If you own a sabre saw, chances are it is needing maintenance. Read this article and learn how you can do-it-yourself at home.
About once a year, depending on how much use the saw gets, you will need to inspect the brushes. Disassemble the housing and clean out sawdust accumulations with mild soap and water. Check and relubricate the gears. Do not clean the housing with detergents that use ammonia; they will damage the plastic.
After 15 hours of running time, add a few drops of SAE#20 oil to the lubricating hole or pad, if any. After every use, unplug the saw, clean sawdust from it's air vents, and clean any grease or oil from the cord.
If the motor stops or smokes or sparks excessively, first check the brushes, then test the switch, motor, and power cord for electrical faults. Always let the blade reach its operating speed before bringing it into contact with the work. Never force the saw; you may overload the motor.
Brush replacement is a common repair chore. Although a brush will operate satisfactorily until it is just about worn away, it is best to replace it before this happens, otherwise the communtator may get damaged. Brushes are blocks of a soft carbon material much like a lead pencil. As a rule of thumb, replace brushes when they are shorter than they are wide. Always replace both brushes.
Besides wearing out, brushes may stick in the housing. Remove both brush housings. Examine the brushes, springs, and housings. A brush should move freely in its housing, and the spring should press it firmly against your finger. A weak spring should be replaced. If the housings are dirty, spray them and the brushes with electrical contact cleaner. The ends of brushes are curved to fit the curve of the communtator; be sure to align them correctly when installing them.
Blade replacement is also needed when they fail to cut properly. Be sure to buy the blade for that model and size of sabre saw. Sometimes buying a less expensive blade can cause damage to the wood and yourself if it breaks. Be sure to wear goggles when using any power tool.
You can order replacement parts from the manufacturer. Check the handbook that came with the sabre saw. Consult one to get all the washers, spacers, bearings, and springs assembled in the right order.
