Skil Circular Saw 5480 (2016)

The Skil 5480 circular saw has a powerful 13-amp motor that spins up to 4,600 RPM, making it great for tough cutting jobs. It uses a 7-1/4 inch blade, has a 45 degree bevel capacity for angled cuts, and is fairly lightweight at around 9.6 lbs. It also has improved stability, a better line of sight, rear-depth adjustment, and handy on-board wrench storage. Safety-wise, it includes an anti-snag lower guard, a trigger with a safety lock, and a power-on indicator. The construction is durable, with a solid base plate and cor fortable handles for better control.

The SKIL circular saw model 5480 was released in March 2011. It's now discontinued and considered outdated, with no replacement parts available. It hasn’t been said how many units of the circular saw were manufactured and sold. The Skil 5480 circular saw was sold in the U.S. at stores like Lowe's and Walmart and has also been available internationally through sites like eBay and Ubuy.

The Skil 5480 circular saw is mainly for homeowners and DIYers. It's good for light projects like cutting plywood or building shelves, and it's especially beginner-friendly. It's not meant for heavy-duty, professional use. The selling price for the Skil Circular Saw 5480 varies based on the retailer and ongoing promotions, but almost all of them are between 40 to 150 dollars. The Skil circular saw 5480 doesn’t have anything particularly noteworthy nor has not been subject to a major, high-profile recall or scandal.

The Skil 5480 circular saw hasn't been recalled, but users report some common issues:

• Blade slippage from worn washers or loose arbor nut

• Stalling on thicker cuts, often from a dull blade or wrong extension cord gauge

• Blade misalignment causing poor cuts or binding

• Wear and tear like bearing noise after heavy use

Fixes: keep blades sharp, use the right extension cord, check/replace worn washers, and realign the baseplate if needed.

The Skil 5480’s most common failures are in the motor brushes, armature, power switch, power cord, and blade hardware.

• Motor brushes wear out with use-signs include weak power, heavy sparking, or failure to start.

• Armature can burn out from overload, causing smoke, sparking, and loss of speed.

• The power switch often fails after heavy use, preventing the saw from turning on.

• Power cord can get cut or damaged, leading to intermittent or no power (and should be replaced immediately for safety).

• Blade hardware (retaining ring, washers, arbor nut) can loosen or wear, making the blade slip or misalign.

• Other issues include poor blade alignment (causing binding/k. V Jack) and worn gears/bearings (causing grinding or sudden stops)

Most people say the Skil 5480 is a solid, reliable saw for homeowners and DIY projects. It's durable, affordable, easy to use, and light enough to handle comfortably. It works well for cutting plywood and 2x4s, but it's not powerful enough for heavy-duty jobs. Downsides include the low-quality stock blade, short power cord, and parts that don't hold up to pro-level use.

The 5480 holds a specific place in the Skil product family by prioritizing simplicity and reliability over advanced features.

• Essential functionality: It provides the core features needed for common household and light workshop tasks, such as straight and bevel cuts.

• Affordability: It is often a more budget-friendly option compared to the more feature-rich corded models or the pricier cordless systems that require batteries and chargers.

• Durability for its class: While not a prograde tool, the 5480 is known for its durable construction and is considered a solid, long-lasting choice for its intended use.

While the Skil Circular Saw 5480 doesn't replace a single, specific model, it updates the user experience with a design focused on improved ergonomics and performance for everyday users.

Key Differences

• Ergonomics: The 5480 is designed to be a more compact and lighter tool compared to earlier versions, making it easier for DIYers to handle and maneuver.
• Power: the newer model offers increased power, which allows for quicker completion of tasks.
• Branding: The SKIL 5480 is branded under the SKIL name, which is designated for the do-it-yourself (DIY) market, whereas the SKILSAW brand is for professional construction users.

The Skil 5480 circular saw was replaced with the 5580 model by offering a lighter, more powerful 13-amp motor with a higher RPM (4,600), 45-degree bevel capacity, a heavier-duty 7-1/4-inch carbide-tipped blade, and onboard storage for the blade wrench.

The Skil Circular Saw 5480 has a black body, a metal base plate for setting cuts, a rear handle with a safety lock and trigger, a front handle for stability, and a metal lower guard to prevent snags. Key features of the circular saw include a safety lock, anti-snag lower guard, two-point line of sight for straight cuts, and on-board wrench storage.

To identify a Skil 5480 saw:

• Check the nameplate - the model number

"5480" is usually on the motor housing or footplate.

• No laser guide - unlike the 5280 and 5680.

• Blade and bevel - comes with an 18-tooth blade and 45 degree bevel (other models often have 24 teeth and 519.

• Weight - lighter at 9.6 lbs compared to heavier, more powerful Skil saws.

The model number on a Skil circular saw 5480 is located on the nameplate, or label, on the body of the tool. On this particular saw, it is often found near the bevel adjustment. The nameplate will also list the tool's serial number and other specifications. Look for a sticker or plaque somewhere on the motor housing, away from moving parts.

SKIL circular saws, like the 5280-01, come in different colors depending on the retailer. To see options, check the Skil website, contact stores like Home Depot or Lowe's, or search by the model number.

The Skil 5480 can be identified by its nameplate showing "5480," a wider footplate for stability, a two-point line of sight for straighter cuts, onboard wrench storage, a power-on LED, and a rear depth adjustment lever. It's lightweight, compact, has a plastic body with a metal footplate, a guarded trigger, and an anti-snag lower blade guard for safer, smoother operation.

Key Specifications

• Model: 5480-01
• Blade Diameter: 7-1/4 inch
• Motor: 13 Amp, 2.3 HP
• Arbor Size: 5/8 inch
• Bevel Capacity: 0-45 degrees (some models offer up to 51 degrees)
• Max. Cut Capacity at 90°: 2-7/16 inch
• Max. Cut Capacity at 45°: 1-15/16 inch
• Power Source: Corded Electric
• Weight: 11.8 lbs.

Features

• Spindle Lock: For quick and easy blade changes
• Integrated Dust Blower: Keeps the line of cut clear of sawdust
• Contoured Main Handle: Provides comfort and control
• Power-On Indicator: Alerts the user to the tool's power status
• Anti-Snag Lower Guard: Reduces snags when making narrow cut-offs
• Two-Point Line of Sight: Aids in cutting straight lines with ease
• On-Tool Wrench Storage: Facilitates quick blade changes
• Rear Lever Depth Adjustment: Allows for quick changes in the desired depth of cut

Sources:

https://www.skil.com/120v-circular-saw-5...

https://www.jobsitesupplyco.com/pd458031...

https://www.valleyconstructionsupplyinc.....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/125662450368#:~...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/356696215654

Skil 5380 Type-1

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https://www.searspartsdirect.com/manual/...