This category covers saws for woodworking, building and metalwork, from corded and cordless power saws to hand saws, for tradespeople and serious DIY users. Leading brands in our range include Bosch, Makita, Metabo and DeWalt, with over 450 models in total.
How to choose a saw
Saw type. Circular saws make long straight cuts in boards and sheet material, while jigsaws handle curves and cut-outs. Reciprocating saws suit demolition, pruning and cutting through pipes or nails. Mitre saws give accurate angled cuts for skirting, frames and trim, and table saws suit repeated, precise cuts in a workshop.
Corded or cordless. Corded saws deliver constant power and suit long cutting sessions at a fixed workplace. Cordless saws are easier to carry around a site or garden. If you choose cordless, check the battery system first, because many brands use one battery across a whole range of tools, and a saw bought as a bare tool needs a battery and charger you already own.
Cutting capacity and blade. Look at the maximum cutting depth at 90 degrees and at a bevel angle, plus the blade diameter the saw accepts. The blade matters as much as the motor: wood, metal and mixed-material blades have different tooth shapes, and using the wrong one gives slow, rough cuts.
Dust extraction and safety. A dust port that fits a vacuum hose keeps the cutting line visible and the workshop cleaner. Useful safety features include a blade guard that returns automatically, an electric brake that stops the blade quickly after release, and a soft start that reduces kickback on startup.
Frequency of use. Professional models are built for daily work, with sturdier bases, better dust handling and motors that cope with heavy loads. Occasional jobs such as building a shed or fitting shelves rarely need that level of construction, and a lighter DIY saw is easier to handle.
Saw brands we carry
- Bosch: the largest brand in this category, with a blue Professional range for trade use and a green range for home users, and a strong line-up of jigsaws and circular saws.
- Makita: known for its 18V cordless platform, where one battery fits a large number of tools, including cordless circular saws and reciprocating saws.
- Metabo: a German manufacturer of professional power tools, well regarded for cordless saws and metalworking tools.
- DeWalt: recognised by its yellow and black tools, and associated with mitre saws and the FlexVolt battery system, which works across 18V and 54V tools.
- Einhell: focused on home and garden users, with the Power X-Change battery that powers many tools in its range.
- Fein: the German company that introduced the oscillating multi-tool, and a name associated with precise metal and construction cutting.
- Black+Decker: a DIY-oriented brand offering lighter saws for household projects.
- Bahco: a Swedish maker of hand tools, known for hand saws and pruning saws.
Also in our range: kwb, Dedra and Batavia B.V.
Saws FAQ
Which saw is best for general DIY?
A jigsaw or a circular saw is the usual first choice for general DIY. A jigsaw copes with curves, cut-outs and thin boards, while a circular saw makes faster, straighter cuts in longer boards and sheets. Many home workshops end up with both.
Are cordless saws as good as corded ones?
Cordless saws now manage most household and site jobs, especially models with brushless motors and 18V batteries or higher. Corded saws still suit very long cutting sessions, since they do not depend on battery charge. The choice mostly comes down to where you work and which batteries you already own.
What is the difference between a jigsaw and a reciprocating saw?
A jigsaw has a short, narrow blade held in a flat base plate and is built for controlled, shaped cuts in wood, metal and plastic. A reciprocating saw has a longer blade and a pushing, sabre-style action, so it is better for rough cutting, demolition and pruning. Jigsaws give cleaner edges, while reciprocating saws remove material faster.
Does a cordless saw come with a battery?
Not always. Some cordless saws are sold as bare tools without a battery or charger, while others come as a kit with both. The product listing shows what is included, and a bare tool is a sensible choice if you already own batteries from the same brand.
