A squealing miter saw is not something fun to work with. And it shouldn’t squeal, either. So, if you notice any squeaking or grinding noise coming out of the machine, it’s time to ask, why is my miter saw squealing?
Miter saws can squeal because of the belt, bearing, carbon brushes, or gears. Squealing is not a usual occurrence. So, you should fix your tool if you’re experiencing such noise.
Identifying the issue is the key to fixing it. So, let’s take a look at what might be causing the squealing and discuss them elaborately.
Why Is My Miter Saw Squealing?
Several parts of a miter saw can cause the unit to squeal. So, you need to take a thorough look at the entire tool to identify and fix it. Let’s see what parts you should lead with.
Bearings
After using a miter saw for quite some time, the bearings can become squeaky or create grinding noise. That’s one of the sources you should look for when solving the issue. There are several bearings inside the tool, one of which could be causing the problem.
To access the bearings, you will have to remove a few parts. The precise procedure depends on the model you’re using. Some of them may feature screws that will require loosening.
Once the bearings are exposed, you need to check all of them by spinning them around the shaft. A proper bearing will be noiseless and smooth. However, if you notice any of them making any unusual sound while spinning, that’s the faulty one.
Some bearings are positioned in a more complicated place compared to others. Removing them will require extra caution if you want to avoid damage to the machine. If you are not confident about altering the parts, it’ll be better to take the unit to a mechanic.
Belt
The most common reason for a squealing miter saw is its worn-out belt. The belt can get stretched after operating the machine for quite some time. When the belt is loosened, it can create a squealing sound.
Depending on the model, the fix for this issue will be different. For instance, some models will come with screws that you can use to tighten the belt. Sometimes, tightening a belt is all it takes to stop that annoying sound.
On the contrary, some units won’t have anything like that. So, once the belt is loosened and starts making a squealing noise, you will have to replace the belt.
Carbon Brushes
Your miter saw has carbon brushes for supplying power to the armature. They’re attached to the commutator, which is why they can wear out and make noises. To check the brushes, you will have to remove the end cap of the motor.
If you notice any loose pieces inside, it’s certainly time to replace the carbon brushes. Another symptom to look for is the size of the brush. If it is one-eighth of an inch, you should replace them.
Gears
The function of the gears in a miter saw is to transfer power between the shafts. When the gears are damaged, they don’t sit well with each other. As a result, they can’t run smoothly, and you hear a squealing or grinding noise.
It may sound a bit complicated to expose the gears in a miter saw. However, it’s a pretty straightforward process. You will have to remove the outer flanges, inner flanges, and blades. Check if there’s any washer at the back of the inner flanges.
Once the gears are exposed, check if there are any missing teeth. Removing the gears will depend on how they’re mounted on the shafts. You may have to heat the mounting plate or remove a retaining ring to detach the gears.
When To Look For Damages
Your miter saw naturally sounds loud when running. You can see why are miter saws so loud if you’re interested.
We’ve demonstrated where you should look for damages when you experience a grinding or squealing noise. However, every miter saw is built differently. So, the process of fixing them will be different too.
For instance, one user reported that the miter saw was squeaking when lowering the blade. This issue is not generated by the bearing, carbon brushes, or gears. The tension nut was simply tighter than required. Loosening it helped quiet down the noise. Another thing to do in such situations is to use a proper lube to get rid of annoying sounds.
If you’re confident that you can fix it, the best way is to check the user’s manual to see where the components which might be causing the issue are. Then, figure out the way to access and fix them.
However, if you don’t think you can fix the miter saw, it’s better to seek professional help. Take the unit to a nearby shop. It may cost a bit, but you will certainly get the best outcome this way.
How To Prevent Squealing Of A Miter Saw
As you have noticed, most of the time, the sound is caused by wear. The easiest way to prevent or at least postpone this from happening is to invest in a good-quality miter saw. The better the product, the longer it will last.
In addition, when you get a miter saw from a reputed brand, you also get better customer service when something goes wrong. And if the problem occurs while the warranty is still in force, then you have nothing to worry about.
Note that it’s important not to open the miter saw if it’s still covered by the warranty. Opening the machine will breach the warranty contract, and the brand will not fix or replace it for you.
The next thing to do to prevent squealing is to use the machine with care. There are a lot of things you can do to make your miter saw last long. For instance, always use the tool it was intended for. Don’t buy a DIY miter saw and then use it for industrial purposes.
Also, the user manual is something you should always go through. As we have mentioned before, every machine is different. So, taking care of the miter saw will be different for each miter saw. Following the instructions from the manufacturer always help increase the life of the machine.
It’s also essential that you replace or fix any damaged part as soon as you experience any change. The more you allow the damage to sit, the more it is likely to damage other parts. So, replacing one component may save the entire miter saw from getting damaged.
Some Tips For Checking Damages And Fixing Them
- Don’t open the miter saw if it’s still covered by warranty. Contact the brand to get clear instructions.
- Do not force open anything. If you don’t know how to open something, try to find instructions on how to do it. The user manual can come in handy in such a situation.
- Try to guess where the squeak is generated from. Sometimes, you won’t need to open the miter saw at all. Simple lubrication and loosening of a screw will do the job.
- Some miter saws have screws that place the components in place. Before pulling anything off the place, look for any screws that might need opening.
- If there’s any debris or loose parts inside the machine that are not attached to anything, find the source. That component will require replacing due to deterioration.
- Instead of trying to fix the miter saw without knowing what you’re doing, take it to a mechanic. It’ll save you from future costs. Besides, if you damage the miter saw more than it is, repairing it will cost you more. So it’s better to get it fixed right away.
- Keep your miter saw clean and lubricated to avoid further damage.
Final Words
If you’re wondering why is my miter saw squealing after experiencing a sudden change, it’s time to start repairing. The sooner you identify and fix the issue that’s causing the noise, the less it will damage the miter saw. If you’re lucky, lubricating the machine or adjusting the tension will fix the noise.
In some cases, one or two components may require fixing. If you ignore the problem for long enough, it may damage the entire miter saw, and you won’t have any choice but to replace it.
