5 1/2 Vs 6 1/2 Circular Saw: Which One to Pick?

Circular saws are a tool that you must own if you’re a DIY person. It comes in handy while working with wood, masonry, steel, and even ceramic.

Depending on your line of work you may require a proper-sized circular saw. It’s not rare to see people getting confused with different-sized circular saws.

So which one would you pick between 5 1/2 vs 6 1/2 circular saw?

A 6 ½” circular saw will cut deeper than a 5 ½” circular saw. That’s because the blade size is bigger and it can reach deeper into the material. As for the weight, 6 ½” saws are slightly heavier than 5 ½” circular saws. They are also a bit pricier than 5 ½” circular saws.

Need some more explanations? Then kee[ reading our post till the end.

Let’s begin!

Quick Comparison: 5 1/2 Vs 6 1/2 Circular Saw

Before we dive into the elaborate discussion let’s take a look at the major differences. 

Aspect	5 ½ Circular Saw	6 ½ Circular Saw
Blade Size	5 ½”	6 ½”
Depth (90 Degree Angle)	1 ¾”	2 ⅛”
Depth (45 Degree Angle)	1 3/16”	2 ¼”
Weight	Lighter	Heavier
Price	Cheaper	Expensive

Detailed Comparison: 5 1/2 Vs 6 1/2 Circular Saw

When choosing a circular saw the blade size comes first. Because the size of the blade determines the productivity of your circular saw. So when choosing a circular saw determining which blade size you require is immensely important.

To understand this comparison you’ve to dive into the measurement details. But don’t worry. They aren’t too complex. So join us in this elaborate discussion.

Blade Size

Circular saws are differentiated by the blade size. And the blade size is labelled by the diameter size of it. There are a few different diameter circular saws available in the market.

The blade size varies from 4 ½ inches to 7 ½ inches. However, for light and moderate use 5 ½”, 6 ½” are the most popular ones. These are the perfect size to work with for a beginner. 

As the name goes, a 5 ½” circular saw has blades with 5 ½” diameters. Similarly, a 6 ½” circular saw has a circular blade of 6 ½” diameter. So, you can see that 5 ½” circular saws are smaller in blade size comparison.

Depth

Different blade sizes will have a different circular saw cutting depth. It goes for both straight cut and angular cut. The best thing about it is that you can make deep saw angle cuts.

It’s one of the factors that you should carefully consider when buying a circular saw. Bigger blades can make deeper cuts. Whether it’s at a 90-degree angle or at 45 degrees.

Compared to 5 ½” circular saws, 6 ½” makes deeper cuts. And the reason is the blade size. A 5 ½” saw would make a 1 ¾” deep cut when used at 90-degree.

But a 6 ½” circular saw blade will cut 2 ⅛” deep. That’s definitely a lot deeper than a 5 ½” blade can go. Similarly, in 45-degree angular measurement, a 5 ½” saw cuts 1 3/16” deep.

Not much deep if you compare it with a 6 ½” saw blade. Because a 6 ½” can make a 2 ¼” deep angular cut. So it can cut bigger materials for you.

Weight

Both 5 ½” and 6 ½” circular saws are lightweight due to being small-sized. Although 6 ½” are bigger than 5 ½” they’re still smaller than 7 ½” saws.

7 ½” circular saws are heavy and bulky. Compared to that, 6 ½” and 5 ½” are closer in size differences. Due to being lightweight, both are portable which makes them even handier for DIY projects.

But if you still want the lightest one between both then 5 ½” it is. The blade size is smaller than a 6 ½” circular saw. The weight gap between these two saw might not be that big.

But it’s still noticeable when you pick it up. Both of these saw sizes are pretty flexible to use thanks to being lightweight.

Price

5 ½” circular saws are cheaper compared to a 6 ½” circular saw. But the price totally depends on the brand you’re picking it from. Some of the brand’s 5 ½” circular saws will cost more than 6 ½” saw.

The same goes for 6 ½” circular saws. The brands that have higher prices usually come with a warranty and extra features.

But that doesn’t mean circular saws that are cheaper in price aren’t good. Here are some 6 ½” circular saws with a moderate price range-

• DEWALT 6-1/2-Inch 20V MAX Circular Saw
• Ryobi P507 One+ 18V Lithium Ion Cordless 6 1/2 Inch 4,700 RPM Circular Saw w/ Blade

You’ll be able to find plenty of good circular saws in your limited budget. However, if you really need the cheaper option, start with 5 ½” saws.

Final Verdict: 5 1/2 Or 6 1/2 Circular Saw

It’s time to announce the winner in today’s discussion. And the crown goes to a 6 ½” circular saw. Evaluating all the aspects of both circular saws, 6 ½” is the best option.

That’s because a 6 ½” circular saw offers you the opportunity to do better. It’s more flexible thanks to having a bigger blade. You can do heavy cuts with it compared to a 5 ½” saw.

No wonder it’s the most common circular saw size people go for. It’s the perfect sized tool for even beginners. Other mentionable aspects are quite similar for both circular saws.

So why not choose the one that gives you more flexibility? It would be good practice for doing light to moderate level work. But the final decision is yours.

FAQs

Here are a couple of questions you might be curious about-

Conclusion

That was all about our discussion on 5 1/2 vs 6 1/2 circular saw. Hopefully, you’ve learned the substantial differences between these two circular saws.

So which one would be your pick? Have you decided yet? No matter which one is your choice don’t forget to read the user manual guide. Also, take safety measurements before using these tools.

So then stay blessed!