This blog post will show you how to adjust the foot plate on your Skil reciprocating saw. This adjustment is important for getting good cuts with your saw. The steps are simple, but it’s important to follow them closely in order to get the best results. With a little practice, you’ll be able to make precision cuts with your reciprocating saw in no time! Stay safe while working and have fun!
Steps to Adjusting the Foot Plate
1. Make sure your saw is in a safe place and turned off. That way, you won’t have to worry about it slipping or tripping when you start working on it.
2. Unplug your Skil from the wall outlet before starting any work on it.
3. Remove the blade from the saw. You’ll need to do this in order to make sure that you can access the foot plate. The correct way to remove your blade is explained in this tutorial video: how to change skil reciprocating saw blades.
4. Push forward on the safety lock located at the front of the footplate.
(1). This will allow you to turn or adjust it.
(2). Make sure that you don’t try and turn it too much, or else you might damage your Skil [insert model here]! If you notice any play when moving your footplate up, down, left, or right, then readjusting your footplate may be necessary. Tighten any screws if needed, then re-test.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until your footplate moves up/down, left/right without any play in the mechanism. Make sure to tighten any screws if needed before making more adjustments!
6. Test out your new-and-improved Skil by cutting some wood! Be careful with it though it’s still a powerful tool that can cut you pretty easily if you’re not careful! It never hurts to wear protective gear like gloves, safety glasses, ear plugs, etc.
Safety Precautions
Make sure all screws are tightened securely before using the saw. If any of your parts don’t move up/down, left/right without play in them, then the part may need to be replaced. Always wear protective gear when working with or around power tools. Be safe and have fun!
What is a foot plate?
The foot plate is a small metal piece at the front of your Skil that allows you to adjust the position of the blade. It holds it into place, and helps you make cuts that are straight and precise.
A reciprocating saw can be thought of as a jigsaw with a long bar instead of a short handle. If you need to make cuts in places that are hard to reach, then this tool is definitely an asset to have! It can be used for both indoor and outdoor projects.
How to adjust foot plate skil reciprocating saw?
Step 1: unplug the power cord of the Skil + apply forward pressure on the safety lock located in front of the footplate.
Step 2: loosen any screws if needed (only if there is play in movement).
Step 3: adjust foot plate until there is no play in movement.
Step 4: reassemble the Skil + test out foot plate by cutting some wood with it.
When not to adjust the foot plate on your reciprocating saw:
- When the foot plate has broken parts.
- Security or safety is concerned.
- If you are not experienced with saws.
- If you need to use the foot plate multiple times.
- When adjusting it is too difficult.
How to properly use a reciprocating saw?
- Keep your hands clear of the blade.
- Make sure that you don’t accidentally squeeze the trigger while using it.
- Be careful when making cuts so that the blade doesn’t jump or move unexpectedly.
- Make sure to have a firm hold on the saw if your hands are sweaty, wipe them on a cloth first.
- Always wear protective gear when using power tools!
- Keep your hands and feet away from wood that has been cut so that the blade doesn’t accidentally touch you.
Other Safety Precautions
- Wear eye protection – it’s a good idea to wear protective gear such as gloves, ear plugs, and other safety equipment when using power tools.
- Set up your work space in a way that avoids obstacles, tripping risks, and other things that could cause an accident.
- Disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet before making adjustments or replacing broken parts.
- Clean out sawdust every now and then to help prevent fires.
- Keep your Skil [insert model here] away from water.
- Use a dust collector bag to collect the sawdust – this prevents it from getting into the air and also makes clean up easier later on.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. Your guide to adjusting the foot plate on your Skil reciprocating saw. The process is simple and only requires a few small steps that we’ve outlined for you here. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your saw is always cutting at its best potential. Have any questions or need some additional help? Be sure to reach out to us in the comments below!
