Testing Worm-Drive Saws

Worm-drive saws have a reputation for being straightforward, heavyweight powerhouses, strong enough to cut through just about anything with the right blade. In testing seven widely available worm-drive tools, Oregon builder Scott Grice discovered a couple of favorable new realities: Today's saws are lighter than they used to be, and they also now can have some useful features, including rafter hooks, lighted plugs, onboard Allen wrenches, and better blade guards. In the end, Grice favored the Skil Mag SHD77M, but he had positive comments for each saw reviewed. This article includes a sidebar illustrating the two different gear mechanisms these saws use (worm vs. hypoid).

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