Black & Decker 20V MAX POWERCONNECT 5-1/2 in. Cordless Circular Saw

20V MAX POWERCONNECT 5-1/2 in. Cordless Circular Saw

Features

  • Tool-free blade change
  • Pivoting shoe for increased control
  • Compatible with 20V MAX POWERCONNECT battery system
  • Includes battery and charger
  • 5-1/2 inch blade size
  • 2-year limited warranty

Specifications

Blade Diameter 5.5 in
Battery Included Yes
Battery Quantity 1
Battery Type 20V MAX Lithium Ion
Battery Capacity 1.5 Ah
Charger Included Yes
Charger Type Jack plug
Cordless Vs Corded Cordless
Max Rpm 3700 RPM
Motor Type Brushed
Number Of Batteries Required 1
Primary Application Cutting
Height 9.1 in
Length 14.3 in
Width 8.4 in
Weight 7.7 lb
Voltage 20 V
Gtin 00885911529280
Includes (1) circular saw, (1) blade, (1) battery, (1) charger
Warranty 2 Year Limited Warranty

Cordless circular saw with a 5-1/2 inch blade intended for general cutting tasks. Operates from a 20V MAX lithium-ion battery and includes a charger and a blade. Designed with a pivoting shoe to help control cutting depth/angle and a tool-free blade-change mechanism. Part of the 20V MAX POWERCONNECT system for battery compatibility with other tools in the same system.

Model Number: BDCCS20C

Black & Decker 20V MAX POWERCONNECT 5-1/2 in. Cordless Circular Saw Review

4.1 out of 5

A small, handy cutter for light-duty jobs

I reached for the Black & Decker 20V circular saw because I wanted a compact, cordless option for quick cuts around the house—breaking down plywood, trimming shelf stock, and making the occasional cut on 2x lumber without dragging out a corded saw. After several weekends of use, I’ve got a clear picture of where this 5-1/2 in saw shines, and where it hits its limits.

Design and ergonomics

This saw is compact and easy to manage. At roughly 7.7 lb with the included 1.5 Ah battery, it’s light enough for one-handed positioning and overhead trimming, yet stable enough to track a line. The handle angle is comfortable and the trigger and lock-off are positioned well. Visibility to the cut line is decent; I can see the blade and the front-of-shoe notches without hunching over the workpiece.

The shoe is a pivoting design and gives the saw a reassuringly controlled feel when setting depth or making bevel cuts. Adjustments are straightforward, and the depth scale is legible. Materials are what you’d expect at this price—mostly molded housing with a stamped shoe—but nothing felt flimsy in use.

Setup and features

Out of the box, you get the saw, a 5-1/2 in blade, one 20V MAX Lithium Ion battery (1.5 Ah), and a charger. The tool-free blade change is genuinely convenient. Swapping to a higher-tooth-count or thin-kerf blade took me under a minute and encouraged me to actually use the right blade for the material—always a plus for cut quality.

Bevel and depth adjustments are intuitive. I appreciated that I could set the blade just a hair below the stock for cleaner, safer cuts. As for bevel capacity, it’s serviceable for trim and small furniture jobs; just plan your cuts—this isn’t the tool for lots of 45° rips through thick stock.

Cutting capacity and what it will actually cut

A 5-1/2 in blade puts the max depth at roughly 1-7/8 in at 90°, and around 1-1/4 in at 45°. In practical terms:

  • 2x4s and 2x2s: one-pass cuts are fine at 90°, provided the blade is sharp and you use a steady feed rate.
  • 3/4 in plywood and OSB: no issue for crosscuts and short rips.
  • Sheet goods like MDF and particleboard: manageable with a fine-tooth/thin-kerf blade.
  • Plastics (PVC, acrylic) and composite trim: the saw feels well-matched, with good control and minimal kick.

Dense hardwoods, thick ripping, or continuous framing tasks are not its forte. The 3700 RPM brushed motor favors control over speed, and pushing the saw too hard will bog it down.

Performance and cut quality

The saw’s personality is predictable: it rewards sharp blades, thin kerf, and patient feed rates. I got clean cuts on 3/4 in birch ply with a 40-tooth thin-kerf blade. On SPF 2x stock, a 24-tooth framing blade cut straight without burning, but I could feel the motor working, especially on longer rips.

Stall protection is conservative—if you bind the blade or force it, the saw will shut down rather than grind through. That’s frustrating mid-cut but saves blades, batteries, and wrists. Once I adjusted to a smoother, slower feed and lined the work with supports to prevent pinching, stalls were rare.

Vibration is moderate and the guard retracts smoothly. There’s no fancy electronic brake here, but the blade winds down quickly. Noise is typical for a brushed compact saw—nothing ear-splitting, but I still wore hearing protection.

Battery life and the case for bigger packs

The included 1.5 Ah pack keeps weight down, but runtime is short. I could do a handful of cuts on 2x lumber or break down a sheet of plywood into a few panels before reaching for the charger. If you have other tools on the 20V MAX POWERCONNECT system, a 2.0 Ah or 4.0 Ah battery makes a very noticeable difference. Larger packs reduce voltage sag, meaning fewer stalls and a steadier feed. With a 4.0 Ah pack installed, the saw felt more confident and turned a “one quick task” tool into something I could use for a small project without constant swapping.

The included jack-plug charger is basic. It gets the job done, but don’t expect rapid turnarounds if you’re cycling one battery. If you intend to use the saw regularly, budget for a second battery.

Accuracy and control

For a compact DIY-focused saw, accuracy is respectable. The shoe rides smoothly along a guide and the front notch lined up well with the kerf once I dialed in my blade. I’d still recommend using a straightedge for long rips in sheet goods. The saw tracks better with a light touch—white-knuckling the handle and forcing the cut leads to deflection and stalls.

Tear-out on veneered plywood was minimal with a fine-tooth blade and a shallow depth setting. On framing lumber, edges were square with minimal cleanup required.

Practical tips to get the most out of it

  • Use thin-kerf blades. They reduce load and dramatically improve cut speed and battery life.
  • Set blade depth just past the material thickness. You’ll get cleaner cuts and fewer hang-ups.
  • Support the work on both sides of the cut to avoid binding.
  • Upgrade the battery. A 2.0–4.0 Ah pack transforms the experience.
  • Let the saw do the work. If the motor tone drops and the blade slows, back off the feed.

Durability and maintenance

The brushed motor and plastic-heavy build signal that this is a homeowner-grade tool. Treat it as such and it should last: don’t chew through wet PT lumber all afternoon, and keep the blade sharp. The 2-year limited warranty is a reasonable safety net. I didn’t encounter any alignment issues or loose adjustments over my test period.

Where it fits in a kit

If you’re already on Black & Decker’s 20V MAX POWERCONNECT platform for yard tools or drills, this saw is a convenient addition for light-duty cuts. It’s not going to replace a 6-1/2 in or 7-1/4 in contractor saw, but it plays a valuable role: grab-and-go convenience, compact size, and enough capability to tackle most quick DIY cuts without fuss.

If you’re starting from scratch and plan to build decks, frame walls, or rip a lot of sheet goods, a brushless 6-1/2 in saw with higher RPM and a larger battery will serve you better, albeit at higher cost and weight.

The bottom line

The Black & Decker 20V circular saw is a compact, approachable tool that excels at occasional, light-duty cutting. It’s comfortable to handle, straightforward to set up, and accurate enough for DIY furniture, shelving, and home repairs. Its limitations are equally clear: modest power at 3700 RPM, short runtime with the included 1.5 Ah battery, and a small blade that caps cutting depth and speed. Used within those boundaries—and with a thin-kerf blade and larger battery—it’s a handy, reliable helper.

Recommendation: I recommend this saw for homeowners and DIYers who need a lightweight, cordless cutter for small projects and already own POWERCONNECT batteries. It’s an easy-to-use, low-stress option for trim, sheet goods, and occasional 2x cuts. I don’t recommend it for heavy remodeling or frequent framing; if that’s your workload, step up to a more powerful, brushless 6-1/2 in model with higher RPM and larger batteries.



Project Ideas

Business

On-Site Custom Shelving & Closets

Offer cut-to-fit shelves and closet upgrades in apartments and condos where cords are a hassle. Measure, cut 2x and sheet goods on location, and bevel for scribe fits. Charge per shelf plus material; bring spare 20V batteries for continuous work.


Pop-Up Garden Goods Booth

Produce and sell cedar planter boxes, trellises, and potting benches at markets. The cordless saw lets you batch-build outdoors and offer on-the-spot custom sizing. Upsell with stain/sealer options and local delivery.


Mobile Trim & Threshold Service

Replace door thresholds, transition strips, window stools, and patch baseboards without dragging cords through homes. Use precise bevels and angle cuts for tight fits. Price per opening/linear foot; add a dust tarp and outdoor cut station.


Event/Retail Display Fabrication

Build A-frame signs, nesting crates, risers, and modular backdrops for shops and events. Cut and assemble on-site after hours with minimal noise and no cords. Offer rental plus custom branding for recurring revenue.


Cut-to-Size Lumber Delivery

Pick up sheet goods/2x from the yard, then cut to customer dimensions curbside for DIYers without saws. Charge per cut and per delivery zone; the compact saw handles most 2x and plywood breakdown efficiently with a straightedge guide.

Creative

Modular Cedar Planter Boxes (Beveled Corners)

Batch-cut cedar fence pickets and 2x lumber to make stackable planter boxes. Use the pivoting shoe to add 45° bevels for clean corner joints and cap trims. Swap to a fine-tooth blade (tool-free change) for splinter-free cuts on softwood and decorative edging.


Hexagon Floating Shelves

Create honeycomb wall shelves from 1x4 or 1x6 boards with repeated 30° cuts. The compact 5-1/2 in blade and cordless design make precise, repeatable angles easy with a simple guide. Bevel edges for seamless joints and sand for a minimalist look.


Fold-Flat Camp Table

Build a lightweight, packable table from 1x2 slats and a plywood top that nests or hinges to fold flat. Use straightedge-guided rips and crosscuts; the portable saw lets you work in a driveway or campsite and break down sheet goods without a table saw.


Slatted Entryway Shoe Bench

Construct a compact bench from 2x2 legs and 1x3 slats. Cut all pieces to length, add slight bevels on the edges for comfort, and assemble with pocket screws or dowels. Stain or paint for a modern, airy entryway piece.


Mid-Century Record Crate

Make stackable LP crates with hidden 45° mitered corners using the pivoting shoe. Cut handholds and add a beveled base frame for a floating look. Quick blade swaps help move between roughing plywood and making clean finish cuts.