A hacksaw isn't just a tool you pull out when you're fed up with an angle grinder. Between home repairs, electrical or plumbing jobs, and workshop production, each format serves a specific purpose. Choosing the wrong model wears out blades faster and wastes time.
In Canada, portable power saws designed for cutting metal must meet strict electrical safety standards, particularly regarding protection against overheating and motor overloads, an issue documented by organizations like the CSA Group. This guide compares 5 metal-cutting saws sold at Équipement Polar, categorized by use, to help you choose according to your job site.
Our quick picks
- Occasional use → DeWalt DWHT20547 : $44
- Versatile cordless → Milwaukee 2982-20 M18 FUEL : $548
- Runtime and power → Makita CS002GZ 40V XGT : $619
- Heavy-duty professional use → Makita LC1230 12" : $799
- Workshop and production → Slugger MCCS14 14" : $869
Comparison chart
| Model | Format | Cutting Capacity | Weight | Price CAD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DWHT20547 | Multifunction Hand Saw | Depends on blade installed | Light | $44 |
| 2982-20 | 18V Cordless Circular Saw | 2-9/16 in | Compact | $548 |
| CS002GZ | 40V Cordless Circular Saw | 2-5/8 in (67 mm) | 3.5 kg | $619 |
| LC1230 | Corded Portable Saw (vise) | 4-1/2 in at 90° | 19.3 kg | $799 |
| MCCS14 | Industrial Stationary Saw | 5 in (round) | 24.4 kg | $869 |
1. DeWalt DWHT20547 5-in-1 Multifunction Hacksaw
This is one I recommend to everyone as a backup saw in their toolbox. No battery to charge, no cord to drag: it's ready when a pipe or threaded rod is sticking out where it shouldn't.
The DWHT20547 is a multifunction hand hacksaw. Its frame accepts standard blades and its high tension keeps them firm, even on long cuts. The low profile provides easy access in confined spaces, a real advantage in plumbing or electrical work.
Advantages
- Very affordable entry price
- No power source required
- Low profile for confined spaces
- High blade tension (330 lbs)
Points to consider
- Physical effort for repetitive cuts
- Not suitable for production volume
Ideal for: DIYers or technicians who need an occasional troubleshooting solution.
Not ideal for: repetitive cutting in a workshop — see the Slugger MCCS14 instead.
Price: $44
See the DWHT20547 at Polar →2. Milwaukee 2982-20 M18 FUEL 8" Circular Saw
This is the one I most often recommend to electricians and fitters already on M18 batteries. It cuts faster than a 15A corded saw and can go anywhere on the job site.
The 2982-20 relies on Milwaukee's POWERSTATE brushless motor to deliver faster cuts than equivalent 15A corded saws. REDLINK PLUS technology protects the motor against overheating and over-discharge.
Advantages
- Superior cutting capacity (2-9/16 in)
- Compatible with the M18 ecosystem
- Integrated electronic protection
Points to consider
- Sold as tool only, battery and charger extra
- Limited runtime on very thick cuts
Ideal for: electricians, plumbers, and fitters who want a versatile cordless saw.
Not ideal for: those without an M18 ecosystem — see the Makita CS002GZ 40V.
Price: $548 (tool only)
See the 2982-20 at Polar →3. Makita CS002GZ 7-1/4" 40V XGT Metal Circular Saw
If your day is spent outdoors in dust or humidity, this is the one I bring out. The XPT protection and electric brake make a real difference in prolonged production.
The CS002GZ relies on Makita's 40V XGT platform, with a brushless DC motor with soft start. XPT technology protects the tool against dust and liquid splashes.
Advantages
- High power-to-weight ratio (3.5 kg)
- Electric safety brake
- XPT dust/liquid protection
Points to consider
- Batteries and charger sold separately
- 40V platform distinct from the 18V ecosystem
Ideal for: prolonged production in dusty or humid environments.
Not ideal for: those who already have 18V batteries — see the Milwaukee M18 FUEL.
Price: $619 (tool only)
See the CS002GZ at Polar →Unsure about the right format for your project?
Our team compares options based on your metal type, cutting volume, and battery ecosystem.
See all metal saws → Contact our experts4. Makita LC1230 12" Portable Metal Saw
For repetitive cutting of tubes and profiles, the integrated vise changes everything. This is what I suggest to workshops that cut several a day, not just occasionally.
The LC1230 is a corded portable metal saw equipped with a quick-release vise and a spark guard. With 15A at 120V and a cutting capacity of 4-1/2 inches at 90 degrees, it easily handles tubes and profiles.
Advantages
- Integrated vise for precise repetitive cuts
- Generous cutting capacity (4-1/2 in)
- Spark guard for safety
Points to consider
- Heavy weight (19.3 kg)
- Requires 120V power supply
- High noise level (107 dB(A))
Ideal for: workshops or job sites with electrical access that repeatedly cut tubes.
Not ideal for: mobile work without access to an outlet — see the Milwaukee M18 FUEL.
Price: $799
See the LC1230 at Polar →5. Slugger MCCS14 14" Metal Miter Saw
This is the saw I recommend for production workshops. Cold cutting, without sparks, preserves blades much longer than an abrasive grinder.
The MCCS14 from Fein (Slugger brand) is a stationary miter saw designed for continuous metal cutting at low speed. With 1800W and a round cutting depth of 5 inches, it covers most tubes and profiles in a production workshop.
Advantages
- Cold cutting: no sparks
- Generous cutting capacity (5 in round)
- Robust industrial construction
Points to consider
- Significant weight (24.4 kg)
- Higher investment
Ideal for: production workshops that cut regular volumes of metal.
Not ideal for: mobile or occasional work — see the DeWalt DWHT20547.
Price: $869
See the MCCS14 at Polar →How to choose your metal saw
The type of metal and thickness to cut
The blade choice primarily depends on the metal to be cut. For hard materials or thin pieces, a blade with a high teeth per inch (TPI) count is recommended; for aluminum or brass, a lower TPI prevents clogging.
Format: manual, cordless, corded, or stationary
Manual saws are suitable for occasional troubleshooting. Cordless models (18V or 40V) offer mobility for job sites. Corded portable saws with a vise, like the Makita LC1230, target precise repetitive cutting. Stationary saws, like the Slugger MCCS14, are reserved for production workshops.
Cutting capacity and blade compatibility
Always check the advertised maximum cutting capacity (at 45° and 90°) against the actual diameter of the tubes or profiles you cut most often.
Practical tip: If you already own a set of batteries from one brand (M18, LXT, XGT), stick to that platform for your cordless saw. This avoids starting a second battery family just for cutting metal.
For band saws, specifically adapted for precision cuts on complex profiles, consult our comparison 3 Best Band Saws in Canada.
Ready to equip your workshop?
All our selection of metal saws is available with professional advice and real-time verified stock.
View the Metal Saws collection → Contact our expertsFAQ: Metal Saws
For high-volume scrap metal, a cordless circular saw like the Milwaukee 2982-20 or a stationary saw like the Slugger MCCS14 offers more output than a manual blade.
For occasional home use, a multi-purpose hand saw like the DeWalt DWHT20547 ($44) is more than sufficient.
Blade choice depends on the metal's thickness and hardness: more TPI for thin or hard pieces, less TPI for soft metals like aluminum.
Yes, provided you use a blade with lower TPI to avoid clogging. Circular models like the Makita CS002GZ or the Milwaukee 2982-20 are suitable.
A metal circular saw uses a toothed blade for a cold, clean cut, while an abrasive disc grinder cuts by friction, with more sparks.
For thick steel, a blade with 14 to 18 TPI is generally recommended. For thinner walls, 24 to 32 TPI is preferred.
Recent models like the Milwaukee M18 FUEL or Makita 40V XGT offer power comparable to corded saws, with the added benefit of mobility.