CHICAGO ELECTRIC TOE KICK SAW
Budget Friendly, Flush Cut Saw
BUDGET: C.E. TOE KICK SAW
TOP ALTERNATIVES:
› OSCILLATING SAW: DEWALT CORDLESS
› OSCILLATING BLADES: WOOD ASSORTMENT PACK
› MULTI-TOOL: COMPACT DREMEL
Remodeling a kitchen often requires cutting up and removing old floors.
But, as many DIY’ers find (and contractors know), removing a subfloor that was put in before the cabinets is a standard part of the job.
While you can remove trim easily, cutting close to cabinets is often a challenge, as toe kicks do not allow traditional power saws into the tight space. Which, either planned or unplanned, leaves DIY’er looking for alternative solutions.
Rather than invest in this specialty saw, we’ll show you a few power and hand tools to do the job. And be useful later, so your investment is worthwhile.
toe kick cutting challenges
The track saws, circular saws, and jigsaws you own aren’t made to fit under a toe kick.
Which leaves any alternative to the traditional toe kick saw to tackle:
- Maximum height of 3-1/2 inches
- Flush cutting to the toe kick
- No damage to the face of the cabinets
- Controlled depth of cut to not damage the subfloor
- And the speed of removal
Fortunately, for small jobs on thinner floors, a few options will allow you to skip the expense of another tool.
Regardless of the tools chosen, an option DIY’ers may take is removing the toe kick and then carefully installing it again.
Warning: these alternative tools may damage the face of the cabinet toe kick if not used correctly or if the toe kick is not removed. Please feel free to consult a professional if you need more help.
Alternative #1: Oscillating Tool
See on Amazon: Dewalt Cordless Oscillating Tool
If you don’t own an oscillating tool and plan to remodel, build or redo a deck or do many DIY jobs, this tool is one you won’t regret investing in.
It is also arguably the best toe kick saw alternative as it is both powered and can remove even thicker subfloors when properly used. However, you’ll want a few blades including a semi-round and straight edge for corners.
Reasons to Pick
- Allows for flush cuts when equipped with the proper blade
- Re-usable for future projects
- Suitable for larger projects
- Blades can cut thru metal nails or staple heads
Reasons to Pass
- Cost of another tool
- Larger jobs where this tool works but is too time-consuming
- You aren’t comfortable risking damage to the toe kick
Lastly, if your project involves adjusting door jamb heights, this saw will work for both the subfloor under the cabinet toe kick and around doors or other trim.
Alternative #2: JAPANESE SAW
See on Amazon: SUIZAN Japanese Saw
Woodworkers know that flush-cutting dowels, making dovetails, or even starting holes in the center of wood require a Japanese saw.
This saw an option for cutting toe kicks on small jobs with minimal risk of hitting nails below the flooring surface.
Reasons to Pick
- Perfect flush cuts
- Minimal risk of damaging toe kick face
- Small jobs of up to four to six feet of cabinet kick space
Reasons to Pass
- Large jobs
- Subfloor with nails (common)
- Time required for manual tool option
The most significant risk in attempting a Japanese saw is hitting just one nail will severely damage the intricate teeth on this saw.
Of note, Suizan is a top manufacturer of Japanese saws, and this is an excellent tool for cutting shims or door jambs.
Alternative #3: Multi-Tool
See on Amazon: Compact Dremel Rotary Tool
With millions of DIY’ers either owning or eventually acquiring a Dremel, a small-job alternative for patient use and thin subfloor is a rotary tool.
Equipped with rotary saw blades and a bit of patience, it’s possible to cut floors close enough to finish the job with (more patience) a chisel.
Reasons to Pick
- Budget
- Smaller jobs
Reasons to Pass
- Will not work in thick subfloors
- Time consuming
- Does not cut flush
Alternative #4: Drill Saw Blades
See on Amazon: Rotary Drill Saw Blades
If using an existing tool and getting “close enough” is ok, then a tiny saw blade attached to a drill might be the solution for smaller jobs.
Unfortunately, these small saw blades can’t be attached without a screw protruding. As you can guess, they are forcing the saw blade to be about 1/8-inch from being flush.
Warning: this tool will damage the face of the cabinet toe kick if not used properly or the toe kick removed.
Reasons to Pick
- Budget
- Smaller jobs where a slower approach is allowed
- Thinner subfloor
Reasons to Pass
- Will not work in thick subfloors
- Time consuming
- Does not cut flush
Alternative #5: CUTOFF SAW
See on Amazon: Genesis 3-inch
If the power for larger jobs and budget is a priority, then a cutoff saw that gets “close enough” to let you finish the job with a chisel is an option.
Reasons to Pick
- Inexpensive
- Can tackle larger jobs
- Chiseling or other labor to finish a job is acceptable
- Shield helps prevent damage to toe kick
Reasons to Pass
- Flush cutting required
- Large jobs may require multiple discs
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep does a toe kick saw cut?
Toe kick saws will cut layers of laminate or floor up to 3/4″ of an inch thick. If these saws cut deeper, they risk damaging the subfloor below.
How tall is a toe kick?
The standard height of a toe kick is 3-1/2 inches tall and 3-inches deep
Can a toe kick saw cut tile?
Unless equipped with a blade made of ceramic, a toe kick saw is generally only used on wood. Instead of cutting the ceramic, scoring and then breaking the tiles up to the edge of the cabinets is often preferred.
Conclusion
With cutting under a cabinet a specialty task, a direct toe kick is not seen as an alternative. And while there are options, it is often best to forgo the extra few dollars and use a saw that will do a professional job.
- Designed for cutting away subfloors from...
- Cuts flush to the wall or cabinets
- High quality alloy blades for woods, 1 diamond...
- 4 cutting depth positions: 3/16 in, 3/8 in, 1/2...
- Trigger switch with safety button, easy access...
- This Flooring Saw designed For Cutting Away...
- Great for cutting underlayments under toe kicks.
- High Quality Alloy Blades For Woods, 1 Diamond...
- 4 Cutting Depth Positions: 3/16 In, 3/8 In, 1/2...
- Trigger switch with safety button, easy access...
- Designed for cutting away subfloors from...
- Cuts flush to the wall or cabinets
- High quality alloy blades for woods, 1 diamond...
- 4 cutting depth positions: 3/16 in, 3/8 in, 1/2...
- Trigger switch with safety button, easy access...
- 1. PRECISION TOE KICK CUTTING – Engineered for...
- 2. POWERFUL PERFORMANCE & EFFICIENCY – Equipped...
- 3. VERSATILE FLUSH CUTTING DESIGN – Not limited...
- 4. ADJUSTABLE CUTTING DEPTH – Features four...
- 5. USER-FRIENDLY & SAFE DESIGN – Designed with a...
- Designed for cutting away subfloors from...
- Cuts flush to the wall or cabinets
- High quality alloy blades for woods, 1 diamond...
- 4 cutting depth positions: 3/16 in, 3/8 in, 1/2...
- Trigger switch with safety button, easy access...
Last update on 2025-06-02 at 13:58 / Images from Amazon
- About the Author
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Eric has been a professional woodworker for over thirty years and has worked in small cabinet shops making everything from kitchen cabinets to hand-made furniture. Now working from a home woodworking shop Eric is sharing his passion for woodworking, tool advice and how-to knowledge from his Minnesota-based woodshop.
