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DeWalt 12V MAX 5-3/8 in. Brushless Cordless Circular Saw (Tool Only) (DCS512B) vs Makita 18V LXT 5-3/8" Circular Trim Saw, Tool Only (XSS03Z)

Official DeWalt and Makita cordless tools, ranked in this category from the makers' product pages.

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Best for: Official 12 V, 3600 RPM, 6.35 lb

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Best for: Official 18 V, 3600 RPM, 6 lb

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Spec-by-spec comparison

Green marks the better published figure. "Not listed" means the manufacturer doesn't publish it.

SpecDeWalt 12V MAX 5-3/8 in. Brushless Cordless Circular Saw (Tool Only) (DCS512B)Makita 18V LXT 5-3/8" Circular Trim Saw, Tool Only (XSS03Z)Weight
Official tool weightThe official tool weight published on the maker's product page, in pounds. When the official page lists a weight excluding the battery, we use that official tool-only figure. Official values outside the reference range are clamped for scoring only; the official figure is still shown. 6.35 lb 6 lb 30%
Official voltageThe official battery-platform voltage published on the maker's product page (for example M12 / 12V max, M18 / 18V LXT, 20V MAX, 40V XGT or 60V MAX). A higher official platform voltage is not automatically the right tool for tight spaces. Official values outside the reference range are clamped for scoring only; the official figure is still shown. 12 V 18 V 25%
Official brushless motorWhether the official product page lists a brushless motor (Yes) or a brushed motor / no official listing. An official brushless listing scores at the top of this criterion; Not listed scores at the category minimum. Yes No 20%
Official model numberDCS512BXSS03Zinfo
Official product name12V MAX 5-3/8 in. Brushless Cordless Circular Saw (Tool Only)18V LXT 5-3/8" Circular Trim Saw, Tool Onlyinfo
Official voltage12 V18 Vinfo
Official no-load speed3600 RPM3600 RPMinfo
Official tool weight6.35 lb6 lbinfo
Official brushless motorYesNoinfo
Official max torqueNot listedNot listedinfo
Official blade diameter538.0-in8 ininfo
Official motor typeBrushlessBrushedinfo
Official configurationTool only (battery and charger sold separately, per the official product page).Tool only (battery and charger sold separately, per the official product page).info
Official battery systemNot listed18V LXT Lithium-Ioninfo
TorquePick score5.6/103.5/10100%

Where each one comes out ahead

DeWalt 12V MAX 5-3/8 in. Brushless Cordless Circular Saw (Tool Only) (DCS512B)

Better published figure on: Official brushless motor.

What we like

  • Official maker product page lists a no-load speed of 3600 RPM.
  • Official maker product page lists a brushless motor.

Watch out for

  • Official maximum torque is Not listed as a specification on the official product page we used.

Makita 18V LXT 5-3/8" Circular Trim Saw, Tool Only (XSS03Z)

Better published figure on: Official tool weight, Official voltage.

What we like

  • Official maker product page lists a no-load speed of 3600 RPM.

Watch out for

  • Official maximum torque is Not listed as a specification on the official product page we used.

Verdict

Official no-load speed is 3600 RPM vs 3600 RPM; compare official tool weight, official voltage and whether the official page lists a brushless motor. Official torque, when published, is shown as a fact.

DeWalt 12V MAX 5-3/8 in. Brushless Cordless Circular Saw (Tool Only) (DCS512B) on AmazonMakita 18V LXT 5-3/8" Circular Trim Saw, Tool Only (XSS03Z) on Amazon
Spec sources

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