Simple ways to troubleshoot and repair jigsaws with your own hands

We understand the design of an electric jigsaw and the principle of its operation

It will be easier to repair a jigsaw if you know what this tool consists of and how it works. Knowing the design and principle of operation, there will be no difficulties with repair work. First, let’s find out the main components of the power tool in question:

Housing - it is usually made of impact-resistant plastic. This is the base of the device, inside which the component parts are located
An electric motor is a commutator-type AC motor.
Gear unit - a transmission mechanism through which rotational energy is converted into reciprocating movements
A rod or pin with a spindle for securing working attachments. The rod is a cylindrical shaft that is connected to a plate. The shaft is located inside a fixed frame in which it moves

All these parts are power tools that can be used to cut sheet materials made of wood, metal, plastic and even concrete. For this purpose, appropriate types of saw blades are used, which are mounted in the chuck (spindle) of the power tool. A jigsaw is used not only for direct cutting, but also for cutting shaped holes in sheet material.

The operating principle of an electric jigsaw is to transform electrical energy into mechanical force. The operating diagram of the power tool in question is that alternating current is supplied to the electric motor, through which the armature begins to rotate. A gear is attached to the armature shaft, through which rotational movements are transmitted to the gearbox. A pendulum type gearbox is connected to a rod that moves up and down. When the blade is secured in the tool spindle, it will perform similar reciprocating movements, ensuring sawing of the material.

To simplify the work and expand the functionality of the tool, a start button, speed control and other additional functions are installed in the jigsaw design. When using the tool, breakdowns occur, which can be eliminated in two ways:

Repair by cleaning, lubricating or reworking
Replacement is the most common repair method, since when a gearbox, rod or motor breaks, they need to use new parts

The material describes all types of jigsaw breakdowns, as well as methods for self-repair. To repair a jigsaw, it is not at all necessary to take the tool to workshops and service centers. However, remember that if the warranty period has not yet expired, then it is better not to rush into self-repair, since this is the responsibility of the manufacturer or selling company.

This is interesting!
Any repair of a power tool begins with disassembling it, but the material describes ways to repair a jigsaw without disassembling it.

Mechanical problems

Difficulties that arise during long-term operation of a jigsaw can be divided into planned and emergency. The first includes, first of all, normal wear of the graphite brushes of the engine. Emergencies include a wide variety of breakdowns of tool components or parts thereof. Let's look at some typical cases.

The saw moves to the side, the cutting line is not straight

Most often, this problem occurs among inexperienced users. They violate two basic rules of operation. The first is obvious. The saw must be sharp, have a tooth configuration appropriate for the material, and be properly secured in the clamp. Not everyone knows the second rule of work. The body of the jigsaw should be positioned in the direction of the cut. Similarly, efforts are made for its forward movement. And the latter should ideally be minimal. That is, you cannot put pressure on the instrument. A straight line and an angle of 90 degrees between the cutting planes will be obtained by themselves if the saw manages to remove the material being processed without effort.

There are also mechanical reasons for saw deflection. It is necessary to check the backlash of the support roller. If it is significant, the part or assembly is replaced entirely. The saw fixation block on the rod is also examined. He must bring the latter close to the support roller and maintain the perpendicularity of the web to its axis.

If the saw moves to the side, it is worth checking the support roller

The most serious problem is wear of the rod or its horizontal displacement limiters. Damage to parts can only be determined after disassembling the housing. If removing contaminants in the pendulum block does not solve the problem, the rod must be replaced.

Vibration and noise

If the tool is difficult to hold in your hands or is abnormally noisy, you should begin your inspection with the worm gear unit. This is the large gear or connecting rod of the pendulum mechanism, a bushing with spiral projections on the motor shaft. Vibrations and noise occur when teeth are chipped or there is excessive accumulation of dirt mixed with old lubricant. If there is no visible damage to the worm gear components, the tool may need cleaning and lubrication.

Sharp shocks

When a jigsaw literally hits the palm of your hand when working, this is a clear indication of problems with the pendulum assembly. The cause is most likely a damaged worm gear. Rarely, runout occurs due to deformation of the connecting rods. And even less often due to dirt accumulation. However, the latter must be removed first. Especially on the worm gear mechanism.

Contamination in the worm gear assembly can cause tool malfunctions

Blade holder faults

Many modern jigsaws are equipped with bells and whistles, which are their weak points. For example, some models often require repair of the saw blade mount due to the presence of such functions.

A quick clamp that does everything for the tool owner: just move the lever, place the blade and work. Over time, the structure becomes loose and fastening parts become unusable. Unfortunately, most of these clamps cannot be repaired; they must be completely replaced.
Lightweight screw fastening is a real problem for owners of cheap and mid-price tools. The rod attachment, made of weak alloys, has low strength, breaks, and the bolts break the seats. Repair consists only in the handicraft production of the appropriate product from durable steel, since each line of cheap tools often has its own saw blade holder configuration.

If the jigsaw has a classic screw fastening of the file, then repairing it will not be difficult. This is a durable and time-tested design; you can use bolts for a Phillips screwdriver or a wrench. The clamping blocks are standard; finding a replacement for an extremely worn part is not difficult. There is a problem with thread wear, but in this case a new one can be cut.

Types of jigsaw breakdowns and how to fix them

You can avoid jigsaw damage if you operate the tool in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. To begin with, let us remember that tools are classified into two types - household and professional. They differ in quality, so household jigsaws cannot be used for long and often, unlike professional ones. How to find out what type of jigsaw - household or professional? To do this, you need to take the instructions or technical description and read the manufacturer’s recommendations. If the manufacturer recommends using the tool for 15-20 minutes, alternating with 10-minute breaks, then this device is of a household type. You can work with professional tools for up to 2-3 hours continuously without worrying about overheating and breakage.

Domestic and professional type jigsaws break equally often, and their repair depends on the type of breakdown. Failures are conventionally divided into mechanical and electrical. Mechanical failures include malfunctions of the gearbox, rod, bearings and cartridge, and electrical failures include the motor, button, regulator, power cable, brushes. Next, we will find out in detail the types of malfunctions, as well as ways to quickly and correctly eliminate them.

How to use: operating instructions and safety precautions

If the cutting speed needs to be increased, there is no need to put pressure on the jigsaw handle and “adjust” it. It is better to adjust the rotation mode of the motor and pendulum. The correct selection of the file is also important.
The workpiece must be securely mounted on the workbench. You should never saw while holding the workpiece suspended in your hands. Good fasteners will give good results - cutting accuracy, speed and quality of sawed edges.
Straight cuts are made using a ruler that is included with the jigsaw (linear clamp).
Round holes and curved lines on thin plywood or plastic are cut better when the jigsaw is secured with the blade up and the part is fed to the cutting tool. Smooth circles can be made using a circle cutter.
Making a cut on a thin metal surface is much more convenient if you put plywood under the sheet. This will prevent the edges of the metal from deforming.
If there is a noticeable decrease in sawing speed, it is recommended to immediately replace the saw blade. Prolonged use of a dull blade will cause engine overheating with all the ensuing consequences.
If the cut needs to be made at an angle, the support sole is shifted by the required number of degrees.
When working in cold weather, it is advisable to run the engine at idle speed for 1–2 minutes. After this, you can work in load mode.
Take breaks from work whenever possible. Stop for 5-10 minutes every half hour.

Currently reading: Artistic cutting with a jigsaw - stages, tips, drawings and diagrams

We also list the basic safety rules.

When working, it is recommended to wear work clothing that does not have fluttering hems or dangling sleeves. Hair must be tucked under a headdress. Body position is stable.
Do not slow down the movement of the saw with your hands or a clamp.
It is unacceptable to leave a switched on and working tool unattended.
Use the tool only for its intended purpose. Do not hammer nails with a saw.
If you discover damage to the housing or other functional breakdowns, you need to stop working and fix the problem.
The power cord can only be turned on and off when the engine is off.
Do not allow minor children to play with the instrument. Is it dangerous.

With practice and experience comes knowledge. But at first, a novice user will need information on how and with what to cut different parts.

Wood, plywood and laminate are the main materials that a jigsaw is designed to cut. If the cut is rough, you can use high speeds and oscillations of the pendulum. This will increase speed, but reduce quality and accuracy. Precise sections, depending on the density of the material, are sawed at medium speeds, with the pendulum turned off. This is especially true for laminate if it is precisely adjusted. On a six-point scale - 5.6.
Metal parts, including pipes, are cut at low speeds without turning on the pendulum (or use the pendulum at low speed). 1.2 speed. Corrugated sheets and sheet iron are sawed at speed 1, making sure that the edges do not curl. For aluminum and other non-ferrous metals, the speed can rise to 3–4 levels.
Plastic and plexiglass can be cut at high speeds, but care must be taken to ensure that the material does not melt. 4–6 on a six-point scale.
Ceramic tiles, as well as other hard types of stone cladding, are processed at speed 4–5. The pendulum is installed in the initial positions.
Drywall can be cut at high speed and with maximum swing of the pendulum. A natural limitation is the level of dust. If cutting occurs indoors, the dust from cutting can be very high. And so the speed is reduced.

Laminate is cut at high speed with the pendulum mechanism turned off

If the jigsaw does not turn on when you press the start button - where to look for a breakdown

When a power tool connected to an outlet does not show signs of life, the following parts may be damaged:

No voltage in the network. Using a probe or multimeter, you need to make sure there is voltage in the outlet
Damage to the network wire - usually the defect can be identified visually in the form of an insulation failure, but there are also breakdowns of damage to the current-carrying conductor. To avoid having to guess, you should use a multimeter, and in the dialing mode, check the serviceability of each core. If one of the wires is damaged, but the location of the defect cannot be identified, then the power cord should be replaced
The start button is faulty - voltage is supplied to the engine after pressing the “Start” button. This button consists of a normally open contact on which carbon deposits may form. This deposit is an obstacle to the path and passage of current, so the tool does not show signs of life. This type of damage can be eliminated by disassembling the button and cleaning the contact. If the button is not removable, or the cause of its malfunction is the built-in speed controller chip, then it must be replaced
Overheat protection - when the engine on the tool overheats, a protection is triggered that prevents combustion of the power unit. Such protection devices are not available on all power tools, but if the element is present, it is possible that the lack of operability of the device is associated with this particular part
Engine malfunction - this will require a thorough check of the power unit

When the motor of a power tool does not start, the most important thing is to correctly identify the part that has failed. In addition to the absence of signs of the instrument’s operability, electrical breakdowns also include other types of malfunctions.

If the jigsaw engine is unstable - it sparks and there is a burning smell - how to repair it

A common situation is when the jigsaw is unstable. The reasons for the unstable operation of the jigsaw electric motor are the following factors:

Graphite or carbon brushes are worn out or worn out - through these parts, electric current is supplied to the armature winding, which causes it to rotate. The brushes are in contact with the collector unit, which is a set of copper lamellas or plates. When the brushes wear out, the contact decreases, so the tool begins to spark during operation, a burning smell appears, and the body may even melt. The damage can be eliminated by replacing the brushes with new ones.
Collector malfunction - if the copper plates show signs of blackening, as well as defects in the form of scuffing, chips and uneven wear, then this is also the cause of unstable engine operation. Signs of carbon deposits on the plates can be removed with alcohol, and to eliminate chips, scuffs and distortions, you will need to use fine-grained sandpaper
Motor malfunction - if the resistance in one of the stator or rotor windings is different, this will lead to unstable operation of the tool. To eliminate the breakdown, you will need to diagnose the electric motor and identify the defect. To eliminate the malfunction, you will need to rewind the electric motor or replace the faulty part - stator or rotor.
Button malfunction - if the tool’s motor malfunctions, it is possible that the cause is the switch. To make sure that the problem is not the button, you should directly connect the motor and check the functionality of the tool. If the symptoms of malfunctions are repeated, it means that the cause of the breakdown is not in the switch

Finding a fault in the electrical part may take a long time, which is due to the difficulty of carrying out diagnostic work. In addition, one of the most expensive parts of the tool in question is the engine. If the engine fails and there is significant wear on the gearbox, then it makes sense to purchase a new power tool.

Repair of jigsaw brushes

Removing and checking brush units.

Unscrew and remove the motor cover and locate the brush assembly on each side of the commutator.

Unscrew and carefully lift the brush assembly - be prepared for the brush to fly out.

Removing and checking brush units.

Press each brush once or twice to check its spring:

spring is damaged
the body is cracked
the brush is curved
uneven or worn
shorter than its width

Under these conditions, replace the component in each brush assembly.

Replacing brush assemblies.

Always replace components in each or both brush assemblies with exact duplicates, even if only one is damaged. On the model shown, all brush assemblies must be replaced. To disconnect each node, carefully pull out its wire connector.

Replacement of brush assemblies.

Repair damaged parts and reconnect brush assemblies. Place each assembly in place (at the top) and screw it into place, making sure it fits snugly against the switch and matches its curvature. Screw on the motor cover, reinstall the blade and check (page 113) for voltage leakage.

Other types of electrical breakdowns of jigsaws and their elimination

In addition to the above defects, when operating a power tool, other types of breakdowns associated with the electrical part may occur:

Doesn't cut under load. Failure occurs when, when attempting to saw a material, the performance of the tool decreases. To eliminate such a defect, you will need to diagnose the motor. Another reason could be poor contact in the button or significant wear on the brushes. Graphite brushes must be replaced when worn more than 40%-60%
The speed fluctuates during operation - the cause may be weak contact. If a burning smell is heard during the operation of the tool, then due to weak contact the insulation of the wires or the button body melts. To identify a breakdown, you will need to disassemble the tool and inspect it.
If the brushes spark during operation, they need to be replaced. It is unacceptable when significant sparking of the brushes is observed, since this not only reduces the power of the tool, but also the following negative consequences arise - the load increases, which means the current in the stator and rotor windings increases, and sparking also contributes to the deformation of the copper lamellas of the commutator. You cannot use a tool with faulty brushes for a long time, and they should be replaced as quickly as possible. Sparking can be detected through ventilation holes or cracks in the tool body.

To replace the brushes on a jigsaw, you will need to disassemble it. Some professional tool models have special channels for quick replacement. The brushes are mounted in brush holders. Fastening can be of two types - in the form of a latch or a screw. After unscrewing or snapping off the brush, it must be removed, disconnect the wire and install a new graphite element in the same order.

This is interesting!
For low-power electric motors, graphite brushes with a low copper content are used.

Diagnostics of an electric motor or how to identify a malfunction of the stator and rotor

If there is a suspicion of malfunctioning of the electric motor, then the exact breakdown can be identified using diagnostic measures. To do this, you will need a multimeter, as well as a diagnosable rotor and stator. First, let's find out how to check the suitability of the rotor (aka anchor):

Carry out a visual inspection. If there are signs of soot and deformation, then there is a high probability that the part has burned out. It is also necessary to inspect the collector unit, on which the presence of soot, chips and distortions is unacceptable. Misalignment occurs when the brushes wear unevenly.
Use a multimeter to measure the resistance of the armature winding. Set the device to 200 Ohm resistance measurement mode or continuity testing
One probe should alternately touch the collector plates, and the second should touch the steel core. The presence of resistance indicates a violation of the insulation. To eliminate the problem, you will need to replace the rotor winding
If a breakdown between the winding and the housing is excluded, then the rotor must be checked for signs of insulation failure. To do this, use a multimeter in resistance measurement mode to check the quality of the insulation between the plates. A mark is placed with a marker from the beginning, and after that the resistance between the plates is checked one by one
The resistance value should be approximately the same. A difference in resistance value of more than 10% from the standard value indicates an insulation failure. You will need to rewind the rotor winding or replace the part completely
Interturn short circuit - another cause of failure may be the presence of an interturn short circuit. However, it is impossible to check the presence of such a defect with a multimeter. To do this, a special device is used, which must be guided through the collector. If there is an interturn short circuit, the device will make a corresponding sound. The defect can be eliminated by replacing the winding

If it is determined that the defect is with the armature, then it must be rewound or replaced. If the rotor is working properly, then we move on to checking the serviceability of the stator - a stationary mechanism, which also consists of a winding and a steel core from a set of thin plates.

The algorithm for checking the health of the stator is as follows:

The absence of breakdown of the winding to the housing is checked. To do this, touch the winding terminal with one probe, and the steel core with the second. The device should not show the resistance value, otherwise a breakdown may occur and the stator must be rewinded
The resistance in the windings is checked by touching its terminals one by one. The resistance value in all windings should be approximately the same value, which indicates its serviceability
Check the integrity of the metal plates of the steel core. It is unacceptable for them to delaminate, so you will need to replace a separate unit

It doesn’t matter what brand the jigsaw is - Interskol, Makita, Bosch, Skill, Metabo and others. When purchasing a new motor, you need to take into account its parameters and dimensions. There are markings on the motors that you need to use when purchasing a new electric motor for a jigsaw.

This is interesting!
It is almost impossible to repair the electric jigsaw motor yourself, since this will require rewinding the winding. This can be done at a service center, but the cost of such a service is almost identical to the price of a new part.

Jigsaw Diold: a budget option for the household

Another, no less popular manufacturer of domestic power tools is the Smolensk company Diold. Jigsaws are distinguished by their low price and fairly decent quality. For home work, this is a completely suitable budget option.

Support roller repair

It also has points that are worth paying attention to. The first is the support roller. Over time, which is about a year, it begins to lose its round shape. The reason is the material of the roller or the technology of its manufacture. It lacks hardness.

Its repair consists of replacement. Still, it is better not to reinvent the wheel, but to purchase an original roller from the manufacturer or take the tool to a service center, especially if it is under warranty.

If this option is not suitable or is not feasible, then you can revive the jigsaw using improvised means. To do this you will need a regular M5 bolt with a nut. In this case, the bolt will serve as an axis, so the thread on it needs to be ground off, and the nut with a roller, in which a groove needs to be cut along the generatrix according to the thickness of the saw blade.

It is ideal to do this on a lathe, but you can also use a tool that you have on hand, for example, a drill and an angle grinder disc. The disk must be clamped in a vice, the bolt and nut must be clamped into a drill and a groove must be cut. The repair option is not ideal, but it has the right to life, since it has been tested in practice.

Start Button Maintenance

Another nuance in using a Diold jigsaw is that wood dust gets into the start button. This happens due to the lack of tightness, and dust getting inside the button prevents the passage of current. The solution to the problem is to periodically, at least once a year, clean the contacts.

Repair of the speed controller on a jigsaw instructions

Almost all models of electric jigsaws are equipped with a device such as a speed controller. What it is and what it is needed for, every owner knows independently. Structurally, the part is a board on which a wheel or switch is placed.

By moving the wheel (switch), the speed of the reciprocating movements changes. By acting on the wheel, the resistance changes, therefore the speed decreases.

To repair the speed controller on a jigsaw, it is not at all necessary to have an understanding of electronics. To do this, use a multimeter to check the serviceability of all resistors and the capacitor. Usually, a breakdown can be determined externally, since when it fails, the board will show signs of blackening and soot. In the photo above, the fault is a damaged power cord. A failed element on the board or a wire tip should be replaced, and this completes the entire repair of the jigsaw speed controller.

This is interesting!
If the regulator burns out, it should be replaced with a similar one in design and parameters.

Repair of drive gear and eccentric mechanism

Start repairing the jigsaw drive train by dismantling the knife shaft assembly. Next, put on safety glasses and use pliers to remove the circlips from the drive shaft and guide pin. Remove the washers, taking into account their placement and the order in which they are assembled, and then the eccentric mechanism.

Remove the needle bearing from the eccentric, noting its location.

Buy exact duplicates of retaining rings for reassembly.

Access to drive gear and eccentric mechanism.

Lubricating the drive gear and repairing the eccentric mechanism of a jigsaw.

Wearing rubber gloves, wipe off the old grease with a clean cloth. To clean the drive mechanism and counterweight, use an old toothbrush soaked in paint thinner. If possible, disassemble them to access them.

Cleaning the drive mechanism and counterweight of the jigsaw.

If any component is damaged, replace it or the entire drive gear and eccentric mechanism. Otherwise, reinstall the drive gear and eccentric mechanism.

Apply some white grease to the needle bearing (see inset) and move it. If it does not rotate smoothly, replace it. Fill the gear case halfway with white grease or manufacturer's specified grease and reinstall the drive gear and eccentric mechanism.

Mechanical breakdowns on jigsaws and how to fix them

Mechanical failures include types of failures such as wear of bearings, gearbox, rod and cartridge or head. Mechanical type breakdowns are much easier to identify than electrical ones, and repair also comes down to replacing a failed unit, mechanism or part. Next, we will consider all types of mechanical faults on jigsaws, as well as ways to quickly eliminate them.

Worn bearings on a jigsaw, how to replace them

Bearings are consumables, so when they wear out, they need to be replaced. They cannot be repaired, and in order to extend their service life, you should regularly not only apply lubricant, but also perform preliminary cleaning.

If the bearings are worn out, then to replace them you will need to disassemble the tool and replace it with ones with similar markings. The bearings are pressed out and pressed onto the rotor shaft manually or with a special tool. Before installing new bearings, it is recommended to apply additional lubricant.

This is interesting!
To determine bearing wear, you should check for play in the outer race relative to the inner race.

Repairing a jigsaw gearbox and how best to lubricate it

If, while working with a jigsaw, a sound in the form of a crack is detected, then there is a high probability that the transmission mechanism is jammed. A gearbox failure can be identified visually, which requires disassembling the housing and inspecting it. If the gears are missing teeth, they will need to be replaced for repair. If the cause of the malfunction is metal shavings getting into the mechanism, then to eliminate the malfunction you will need to perform the following steps:

Remove the gearbox from the tool, and thoroughly clean it and rinse it in solvent or gasoline. This will clean the part from metal dust and grains.
Place the part in place, having previously assessed the wear of the teeth on the gears. If the wear is severe, which entails the gears slipping relative to each other, then the mechanism needs to be replaced
When installing old or new gears, it is necessary to apply lubricant in excess

What is the best way to lubricate the gearbox on a jigsaw and other types of power tools? For this you can use Litol-24, if there is nothing else, but if you want to extend the life of the mechanism, then it is recommended to use a special lubricant from Bosch. This is an expensive lubricant that not only reduces friction between parts, but also protects them from dust and grains.

This is interesting!
For each model of power tool, manufacturers indicate in the instructions the recommended types of lubricants for the gearbox. If there is no such recommendation, or it is impossible to find such a lubricant, then a universal substance from Bosch is used.
This lubricant is sold not only in large tubes, but also in compact packages, which allows you to save money. In addition to Bosch lubricant for the jigsaw gearbox, you can use other options that are somewhat cheaper in price, but no less effective:

Optimol Longtime 2 from Castrol. This lubricant is slightly cheaper than Bosch
Huskey Coolube is not only the most affordable, but also the most effective. If Bosch lubricant is expensive, then it is recommended to choose Huskey Coolube

There are many other brands available in specialty stores, so you should rely on your budget. And remember that Litol-24 is used as a last resort if nothing else is available. It is unacceptable to contain not only metal dust in the lubricant, but also shavings and sawdust that enter through the ventilation holes. All blockages must be removed, and then lubricant must be applied and the tool reassembled.

This is interesting!
If there is a malfunction of the bracket (mount) in the gearbox design, it should be replaced, as shown in the video below.

Tool prevention

Figure 8 – Prevention
Careful and careful operation, avoiding overload and excessive force, and avoiding overheating of the tool will help extend the life of the jigsaw.

The nominal operating mode is indicated in the user manual, which should be carefully studied before starting work.

In addition, it is necessary to regularly perform preventive maintenance of the tool:

cleaning from dust and dirt;
replacing lubricant;
periodic inspection and timely replacement of brushes;
using only suitable tools;
compliance with operating rules.

Fulfilling these simple requirements will help increase the life of the jigsaw and free the user from the need to repair or buy a new tool.

Replacing the rod on a jigsaw step by step description

Failure of the rod on jigsaws occurs in rare cases, but if this happens, then it needs to be replaced. The replacement principle is simple and straightforward, for which you need to disassemble the tool, remove the rod and install a similar one in its place. The most important thing here is to find a rod of a similar design for the corresponding brand of tool.

Rods or pins serve as guides through which reciprocating movements are created. After replacing a failed rod, it is also necessary to thoroughly lubricate this part. A saw holder is attached to the rod, which can be installed together with the new part.

This is interesting!
The rods on different models of jigsaws differ in design, so the replacement principle is slightly different. Difficulties do not arise if you install a new part in the reverse order of dismantling the standard one. To avoid mistakes when assembling the tool, it is recommended to take photos before removing parts.

Blade maintenance jigsaw base repair

Removing and installing a jigsaw blade.

To perform repairs, you must turn off the saw and disconnect it from the power supply. Use the correct blade for the type of cutting material.

Replace the blade if it:

gets stuck
cuts slowly
lit

To remove the blade, loosen the set screw on the socket using the hex wrench or tool that came with the saw.

To remove the blade, loosen the set screw on the coupling.

Use long-nose pliers to remove the broken piece from the collar. To install the blade, insert it into the clamp with the teeth facing away from the saw. Also make sure that the edge of the blade opposite the teeth sits securely in the roller groove. Then tighten the set screw.

Checking the jigsaw base plate.

For the saw to operate correctly, it is necessary to check the base plate; to do this, turn off and disconnect the saw from the power supply, and then remove the blade. Remove the base plate screw with a hex wrench and remove all washers in order of assembly. Remove the support bracket and base plate. Smooth burrs and nicks along the base plate blade slot with fine sandpaper (see inset)

Checking the jigsaw base plate.

If the base plate is bent or cracked, replace it with an exact duplicate. To install the base plate in place, place it on the bend of the engine housing, install the support bracket and washers, and secure the screw. Then tighten it with a hex wrench. Reinstall the blade.

Saw holders on jigsaws - the weak link and its repair

To replace the saw blade holder on jigsaws, you don’t even need to disassemble the tool. After all, they are attached to the tool rod using one or more screws. However, there are saw holders that cannot be replaced without removing the rod from the jigsaw.

General information about the design of saw blade holders on jigsaws is as follows:

Devices are classified into two types - quick-release and conventional. Quick-clamping ones are more popular, but due to their complex design, it is difficult to replace
Quick-clamping heads of saw holders are classified into three main types - radial, lateral and frontal. While radial heads are the most popular, side and front heads are rare. However, if the tool has a quick-clamping side or front head, then it will be impossible to find spare parts for it. To do this, you will need to order the part from the manufacturer.
Quick-clamping radial heads of saw holders - consist of a base, which, when displaced, opens a hole for securing blades by recessing the balls, as well as a spring and locking rings for fixation. To disassemble the head and remove it from the rod, you will need pliers to remove the retaining rings. The design is simple and primitive, and for repair or replacement you do not need to disassemble the entire instrument
Quick-release saw holders on jigsaws have a similar operating mechanism as hammer drill chucks. The mechanism is based on two balls, which fix the blades by their protrusions.

A faulty jigsaw head is detected by the following sign: the blades do not hold on, and when exposed to the material, they fall out of the fastening. Below is an example of a worn saw blade holder that needs to be replaced.

A detailed video description of how to replace the saw blade holder on a jigsaw is presented in the material.

Replacing the saw holder

Figure 6 – Saw holder

There are several types of saw holders.

Changing them is not difficult; it is much more difficult to find the same element to replace it.

The procedure is simple and does not require disassembling the jigsaw; just pull the rod to its lowest position.

The block and screw holders are secured with two screws, so replacement is easy.

If you use a quick-release saw blade, you will have to spend time and effort searching for a replacement.

Sometimes you can only find a repair kit from the tool manufacturer. Experts recommend purchasing the entire rod assembly, since it is difficult and impractical to sort out the quick-release saw holder with your own hands.

How to extend tool life

In order for the type of tool in question to serve for a long time and not break, it is necessary to regularly carry out preventive measures. They consist in the fact that it is necessary to disassemble the tool, check the integrity and serviceability of all parts, clean the mechanisms of old lubricant and replace it. Do not overload the tool with work for which it is not intended.

Repair work on a jigsaw should begin with troubleshooting. In 99% of cases, successful identification of a malfunction allows you to eliminate a breakdown quickly and efficiently. To eliminate breakdowns, you will need spare parts, which can be purchased at any tool store. By devoting a couple of hours of time, you can prepare a power tool for the new season, and not worry that it will break at the wrong time.

Jigsaw Interskol: correction of sawing curvature

It is worth paying attention to the domestically produced Interskol jigsaw. It is produced in Izhevsk. For domestic use this is a completely acceptable option. It has many positive qualities, and the most impressive is its low cost. But there are also disadvantages.

Replacing the quick release saw blade mount

This is the curvature of the saw. What is the problem, and is it possible to get rid of it? The culprit was the quick-release fastening of the file. The fact is that it is designed for saw blades of maximum thickness. All cutting tools of smaller thickness simply dangle in the mount.

How to get out of this situation? You need to replace the quick-release mount with a simple device with regular bolts. It's not difficult to make. You need to take a square rod, cut two blanks, drill holes in them and connect them with two M5 bolts and nuts. The procedure for attaching the saw blade will become somewhat more complicated, but the tool will produce an even cut.

Refinement of jigsaw design

In addition, you can modify the design of the tool itself and limit the movement of the file in the transverse plane.

To do this you need:

take sheet aluminum and cut the plate to the size of the jigsaw sole;
In the front part of the workpiece, it is necessary to make a cut to the size of the working area of the cutting tool. File all edges, make bevels on the inner longitudinal edges of the cutout;
You need to cut a plate from plexiglass to the size of the working area of the saw blade. File all sharp edges and make reverse bevels on the outer longitudinal edges;
The aluminum plate must be marked for its installation on the jigsaw base. Drill holes and make chamfers for installing countersunk screws;
A piece of plexiglass must be inserted into an aluminum plate, having first made a cut at its location.

Now, during operation, the saw blade will be limited in transverse movement almost in the cutting zone, which will give it even greater straightness.