When your circular saw is no longer running at its best, it may be time for you to give the blades a little TLC.

The blade is a circular saw’s main weapon. It’s what makes a saw a saw. But the blade’s frequent wear and tear can make a huge impact on its effectiveness. There’s no doubt that a circular saw’s blades become worn down over time. When your circular saw is no longer running at its best, it may be time for you to give the blades a little TLC.

 

Taking care of the blades in your workshop is an essential practice for extending their life and preventing equipment malfunction. But the ideas behind the upkeep have been around for centuries.

 

In medieval Japan, the powerful blades that samurais used were swords. Swords were so revered that one was brought to the bedchamber of a young samurai who was about to be born. Late samurais were buried with their beloved sword at their side. And the blade was all-important.

 

Craftsmen used extensive and tedious forging processes to construct sharp blades that wouldn’t break. The swords were so powerful and intricate that an entire martial art was created to celebrate their use. And samurai sword masters were considered as esteemed as the valued European artists of the Renaissance era.

 

Like the warriors of ancient Japan, the condition of the blades in your workshop – especially your circular saw blades – should be given high levels of attention and care.

 

Circular Saw Blade Damage 101

Blades can become dull or damaged for many reasons. Frequent use is an obvious one. The more often you use your circular saw, the quicker it become dull. Using your circular saw can also lead to blade chipping. This visible damage can make it difficult for you to follow a cut line, which can harm the power tool itself, the operator, or other workers.

 

If a blade is exposed to an unsuitable surface, dulling or chipping can also occur. If you must place your saw blade down, choose plywood or a plastic surface. Circular saw blades should never be set down on steel or cement. But if the blade is still in the saw, it should never rest on any surface.

 

Once blades become damaged or dull, it’s time for repair. The type of repair will depend on the situation. If a blade has become worn down from frequent use, having it sharpened by qualified tool personnel will do the trick. Similarly, if your blade has a buildup of saw dust of other materials that is affecting the performance of the saw, it may just need a good cleaning.

 

If a blade has more severe damage, replacement may be your best option. Signs that it’s time for your circular saw blade to be replaced include:

• The blade is too dull and starts binding.
• The blade tears or chips the material being cut.
• The tool burns the wood or other material being cut.
• You find yourself having to force the saw forward when using it.
• You’re having a harder time following a cut line.

 

Now, the question is: how do you replace a circular saw blade?

 

 

Like all power tool repairs, servicing should only be performed by qualified tool personnel. If you are unsure of anything regarding circular saw repairs, don’t attempt servicing. There’s no shame in taking your tool to a certified repair facility. It may save you a lot of time and money in the long run. If you are equipped to remove and/or replace the blade on your circular saw, read on.

 

Circular Saw Blade Changes

To reiterate, blade changes are needed whether you are replacing the blade or simply removing it for cleaning or sharpening. Note that cut-resistant gloves should always be worn when changing your saw’s blades.

 

Ready? These simple steps will teach you how to accomplish a blade change:

1. Locate the key tool that comes with your circular saw.
2. Engage the lock that prevents the blade from spinning.
3. Use the key tool to loosen and remove the locking screw that holds the blade in place.
4. Pull back on the guard and remove the blade. Be sure that you don’t lose the small vibration collar that also comes out.
5. Put in the new, cleaned, and/or sharpened blade. Then, place the vibration collar on the outside. Be sure that the blade is installed with its teeth pointing up at the front end of the tool.
6. Twist the locking screw by hand.
7. Press the locking level to return the circular saw back to its operating state.
8. Finish tightening the locking screw with the key tool, but don’t overtighten.

 

Since circular saw blades need removal so often (for cleaning, sharpening, or replacing), it’s important to be familiar with the process. Knowing how to properly repair the blades will make sure your circular saw is always running at its best.

 

 

More than Just the Blade

It’s true that the blade is what allows your circular saw to do its job – cutting. But your saw is comprised of many pieces, each important to the function of the power tool. If one part of the saw is faulty, it hurts the performance of the entire tool. Something as small as a frayed cord can lead to further equipment trouble. It may even cause the tool to stop working altogether.

 

You’re never too busy to inspect your circular saw whether it’s working fine or not. Periodic inspections should be performed so that the tool runs optimally and all workers are safe. Here are some quick tips for repairing or replacing other common circular saw parts!

 

Power Cords

1. Unscrew and open the handle housing.
2. Remove the inner screws that clamp the cord down.
3. Unscrew both the wiring from the old switch and the grounding wire to remove the old cord.
4. To attach the new cord to the motor, slip the rubber strain relief onto the new cord. Push through enough wire so that the grounding wire can reach the saw’s body. Then, push the strain relief’s rubber flange in to its slot in the handle.
5. Attach the wires to the new switch following a wiring diagram, and screw them into place. Clean the connectors if they’re dirty. If they can’t be cleaned, they should be replaced.
6. Screw down the cord-retainer bracket with the strain relief in its slot. If there are cracks in the handle, replace it.
7. Attach the grounding wire to the metal part of the chassis without hocking it to anything plastic.
8. Place the new switch where the old one was, and tuck all the wires out of the way.
9. Replace the housing and all screws.

 

Carbon Brushes

1. Take out the screws in the back of the saw and remove the housing cover.
2. Remove the old brushes by wiggling them out or detaching them with a screwdriver. Note that some have holder caps which can also be easily removed.
3. Clean the armature with a Q-tip.
4. Change the brushes if they should signs of breakage, crumbling, burning, or extreme wear. Also replace brushes if they have been worn down to the limit mark or if they have damaged springs.
5. After setting the new brushes in, reassemble the saw without overtightening screws.
6. After you’re done, run the saw for five to ten minutes to ensure that everything runs the way it should.

 

Always periodically inspect your circular saw. If, on the other hand, the saw doesn’t seem to be working correctly, signs of damaged carbon brushes include:

 

• Your circular saw is not running as powerful as usual.
• The saw emits a burning smell when in use.
• The saw stalls during use.
• You are able to see sparks through the cooling vents.

 

Switches

Decreased power can be a helpful indicator of a faulty switch. Your switch may also need replacing if your circular saw has trouble starting, but runs normally after it gets going. You should look out for this difficulty starting because it will continue to get worse until the saw stops working completely. If your circular saw is displaying these symptoms, here’s how to replace a switch:

 

1. Open the housing. Carefully remove the saw’s parts until the switch is accessible.
2. Remove any screws or fasteners that are holding down the switch assembly.
3. Draw a diagram or take a picture with your phone of how the switch is wired. This will ensure that it is replaced properly.
4. Remove the wires from the saw and remove the switch to inspect it more closely.
5. Inspect the switch for heat damage or other visible damage. Heat damage has occurred if there are melted parts or discolored wiring.
6. If there is no visible damage, see if the switch still works using a multi-meter. If you suspect it doesn’t work, you may choose to go ahead and replace it.
7. Using the diagram from step three, re-install the wires. Make sure the wires don’t get pinched in the process.
8. Ensure that all parts are put back properly and that all external tools are removed.

 

Repairs can be costly. But sometimes they’re necessary. Change your mindset and think of power tool repairs as an investment rather than an expense. Doing something as simple as removing your circular saw blade to clean it can extend the life of the blade and the tool itself. Well-kept equipment can even prevent more expensive repairs down the road. Not to mention, this smart practice makes for a safer workplace.

 

The medieval samurai devoted time and effort to ensure that their sword blades were always working at their best condition. Do the same for your circular saw’s blades and other parts.

 

What are your tips for keeping your circular saw blades in their best shape?