You walk out into the garage and pick up your saw to cut up the limbs in the backyard, and are greeted with a blade that is filthy and covered with rust spots. Your face falls as you know it needs to be clean and maintained, but how to do it? The answer is not as bad as you might project. Here are three simple tips on how to clean a saw blade:
A Good Soaking
Oil is one of the best all around cleaners for a filthy saw blade, and is relatively easy to use. Most people have a leftover or half full container of oil in the garage that will now have a good use. Pour the oil into a container that will hold it and the saw blade. Let the blade soak in the oil for quite a while, and when taken out and cleaned off, the grime and rust should come right off. The oil, when you are done with it, should be disposed of properly and not poured into the trash or ground, as it will pollute the environment.
Rust Remover
Another easy method is to purchase a ready made rust remover that is available at your local hardware store. These products are very efficient, and usually come in a spray on formula. The key here is safety: be careful when using these kinds of products because of the toxic nature of the fumes. Use them in a well ventilated area and be sure to wear a mask to keep from inhaling the fumes, and make sure that no one else is in the vicinity when spraying the blade.
Stubborn Spots
You have cleaned it, but there are still a few spots left that are being obstinate and will not come off. This can be alleviated by taking a small amount of steel wool and gently scrubbing the spot where the rust is hanging on. The steel wool should be able to remove the vast majority of the leftover places, and you will once again have a clean blade.
The key to keeping your blades clean is to wash them off after use, dry them and then add a sheen of oil on the surface. The oil prevents rust and other materials from ruining the blade and gives it a longer life. This way, your blade gives its best.