How to Fix a Circular Saw That Won't Start (Stop Working!) - Quick Tool Tips (2023)

If your circular saw has stopped working and won't turn on, it is due to a blown switch or damaged power cables/cords. A tripped circuit breaker, loose locknuts, worn carbon brushes, or a dirty switch are other reasons why your circular saw won't turn on.

Why won't my circular saw turn on?

If your circular saw has stopped working and won't turn on, it is due to a blown switch or damaged power cables/cords. A tripped circuit breaker, loose locknuts, worn carbon brushes, or a dirty switch are other reasons why your circular saw won't turn on.

When do you need to replace your circular saw switch?

One of the most common reasons your circular saw won't turn on is a blown switch. Your circular saw may have experienced excessive overheating that burned the switch contacts. Since the switch carries current to the motor, a blown switch will prevent your circular saw from working.

What causes a circular saw to trip a circuit breaker?

A circuit breaker turns itself off to prevent overheating the wiring and a fire. The reason your circular saw trips the circuit breaker is due to excessive current, a problem with the circular saw, or a wiring issue.

It's best to check this before doing anything to avoid possible electrical hazards.

Damaged power cord or wire

A circular saw will not work without a power cord. But more often than not, the power cord is damaged due to excessive current flow, age, or heavy use.

The power cord should be checked periodically to avoid electric shock, electric shock and even fire.

Miss Dornmuttern

Loose spindle nuts could be the reason why your circular saw is not working. This could be due to wear on the spindle nut or threads, the saw blade not seating properly causing the spindle nut not to bind, or excessive vibration..

worn carbon brushes

Another reason your circular saw may not work is carbon brushes that are worn out. Carbon brushes are an important part of a circular saw motor as they make electrical contact with the commutator. Once the brushes are ground down, the engine will most likely not run.

dirty switch

A simple dirty switch could be the reason why you cannot use your circular saw. Most of the time, the switch is full of dust and just needs to be cleaned.

How to fix a circular saw that won't turn on?

There are many ways to fix your circular saw that won't start, most notably tightening the spindle nut, replacing the blown switch, or replacing worn carbon brushes.

How do I tighten the nut on the circular saw chuck?

Sometimes the only fix needed is to tighten the circular saw spindle nut. Simply:

1. Check that the motor screws are loose.
2. Turn off the circular saw.
3. Tighten the axle nut with a blade wrench.
4. Turn the screw counterclockwise if you have a right-handed circular saw; turn clockwise if you have a left-handed circular saw.
5. Check the coupling from time to time and make sure it is secure.
6. Be careful not to overtighten the clutch.

How to replace burned out circular saw switch?

The burnt-out circular saw switch is unusable and your only option is to replace it. Here are the steps to replace a circular saw switch:

1. Remove half of the pistol grip.
2. Remove the two large screws at the top of the handle.
3. Separate the handle into two parts.
4. Loosen the screw that connects the switch to the box.
5. Pull the switch out of the chassis.
6. Note each cable position.
7. Take them off the old switch.
8. Test the new switch with the multimeter.
9. Install the new switch by placing the wires in each wire location.
10. Attach the new switch to the cabinet.
11. Install the screw to secure it.
12. Make sure all wires are securely fastened.
13. Replace the handle and secure with the screws.

How do I change worn out circular saw carbon brushes?

Carbon brushes for circular saws need to be inspected when worn and may need to be replaced. Proceed as follows to replace the carbon brushes:

1. Unscrew the brush cap.
2. Take the spring and cable.
3. Move the brush away from the motor.
4. Insert the new brush followed by the spring.
5. Slide the new brush and spring into the brush holder.
6. Hold the brush cap and put it on.
7. Screw the brush cap back on.

Why is my Dewalt circular saw not working?

A compromised field could be the reason your Dewalt circular saw won't turn on. How to Fix a Dewalt Circular Saw That Doesn't Work:

1. Use the screwdriver to remove the handle half, motor cover and motor brushes.
2. Unscrew the screws holding the motor housing and handle together.
3. Separate the motor housing from the blade housing.
4. Then remove the inner ring from the box and note the position of each cable in the panel.
5. Disconnect the wires and remove the two screws that secure the case to the case.
6. Remove the old box.
7. Use a multimeter to check the condition of the new field.
8. If everything is fine and working, install the new box.
9. Fix the box with the screws.
10. Turn the housing over and firmly press the brush housing into the new field.
11. Reconnect the wires to their respective wire locations on the panel.
12. Place the inner ring and motor housing back on the armature.
13. Fix the motor frame with the screws and the lower handle.
14. Finally, replace the top handle, motor brushes and motor cover.

Why is my Ryobi circular saw not working?

A Ryobi circular saw may not start due to an old battery or a burned out motor. Here are the steps to fix a non-running Ryobi circular saw:

1. Click the button on the bottom of the Ryobi circular saw
2. Insert the new battery.
3. Be sure to inspect the cord and cords for damage or scarring. If there is damage, it must be replaced.
4. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws to open the circular saw.
5. Remove the gearbox housing.
6. Unsolder the wires connected to the motor.
7. Loosen the two screws that secure the gearbox to the engine.
8. Attach the new engine to the gearbox by securing it with the two screws.
9. Insert the new motor and secure with screws, then re-solder the wires to the motor.
10. Reinstall the gearbox by installing the bolts.

Why is my Makita circular saw not working?

Your Makita circular saw may not start due to faulty motor brushes or mismatched clutch screws. Below are the steps to fix your Makita circular saw that won't turn on:

1. Unscrew the brush caps and remove the brushes from the motor.
2. If the brushes are stuck and you can't get them out, try removing the cap on the back of your Makita circular saw.
3. Shake the brush holder to which the motor brushes are connected.
4. From there you can slide the brushes to the other side to take them out.
5. Try to check if the axle nut is loose and secure it with a spanner if necessary.
6. Make sure not to overdo it.

Why won't my Bosch circular saw work?

Your Bosch circular saw won't start due to a dead battery, bad carbon brushes, or a bad trigger. Here are the steps to fix your Bosch circular saw that won't start:

1. Try charging the battery and check that the battery is securely connected to the Bosch circular saw.
2. Look for defects in the connections inside the saw.
3. Check the carbon brushes by removing the brush caps.
4. Remove the motor brushes and check for wear.
5. Replace them with new motor brushes.
6. Open the trigger or switch and see sawdust or burns.
7. Clean the switch from sawdust and dirt.
8. If the internal contacts are burnt, replace them.

Why is my Hitachi circular saw not working?

The reason your Hitachi circular saw is not working is due to a faulty field, an overheated motor, or worn motor brushes. Below are the steps to fix your Hitachi circular saw that won't turn on:

1. Unscrew the bolts securing the gearbox housing.
2. Remove the blade gearbox.
3. Remove any sawdust that is on the pieces.
4. Check the field with the multimeter.
5. If it is faulty, install a new field.
6. Unplug the Hitachi circular saw and check the motor.
7. Open the circular saw and replace the motor if it overheats.
8. Check the motor brushes by unscrewing the brush caps.
9. Remove the brushes from the motor. If the motor brushes are worn, it is better to replace them.
10. If the brush holder is broken, drill a hole in the motor housing for the motor brushes to accommodate the brushes.

Why is my Milwaukee circular saw not working?

A saw blade that is too tight or burnt out motors could be the reason why your Milwaukee circular saw is not working. To fix your non-running Milwaukee circular saw, follow these steps:

1. Determine if the clutch bolt attached to the blade is too tight and try to loosen it slightly with a blade wrench.
2. Check the motors by opening the Milwaukee circular saw.
3. If the motor has burned out, it must be replaced.
4. Also check the switch and see if the contacts are burnt.
5. Replace any burned parts.

Why is my Craftsman circular saw not working?

A faulty power cord, burnt switch contacts, or bad motor brushes are some of the reasons why your Craftsman circular saw won't turn on. Here are the steps to fix a Craftsman circular saw that won't turn on:

1. Check the power cord for damage and replace if damaged.
2. Check the inner cable for damage near the connector by dangling the cable near this area.
3. Replace plug if damaged.
4. See if the switch is blown or just dirty.
5. Clean the switch if sawdust is present and replace the switch contacts if they are fried.
6. Check the condition of the motor brushes by loosening the brush caps and removing the motor brushes.
7. If the motor brushes are worn, it is best to replace them as well.