Here are some techniques on how to remove tree sap from saw blades, so they work properly! Tree sap is a sticky substance that can clog up your saw blade.

When you are working on wood, this will cause the blade to overheat and stop spinning. This means that the tree sap has to be removed before you can use your saw blade again.

How to Remove Tree Sap From Saw Blade

There are many people who work with woodworking tools and equipment, including saws. Saw blades can get covered in sap from trees when using them to cut through trees or logs (for firewood).

Sap will harden onto the blade over time, making it difficult to use for further cutting tasks without removing it first.

1) Gather the necessary tools and supplies

Take all of your tools and supplies outside. You will need some petroleum jelly, a scratch-free scouring pad, and some mineral spirits.

You will also need something to clean the sap off of your saw blade with. A rag or towel should do the trick as long as it is not synthetic material that may damage your metal blades.

2) Soak a rag in mineral spirits and wrap it around the blade, then use a scraper to remove as much sap as possible

Take a rag and soak it in mineral spirits. Wring out as much of the liquid from the cloth as you can, then wrap it around your saw blade until all sides are covered.

Allow this to sit for about ten minutes so that sap softens up enough for you to scrape off with a scraper or other metal instrument (such as a screwdriver).

After ten minutes, proceed to use whatever sharp instrument you have available to scrape sap off the blade until it is completely clean.

Once finished, remove any excess petroleum jelly left on your saw blade by wiping it with a rag or towel that has been soaked in mineral spirits again.

3) Apply more mineral spirits with a brush and wipe away any remaining sap

Once your saw blade has been completely cleaned, it is time to remove any excess petroleum jelly that may still be left on the surface.

Use a small paintbrush or other instruments you have, then apply more mineral spirits onto the brush and begin wiping away at sap until there are no visible traces of it remaining.

If needed, use another rag soaked in mineral spirits to clean off any excess sap or petroleum jelly that was not removed with the paintbrush.

4) Rinse off the blade with warm water or soap-and-water solution, then dry it thoroughly before using again

Once your blade has been cleaned off, you can remove the mineral spirits from it by rinsing it with warm water or a solution of soap and water.

After this step is finished, allow the metal to air dry completely before using again so that there are no lingering chemicals left on the surface which may cause damage later on.

5 Alternative Methods

Here are the 5 methods you can try to remove sap from your saw blade.

Method 1: Use A Solvent

If you have a saw blade that has been covered in tree sap, one of the best ways to remove it is with some sort of solvent. There are many different types on the market today, so be sure to pick an option that will not damage your wood or metal blades. You can even try using WD-40 if you have it on hand.

Method 2: Use A Lighter Fluid

If you do not have a solvent, don’t worry! You can use lighter fluid to get tree sap off of your saw blades as well. It works in the same way that solvents work, but many people consider them more dangerous since they are flammable and come into close contact with fire during the cleaning process. Just be sure to avoid getting this chemical too close to any heat sources or open flames while working with it.

Method 3: Soak In Alcohol Or Acetone Solution

Another super simple method for removing tree sap from the blade is by soaking it in alcohol or acetone solution overnight until all of the sticky material has been softened.

Method 4: Use Sandpaper Or A Scraper To Remove Sap From Saw Blade

If you don’t have any solvent on hand, one of the simplest ways to get tree sap off a saw blade is by sandpaper or a scraper. This method will be rough on your blades and should only be attempted if it cannot be helped due to time constraints.

Method 5: Peel The Tree Sap Away Using Glue And Heat

Finally, if all else has failed, there is another simple way that may just save your saw blade from ruin. All you need to do is place glue over the sap and use some sort of heat source (like an iron) until the sap starts peeling away from the metal underneath! If you are looking for the quickest method, this is probably your best bet.

Important Tips On Removing Tree Sap From Saw Blade

It is important to keep in mind that you should not use hot water when rinsing off the blade, as this could cause serious damage. Also, make sure your saw blade is completely dry after it has been washed and allowed time to air dry before using it again.

If, for some reason, sap does get stuck onto your saw blade during a cutting task or project, never use a solvent such as paint thinner or other harsh chemicals to try and remove it.

This could permanently damage your metal blade, causing rusting and discoloration, making it completely useless for further cutting purposes.

Moreover, if the sap is allowed to dry onto your metal blade, never use any sort of tool or sharp instrument to try and pry it off. This could also cause damage in addition to scratching or etching into the surface area of your saw blade itself.

Conclusion

Now that you have learned how to remove tree sap from the saw blade, it is time to take the information provided and put it into action.

It may be easiest for most people with smaller hands or who are not as strong in general to use a screwdriver instead of a scraper when removing excess petroleum jelly so that they can get underneath easier.

However, it is important to make sure a screwdriver you use for this purpose does not have any sharp edges or points that could cause damage to your saw blade.

Make sure the handle of your tool is made from wood and has no metal parts at all when using it in sap removal procedures. If necessary, wrap some layers of cloth around the handle before using it to ensure that your metal blade is not damaged during this process.

Once you have successfully cleaned off the sap from your saw blade, it will be ready for use again in a woodworking project or task.

Make sure you store it properly, so there is no chance of the sap becoming stuck onto it once more after cleaning and drying.

If you also have a sander belt, you can check our post on how how to clean a wide belt sander to learn how to properly clean the sander belt.