Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
Tool manufacturers continue to add more safety and fatigue-reducing features to their products. Examples abound with auto lock-on switches, auto lock-off switches, blade guards, and shields—just to start. You may take one safety feature for granted simply because you can’t see it—an electric brake. On the best circular saws and many other saws, an electric brake marks a premium feature. This solitary feature has saved many a blade, wood floor, cord, or even a finger or toe! It’s easy for a scrap of wood or some obstruction to prevent the blade guard from falling back in place after a cut. Without an electric brake, a blade can continue spinning for 10 seconds or more on some saws. An electric brake stops the blade in about 2 seconds. So how does a saw’s electric brake work to keep you safe?
The electric brake might be technically difficult to accomplish, but the mechanism is easy to explain. Real easy. Are you ready for it? Here it comes:
The flow of electricity reverses when the trigger is released.
Yep. That’s about it. Reversing the electrical flow throws the motor into reverse long enough to provide the friction needed to stop the rotating blade. As a result, the saw blade stops much more quickly than it otherwise would on its own. It’s easy to imagine the potential damage a blade spinning for 10-12 seconds after the cut could do—particularly with larger, heavier saws. Equal danger exists with both circular saws and angle grinders which can be set down while the blade still spins.
While some grinders have mechanical brakes that stop a rotating wheel or blade instantly, electric brakes (which make up a majority of these systems) rely on electricity to stop the blade.
Using saws that have an electric brake whenever possible alleviates this danger. If you’re the purchase decision maker for your company or even just buying a tool for your own use, an electric brake is one feature you should insist on.
While electrical brakes don’t have the same wear as mechanical systems, they can wear out over time due to brushes and other factors. In either case, it’s wise to monitor how long the blade spins after the trigger is released. If the brake ceases to stop the blade quickly, consider servicing or replacing the tool.
We also feel the need to point out how brushless motors help slow down blades. With a brushless motor, natural electric friction exists anytime power gets removed from the circuit. This tends to slow down spinning blades naturally—even if no specific blade brake circuit exists. Because brushless motors already use advanced electronics anyway, you find they often go ahead and integrate some kind of blade brake system to help slow down a spinning blade once you release the trigger.
Don’t think of the electric brake as the first line of defense. The operator always serves that role. Staying safe on the jobsite starts with your mindset. As with any tool, it’s possible for this mechanism and/or the blade guard to fail. The brake only serves as a backstop to careful use. The electric blade brake (or electronic brake) has likely been the invisible guardian of many tradesmen. Be sure it stays in working order.
Now you know the answer when someone asks you, “How does a saw’s electric brake work?” We hope you work more safely because of it. If you’re a Pro and you have circular saw safety tips, add them in the comments below or leave a comment on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
A liberty-loving, sensible, God-fearing options trader by day...Adam Spafford is known for his quick wit, easygoing demeanor, and readiness to lend a hand when called upon.
Turn back the clock to April 2021 and we got our hands on Flex 24V cordless tools for the first time. Our initial impressions were very positive, but now that we’ve had them for a while, it’s time to answer the broader question… are Flex 24V power tools any good? How Good Are Flex Cordless […]
Changing A Drill Bit Is Easier And Faster Than You Might Think Learning how to change a drill bit is very similar whether you have a Milwaukee, DeWalt, Black & Decker, Craftsman, Ryobi, or another brand of drill. However, there are several types depending on how you’re using the term “drill”. No matter what type […]
China’s Housing Market Woes Trigger US Real Estate Concerns The process of buying a new construction home has some complications. First, you get a construction loan the general contractor can draw from until it’s complete and then convert it over to a mortgage once you get the certificate of occupancy. Fortunately, the mortgage department at […]
The Number Of Angle Grinder Uses Make It A Must-Have Power Tool When you think of the must-have power tools your should own, what comes to mind? A drill, an impact driver, and a circular saw usually make everyone’s list. But what about an angle grinder? Understanding what an angle grinder is used opens your […]
an electronic brake saved my thumb and index finger
The article says, “The flow of electricity reverses when the trigger is released.” but AC supplies current flowing one way and then reversing all time so you need to explain more about this to make the statement correct.
Is there any way of know if the electric blade stop is malfunctioning? For example I am having a problem with my battery Makita circular saw that I have not been able to diagnose. It is not the brushes or the switch as I thought either of those could be the culprit and replaced them after reading over about them. Here is my problem. My saw acts like it wants to go but doesn’t I took apart the whole thing and it spins fine by hand so it seems that nothing is jammed in there. If you put your ear… Read more »
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn income when you click on an Amazon link. Thanks for helping us do what we love.
See our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.
Pro Tool Reviews is a successful online publication that has been providing tool reviews and industry news since 2008. In today’s world of Internet news and online content, we found that more and more professionals researched a large majority of their major power tool purchases online. That piqued our interest.
There’s one key thing to note about Pro Tool Reviews: We’re all about the professional tool user and tradesman!
Copyright ©2008-2022 Pro Tool Reviews, LLC. All rights reserved.
Professional Tool Reviews for Pros