FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
Ask the Experts

How to Change the Oil in a Worm-Drive Saw

Worm-drive saws have an oil-bath gearbox that should be refreshed periodically to make your tool last longer and run smoother.

By Patrick McCombe Issue 277 - Aug/Sept 2018

I’ve been using the same worm-drive saw for years, and I’m embarrassed to say that I have never changed the oil. How often is this supposed to be done, what kind of oil do I use, and how do I even do the job? Is it just a top-off procedure, or a drain-and-refill like in a car?

—Chris, via email

Patrick McCombe, senior editor and host of Tool Tech, replies: You didn’t say what brand of saw you have, but I’m assuming you have a true worm-drive saw and not a hypoid saw. Both types are configured similarly with a rear handle and a motor parallel to the blade. However, hypoid saws and sidewinder circular saws have sealed bearings and don’t require any maintenance. Worm-drive saws have an oil-bath gearbox meant to provide cooling and lubrication to the gears that transfer motor power to the sawblade. The oil eventually gets contaminated through use. I called both Ridgid and Skilsaw, makers of the two most popular worm drives currently on the market. Both makers said you should change the oil after the first 10 hours of use. Since most cuts take seconds, this is actually a much longer service interval than it would first appear. After the first service, Ridgid says to change the oil every 50 hours, which is likely a lifetime for many users. Skilsaw, maker of the Skilsaw 77 and Mag 77, says you should change the oil every year.

To change the oil, first free-run the saw for about three minutes to warm the oil and then remove the spindle lock/oil-filler plug with a 1⁄2-in. wrench. Tip the saw on its side and pour out the oil into a container for recycling. Using a funnel with a 1⁄4-in. or smaller spout, refill the crank case to the level specified. The Ridgid has a sight glass to make checking the level and refilling easier. Skilsaw’s gearbox should be filled to the bottom of the threads on the fill hole.

Skilsaw offers its own oil. You can buy an 8-oz. tube on Amazon for about $5 plus shipping. Ridgid says to use Mobil SHC 636 synthetic oil. This can be tough to find in small quantities, but I was able to find 4-oz. bottles on ebay for about $10 plus shipping.

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More Ask the Experts

View All
  • Remodeling Around Electrical Panels
  • Best Deck for a Steel Roof
  • Protect Foundation Foam
  • Hiding Porch Beams in the Roof Structure
View All

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

The Fine Homebuilding Interview: Katrin Klingenberg

This architect and engineer developed a Passive House standard for the United States. In this interview, she discusses what it will take to move the building industry toward climate-positive realities.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Easy-release Hole Saw
  • Cordless Stapler for Hard-to-Reach Spaces
  • Makita's Cordless Biscuit Joiner
  • Compact Compound Slider

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All Videos
  • Don't Wait to Get These Tools
  • How to Cut a Notch with a Circular Saw
  • How to Accurately Cut a 6x6
  • Worm-Drive Oil Change
View All

Power Tools

View All Power Tools Articles
  • Festool's Domino: Worth the Dough?
  • DeWalt Recalls 12-in. Sliding Compound Miter Saws
  • Cordless Mud Mixer and Drill in One
  • Protect Cord Connections
View All Power Tools Articles

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • 2023 Tool Guide
    Buy Now
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition
    Buy Now
  • 2022 Fine Homebuilding Archive
    Buy Now
  • Pretty Good House
    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 315 - June 2023
    • How to Craft a Copper Roof
    • 5 Lessons from Building in a Cold Climate
    • The Advantages of Cellular PVC Siding
  • Issue 314 - April/May 2023
    • 7 Options for Countertops
    • Tool Test: Wood-Boring Bits
    • Critical Details for Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 313 - Feb/March 2023
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
    • Fine Homebuilding Issue #313 Online Highlights
    • Practical System for a Seismic Retrofit
  • Issue 312 - Dec 2022/Jan 2023
    • Tool Test: Cordless Tablesaws
    • Gray-Water System for a Sustainable Home
    • Insulate a Cape Roof to Avoid Ice Dams
  • Issue 311 - November 2022
    • 7 Steps to a Perfect Exterior Paint Job
    • Options for Smarter Home-Energy Tracking
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: James Metoyer

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2023 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in