If you have ever wondered what saw is used for cutting concrete, the answer depends on the job size and precision you need. For small DIY tasks, an angle grinder with a diamond blade works great, while larger projects call for a walk-behind concrete saw or a chainsaw designed for masonry. This guide covers every type of saw and how to choose the best one for your project.
So you are facing a concrete cutting project and need to know what saw is used for cutting concrete. Maybe you are installing a new pipe, widening a doorway, or cutting your patio. The right saw can make the job smooth and safe. The wrong one can ruin your material or worse, hurt you.
Concrete is tough. It has rock, sand, and cement that wear down ordinary blades fast. That is why the saw you pick must match the size of the cut, the depth needed, and whether you can use water to control dust. In this guide, we break down every saw that can handle concrete. From handheld grinders to big walk‑behind machines, you will learn which tool fits your job.
Key Takeaways
- Job size matters: For small cuts, an angle grinder is the answer; for deep or long cuts, use a walk-behind saw.
- Blade type is crucial: Diamond blades are the standard for cutting concrete; never use a wood blade.
- Wet vs. dry cutting: Wet cutting reduces dust and cools the blade, but dry cutting is more portable.
- Safety first: Always wear hearing protection, eye protection, and a dust mask when cutting concrete.
- Power source: Electric saws are quieter and indoor-friendly; gas saws offer more power for heavy‑duty work.
- Special cases: A concrete chainsaw (hydraulic or gas) can cut through walls and thick slabs.
- Blade size impacts depth: Larger blades cut deeper – a 14‑inch blade cuts about 5 inches deep.
📑 Table of Contents
- 1. The Angle Grinder – Best for Small Jobs and Detail Cuts
- 2. Circular Saw with a Diamond Blade – For Planks and Slabs
- 3. Walk‑Behind Concrete Saw – For Large Slabs and Deep Cuts
- 4. Concrete Chainsaw – For Cutting Vertical Walls and Thick Slabs
- 5. Stihl TS and Similar Handheld Concrete Cut‑Off Saws
- 6. Specialty Saws: Wire Saws, Ring Saws, and Core Drills
- Conclusion
1. The Angle Grinder – Best for Small Jobs and Detail Cuts
If you are cutting a small piece of concrete, like a paver or a thin slab, an angle grinder is often the answer. This tool is lightweight and easy to handle. People use it for cutting rebar, scoring lines, and trimming edges.
What size angle grinder do you need?
A 4.5‑inch to 7‑inch angle grinder works for most small concrete cuts. But you must fit it with a diamond blade. Never use a grinding wheel or a wood blade – they will shatter or fail. Diamond blades have steel rims with diamond segments that grind through concrete.
Wet or dry cutting with an angle grinder
Most angle grinders are dry‑cut tools. You attach a dry‑cut diamond blade and go. But for long cuts, the blade heats up. Some grinders have a water attachment, but you can also spray water from a bottle to keep dust down. Remember: concrete dust is harmful. Always wear a respirator or dust mask.
When to choose an angle grinder
Use it for:
- Cutting concrete blocks or bricks
- Making shallow score lines (up to 1.5 inches deep)
- Trimming out concrete patches
- Reinforcement cutting (rebar)
Angle grinders are cheap and versatile. But they are not for deep cuts or long runs. The small disc limits depth to about 1.5 to 2 inches.
2. Circular Saw with a Diamond Blade – For Planks and Slabs
Many homeowners already own a circular saw. And yes, you can use it for concrete – if you switch the blade. A circular saw with a diamond blade can cut concrete sheets, panels, and thin slabs up to about 2 inches thick.
How to set up a circular saw for concrete
First, choose a good quality diamond blade that matches your saw’s arbor size. Then set the blade depth to just a bit deeper than the material. Go slow and let the blade do the work. Do not force the saw. If you smell burning or see smoke, you are pushing too hard.
Dry versus wet cutting with a circular saw
Most circular saws are dry tools. But you can buy special concrete circular saws with a water tank available for wet cutting. For occasional cuts, dry cutting is fine – but expect dust. Work outdoors or in well‑ventilated areas.
Pros and cons
- Pro: Uses a tool you already own
- Con: Limited depth – usually max 2 inches
- Pro: Great for scoring before breaking
- Con: Blade may overheat on long cuts
For cutting thin concrete pavers or cement board, this is a solid choice. But if you need deeper cuts, you need a bigger saw.
3. Walk‑Behind Concrete Saw – For Large Slabs and Deep Cuts
Now we move to the heavy hitters. When you are cutting a driveway, sidewalk, or floor slab, you need a walk‑behind concrete saw. This is the tool professionals use. It has a large blade (14 to 20 inches or more) and a powerful motor – usually gas or electric.
How does a walk‑behind saw work?
You push it along a guide or straight line. The blade spins at around 2,500 to 3,500 RPM. Water is typically sprayed on the blade to cool it and control dust. These saws can cut up to 6 or 7 inches deep in a single pass. Some models even let you adjust the cutting depth on the fly.
What to look for in a walk‑behind saw
- Blade diameter – bigger cuts deeper
- Water system – a must for dust control
- Weight – heavier saws are more stable
- Engine power – gas models like Husqvarna or Stihl give more torque
When to rent or buy
Most people rent a walk‑behind saw for a day or two. Unless you cut concrete every week, renting is smarter. A good walk‑behind saw costs thousands of dollars. Rental is usually $100–$200 per day, including the blade.
4. Concrete Chainsaw – For Cutting Vertical Walls and Thick Slabs
Ever wonder what saw is used for cutting concrete when you need to cut a doorway or a window opening in a wall? That is when you reach for a concrete chainsaw. It looks like a regular chainsaw, but the chain has diamond‑coated segments instead of teeth.
Types of concrete chainsaws
There are two main types: hydraulic and gas. Hydraulic chainsaws are powered by a separate power pack and work well for underwater or industrial use. Gas concrete chainsaws are portable and can cut up to 15 inches deep, depending on the bar length.
How to use a concrete chainsaw
Always use water to flush the cut and cool the chain. Without water, the chain will wear out fast. You also need to keep the chain tight – a loose chain can break. Concrete chainsaws are heavy, so mount them on a guide bar or use two hands.
Safety warning
Kickback is a real danger. Hold the saw firmly. Start the cut carefully and let the chain do the work. Never cut above shoulder height. Wear full protective gear: helmet, face shield, gloves, steel‑toe boots.
5. Stihl TS and Similar Handheld Concrete Cut‑Off Saws
Another common tool is the handheld cut‑off saw – often called a “Stihl saw” after the popular brand. These are like a big angle grinder but with a larger blade (12 to 14 inches). They are used for cutting pipes, curbs, and for demolition.
Wet vs. dry cut‑off saws
Most cut‑off saws are dry‑cut with water optional. But you can buy a wet kit. If you are cutting indoors or near electronics, use water. For outdoor jobs, dry cutting is faster. The dust will be heavy, so wear a respirator.
Blade selection
Use a diamond segmented blade for general concrete. For reinforced concrete, choose a blade with more diamond content. For asphalt, use a dedicated asphalt blade. The right blade prevents overheating and premature wear.
Comparing to a walk‑behind saw
A handheld cut‑off saw is more portable and works in tight spaces. But it is harder to make a perfectly straight cut without a guide. You can buy a guide rail kit. The depth is still limited – about 4 to 5 inches with a 14‑inch blade.
6. Specialty Saws: Wire Saws, Ring Saws, and Core Drills
For the toughest jobs, professionals use specialty tools. A diamond wire saw can cut through massive concrete structures – bridges, dams, or thick walls. The wire is a loop with diamond beads that cuts underwater or in confined spaces.
A ring saw uses a circular diamond blade that revolves around the cutting head. It is used for making plunge cuts in thick concrete. Core drills are for cutting round holes – for pipes or electrical conduits. They are not saws but are often used in concrete cutting projects.
These tools are expensive and require training. Unless you are a contractor, it is best to rent them or hire a pro. But knowing they exist helps you understand the range of options when asking what saw is used for cutting concrete.
Conclusion
So there you have it: the answer to what saw is used for cutting concrete depends entirely on your project. For small DIY jobs, an angle grinder or circular saw with a diamond blade will get the job done. For medium work like cutting curbs or pipes, go with a handheld cut‑off saw. For big slabs and driveways, nothing beats a walk‑behind saw. And for walls and deep cuts, a concrete chainsaw is the tool of choice.
Always pick the right blade – diamond blades are non‑negotiable. And never skip safety. Concrete cutting produces silica dust that damages your lungs. Protect yourself with a respirator, eye protection, and hearing protection. Water helps reduce dust, but it also makes the work messy – plan accordingly.
Now you know exactly which saw to grab for your next concrete project. Happy cutting!
Frequently Asked Questions
What saw is used for cutting concrete if I only have hand tools?
If you do not have power tools, you can use a hand‑held concrete saw like a block splitter or a hand saw with a carbide grit blade. But it is slow and tiring. For most jobs, a power saw is better. A hand saw works for thin pavers or drywall‑style concrete board.
Can I use a regular saw blade to cut concrete?
No. A regular wood or metal blade will dull instantly or shatter. Concrete requires diamond blades or abrasive blades specifically made for masonry. Always check the blade packaging for “concrete” or “masonry” rating.
Do I need water to cut concrete?
Water helps cool the blade and reduces dangerous silica dust. For wet‑cutting, use a water hose or a saw with a water tank. For dry‑cutting, you must wear a dust mask and cut outdoors. Some blades are rated for both wet and dry use.
What is the best saw for cutting concrete without a power outlet?
A gas‑powered saw is the best choice when there is no electricity. Handheld cut‑off saws like the Stihl TS 410 or walk‑behind saws with gas engines give you portability. Just remember to keep a supply of mixed gas and oil.
How deep can a typical concrete saw cut?
The depth depends on the blade size. A 4.5‑inch angle grinder cuts about 1.5 inches deep. A 14‑inch cut‑off saw reaches around 5 inches. A 20‑inch walk‑behind saw can cut up to 7 inches. For deeper cuts, you may need a concrete chainsaw or a two‑pass technique.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy a concrete saw?
For one‑time jobs, renting is cheaper and easier. Renting a walk‑behind saw costs $100–$200 per day. Buying a quality model can be $1,000 or more. If you cut concrete frequently (like a contractor), buying is worth it. Otherwise, rent.
