Best Worm Drive Saw in 2023 — Buyers Guide, Review, and Comparison
Worm Drive Circular Saw Product Comparison Table
IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Best for Prosumers
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Best for Prosumers
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DEWALT DWS535
|
Features
|
Check Price at AmazonDEWALT DWS535 Review DEWALT DWS535 Review |
Best for Dense Timber
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Best for Dense Timber
|
SKILSAW SPT77WML-01
|
Features
|
Check Price at AmazonSKILSAW SPT77WML-01 Review SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 Review |
Best for Professionals
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Best for Professionals
|
Bosch CSW41
|
Features
|
Check Price at Amazon Bosch CSW41 Review Bosch CSW41 Review |
Best Rapid Blade Change
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Best Rapid Blade Change
|
SKILSAW SPT77W-01
|
Features
|
Check Price at AmazonSKILSAW SPT77W-01 Review SKILSAW SPT77W-01 Review |
Best for Durability
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Best for Durability
|
Milwaukee 6477-20
|
Features
|
Check Price at AmazonMilwaukee 6477-20 Review Milwaukee 6477-20 Review |
Best for Vibration Reduction
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Best for Vibration Reduction
|
Metabo HPT C7WDM
|
Features
|
Check Price at AmazonMetabo HPT C7WDM Review Metabo HPT C7WDM Review |
Best Worm Drive Saw Buying Guide
- Motor size.
- Build materials.
- Weight.
- Grip.
- Safety features.
Before You Buy: How a Worm Drive Circular Saw Works
How To Choose the Best Worm Drive Circular Saw
Motor Size
The overall power output of your worm circular saw is an important consideration — affecting both speed and torque. Most units feature a 15-amp motor and can deliver 4400 rpm or greater — sufficient for both hobbyists and professionals. Remember that brawn and rapidity are inversely related — the higher one metric, the lower the other. Therefore, consider whether your projects demand a speedy blade or pure penetration power.
Build Materials
My advice is to avoid the all-plastic circular saws. While the toughest models made from ABS aren’t necessarily weaker than the metal ones — they’re much more susceptible to vibration. Not just affecting cutting precision, but also running the risk of damaging the unit’s internal components and causing you fatigue. Look for machines with a majority metal construction — ideally steel, aluminum, and magnesium.

Weight
Worm saws range in heft from 10 to 15 pounds — weightier than sidewinders due to their more complicated gearing.
The heavier the machine, the more likely it is to induce fatigue on longer projects — especially if you’re operating the unit away from cutting tables or supports. Look for models with a magnesium or aluminum build — offering durability combined with lightweight operation.

Grip
Many worm drive units incorporate a rubber and/or textured rear grip. Unsurprisingly, this adds greater stability — especially when operating the machine with oily or perspiring hands. However, equally importantly, these grips add welcome cushioning to the tool, reducing vibration. Not only will this increase your operational precision, but also elevates stamina by shielding against uncomfortable oscillations and tremors passing into your hands and fingers.
Safety Features
Where your budget permits, I suggest you opt for a worm drive saw that features extensive safety features — defending you against injury. While these vary from machine to machine, look for models that include at least some of the following:
- Cushioned and textured grip — defending against slips and drops.
- Dust extractor — removing debris that can become airborne, cause injury to your eye, or obscure your cutting line.
- Blade guard — preventing the cutting edge from damaging you.
- Electric brake — stopping the blade rotation when you release the trigger.
- Safety lock — defending against accidental blade activation.
Our Top-Rated Worm Drive Saws
Since the worm drive category includes a multitude of machines, choosing your ideal cutting tool is tough. Thankfully, my top picks save you time searching online, and offer only the ultimate circular saw tools. Whether you’re a casual user, committed DIYer, or serious trade professional — there’s a machine below ideal for your project type and experience level:
DEWALT DWS535

- Design
- Functionality
- Price

- Design
- Functionality
- Price
SKILSAW SPT77WML-01
Our Rating: 4.5
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
SKILSAW SPT77WML-01
Our Rating: 4.5
Bosch CSW41
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
SKILSAW SPT77W-01

Our Rating: 4.4
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
SKILSAW SPT77W-01
Our Rating: 4.4
Milwaukee 6477-20

- Design
- Functionality
- Price
- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Metabo HPT C7WDM

- Design
- Functionality
- Price
Metabo HPT C7WDM
The conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of worm drive models to choose from — it’s up to you to select the best-suited one for your needs.
From the prosumer-grade DeWalt DWS535B to the dense timber-focused SKILSAW SPT77WML-01, or the pro-level Bosch CSW41 to the robust Milwaukee 6477-20 — there’s a circular saw for every project and level of experience.
And, the biggest advantage of the models on our list in comparison to others available on the market, is their price-to-quality ratio. Take a moment and check our top pick worm drive saw units — if you’re interested in reading more about a particular model, go ahead and check out our full reviews!
Worm Drive Circular Saws FAQs
Q: What Is a Worm Drive Circular Saw?
A worm drive has its power unit and drive train positioned in line with the blade. This creates a slimline build to the circular saw and delivers impressive torque.Q: How Do I Know if My Circular Saw Is Worm Drive?
If your motor is at the rear of your circular saw, i.e., behind the blade, the chances are it is a worm drive machine. That said, depending on the internal build, it could instead be a hypoid.
The only definite way to check, is to open the machine and investigate the gearing mechanism.
Q: What Are the Disadvantages of a Worm Drive Saw?
Compared to sidewinders, worm drive saws are generally heavier, slower, and more expensive to purchase. However, they offer more brawn than sidewinder machines, are easier to maneuver, and can access tighter spaces.
Q: Is Worm Drive Better on Table Saw?
Yes! In addition to providing impressive brawn, worm drive gearing on a table saw delivers a greater depth of timber penetration.