Skip to content

Concrete Saws

Concrete Saws

Concrete Saws

Not much is tougher than a concrete saw! These extremely heavy-duty tools can be used to cut not only concrete, but asphalt, tile, brick and other solid materials. Concrete saws come in a variety of sizes from hand-held to large walk-behind units. Northern Tool + Equipment has an array of concrete saws from top brands including Husqvarna, Milwaukee, and Stihl. To determine which brand and model is best for you, consider the following:

Power Source
Concrete saws are available with three power sources: gas, electric, or battery. Gas powered units are best utilized for outdoor applications for which an electrical socket is unavailable. Gas-powered units are also more powerful and longer lasting than electric or battery-powered models. Now the downsides – gas-powered concrete saws are noisy, heavy, and should not be used indoors or in confined spaces due to the dust and exhaust fumes they create. Electric and battery-powered concrete saws share many of the same benefits including lighter weight, quieter operation, and easy storage. Electric units will feature a cord, and battery-powered units provide more freedom and maneuverability. Corded electric units often can’t be used in the beginning stages of a construction project due to the lack of electrical power, but battery-powered models can be utilized so long as the batteries are charged elsewhere prior to being used on-site.

Blade Type & Size
Two blade types can be used for concrete saws: corundum masonry blades or diamond-tipped blades. Corundum masonry blades are ideal for short, shallow cuts (approx. 1 inch deep). These blade types wear easily and require more frequent replacement. Diamond-tipped saw blades are capable of deeper, longer cuts and can be used most often for wet sawing. Their specialized edges allow these blades to cut concrete and other solid materials more easily.

Finally, a friendly reminder to never use a concrete saw without proper protection. Concrete saws produce dust and fine airborne particles that are dangerous for the eyes and lungs. Not to mention, they’re loud! Wearing respiratory, eye, and hearing protection is recommended.

Concrete Saws Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the different types of concrete saws and what are they used for?
Concrete saws are available in walk-behind and handheld designs and are essential for cutting concrete, brick, masonry or tile for construction, plumbing and electrical work. Walk-behind saws are used for cutting sidewalks, basement or warehouse floors, roads and more. Handheld concrete saws are more portable and better suited to smaller jobs, such as landscape pavers, brick and block. Concrete saws are available in gas-powered, electric-powered and battery-powered models.
How do I choose the right blade for my concrete saw and what factors should I consider?
The two primary concrete saw blades are masonry and diamond. Masonry blades are suitable for short, shallow cuts and are considered effective and affordable solutions, though not as durable as diamond blades. Diamond blades are an upgrade, offering cleaner cuts and greater durability than masonry blades. Diamond blades are available in dry-cutting and wet-cutting designs and come in segmented rim for dry-cutting, turbo rim for wet and dry-cutting and continuous rim for smooth wet-cutting results.
What is the difference between wet-cutting and dry-cutting and which method is best for cutting different types of concrete?
Wet-cutting uses water to cool the blade and reduce hazardous concrete dust. It also allows for more precise cuts and longer cuts because it reduces overheating the blade. It does, however, create more of a mess and requires a constant flow of water. Dry-cutting is suited for shorter, intermittent, straight-line cuts plus detailing and finishing work. Dry-cutting eliminates the need for water and leaves the worksite cleaner.
How can I minimize the amount of dust created when using a concrete saw?
Concrete dust is more than a messy nuisance; it is a health hazard. To minimize dust when cutting concrete, using a wet-cutting blade significantly reduces concrete dust compared to dry-cutting methods. A dust extraction system fitted to your saw is another helpful solution.
What safety precautions should I take when operating a concrete saw?
Check your concrete saw’s owner’s manual for specific recommendations. General considerations include: wear appropriate protective safety gear, including safety glasses, face shield, gloves, hearing protection, hard hat and respiratory mask. Confirm the blade is in good condition, is firmly tightened and guards are in place before operating. Ensure saw is on a stable surface before beginning. Keep hands, fingers and feet away from blade. Maintain a safety zone around your work area to protect other workers.