If you use your reciprocating saw on a regular basis then you may already know that you need to oil the blade after each use—especially if you’re working with nail-embedded wood or tough materials that require heavy-duty blades.
BUT… it isn’t just important that you oil your saw but also how you do it in order to prevent a broken blade and to protect your good ole trusty power tool.
Oiling your reciprocating saw blade correctly will extend the lifespan of the blade, which means you will get a lot more out of your reciprocating saw in the long run.
After all, the reciprocating saw is a versatile tool in your toolbox that has a great surface area and can provide a clean cut years to come, but only if you inspect and treat it regularly to keep damage to a minimum.
Now, to make it easier for you, we compiled a bunch of info on how to oil your saw and keep it in tip-top shape, and even included a step-by-step guide about the process.
First thing first. Before we jump into our oiling guide for reciprocating saws, it’s a good idea to understand why you need to go through this whole rigmarole.
When you oil the blade of your saw, it creates a smooth cut keeping your blade in good shape after every use, which means you will have to install a new blade less frequently. More money in your pocket, and who doesn’t like that?
Kind of stating the obvious, but wear and tear will prove less of a problem with proper lubrication so that the blades can easily slide through and get to cutting whatever material you put them up against.
Not to mention, regularly oiling your blade does not just extend the lifetime of your blade but it also creates a much more precise cut which is important for any intricate projects, would it be DIY or otherwise. It will also help to minimize debris, which in turn keeps you safe from things like dust as you get to cutting.
It’s important to understand that you cannot just add any type of oil to your blade, so please put down the canola oil. (What were you thinking?)
On a serious note, many saw owners recommend WD-40 oil but we found that this isn’t the best option, and it will not help the blade to deal with pressure or be cutting efficiently.
WD-40 only adds a very thin layer of oil to the blade and honestly, this layer won’t last very long, plus it will create rust which is not what you want on your saw blade as it will affect its overall power and efficiency.
The better alternative is to use a specific oil designed for saws. Manufacturers tend to recommend specific saw oils for their tools, such as SAE10 or SAE20 oil, so it’s a good idea to also check with them to find out which one you should use to lubricate your blades. This way you’ll be cutting through any material with as little friction as possible, as you are pressing into the blade.
However, whatever oil you choose, it should be lightweight and also usable for car engines in order to preserve power, and to allow the blades to run properly, as they should. Ideally, with the right product your blade should not bend or wear down.
Additionally, thin/light oils will penetrate through the tightest gap, allowing for proper lubrication. In comparison, a thicker oil couldn’t get everywhere, and you would end up with too much in one place of your saw and not enough in another.
Now, oiling your reciprocating saw isn’t difficult. All you have to do is to remove the blade from the saw, remove any dirt and old grease with a cloth, and adequately oil up the tool. Certainly not rocket science—especially important if you’re cutting bolts, nails, or metal debris.
The blades should take well to the oil, and it should allow them to cut through hard materials. Then apply some oil to the different parts of the saw that move as well, reattach the blade again, and you’re ready to go to town.
But to be sure, let’s run through the finer details below.
Similar to maintaining other power tools, it is essential that you unplug your reciprocating saw before you touch the blade. If your blade runs at high speed, then the oil will get flung off, and you will end up with an injury.
Now, you don’t want to be called Jimmy Nine Fingers down at your local, do you?
Next up, before you can apply any of the oil, you should clean out any debris, excess oil or old grime from the blade’s teeth. You can do this with canned compressed air or an air compressor.
Removing any dirt will ensure that your new oil sticks better to the metal parts of your saw, making them better lubricated.
Once you cleaned the saw, you’re ready to apply a few drops of oil to its different parts.
The fastest way to do that is with a spray aerosol oil. This means you can get into tighter spaces much easier, and the oil will be distributed evenly. Make sure that you cover all the moving parts and joints with a thin oil layer, including the blade’s base.
It’s important to remember that the oil takes a little while to penetrate the metal, so allow some time for this to happen.
As soon as you’re done with the oil application, you can remove any of the excess oil with a paper towel or an old cloth.
Some people also use a power washer or hose pipe to wash the rest of the oil off but you should be smarter than that.
Best to avoid exposing your reciprocating saw to any water as this may create rust, especially when your saw is already a little older.
Finally, once you applied the oil and cleaned everything up, it’s time for a test cut.
Cut a few pieces of wood to check if the blade goes through smoothly. Apply more oil if needed.
The jury is out on this one. Some oil up their reciprocating saw each time after use. However, some also swear a minimum of once a month oiling job, and it works for them, too.
There is no clear rule here when you should oil your saw, as this depends on a number of different factors, including storage, usage and the working conditions.
If you don’t use your saw as often and you keep it generally in good shape, then your saw doesn’t need as much oiling.
On that note, if your reciprocating saw has been stored for a while it will need a bit of extra oil to get things going again.
There are a few things you should check before you get down to the greasy business of oiling your reciprocating saw.
Make sure that the blade is cool when you want to oil the saw. This will ensure that the oil can penetrate the metal easier, plus you won’t burn your skin on a hot blade that was run at extreme speeds before.
We already mentioned blade cleaning, it’s a pretty solid idea to follow.
Finally, you can use any tools to apply the oil but we found the easiest oil application is with a spray oil. It’s quick and even.
Lubricating your saw with the right type of oil is essential for the most effective workings of the reciprocating saw—along with adjusting your technique to reduce vibration and prolong blade life.
It ensures that your saw runs at its best for a much longer time.
There are a range of things you can do to extend the lifetime of your saw blade.
The most effective way is to regularly oil your blade, hence this long post. You should do this at least once a month.
In addition, you should also keep the blade’s teeth clean, and remove any debris after each use.
Finally, it’s also a good idea to keep the blade cover when you don’t use the saw. This will protect the blade from moisture and dust.
Nope. You should not use WD-40 oil to lubricate your saw. Instead, use an SAE10 or SAE20 oil which is much thinner and suitable for saws as well as auto engines.
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