiliary handle
· The handle is stretched for an increased distance from the blade
· Cordless circular saw
· Several grip-positions
· Has a dust port for dust control
Things we don’t like
· The battery is sold separately
· Slightly expensive
2. Best Compact Circular Saw 4-1/2
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If you ask someone to list out the most compact 4 ½ circular saw, Worx WX429L will be on that list. This 3500RPM handheld machine has the capacity of making the same kerf depth as a 7 ½ circular saw. The kerf length would be half, but the depth talks about power. In the case of handheld compact circular saws, lighter saws let you have more control over your work.
No Load Start
It takes at least a few seconds for even the best compact circular saws to reach max RPM with which the sawing is done. Worx WX429L has 3500RPM, but its motor requires no load before starting. You turn it on, and it instantly hits 3500RPM and is ready to start cutting through stuff.
Blade Optimization
The blade optimization of the Worx from the left side gives a clear line of sight for cutting through narrow places. If your right hand is your dominant hand, it will be a pleasure working with this device.
Dust Port
Metal and wood residue are the biggest enemies of handheld compact saw motors. But with this compact circular saw, you can be tension-free. It has a built-in dust port which you can connect with a vacuum cleaner while working to keep the internal mechanism of the saw dust-free at all times.
Depth Gauge
This mini saw has a depth gauge with which you can easily adjust the bevel angle to be between 0O to 45O. You don’t have to pull the saw out and struggle while setting the angle. The gauge offers easy adjustments.
Easy Blade Change
For most of the best compact circular saws, the blade-changing operation can be very hectic. If you’re using this mini circular saw and want to change the blade, all you have to do is push a button, turn off an Allen key, and get a new blade. This is a tactical advantage in a smaller saw.
Specifications
· Product dimension is 15.08 x 4.17 x 5.79 inches
· Weighs 4.4 pounds
· Metal made with plastic handle
· Lithium-ion battery required but corded
· 24 teeth blade
Things we like
· No-load start
· Gauge to adjust the angle
· Lightweight
· Safety Trigger
· Vacuum dust port
Things we don’t like
· Corded but battery needed to run
· Low power
3. Best Compact Circular Saw with 24T Ca
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If any of the best compact circular saws can guarantee quick and smooth operation, the genesis GCS445SE has the audacity of doing so. The catchiest thing about this mini circular saw is that its blade comes with a carbide tip. Carbide is a premium material added to blade tips to provide extra sharpness. The compact saw structure makes it very user-friendly, and suitable for both pro and new users.
Cutting depth Gauge Control
Switching blade is made easy with its depth control gauge. You can easily switch between depths with a lever.
Bevel Control
This compact circular saw features a bevel control panel that enables you to switch between 00 to 450 angles for maintaining a precision cutting line and switching between the minimum and maximum cut depth in tight spaces. That’s the advantage of owning a smaller saw.
Blade Change
This mini circular saw has a spindle lock system that allows you to change blades easily. Unlike other compact circular saws with complicated blade-changing mechanisms, this one’s considered the best compact circular saw because its user-friendliness is remarkable.
Built-in Dust Hose
Most handheld mini circular saws come with dust control ports. This one comes with a dust control hose that you can connect with a vacuum to clean it while working.
Specifications
· Product dimension is 17 x 4 x 5 inches
· Weighs about 5 pounds
· Metal made with plastic handle
· Corded electric powered
· Dust hose
Things we like
· Premium Carbide blade tips
· Cutting depth control lever
· Spindle lock for blade change
· Single barrel grip
· 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
Things we don’t like
· Less powered
· Not suitable for metal
4. Best Handheld Corded Electric Circular Saw
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Unlike professionals, when we buy hardware for your home, we check for convenience. The most convenient hardware for home would be a multitasking device. Worx WX427L is that kind of hardware. We usually expect it to cut through metal and wood from a mini circular saw. But Worx here can cut through stone, ceramic, bricks, PVC, aluminum, etc. this slim handled, lightweight device has many great features. Also, you can make a table saw with this circular saw in your own DIY project.
Laser Light
Not all workplaces have the same lighting. Especially if you’re working in a narrow space with limited access to lights and artificial lighting is also insufficient, it will be very hard to get the job done. But not with this one. It has built-in laser light that helps you see the target space with ease.
Depth Switching
This compact circular saw allows you to switch between 900 and 450 angles with ease. You can make different cuts according to the angle. You can increase the cutting depth by switching to maximum cutting depth from minimum with one easy switch.
Lightweight
The 5.07-pound weight is nothing. A full-sized circular saw can weigh a lot. Having almost the same functionality, this small circular saw offers you to have more control.
User-friendly Design
Working with any hardware becomes easy by default if the hardware design is suitable to hold. This mini circular saw has a slim handle that you can hold with a comfortable grip.
Specifications
· Product Dimension is 15.3 x 4.2 x 6.4 inches
· Weighs 5.07 pounds
· Metal made with hard plastic handle
· Lithium-ion battery required but corded electric
· Dust extractor with vacuum adapter
Things we like
· Suitable for several materials
· Laser light for working in darker spaces
· Great cutting depth with a powerful motor
· Slim handle for better grip
· Guided cutting available
Things we don’t like
· It cannot run without a battery even if plugged in
· A bit on the expensive end
5. Best Electric Compact Circular Saw
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For new users, a compact saw can be a very complicated experience. You might think all you have to do is draw a line and go straight. But going straight or cutting precisely is quite hard. For that, manufacturers have started installing guided cutting options to compact circular saws. PowerSmart Mini PS4005 takes it up a notch by adding rulers to the guided cutting structure. Now every cut will be precise from this best mini circular saw making any full-size circular saw look obsolete.
Cutting Depth
With the bevel control, switching between 900 and 450 is very easy. The cutting depth of each angle is respectively 43mm and 28mm.
Laser Guide
The design of this compact circular saw is suitable for everyone. Come with a laser guide for maximum precision.
Ruler Guided Cutting
Just like most handheld mini circular saws, it has a guided cutting option. But the catch here is that the guided rails have rulers on them to measure while cutting.
Ergonomic Handle
The handle design of this compact circular saw is ergonomic. That makes it one of the handiest and easiest-to-use tools you own.
Specifications
· Product dimension is 15.55 x 7.3 x 6 inches
· Weighs around 6 pounds
· Carbide made
· Lithium-ion battery required but corded electric
· 24T blade
Things we like
· Laser guide and parallel guide
· Powerful motor
· Dust exhaust system with pipe and vacuum adapter
· Can cut through 2×4 with high cutting speed
· 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
Things we don’t like
· Not suitable for metal
· It cannot run without a battery even if plugged in
6. Best Electric Mini Circular Saw
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Cordless circular saws have a problem. When the battery is about to run out, the RPM drops, and the cutting precision is hampered. This is why people prefer corded electric saws. But there’s a problem with a corded compact circular saw too. It doesn’t usually have a long cord that can ensure movability. The Hychika CS-85C does. It has a 10 feet long cord that makes it easier for everyone to work in a narrow space and stay away from the power source. The blade diameter is perfect.
Rubber Handle
Most small circular saws have a plastic handle that can slip if you have a sweaty-hands. This can be avoided if the mini saw has a rubber handle. Hychika CS-85C has a rubber handle for not slip.
Safety Features
This compact circular saw has a safety switch alongside the trigger. If pressed alongside the trigger while working, this switch will ensure extra safety from the blade.
Guided Cutting
For guided cutting, the design has a guided ruler and a guided laser with separate batteries.
Multiple Material Cutting
Starting from soft metal, this compact circular saw can cut through wood, gypsum board, ceramic tiles, plastic, PVC pipes, etc.
Specifications
· Product Dimension is 16.54 x 4.72 x 12.6 inches
· Weighs 7.1 pounds
· Aluminum made
· Corded electric power tool
· 30T, 36T, and diamond blades
Things we like
· Laser guide, parallel guide, and ruler-guided cutting for straight line
· 10 feet long cord for one-handed operation
· Rubber handle with ergonomic design
· Comes with six blades
· 2 years’ free replacement guarantee
Things we don’t like
· A bit heavier than its competitors
· Has a slower motor
7. Best Mini Circular Saw
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The idea with a mini circular saw is that anyone would like to cut through the same materials as they used to cut with a 7 ¼” saw. Most compact circular saws stop at cutting wood and plastic. But the PowerSmart Mini 5.8-amp motor packs the punch that can do almost everything 7 ¼” circular saws can.
Angle Adjustment Depth Cutting
For two different angles, this compact circular saw can deliver two different depths. For a 900 angle, you will get a 42.8mm depth cut, and for a 450 angle, you will get a 28mm thick cut.
Multiple Materials Cutting
From plastic to drywall, this machine can cut through various materials, including plastic, PVC, tiles, soft metals, etc.
Precision
It comes with a built-in laser guide and scale ruler for ensuring precision even for new users.
Versatile Blade Usage
You can use a 60T HSS blade for metal cutting, a 24T blade for standard cutting, and grit diamond blades on this compact circular saw. They are included with the saw packaging.
Specifications
· Product Dimension is 17.36 x 12.36 x 5.24 inches
· Weighs around 7 pounds
· Metal made with a plastic body and aluminum blade guard
· Corded electric with a 5.8-amp motor
· 24T, 60T circular blade and grit diamond blade
Things we like
· Guided cutting with laser guide
· User-friendly power tool
· Dust exhaust pipe and vacuum adapter for dust collection
· Suitable for multiple materials
· Easily can cut 2x material in a single pass
Things we don’t like
· A bit heavy
· Slow but high amp motor
8. Best Cordless Circular Saw With 2.0Ah Battery
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If you are yet to have seen Galax Pro 20v in action, well, you’re missing a lot. Great cutting depth on different materials has been made easy with this compact circular saw. This cordless circular beast of a machine has a very narrow design that allows you to cut through materials even in the steepest corners.
Adjusting Bevel
You will not see another bevel adjustment easier than this. Even better than larger circular saws. The plastic key to switch between 900 and 450 is swift and effortless.
Blade Change
There’s another plastic switch with which you can change the blades effortlessly. Just move the switch, and the blade will come off. Put in a new blade and pull the switchback.
Safety Measures
The safety measures and maintained very highly. It has a double protection switch that protects you from the accidental opening of this compact circular saw. you can be very safe while working with this saw.
Low Vibration Handle
This compact circular saw has a rubber handle that can absorb the maximum vibration and work longer with less strain on the hands. Strain can cause your work quality to decline. Then, having laser guides, parallel guides, and ruler guides will be pointless.
Specifications
· Product Dimension is 15.86 x 6.14 x 5.47 inches
· Weighs 6.38 pounds
· Metal made with a nylon body
· Lithium-ion battery
· 3400 RPM
Things we like
· Has laser guidance
· Low vibration
· Lightweight
· Maximum safety measures
· Vacuum adapter for dust control
Things we don’t like
· The body can feel cheap
· Motor is slow
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best 4 ½” Circular Saw
We picked these top 8 best 4 1/2 mini circular saws following certain measures. To make your own pick among these 8 compact 4 1/2 circular saws, you have to consider the following factors.
Material Variety
You are looking for a circular saw because you need to get some sawing work done. You should know on which surfaces you might be using the saw. So, while picking one, make sure you take the one that fits your material criteria.
Saw Weight
Every circular saw has a different weight. Not just weight, weight mass ratio is also different. So, it’s obvious that not everyone will have the same weight preference. The difference in weight creates a difference in control. So, while buying handheld mini circular saws, make sure that their weight is suitable for you. If it’s not, it will be a problem for you to work smoothly with it. The weight issue will hamper your precision.
| Brand & Model | Weight |
|---|---|
| DeWalt DWE402N | 6.2 lbs. |
| Makita GA4530 | 4.0 lbs. |
| Milwaukee 2780-20 M18 Fuel | 5.9 lbs. |
| Bosch GWS10-45P | 4.4 lbs. |
| Black+Decker BDEG400 | 4.5 lbs. |
Motor Power
The different compact saw has different operations. Some are suitable for cutting plywood, and some are for metal. Depending on that, a compact saw can have different motor power than another small circular saw. Any best compact circular saw with a lower RPM does not necessarily mean it cannot get the job done.
But higher RPM has its advantage. The extra revolutions can deliver faster cutting. But they vibrate more. So, if you think you can control the extra vibration and want faster cutting, go for the ones with higher RPM.
Corded vs Cordless
As I’ve mentioned, cordless ones can impose problems with the RPM when they run out of battery. Apart from that, a cordless and a corded small circular saw can deliver almost the same. The only substantial difference is that the corded ones have a limited area of use,
On the other hand, you can get into any tight space or go anywhere without having to worry about carrying a cord everywhere you go. The preference in this regard is very personal. Both types are good enough. You need to consider your requirements and choose accordingly.
Blade Switch
You can use several types of blades in one saw for different materials. Some saws require an entire upper portion opening to change one blade. As we are talking about handheld corded or cordless saws, the blade change mechanism should be easier in every way.
If not, the process would be too hectic, and the reason you bought this compact saw instead of a huge heavy one would go in vain. So, do check the blade switch technique available on the corded or cordless saw and decide.
Guidance
Almost all corded or cordless saws these days are coming with laser lights and rulers. This feature has added some dollars to the price. But they are added because people were complaining about not getting substantial results even though they were doing everything right. People who have used these features have accepted that these are actually helpful. So, while buying the best mini circular saws, make sure they have laser and ruler guidance even if they cost a little more. The price gap is not that substantial. But the result is.
| Brand & Model | Ruler Guidance | Laser Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| WORX WX429L Compact Circular Saw | Yes | Yes |
| TACKLIFE TCS115A Mini Circular Saw | Yes | Yes |
| Makita SH02R1 12V Max CXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Circular Saw Kit | Yes | Yes |
| Rockwell RK3441K Compact Circular Saw | Yes | Yes |
| Genesis GCS445SE Compact Circular Saw | Yes | Yes |
Safety Features
Look at the ceiling fan above you. If it’s turned on and, by any chance, you put your finger through the wings, you will lose it. Now, imagine a cordless circular saw. It has sharp blades designed especially for cutting through metal. By any chance, if the new compact circular saw opens and the blade slips, it will be fatal for anyone nearby. So, safety measures are very important. If you’re going to use the saw at home, make sure it has optimum safety measures.
Few Basic Safety Tips
If you are a cautious enough person, you don’t need to follow these safety tips. You know exactly how to protect yourself. But for those who are careless and don’t really think that they need any safety precautions, please consider taking these tips seriously. One little accident can be extremely fatal in this case. Why? Because you will be handling a powerful machine that has a revolution of more than 3400 per minute. One little mistake can cause you severe injury. So, follow these safety tips.
Use Gloves
While working with a saw, use gloves specially made for people who work with power tools. These gloves are thick and even if the blade hits the glove, the glove will take the damage and save your hand from ripping apart and possibly bleeding you to death.
Wear Safety Goggles
You might have seen in pictures that welders and heavy-duty workers wear transparent safety goggles. Even people who work in labs wear such goggles too. It’s understandable in the case of scientists and welders. Welders want to keep their eyes safe from the spark and the scientists are just trying to look nerdier, aren’t they?
No! Not at all. While working with chemicals and metal, they have residue flying all over the room. If a small micro-sized residue enters your eyes, it can cause you to go blind. It will definitely injure your eyes. There’s a huge chance that it will become a permanent one.
Don’t Let Others Enter Your Workstation
While you are working with a saw, do not let anyone enter the room that you are working in. You probably are maintaining all the safety measures. But can you keep your family members following the same rules even if they are not working with the saw? No, you can’t. So, simply just don’t let them enter the room while you are at work.
Just not letting them enter automatically reduces the chances for them to get hurt by a mile. And, never let kids touch or be anywhere near any power tool that you work with.
FAQ
What brand of the circular saw is best?
It is extremely hard to fixate on one brand to crown it as the saw champion. Every brand has many compact circular saws that can be determined as the best compact saws. Also, the best determination can vary from person to person. So, if any saw fulfills all your requirements, it can be considered the best circular saw. If I were to drop a few good brand names, I would choose Galax, Worx, Genesis, etc.
How deep can a 4 1 2 circular saw cut?
The cutting depth on sheet metal or any other surface of the precise cuts depends on the bevel angle and bevel cuts of the saw. Most 900 angle offers the deepest cut. The cut can go as deep as 43mm. Full-sized circular saws offer greater cutting depth than compact saws.
What are compact circular saws good for?
Compact saws can be a good power tool for being an alternative to the 7 ¼” saw. You can use them on different materials according to the blade adjustment. The best feature they offer is that they can be used in steep places.
Which is the best mini saw?
Again, it’s impossible to determine the absolute best small circular saw of so many great mini saws available. But my personal favorite or the best compact circular saw according to me this list is the Dewalt circular saw. I have considered the accurate cuts it offers that can put standard circular saws or conventional circular saws to shame. the maximum cutting depth is also suitable in every way.
Final Words
This article contains the absolute 8 best 4 1/2 circular saws that you can find in today’s market. You can blindly choose any of them. They are as good in person as on paper. Don’t forget to follow the “things to consider” part. Otherwise, you will end up buying a saw that is not suitable for you.
Comfortability is key in using a piece of hardware. Make sure that you’re comfortable using any of the saws above. Otherwise, the working experience will be very hectic and it will affect the outcome of the work. You don’t want your work to be imperfect, do you? Nobody wants that. So, make sure the saw you are choosing fits all the areas of the requirement that you have set. It’s not going to be that hard. Just go through the details of each product. You will be able to select yours in no time.
This is Ahmed Shuvo, an enthusiastic tool enthusiast with a passion for saws, especially circular saws and miter saws. I have written blog posts and conducted research on the proper use and maintenance of these tools. I am also a DIYer who enjoys making wooden projects and always striving to improve my skills. I am confident in my expertise and eager to contribute to the growth of this industry through my writing.