How to Care for Circular Saw Blades

You want to keep your circular saw blade in top-notch condition. Read on to learn how to care for circular saw blades.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Keep in mind that the most important characteristic for your circular saw blade is its sharpness. A dull blade can lead to unsafe conditions. You don't want the saw hopping off your lumber because the blade has been overused. For the casual carpenter, it may be just as inexpensive for you to buy a new blade as it is to sharpen the one you have.

2. You will also want to keep the angle between the base of the saw and the saw blade at perpendicular--90 degrees. Generally, your circular saw will come with this angle preset; however, use and movement may cause this angle to adjust. To fix the problem, turn the base face up, and loosen the wing nut. Then, take a square and put it along the base and saw blade, and adjust the base until the right angle is restored.

3. If you don't use your circular saw very often, you will want to make sure to keep it stored in its case. This will keep excess moisture from getting into the metal and causing rust decay. These three steps will help keep your blade in top-notch condition.

Tips & Warnings

• If your blade is cracked or deformed, throw it out.
• High-speed steel is not a safe material for your saw blade.
• Never set the saw down while the blade is in motion.
• Do not push on the side surface of the blade to stop the blade from moving.
• Keep your blade sharp. It's cheaper to replace a dull blade than to replace a lost limb.
• Make sure that the safety cover can move freely.
• Check to see that the guard's retraction mechanism works correctly.
• Never use the circular saw holding the blade upside down or sideways.
• Check to clear your work area of such objects as nails or screws.
• Never saw anything (like metal) that will make sparks. This can lead to fire.