Skil 574 Circular Saw Disassembly

For most folks, the Skil 574 Circular Saw, like most hand tools, is not worth repairing.  In the case of this saw, it made a god-awful shrieking noise when operating, which seemed beyond the decibel level and audio frequency of what a Skil Saw should sound like. 
I wanted to fix this saw because (1) it is a "Made in USA" tool, (2) I'm cheap, (3) I like taking stuff apart.
This Instructable covers the disassembly and reassembly of the Skil 574 Circular Saw.

You will need
(1) Torx T-25 Tip
(2) Phillips Screwdriver #1 or #2

You might need
(1) Bearing Grease
(2) Electrical Tape

Step 1 Freeing the Blade Guard and Base Plate

The Blade Guard

The blade guard of this saw is attached with a spring.  Detach the spring at both ends and set it aside.
Using a Torx 25 wrench, detach the rubber stop.  The blade guard should now be free to rotate.

The Base Plate

The base plate is attached with a long bolt and a wing nut.  Remove the wing nut and the bolt, and the base plate can move freely.

Swing the base plate free of the saw.  The base plate contains a stop that keeps the blade guard from rotating completely.  Once the base plate is freed, the blade guard is also freed.

Comments

[Phil B]

I remember wanting one of these saws. My brother gave me one he was no longer using. The blade shaft had some run out, that is, it moved laterally a millimeter or so when started. Also, the base plate had a little too much flex in it and the saw wandered from a straight line while cutting. I added a thicker steel plate to the underside of the base. My daughter has it now.

I am wondering if your screeching noise came from a worn or dry bearing. Also, I would have filled the void area in step 13 (3rd photo) with grease.

Thank you for a very practical Instructable.

[Dr. Pepper]

Make sure you put it back on correctly!