FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Electric brakes on circular saws

PaulGC | Posted in Tools for Home Building on March 4, 2009 11:32am

Well my old Black & Decker circular saw is starting to sound a little different. I’ve had it for years and bought it for $30 second hand. I figured it’s just as well to start looking for a new one now instead of when the old saw gives out.

I can get a Dewalt DW368 for $100 on sale and I like that saw because I used a co-worker’s last year. I even looked at Makita’s website to see what fatures their saws had and I see they have a number of models at a wide range of prices. Some are just plain ole saws while the higher priced models had stuff L.E.D. lights and elctric brakes.

What I’d like to know is have any of you guys ever used the electric brake feature as the reason for buying a circular saw? A Makita model #5007MG (w/electric brake) sells for $179 (not on sale) up here in Canada while a lot of the other brands’ saws without elctric brakes sell for a lot less.

Have any of you guys used the higher end saws by Makita and what do you think of ’em now that you’ve ‘gave ’em the test”?

Should I get a lower priced saw without the brake or a higher priced one with a brake?

 

Thanks guys

 

Paul

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Scott | Mar 05, 2009 12:33am | #1

    I've always regretted buying a brakeless saw, and I'm actually hoping my old Makita will bite the dust on an upcoming Hardi job (sorry, bad pun). It always freaks me out when I toss the saw to the ground with the blade still going +-2000rpm; blade guards have been known to stick. My next saw will have a brake.

    Scott.

  2. User avater
    Sphere | Mar 05, 2009 12:41am | #2

    If you have or are getting an EZ guide, get the brake for sure.

    I wish I had one, even for non-ez guide stuff, my cordless stops so quick and one hung blade guard w/out a brake can really hurt your day.

    I'd go for it.

    Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

    Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

     

    They kill Prophets, for Profits.

     

     

  3. PaulGC | Mar 05, 2009 12:56am | #3

    Guys I forgot to add a couple points to my initial post.

    I can get the Dewalt DW368 (without brake) for $100 (not including shipping) via mail order.

    I can get the same saw with a case for $160 locally.

    or I can get a high end Makita (with electric brake) via mail order for $179, including a case.

    What do you think I should do?

    1. Scott | Mar 05, 2009 01:03am | #4

      It's your call, man. But between the two limited examples you give, it sounds like a brake can be had for $19 of difference. That's chump change considering how long you are likely to use the tool.Scott.

    2. User avater
      Sphere | Mar 05, 2009 01:17am | #5

      It's worth it. Set that sucker down with a hung up guard ( small shim, or hunk of scrap lodged in it) on a good floor or driveway..you may be buying a floor, a blade, a few toes, a cord...all sorts of costs that exceed that first expense.

      I call it insurance.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations

       

      They kill Prophets, for Profits.

       

       

    3. brucet9 | Mar 05, 2009 06:28am | #10

      The two saws with cases are only $19 difference.Even at $100 vs $179, by the time you factor in the effect on income taxes, the difference will be something like, what, $63? I wished I had had a brake on my circ saw when I was standing cutting up scraps for firewood just after sundown and let the saw swing back a little as I reached for the next piece. The cord got into the still spinning blade and made quite a light show for a couple seconds.BruceT

  4. rasconc | Mar 05, 2009 02:53am | #6

    I have the Porter Cable 325 Mag with brake (got it for the EZ guide) and like it a lot.  Would like to get the Mak with mag shoe because it will cut 2x on an EZ base, a lot of the others are just a hair shy in cutting depth on that base.

     https://www.heavydutytools.net/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=40

    Just saw this:

    http://tinyurl.com/mak-saw-ebay

    Edit: sorry but these ae the non brake models I believe.

    For those who have fought for it Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know.


    Edited 3/4/2009 6:56 pm ET by rasconc


    Edited 3/4/2009 7:03 pm ET by rasconc



    Edited 3/4/2009 7:16 pm ET by rasconc

  5. dug | Mar 05, 2009 03:05am | #7

    I have the dewalt with the brake and I love it. I don't know if my guard still works, I think it's had the same shim in it for about 3 years now.LOL

      dug

    1. jimAKAblue | Mar 05, 2009 04:17am | #8

      I can't believe ya'll are setting a saw down with the blade spinning. There are at least ten ways to stop that blade before it leaves the work....

      Habits are easy to create and hard to brake...pardon the pun....I've worked over 30 years with an open blade and haven't never even come close to having an accident. One thing I ALWAYS do is stop the blade before the saw leaves my hand. It's a very simple and safe habit.

      Just do it!

      1. jimAKAblue | Mar 05, 2009 04:19am | #9

        I forgot to mention that I would not use a saw with a brake because I often use the trigger to adjust the blade speed when I'm using the saw for some various "alternative" things I do with it like "shaving, shaping, carving, etc."

      2. brucet9 | Mar 05, 2009 06:31am | #11

        "One thing I ALWAYS do is stop the blade before the saw leaves my hand. "Do you grab it with thumb and first finger or whole hand? :)BruceT

        1. ANDYSZ2 | Mar 05, 2009 07:12am | #12

          I usually notice the electric brake wears out in a year.

          I like stopping blade in the cut or wait.

          ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?

          REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST

           

        2. jimAKAblue | Mar 05, 2009 02:28pm | #17

          Fingers are often used.

          1. jimjimjim | Mar 05, 2009 09:15pm | #18

            This thread is scaring me.

             <!----><!----><!---->

            Paulcc, if you’re in doubt, then get a saw with a brake.

             <!----><!---->

            I mostly use a Skil77 (or a Mag77).  No brake.  I find that if you de-trigger near the end of the cut, then the saw is (nearly) stopped when you push out of the cut.

             <!----><!---->

            But I would never rely on the proper function of the blade guard (or the brake if I had one).  If I must put the saw down while it is still spinning then I always visually check that the guard is in place.

             <!----><!---->

            Jim x 3

  6. User avater
    popawheelie | Mar 05, 2009 07:33am | #13

    I have a makita with a brake and it is the saw I reach for. Brakes are good.

  7. BryanSayer | Mar 05, 2009 07:44am | #14

    My blade left one does not have a brake, because I didn't want to spend the extra $15 or whatever at the time. Big mistake. My blade right for the EZ system has a brake, and I certainly would not get another without a brake.

  8. User avater
    hammer1 | Mar 05, 2009 09:27am | #15

    Get a saw with a brake. It may pay for itself in spades if it helps prevent an accident.

    Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

  9. bobbys | Mar 05, 2009 11:27am | #16

    I bought 3 little makitas with brakes as i worried about my guys.

    I use a 60s worm drive but hide it if any of the guys were around.

    It takes as long to stop as the song "in the gaddadavida"

    1. dovetail97128 | Mar 06, 2009 05:26pm | #20

      I used to have a 16" Comet radial arm saw and I swear that you could cut a dozen boards with AFTER you shut it off. Makes the worm drives seem safe.
      They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

  10. snap pea | Mar 06, 2009 01:18am | #19

    I have a dewalt dw364 with a break but after using it for a while the break did'nt always work. I don't know why breaks on saws stop working but it seems to be a fairly common occurence.

    My other circular saw that I use more often has no break and I really wish it did. I wouldn't get another saw without one.

    Waiting a few seconds for the blade to stop spinning does'nt sound like a big deal but it starts to get annoying really fast.

     

  11. robert | Mar 06, 2009 10:26pm | #21

    For more than a few years,

    the only saw I would use was a Dewalt 364K.  Back then (93 - 98) it was heavy, and expensive. Maybe $150.

    But in my opinion it was the best saw I've used to date.

    Framing six days a week all year long I averaged about 18 months per saw. The brake never quit on me, i just felt like it was time for a new one. The old when went in the truck box as a back up.

    The brake is worth the price. You can still use the trigger to control saw speed. And i NEVER had a brake fail.

    The front of the saw shoe on the 364 can be brittle, but the brake never failed for me.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done

From work boots to power tools, these favorite picks make perfect gifts for moms and women who build.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 684: Masonry Heaters, Whole-House Ventilation, and Porch Flooring
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity
  • Tools and Gear for the Moms Who Get it Done
  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data