A simple handsaw might not be as exciting as many of the other power tools in your shop, and it might not be the most efficient tool to use for larger cutting jobs, but there’s no doubt that every good shop should have multiple types of handsaws lying around in wait for use in a variety of projects. Of course, those handsaws aren’t going to do you much good if the blades are dull or in poor condition.
With this in mind, here’s some information from a provider of tool rentals in Monroe, LA about the steps you can take to keep your saws in good shape:
- Always keep the saw dry: If the saw is exposed to moisture, it could start to rust. It can be a good idea to either cover the blade or keep the saw in a toolbox rather than leaving it out in the open.
- Oil the handle: If your saw has a wooden handle, wiping a little linseed oil on it every now and then can protect it against moisture and debris. If you see rust near the attachment to the blade, you can take the handle off, clean out the slot with steel wool or sandpaper, sand the handle a bit and then finish with oil.
- Lubricate the blade: You should get in the habit of lubricating the blade with WD-40 or gun oil after every time you use it and before you store it away. This will help prevent rust over the long term.
- Remove rust: Any time you see rust starting to form on the blade, you should take immediate action to remove it. You can use a razor blade to carefully scrape the rust off the surface of the blade, but if you have particularly stubborn spots, you can scrub them with steel wool or fine sandpaper. Make sure to oil or wax the blade right after that.
Sharpening the saw
Sharpening the saw is also very important to make sure the saw remains in peak operating condition. You can take the blade in to be sharpened by professionals, or you can do it yourself. You’ll need a diamond or triangular file that works for the profile of your saw teeth for this job, and you should clean the blade before beginning. You’ll then follow these steps:
- File every tooth bevel and count all the strokes you make, similar to the way you sharpen knives. The duller the blade, the more file strokes you’ll need to make. Try to match the factory angle on the bevels.
- Make sure every tooth is the same length. Longer teeth should be filed down.
- Check the rakers if your blade has them. These are sort of like notched teeth, and are designed to clean the cut made by the adjacent tooth. Rakers should be sharp and about half a millimeter shorter than surrounding teeth.
- Check for bent teeth. If any exist, try to bend them back into place. Use a setting tool for this process.
For more information about sharpening and maintaining your saw blades, or to learn more about tool rentals in Monroe, LA, reach out to Ram Rent-All, Inc. today.