DeWalt DCS5112 12V Extreme Circular Saw Review: Compact Power in a Small Package

Introduction

The DeWalt DCS5112 is part of the brand’s 12V Extreme line, and it makes an interesting first impression: it looks and sounds like a miniature version of a 20V circular saw, but in a far more compact body. Model number DCS5112, it uses a 5-3/8 inch blade and is aimed at smaller, quicker cuts rather than heavy framing work.

Weight is where this saw genuinely surprises. Tool only, with the blade fitted, it comes in at roughly 4 pounds 13 to 14 ounces. Add a 5Ah battery and the whole thing is still only around 5 pounds 12 ounces, which keeps it firmly in backpack-friendly territory.

In testing, it cuts through 2x4s like they are nothing, and it does a really good job of it. It runs a little slower than a full 20V saw, and the motor is clearly leaning on torque, but for a 12V tool the performance is genuinely impressive.

Who This Saw Is For

This saw makes the most sense if you are looking for something smaller and more compact for quick rips and smaller cuts, the kind of work that does not need a full-size saw. It fits nicely in a backpack, which is exactly why it was picked up in the first place.

If you are a homeowner who does not need anything extreme from a circular saw, this is a fantastic option. You will mostly be cutting 2x4s at the largest, and for anything bigger you would want a 7-1/4 inch saw, something larger, or even a miter saw for cuts where a circular saw is not the right tool anyway.

Main Strengths

The headline strength is how full-featured this saw is for its size and price. It comes with the usual blade guard, plus a full-size rafter hook, which is a really nice touch on a tool this small. The hook clears, though it is tight, with just a bit of space to spare.

The compact motor barely protrudes from the body, and the shoe offers a lot of adjustment options for depth of cut. With a 5-3/8 inch blade you do not have a ton of depth to play with, but it will get the job done for most jobs. A blade change tool is stored on the tool itself, and the bit pops in and out easily while staying solid.

Noise levels are pleasantly low, the saw is easy to control, and it does not jerk back at you. It is powerful without being over the top, and it will get the job done even if it is not built for ultra heavy duty work.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Battery choice makes a modest difference. Testing a 5Ah battery against a 2Ah, the biggest difference is run time, with maybe 10% more power from the 5Ah pack. A 12V saw like this is not hugely dependent on battery size, since you are probably not cutting anything too crazy with it anyway.

The battery position is generally well designed, though the pack does hang out a bit at the end of the tool. It would be nicer if it tucked in tighter, but even with that overhang the saw is already super compact. The one practical limitation worth planning around is blade availability: finding replacement 5-3/8 blades is probably the only real issue, since not every store carries them.

Buying Advice

Price is where this saw gets interesting. There are two realistic routes. In-store, a current Lowe’s deal lets you buy the $200 drill and impact kit with two batteries, then pick a free tool of your choice, and this saw is one of the eligible options. That bundle is an absolutely fantastic deal if you need the drill and impact anyway.

Alternatively, the saw can be found brand new in the box on eBay for around $70 with free shipping, and listings generally sit between $70 and $85. As more people buy the kits, the free tools get resold, so patient buyers can land a genuinely good deal. It is also definitely cheaper than comparable Milwaukee M12 Fuel options, though whether it is better or worse overall would need a head-to-head test to say. Ordering a few spare blades online is a smart move regardless of which route you take.

Conclusion

The DeWalt DCS5112 is a compact, lightweight, and surprisingly capable circular saw that handles 2x4s with ease and packs a full feature set, including a full-size rafter hook and onboard blade change tool. At roughly $70 to $85 new on eBay, or free with the current drill and impact kit bundle, it is an easy recommendation for homeowners and anyone who wants a genuinely portable saw for small jobs. Keep spare 5-3/8 blades on hand, and there is very little to complain about.