The Definition of Circular Saw Blades

Circular saw blades put the power of your saw where it's needed, so the right blade is a key to the success of your project. Just as there are different saws and different project materials, there are different circular saw blades – each suited to a tool and a task. Learn how to find the right one for your work.

There are four important parts on standard circular saw blades:

1. Tips bite into the work piece.

2. Shoulders support the tips

3. Gullets remove material from the work piece. Deeper gullets remove more material with each pass, while more shallow gullets create a finer cut.

4. Expansion slots help prevent the blade from warping as it expands and contracts during use. The end result is less vibration and a straighter cut.

Other features you might see on a circular saw blade include heat vents which aid in reducing vibration and an antifriction coating, which decreases buildup on the blade. A blade may also have a diamond knockout you can remove to allow you to use the blade on a saw with a corresponding shaft.

In addition to the standard toothed blades, there are also continuous rim blades that do not have the typical tip / gullet configuration. Blades that cut materials such as concrete, brick and tile often have a continuous rim.