1. Introduction
This instruction manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use of your DEWALT XR 18V 165mm Circular Saw, model DCS565NT-XJ. Please read this manual thoroughly before operating the tool to ensure proper handling, maximize performance, and prevent injury. Keep this manual for future reference.
The DEWALT DCS565NT-XJ is a versatile and powerful cordless circular saw designed for a wide range of cutting applications. It features a brushless motor for extended runtime and durability, a 165mm blade, and tool-free adjustments for depth and bevel cutting.
2. Safety Instructions
Always follow basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and personal injury when using power tools.
2.1 General Power Tool Safety Warnings
- Work Area Safety: Keep your work area clean and well-lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents. Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust.
- Electrical Safety: Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
- Personal Safety: Always wear eye protection. Use safety equipment such as dust masks, non-skid safety shoes, hard hats, or hearing protection when appropriate. Dress properly; avoid loose clothing or jewelry. Keep hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts.
- Tool Use and Care: Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools.
2.2 Circular Saw Specific Safety Warnings
- Keep hands away from cutting area and the blade. Keep your second hand on the auxiliary handle, or motor housing. If both hands are holding the saw, they cannot be cut by the blade.
- Do not reach underneath the workpiece. The guard cannot protect you from the blade below the workpiece.
- Adjust the cutting depth to the thickness of the workpiece. Less than a full tooth of the blade should be visible below the workpiece.
- Never hold the workpiece in your hands or across your leg while cutting. Secure the workpiece to a stable platform. It is important to support the work properly to minimize body exposure, blade binding, or loss of control.
- Hold the tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the cutting accessory may contact hidden wiring or its own cord.
- Use only blades with the correct size and shape of arbor holes. Blades that do not match the mounting hardware of the saw will run eccentrically, causing loss of control.
- Never use damaged or incorrect blade washers or bolts. The blade washers and bolt were specially designed for your saw, for optimum performance and safety of operation.
3. Product Overview
The DEWALT DCS565NT-XJ circular saw is designed for precision and power. Key components include the blade, blade guard, depth adjustment lever, bevel adjustment lever, main handle, and auxiliary handle.

Figure 3.1: Front view of the DEWALT XR 18V 165mm Circular Saw, showing the blade, guard, and main handle.

Figure 3.2: Side view of the circular saw, highlighting the motor housing and depth adjustment mechanism.

Figure 3.3: Back view of the circular saw, showing the battery compartment and rear handle.
4. Setup
4.1 Battery Installation and Removal
The DCS565NT-XJ operates with a DEWALT XR 18V battery (sold separately).
- To Install: Align the battery pack with the tool's battery port. Slide the battery pack firmly into the tool until it clicks into place.
- To Remove: Press the battery release button and pull the battery pack out of the tool.

Figure 4.1: Proper method for inserting the 18V XR battery into the saw.
4.2 Blade Installation and Removal
Always disconnect the battery pack before installing or removing the blade.
- To Install: Press the spindle lock button to secure the blade. Use the provided wrench to loosen the arbor bolt. Place the blade onto the arbor with the teeth pointing in the direction of rotation (usually indicated by an arrow on the guard). Secure the arbor bolt and tighten it firmly.
- To Remove: Follow the installation steps in reverse.

Figure 4.2: A DEWALT circular saw blade, showing the teeth and arbor hole.
4.3 Adjusting Cutting Depth
The cutting depth can be adjusted without tools for various material thicknesses.
- Loosen the depth adjustment lever located on the side of the saw.
- Raise or lower the saw base to achieve the desired cutting depth. Ensure that only a minimal portion of the blade (less than a full tooth) extends below the workpiece.
- Tighten the depth adjustment lever securely.
4.4 Adjusting Bevel Angle
The saw allows for bevel cuts up to 50 degrees.
- Loosen the bevel adjustment lever.
- Tilt the saw base to the desired angle, indicated on the bevel scale.
- Tighten the bevel adjustment lever firmly.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 General Operation
Before starting, ensure the workpiece is securely clamped and the cutting line is marked. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Starting the Saw: Depress the trigger switch to start the saw. Allow the blade to reach full speed before beginning the cut.
- Stopping the Saw: Release the trigger switch. The blade will stop quickly due to the electric brake.
- Holding the Saw: Always hold the saw firmly with both hands, one on the main handle and the other on the auxiliary handle, to maintain control.
5.2 Making Cuts
Guide the saw smoothly along the cutting line. Do not force the saw; let the blade do the work.

Figure 5.1: A worker demonstrating a straight cut on a wooden board using the circular saw.

Figure 5.2: Close-up view of the saw blade actively cutting through a piece of wood, showing sawdust expulsion.

Figure 5.3: A worker using the circular saw to cut a metal profile, demonstrating its versatility across materials.
6. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your circular saw. Always disconnect the battery pack before performing any maintenance.
6.1 Cleaning
- Keep the ventilation slots clean to prevent motor overheating.
- Regularly clean the blade guard and base plate to ensure smooth operation and accurate cuts.
- Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust and debris from the tool. Do not use water or chemical cleaners.
6.2 Blade Care
- Inspect the blade regularly for sharpness and damage. A dull or damaged blade can cause kickback and poor cut quality.
- Replace worn or damaged blades immediately with appropriate DEWALT 165mm blades.
6.3 Storage
- Store the saw in a dry, secure place, out of reach of children.
- If storing for extended periods, remove the battery pack.
- The included T-STAK case provides convenient and protective storage.
7. Troubleshooting
This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your circular saw.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Saw does not start | Battery not charged or improperly installed. | Ensure battery is fully charged and correctly inserted. |
| Saw loses power during operation | Battery charge is low. | Recharge the battery pack. |
| Blade binds or smokes | Dull blade, incorrect cutting depth, or forcing the saw. | Replace blade, adjust depth, or reduce feed pressure. |
| Inaccurate cuts | Blade not properly installed, fence/guide not aligned, or worn blade. | Check blade installation, verify guide alignment, or replace blade. |
8. Specifications
Technical specifications for the DEWALT XR 18V 165mm Circular Saw (DCS565NT-XJ).
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | DCS565NT-XJ |
| Power Source | Battery Powered (18V XR) |
| Blade Diameter | 165 mm |
| Max Cutting Depth (90°) | 55 mm |
| Max Bevel Capacity | 50° |
| Motor Type | Brushless |
| Handle Material | Thermoplastic Elastomer |
| Item Weight | 1 Kilogram |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H) | 31 x 30 x 43 cm |
| Recommended Surface | Aluminum, Cast Iron (with appropriate blade) |
9. Warranty and Support
DEWALT products are manufactured to high-quality standards and are designed for professional use. For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official DEWALT website.
For technical support, spare parts, or service, please contact your local DEWALT service center or authorized dealer. You can find contact information on the DEWALT website or through your product retailer.





