ask This old House
Q How does Tom Silva keep his handsaws clean and lubricated? Mine just rust!
—ROBERT BEAUDRY, HUDSON, NH
A One of the best ways to keep rust off a saw is to use it. Rust doesn’t last long on blades that spend time cutting wood. You can scrub off light rust with steel wool and a lubricant like WD-40. Heavy rust might require Naval Jelly Rust Dissolver (loctiteproducts.com).
Once the rust and cleaning residue are gone, wipe or spray the blades with silicone-free Slipit (slipit.com). It inhibits corrosion, helps the blade slide through the cut, and won’t contaminate the wood and spoil its finish.
Treat the blade with more Slipit after each use. Then store it in a dry place with plenty of air circulation, just like these well-cared-for backsaws at right.
—TOM SILVA, TOH GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Q My big masonry fireplace doesn’t have the best draft up the chimney. Its flue is 13 by 17 inches in
