When you need to cut through concrete (or tile or brick), the right tool for the job is a reliable concrete saw. Also known as a con saw, power cutter or cut-off saw, these powerful tools range significantly in power, versatility and size. They can also be a big investment, depending on the model, so carefully consider what projects lie in your future before pulling the trigger.
If you’re looking for an outstanding concrete saw, the Swedish-made Husqvarna Gasoline Grinder is known for its impressive power output and cutting depth while still being relatively lightweight at only 22.4 pounds.
What to know before you buy a concrete saw
Walk-behind vs. tabletop concrete saws
Are you a professional contractor looking to slice through long sections of driveway or a slab for a plumbing install? Or are you looking for a saw that can handle smaller cuts with more precision (such as tile work)?
If you’ll be working on large projects, consider investing in a walk-behind concrete saw or powerful gasoline grinder.
If you’d like something for working with tile or pavers, a tabletop wet-cutting saw or a battery-powered model that’s easy to hold in your hand may be your best bet.
Concrete saw cutting depths
If you need to cut to a specific depth, this should be one of your first considerations. While most concrete saws (even smaller, battery-powered versions) can handle shallow cuts of between one to two inches, fewer saws will fit the bill if you need to cut to a depth of five inches or more.
Keep in mind that for the longevity of your machine and accuracy of the cut, it’s best practice in many cases to make successive, incremental cuts anyway.
Indoor vs. outdoor concrete saws
If you need to cut concrete in an enclosed space, especially on a construction job site, you may be required to use a concrete saw with a water line or vacuum port to minimize dust and particulates.
Gas-powered saws are usually only used outdoors due to the noxious fumes their motors produce. While they’re the gold standard for cutting power, this won’t help you indoors.
Wet vs. dry-cutting concrete saws
Concrete can be cut dry or wet. Adding water helps control dust and prevents you from inhaling dangerous crystalline silica dust. Depending on your worksite, you may be required to wet cut for OSHA compliance or site cleanliness. It also extends the life of the saw (and blade) by reducing tension and wear on the motor and cooling the blade.
Unfortunately, wet cutting is messy. Concrete and water create a slurry that is difficult to clean up. Some users complain about having to frequently stop and clean out small reservoirs clogged with concrete sludge.
Concrete saw features
Concrete saws come in a wide range of styles, but the top features of handheld concrete saws are covered here.
Power source
Corded (electric): The majority of handheld concrete saws are corded. This allows for a steady supply of power to the motor without the hassle of refilling fuel or nasty fumes.
Gasoline: Gas-powered concrete saws have the advantage of being portable (not requiring a power source) without sacrificing power. One drawback is they give off fumes that make them undesirable for use in enclosed spaces.
Battery: Lightweight and easy to hold in one hand, battery-powered concrete saws are good for precision cutting where you need a lot of maneuverability. The motor isn’t as powerful as a gas saw, but the comfort and responsiveness are hard to beat.
Concrete saw blade size and type
Concrete saws are labeled by the full diameter of the blade they accommodate—be aware that this is usually more than double the actual cutting depth. For example, a compact handheld circular saw with a five-inch blade will cut to a maximum depth of no more than two inches.
Double check before buying what size and type of blades are compatible with a particular saw.
Vacuum ports help to cut down on mess
Many concrete saws have filtration systems (to prevent dust from getting into the machine), dust ports or vacuum ports to help control dust and clean up after cutting.
Water lines reduce dust
Some saws have a water-feed system to allow for wet cutting as well as dry cutting. Typically, saws are stronger at wet or dry cutting (but not both), so think over your typical projects. If you’re renovating bathrooms and primarily need a saw for tile work, a tabletop concrete saw designed for wet cutting might be the best fit.
Concrete saw cost
Concrete saws range from around $400 on the low end (lightweight battery-powered models) to $1,500 and beyond on the higher end (heavier-duty models with more horsepower).
Keep in mind that many concrete saws are sold without a blade (even though they’re almost always pictured with a blade installed), so you’ll need to purchase a blade separately.
Concrete saw FAQ
What is a walk-behind concrete saw?
A. A walk-behind concrete saw is typically used by construction professionals for large jobs like cutting through driveways, roads or sidewalks. The saw is set up similar to a push mower so you can guide the motion of the saw from a standing position. Walk-behind concrete saws are not good for precision cutting.
What is a diamond saw-blade used for?
A. A diamond saw-blade is very sharp and usually used when wet-cutting concrete or other hard material, such as tile. The water cools the blade and controls dust particles. Be sure to double-check that you are using the right type of blade for your saw.
Which concrete saw should I get?
Best of the best concrete saw
Husqvarna K770 Power Cutter: available at Amazon
Our take: Powerful yet compact, this premium gasoline-powered grinder is manufactured in Sweden and can cut to a maximum depth of five inches.
What we like: High power-to-weight ratio due to its magnesium crankcase.
What we dislike: Blade needs to be purchased separately.
Best bang for your buck concrete saw
Rockwell 4 1/2-Inch Compact Circular Saw: available at Amazon
Our take: Affordable and lightweight, this compact concrete saw with a five-amp motor is perfect for making shallow cuts in tile and stone, one of the most common DIY tasks.
What we like: Built-in dust port allows you to connect a vacuum for cleaning up harmful dust after cutting.
What we dislike: Blade is positioned on the left side, so it’s ideal for right-handers — but not so great for left-handers.
Honorable mention concrete saw
Evolution Power Tools 12-Inch Disc Cutter: available at Amazon
Our take: The Evolution’s 15-amp motor cuts through concrete pavers (up to four inches in successive cuts) and is powered by electricity, which means no fumes and instant start.
What we like: This quality saw comes with a 12-inch diamond blade.
What we dislike: Cannot be used for wet cutting.
Rachel Boller is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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