Skilsaw Maintenance Tips
Whether you're a job site veteran or just starting out in the trade, these useful tips will help keep your SKILSAW running like new.
A Tightening a Day...
Keeps the tool doctors away. Double-check your shoe tightening the bolt, the screws on the handles, and most importantly the blade arbor bolt. Make sure you use the foot wrench provided with your saw. This purposefully-shorter wrench will ensure that you don’t over-tighten the blade arbor bolt, which is a common and dangerous mistake. A quick check of these things will keep you safe, and prevent any unfortunate surprises while-sawing.
Maintain Oil Levels
Check the oil level in your Skilsaw. Be wary of putting in an oil type or amount that is different than Skilsaw recommends. Doing this may VOID your warranty. A well-lubricated Skilsaw is a top-performing Skilsaw. Under-oiled saws will eventually wear down the gears, tax the motor, and shorten the life of your Skilsaw.
Keep Your Skilsaw Dust-Free
Over time, your Skilsaw will collect sawdust in the body’s crevices and vents. Using compressed air to blow out your Skilsaw cleans off the inner brushes and internal parts of the saw. Do this now. Do this often.
Maintain Your Shoe
The “shoe” (sometimes called the “base plate” or “footplate”) is the flat plate that rests on the material you are cutting. It should be relatively free from gnarled metal that can snag on the material and bind. Some rough sand paper can take care of this. When locked into the 0° position, your shoe should be 90° in relation to your blade. It isn’t an exact science. Knowing your Skilsaw, and your saw’s shoe will prevent unwanted bevel cuts.