Miter Saw Return Spring

[Kris Cook]

I have a 12" Ridgid miter saw and the spring that lifts the saw off the cut no longer functions. Parts are NLA. I haven't taken it apart. The saw is still a pretty good machine other than that. Does anyone have any ideas to replace the spring or maybe has fixed the same issue?

Don't want to jury-rig anything, and will replace the saw if I can't figure it out.

474288

[Paul F Franklin]

From a quick look at the parts list, it looks like a typical torsion spring. You would need to take it apart and measure the spring (length, diameter, no of turns, diameter of wire, etc.) and see if you can find a close enough replacement as a stock item. Or, Mcmaster will make one to order (custom torsion spring). Doesn't have to be a perfect replacement; all it's doing is supplying enough force to lift the saw back up.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Kris, those type of torsion springs are pretty common. In my opinion, it would be worth the effort to remove it to be used as a sample/model that could be measured for rough physical specs and the search for a replacement locally or online.

[Charles Lent]

When I need springs, and the exact replacement isn't available, I have a favorite hardware store only a few miles away that has a huge filing system of drawers containing all kinds and sizes of springs, metric bolts, shoulder bolts, electrical components, and other tough to find items, and I compare my broken one to what they have. I found electric motor brushes there that only needed a light sanding of one edge to make them perfectly fit an old 1/2" drill that I have. It's been running on these modified brushes for about 10 years now. If a spring is the right size and shape, but too long, they can be cut to size. Heating the last turn until it's red and then let cool will make it possible to shape the end into a hook, etc. but only heat the last turn and keep the rest of the spring cool. I usually use a Bic lighter for this on small springs.

Charley

[Brian Tymchak]

Possibly a spring from a different saw manufacturer would work?

[Kris Cook]

OK. Thanks everyone for chiming in. I will take it apart and look for a spring when I get done with my current trim project.

Appreciate the help.

[Bill Dufour]

A counterweight on a arm or pulley down the back will work fine.
Bill D

[Zachary Hoyt]

I too have a hardware with about 200 springs in a set of drawers with a master chart that hangs on the wall. There is usually not a spring that matches what I need exactly, but something that's close enough for $3 or less will usually work, at least for a while.

[Dan Hahr]

I see nice used dewalts for about $100 fairly regularly. The one I bought is so much better than my old Ridgid.

Dan

[Zachary Hoyt]

I used to see old DeWalt 705s like mine for $100-150, but in the last couple of years DeWalt 12" saws have gone way up on Craigslist around here.

[Tom M King]

Several miter saw return springs on ebay for different manufacturers. I didn't see a Rigid, but it looks like a number of the different saws use the same spring. I doubt it's a custom part.

[Kris Cook]

A counterweight on a arm or pulley down the back will work fine.
Bill D

Bill - as I said I don't really want to jury-rig something.

What I should have said was I don't want to come up with a Rube Goldberg solution.:D

[Bill Dufour]

For drill presses some retrofit a gas spring. You can buy them with an adjustment valve to release some pressure.
I know you do not want it too junky looking. Is this bench mounted or do you need to move it around.
Bill D

[Kris Cook]

Thanks Bill. Right now I am having to move it around some. I think the replacement spring will take care of it.

My mortiser has a gas spring and it seems to work well.

[Bruce Wrenn]

I have a 12" Ridgid miter saw and the spring that lifts the saw off the cut no longer functions. Parts are NLA. I haven't taken it apart. The saw is still a pretty good machine other than that. Does anyone have any ideas to replace the spring or maybe has fixed the same issue?

Don't want to jury-rig anything, and will replace the saw if I can't figure it out.

474288


When you bought the saw, did you register the LSA? If so, let Ridgid furnish you a new saw.

[Kris Cook]

Bruce - that is an excellent suggestion. I can't remember if I registered it or not. I know I have registered several tools over the years. I will find out tomorrow.