Steps to Cleaning a Hand Saw

Cleaning a hand saw isn't very difficult, although it is messy. Being prepared with the proper equipment and selecting a place with good ventilation will help make the job easier.

Next, for cleaning your hand saw, gather the following materials:

o A thin-bladed screwdriver (only needed if you are removing the handle)

o Mineral spirits

o A razor blade with a safe razor blade holder

o Silicon carbide sandpaper

o Boiled linseed oil

o Steel wool

o Paper towels

o Rags

o Paste wax

o Protective gloves

CAUTION: This is a very important safety issue. Mineral spirits, boiled linseed oil, paper towels and rags make a dangerous combination that can spontaneously combust if left unattended in a pile. Proper precautions should be taken to dispose of these items after use. Rags soaked in linseed oil should be laid out flat outdoors away from any structures to dry. When completely dry, they may be put in the trash. Store rags soaked in mineral spirits in a plastic bag away from all structures until dry before disposing of them. Do not use mineral spirits near an open flame, as the vapor can catch fire. Even the pilot light on your furnace or hot water heater may be enough to ignite the vapors. Mineral spirits can also cause nerve damage if used for a prolonged period or in a confined space. Make sure you have good ventilation and that you are not using the mineral spirits for long periods of time. If you don't feel comfortable working with these hazardous materials, you may want to hire this job out. Safety first!

Now we're ready to begin.

If you need to remove the handle, use a proper-fitting screwdriver. Be sure to place the screws somewhere secure where they won't get misplaced. If the saw is very rusty, it may take a bit of effort to pull off the handle.

Once you've removed the handle, place the saw blade on a board or other flat surface. Use the razor blade to scrape off rust, dirt, wax or other crud that has built up on the surface. Work from the handle end towards the tip of the saw. Repeat the process on the other side.

Now that any loose debris has been removed apply a small amount of mineral spirits to the saw blade. Take a small square of the silicon carbide sandpaper and apply it to the blade using the mineral spirits as a lubricant. Move the sandpaper along the length of the blade, not back and forth from the teeth to the back. When you're done, wipe off any excess spirits with paper towels. Repeat on the other side then set the blade aside to dry.

Use the razor to scrape any build-up off of the handle. Finish with steel wool. If the handle looks dry, use a rag to apply a small amount of boiled linseed oil. Make sure all surfaces are well-coated. Remove any excess oil with a clean rag. The handle should be completely dry in a couple of days.

Wipe down the dry hand saw blade with a rag to remove any residue, and apply some paste wax with a clean rag to protect the blade from future rust. Let the wax dry for ten minutes, then buff off any excess. Reassemble the handle when it has fully dried.