It is essential that you look after and maintain your jigsaw correctly so that your tool works as efficiently and accurately as it should.
Before use
If your jigsaw is powered by mains electricity, before using it, check the condition of the power cord.
If the cord is nicked or frayed, the machine is unsafe to use.
Be careful not to drop your jigsaw as this may affect the alignment of its shoe. A saw with a bent or damaged baseplate will be unable to make accurate cuts.
If you do accidentally drop your tool, you may be able to rectify any minor damage by flattening the shoe using mole grips. If, however, the shoe is severely misshapen, you may have to replace the shoe or the entire jigsaw.
Lubrication
Every so often, apply a drop of oil to the blade roller guide of your tool to prevent it from jamming during operation.
Cleaning
Keep your jigsaw’s ventilation slots free from dust and debris to reduce the likelihood of your tool overheating during use.
Make sure that the handle is clean, dry and free of oil or grease before and after use.
Use a damp cloth and mild soap to remove any dirt from the body of your tool.
Most importantly, the blade guide should be kept clean and free from dust-build up.
Use an old toothbrush to remove any unwanted grime which may affect the accuracy of the saw.
Storage
Some, jigsaws, usually higher-end models, are supplied with a protective storage case in which they should be kept when not in use.
If your tool does not have a special case, make sure you keep it somewhere safe and away from moisture.
Replacing carbon brushes
The majority of jigsaws have two carbon brushes which transmit electricity to their motor.
Gradually, these brushes will be worn away by friction and will need to be replaced.
However, because the tools are normally only used for a short period at a time, a set of brushes will usually last the life of the tool, so will not need to be replaced.
Recharging battery
As with all cordless tools, you should keep an eye on the charge in your battery so that you know if your jigsaw has enough power to complete the task at hand.
How often you need to charge your tool’s battery will depend on its capacity and the kind of applications you have been using your jigsaw for.