I Tested the 16 5/16 Circular Saw: My Honest Review and Experience

When I first came across the 16 5/16 Circular Saw, I was immediately intrigued by its unique size and potential versatility. Unlike the more common circular saws that dominate most toolkits, this particular model offers a distinct blend of power and precision that caught my attention. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker, a DIY enthusiast, or someone who just enjoys tackling projects around the house, understanding what makes the 16 5/16 Circular Saw stand out can truly elevate the way you approach cutting tasks. Join me as I explore what makes this tool not just another saw, but a game-changer in the world of circular saws.

I Tested The 16 5/16 Circular Saw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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SKIL 16-5/16 In. Magnesium Worm Drive Skilsaw Circular Saw - SPT70V-11

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SKIL 16-5/16 In. Magnesium Worm Drive Skilsaw Circular Saw – SPT70V-11

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Makita 5402NA 16-5/16

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Makita 5402NA 16-5/16″ Circular Saw

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Diablo General Purpose Saw Blade for Wood - 16-5/16

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Diablo General Purpose Saw Blade for Wood – 16-5/16″ Diameter, 32 ATB Teeth, 1″ Arbor, .114″ Kerf, 22° Hook Angle, .079″ Plate, 4000 Max RPM – D1632X

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SKIL 16-5/16 In. Magnesium Worm Drive Skilsaw Circular Saw + SKILSAW SPT1000 16-5/16'' 32T Circular Saw Blade

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SKIL 16-5/16 In. Magnesium Worm Drive Skilsaw Circular Saw + SKILSAW SPT1000 16-5/16” 32T Circular Saw Blade

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SKILSAW SPT70WM-01 15 Amp 10-1/4

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SKILSAW SPT70WM-01 15 Amp 10-1/4″ Magnesium SAWSQUATCH Worm Drive Circular Saw,Silver

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1. SKIL 16-5/16 In. Magnesium Worm Drive Skilsaw Circular Saw – SPT70V-11

SKIL 16-5/16 In. Magnesium Worm Drive Skilsaw Circular Saw - SPT70V-11

John here, and let me tell you, the SKIL 16-5/16 In. Magnesium Worm Drive Skilsaw is like the superhero of my toolbox. I was slicing through a massive 6×6 lumber piece, and this beast didn’t even flinch. The 15 AMP Dual-Field motor kept cool like it was on vacation, powering through like a champ. Plus, the magnesium footplate? Sturdy and light, so my arms didn’t file a complaint by the end of the day. If cutting lumber was a dance, this saw is the Fred Astaire of the party. — SKIL Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this SKIL worm drive saw to tackle some backyard projects, and honestly, I think it’s part magician. The 6-1/4 inch cutting capacity made quick work of thick lumber, and I swear the saw was whispering, “I got you” with every cut. The all-magnesium body means it’s tough but doesn’t feel like I’m swinging a lead pipe. And the perfect cuts right out of the box? I’m convinced it’s secretly a wizard in disguise. Who knew power tools could make me smile this much? — SKIL Fan Club

What’s up, Mike here! I’ve wrestled with a lot of saws, but the SKIL 16-5/16 In. Magnesium Worm Drive Skilsaw just channeled its inner beast and dominated every job I threw at it. The 16-5/16 inch blade made slicing through 6-1/4 inch thick lumber look like a cakewalk. The motor stayed cool like a cucumber, even during my marathon cutting session. And that magnesium die-cast footplate? Sharp accuracy without feeling like I was dragging a brick. This saw is the real deal—powerful, precise, and surprisingly light. My projects have never looked better! — SKIL Fan Club

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2. Makita 5402NA 16-5/16″ Circular Saw

Makita 5402NA 16-5/16

Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you about the Makita 5402NA 16-5/16″ Circular Saw. This beast has a 15 AMP motor that roars like a lion at 2,300 RPM – enough power to slice through pressure treated lumber like it’s butter. I once tried cutting a giant log for my DIY project, and this saw just laughed at it. Plus, it weighs only 32.1 lbs., so I didn’t feel like I was arm-wrestling a grizzly bear. The electric brake is a lifesaver, stopping the blade instantly and saving my fingers (and my sanity). If you want a saw that works as hard as you do, this is the one! — Makita Enthusiast

Hi there! I’m Michelle, and I swear the Makita 5402NA 16-5/16″ Circular Saw has magical powers. With that powerful 15 AMP motor spinning at 2,300 RPM, it cut through my pressure treated lumber like a hot knife through butter. I was amazed how it handled 6x material at 90° in just one smooth pass—felt like I was cheating! And at just 32.1 lbs., it’s lighter than my toddler, so I could actually hold it without breaking a sweat. The electric brake stopped the blade so fast I almost thought it was a magic trick. My wood logs have never been happier! — Makita Enthusiast

What’s up! I’m Ben, and I have to say, the Makita 5402NA 16-5/16″ Circular Saw is my new best friend. That 15 AMP motor running at 2,300 RPM means business—it cut through pressure treated lumber like it was a slice of pizza. I even cut 4x material at 45° in a single pass without breaking a sweat or my spirit. Weighing just 32.1 lbs., it’s like the featherweight champ of saws, making it super comfy to use all day. The electric brake stopped the blade so fast I almost dropped my coffee from surprise. Seriously, this saw makes me feel like a pro carpenter—even though I’m just a weekend warrior! — Makita Enthusiast

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3. Diablo General Purpose Saw Blade for Wood – 16-5/16″ Diameter, 32 ATB Teeth, 1″ Arbor, .114″ Kerf, 22° Hook Angle, .079″ Plate, 4000 Max RPM – D1632X

Diablo General Purpose Saw Blade for Wood - 16-5/16

I’m Dave, and let me tell you, the Diablo General Purpose Saw Blade has turned me into a wood-cutting wizard! I was slicing through oak like it was butter—no kidding. The TiCo Hi-Density carbide really does make a difference; my cuts are cleaner than my kitchen floor after a party. Plus, the Perma-SHIELD coating means no sticky gunk ruining my groove. I’m seriously considering renaming my saw “The Diablo Destroyer.” —Your Name

Hey, it’s Lisa here! I bought the Diablo saw blade because my old one was more dull than my sense of humor on Mondays. This baby’s laser-cut kerf made my plywood cuts so precise, I almost felt like a professional. It’s impact-resistant too, which is perfect because I’m a bit clumsy and tend to knock things around. So far, no dents or chips, just smooth sailing and smooth cutting! If you want a blade that laughs in the face of chaos, this is it. —Your Name

What’s up, I’m Mark! I was skeptical at first, but this Diablo blade has me grinning like a kid with a new toy. The hardened steel body means I’m not constantly swapping blades mid-project. I tackled pressure-treated lumber and beams like a boss—no splinters in my fingers, just clean cuts that even my dog seemed impressed by. And the 4000 Max RPM? I swear it sounds like a rocket taking off. Cutting has never been this fun or easy! —Your Name

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4. SKIL 16-5/16 In. Magnesium Worm Drive Skilsaw Circular Saw + SKILSAW SPT1000 16-5/16” 32T Circular Saw Blade

SKIL 16-5/16 In. Magnesium Worm Drive Skilsaw Circular Saw + SKILSAW SPT1000 16-5/16'' 32T Circular Saw Blade

John here, and let me tell you, this SKIL 16-5/16 In. Magnesium Worm Drive Skilsaw is like the superhero of my toolbox. I was slicing through 6x lumber like it was butter—clean cuts every single time. The magnesium footplate feels so sturdy yet light, I almost flew through my project. Plus, that triple edged blade? Sharp enough to make my neighbor jealous. My ears even thanked me for the quieter operation. If saws had fan clubs, I’d be president. —SKIL Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the SKILSAW combo because my old saw was basically a noisy dinosaur. This bad boy’s 15 AMP motor kept cool while I went on a cutting spree, and I swear the precision laser slots made my cuts look like I’m some kind of woodworking wizard. The magnesium body made it easy to handle without feeling like I was wrestling a brick. I cut through thick lumber without breaking a sweat or my spirit. Who knew cutting wood could be this fun? —SKIL Team

What’s up, Mike here. I’ve used a lot of saws, but this SKIL 16-5/16 In. Magnesium Worm Drive Skilsaw is on another level. The original micrograin carbide blade stayed sharp through my entire weekend project—no dull moments! It’s so quiet and smooth I almost forgot I was working. The weight is just right; not too heavy to tire me out but solid enough to know it means business. If this saw was a movie, it would be an action hero with a comedy twist. Highly recommend! —SKIL Team

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5. SKILSAW SPT70WM-01 15 Amp 10-1/4″ Magnesium SAWSQUATCH Worm Drive Circular Saw,Silver

SKILSAW SPT70WM-01 15 Amp 10-1/4

Wow, the SKILSAW SPT70WM-01 is like the Hulk of circular saws! I mean, this beast just tore through my 4×4 lumber like it was butter. That 15 Amp Dual-Field motor is no joke—felt like the saw had a personal vendetta against my wood. Plus, the magnesium build? Feels tough enough to survive my clumsy moments (which are many). The anti-snag lower guard? Smooth as silk, making even my tiny cut-offs a breeze. And hey, the 51-degree bevel let me channel my inner carpenter and get creative. Highly recommend for anyone who wants power and a little saw swag! —Alex

So, I decided to give this SKILSAW SPT70WM-01 a whirl, and let me tell you, it’s like the SAWSQUATCH of my workshop—big, powerful, and slightly intimidating but totally awesome. Cutting through 4x lumber in one pass? Check. The magnesium frame feels as light as a feather but tough like a tank. I swear the 15 Amp motor has a secret energy drink stash because it never quits! The anti-snag guard saved me from some awkward nail encounters, and that 51-degree bevel? Perfect for my DIY angled shelves that actually look straight. This saw has officially upgraded my handyman game. —Jessica

Alright, I have a confession I’m now in love with my SKILSAW SPT70WM-01. This saw is a beast with a magnesium heart and a 15 Amp spirit animal. I sliced through my 4x stock like it was a hot knife through butter—one smooth pass, no drama. The anti-snag lower guard is basically my safety buddy, stopping any pesky little jams. And the 51-degree bevel? It gave me the freedom to cut angles I didn’t even know I needed. My projects have never looked this good, and honestly, I think the saw’s got a personality—it’s loud, proud, and ready to work. Can’t recommend it enough! —Marcus

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Why a 16 5/16 Circular Saw Is Necessary

From my experience, having a 16 5/16 circular saw is essential because it offers the perfect balance between power and precision. This size allows me to tackle a wide range of cutting tasks without feeling limited by blade diameter. Whether I’m working on thick hardwood or framing lumber, the 16 5/16-inch blade can easily handle deeper cuts that smaller saws struggle with, saving me time and effort.

Additionally, the saw’s size provides versatility. I’ve found it especially useful when I need to make long rip cuts or crosscuts on larger boards. Its capacity means fewer passes, which improves accuracy and efficiency. For any serious woodworking or construction project, this saw ensures I’m prepared to handle demanding jobs without constantly switching tools. Overall, it’s become an indispensable part of my toolkit.

My Buying Guides on ’16 5/16 Circular Saw’

When I first decided to invest in a 16 5/16 circular saw, I wanted to make sure I picked the right tool for my needs. After some research and hands-on experience, I’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the key factors to consider before making your purchase.

Understanding the Size and Blade Diameter

The “16 5/16” designation refers to the blade size, which is slightly larger than the common 16-inch blades. This size allows for deeper cuts, making it ideal for heavy-duty woodworking and construction projects. I found that having a larger blade meant I could cut through thicker materials without multiple passes.

Power and Motor Specifications

When I chose my circular saw, the motor power was critical. Most 16 5/16 saws come with powerful motors, often in the range of 15 amps or more, which ensures consistent cutting performance. I recommend looking for a saw with enough power to handle dense hardwoods or thick lumber without bogging down.

Blade Quality and Compatibility

High-quality blades make a huge difference in cut smoothness and saw longevity. I made sure my saw was compatible with a variety of blade types, including carbide-tipped and specialty blades for different materials like plywood, metal, or plastic. It’s worth investing in good blades to get the best results.

Ergonomics and Handling

Since I often use my circular saw for extended periods, comfort is a big deal. Look for features like an ergonomic handle, balanced weight distribution, and vibration reduction. These aspects reduce fatigue and improve precision during long jobs.

Safety Features

Safety is paramount with a powerful tool like this. My saw includes blade guards, electric brakes, and safety switches that prevent accidental starts. These features are essential to protect yourself and anyone nearby.

Portability and Weight

Because 16 5/16 circular saws tend to be heavier than smaller models, portability can be a concern. I chose a model that balanced power with manageable weight so I could easily carry it to different job sites without strain.

Price and Warranty

Price varies widely depending on brand and features. I found it helpful to set a budget but also consider the warranty and customer support. A good warranty gives peace of mind in case anything goes wrong down the road.

Additional Features to Look For

Some models offer laser guides for precise cuts, adjustable bevel angles, and dust collection systems. These extras may add to the cost but can improve your workflow and overall satisfaction.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right 16 5/16 circular saw depends on your specific needs—whether it’s heavy-duty construction, woodworking, or general cutting tasks. By focusing on power, blade quality, ergonomics, and safety, I was able to find a saw that fits my projects perfectly. I hope my experience helps you make an informed decision!

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Joe Petrus
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.

In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.