Users Are Calling This Circular Saw The Best That Harbor Freight Has To Offer

If you're getting into DIY around the house and yard at even the most basic level, there's a good chance you'll be thinking about getting a circular saw. If you check out the list of must-buy power tools for first-time homeowners, only a cordless drill/driver comes above a circular saw. Circular saws are ideal for sawing both lumber and sheet materials, and Harbor Freight's competitive range makes them a game-changer for home improvement projects. The big question is, which one is best?

Judging by customer ratings, the entire Harbor Freight circular saw range is well received. However, the one tool that stands out, according to users, is the Hercules 20V Brushless Cordless 7-¼" Circular Saw. It gets a remarkable 4.8 stars, and even more impressive is that 99 percent of owners would recommend it. Hercules is Harbor Freight's top power tool brand, aimed at enthusiastic amateurs and tradespeople. The specification includes a brushless motor that maximizes battery run times, a 2-½" maximum depth of cut, a lightweight magnesium shoe (base plate), soft start, electric brake, and an LED work light. It's not hard to see why it's so highly rated, but let's take a look at what owners have to say.

The word "great" comes up a lot when you look at the customers' comments. "Great saw," "works great," and "great value," are typical. One buyer who owns several high-end competitor Milwaukee tools said the Hercules was terrific, calling it lightweight and powerful. Another was pleased with the strength and durability. There are a number of safety tips to know before using a circular saw, and the multiple safety features built into the Hercules circular saw were also noted by satisfied buyers.

No tool is perfect, but when we checked recently, you could literally count the number of complaints on one hand. A couple of people were disappointed that a guide bar was not included. Another had issues with the safety cut-out (capacitor), though a different blade might reduce the load on the motor and so cure the problem.

The Hercules 20V Brushless Cordless 7-¼" Circular Saw is currently priced at $99.99. That's less than half the price of equivalent models from Milwaukee or DeWalt. It comes as a bare tool, so if you don't already own Hercules tools, you'll need to add a battery and charger, starting at around $90 for both. When compared with those big-brand competitors, that's still excellent value.

Harbor Freight sells more than a dozen different circular saws. The corded Drill Master 10 Amp Circular Saw is very popular and costs just $39.99, so it's a strong contender for those who only tackle occasional DIY jobs. However, more consistent users might find the cord annoying. We also considered the Bauer 20V Cordless Circular Saw. The brand's tools are targeted at more regular hobbyists, home remodelers, etc., and at $89.99, the price is certainly competitive.

However, for just 10 bucks more you can have the Hercules. It comes from Harbor Freight's pro-grade range and, as we've seen, has stellar reviews. When you take into account the specifications, the price, and the owner feedback, it's not difficult to see why users are calling it the best circular saw Harbor Freight has to offer. It's a tool that could suit both serious amateurs and professional contractors.