How do I fix my saw?

[Muggnz]

My circular saw has a height lock problem.



The lever in the centre is used to control the depth of the blade into a piece of wood.

unfortunately it refuses to hold the blade in place unless it's fully closed. When new it used be lockable when partially closed. Enabling it to cut through all of a 2" thick piece of lumber. Now it only gets through 70-80% of that.

I've tried moving the nut with a spanner & my socket set, without success. Even after overnight WD-40 treatment.

Is there an easy way of restoring it to proper working condition?

tia
david

[goldcoop]

David-

Dewalt saw?

Looks like you should remove that "C" clip first, then loosen the jam nut, and finally tighten the allen socket screw.

Then tighten the jam nut & replace the "c" clip?

Just my guess....

Good Luck!

Cheers,

Coop

[wuhuman2003]

Hey David, not to be smart, but are you turning the nut the right way? Sometimes, depending on the application, they put Chinese nuts on, and you have to turn the nut opposite the way you normally would. Just like the nut that holds the blade to the shaft. Other than that, I don't have an idea. Also, good morning Coop. Peace, Dave.

[Larwyn]

Yep, I think that lever is indexed on a spline of sorts. As Coop said, if you remove the spring clip, and the allen bolt, you should be able to re-index the lever and return everything to normal. I would clean everything up real good too while I had it apart. I'm sure once you dig into it, you'll figure it out.

[Arne]

add a thin washer if all else fails.

[goldcoop]

Chinese nuts

Chinese nuts!

Good Afternoon Dave!

Cheers,

Coop

[Boodro]

Chinese nuts by ,,, One-Hung-Low!

Never heard of them.

[Muggnz]

Sorry all, I tried replying on monday night, but the teardrop fund keeping this site was awol. So I lost my reply.

I've tried turning it each & every way I can, without cracking it's nut. Without even the slightest hint of success.

Yes it is a DeWalt. Which can cut through a 6 inch long nail without breaking any nuts.

I'll try the C clip method over the weekend & advise wether it's still nutty or I am or whatever

thanks
david
trying to keep all my nuts in place

[Muggnz]

I finally managed to find time to work on it today. And after removing the "C" clip it undid easily. The nut is in one piece, with the "C" clip fitting into a groove in it to hold the lever in place. Unfortunately the "C" clip isn't quite as wide as the groove. So how it's supposed to work properly is a mystry. The "C" clip is a little bent, which may or may not explain things. Depending on wether or not it was designed that way. Once I find a thicker "C" clip, I think it'll be purfect & able to crack nuts if desired.

thanks everybody

david

[Gerdo]

If all else fails. Is there a Dewalt service center near you? Take it in and see what they say.

[kevin57]

hey muggnz i had the same problem. just remove the c-clip and move the lever only up a notch that should do it.

[Muggnz]

I spent some hard earned cents at lunchtime & bought 2 "C" clips. Both of which are a little thicker than the original.

I figured that if I bought 2, I'd only need one. Whereras if I only bought one, I'd have to go & get the other.

Whilst in the store, I had a look at some new DeWalt saws. They still use the same system & probably the same parts.

kevin, thanks I'll do that also, to give it a bit extra stickability when in position.

david

[southpennrailroad]

Years ago I saw my father in law right in front of me slice his leg open 2' deep because the blade shield was broken. Not a pretty site. He was kneeling when he was cutting a piece of 2x4 and when he finished cutting went to set the saw behind him and sliced his thigh wide open. Fix it before you use this or get rid of it.

[Muggnz]

hi all,

After some delay to paint the trailer frame I finally managed to find some time to reassemble the bits.

It's now easily adjustable to whatever height I want.

kevin57, thanks, your suggestion helped.

david

[Muggnz]

it works

yesterday I used it to "sculpt" the shape of my floor. out of 1200 x 2400 x17 plywood.

david