How to Sharpen and Care for Circular Saw Blades

In the culinary world, it's well known that the only thing more dangerous in the kitchen than a sharp knife is a dull knife. A dull knife requires more exertion, more force to get the cut done, leading to potential slip-ups with the blade and an accident just waiting to happen. In the workshop, a dull and poorly maintained circular saw blade can lead to the same issues. But it doesn't have to—not if you follow a few simple steps detailed here. This guide will look at best practices in sharpening and cleaning circular saw blades.

Sharpening the Blade

Circular saw blades can be expensive, but sharpening them in your shop can prolong your investment. First a note: it's best if carbide-tipped blades are sharpened by a professional; however, high-speed steel blades can be sharpened in the shop. Here are a few steps to follow to get that dull blade back to cutting smoothly again. 

• Preparation: To ensure your safety, be sure the saw is unplugged or the battery is removed. Remove the blade from the saw and vertically clamp it in a vice with the teeth facing you. Don't over-tighten or the blade will bend. 
• Teeth Alignment: Before beginning, it's a good idea to mark the first blade tooth you'll sharpen with a marker or tape. This helps you know when you've worked completely around the blade and sharpened each tooth. If all the teeth are angled in the same direction relative to the blade, one pass will work. If the teeth are in alternating directions, one pass will be required for one set of teeth and then a second pass for the other set of teeth.
• Filing: A quality hand file such as a diamond file that can be used both ways—meaning you can stroke it back and forth and get a consistent level of sharpness—is perfect for sharpening dull circular saw blades. Hold the file flush against the first tooth and make 4-6 smooth strokes in each direction against the tooth surface. If still not sharp, make additional smooth strokes until you're happy with the results. Now, continue around the rest of the blade until finished. If the blade does have alternate angled teeth, you'll need to skip every other tooth to complete one set. You'll then have to remove the blade, turn it so the other set of teeth are now facing you, clamp it down, and then continue sharpening the other set of teeth in the same manner.

Cleaning a Circular Saw Blade

With prolonged use, a circular saw blade will invariably end up with pitch and resins building up on the cutting edges of the blade. This build-up hinders the blade's performance, making it seem like it's dull, producing inferior cuts, and causing strain on the saw itself. So cleaning a blade will not only improve the cut of the blade, it will also extend the blade's life while making your saw work more efficiently. Aerosol oven cleaners and citrus-based cleaners are popular choices for cleaning blades. However, the common, concentrated household cleaner Simple Green is very effective at cleaning circular saw blades. Here are some easy steps to follow to clean your gunked-up blade.

1. In a shallow container, mix 2 to 3 parts of water with 1 part Simple Green
2. With no power source connected to your saw, remove your blade from the saw, being careful of the teeth when doing so. Utilizing protective gloves can help save your hands from a nasty cut during this step.
3. Now, just place the blade in the water and Simple Green solution and let it soak for a short time.
4. After a few minutes of soaking, remove the blade and scrub away all the built-up resin and pitch using a small brass brush or a toothbrush.
5. Once clean, thoroughly dry the blade before installing it back into the saw. 

It can cost you a lot when it comes to acquiring circular saw blades, so it makes sense for you to protect your investment and make it last. So whether you use product-specific tool sharpeners or a trusted and simple hand file, taking regular care of your circular saw blades will ensure a long life and, ultimately, a job well done.

Product Compliance and Suitability

The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.