There’s only one reason you’re buying a Makita LS1016. Because it’s a solid reciprocating saw that will slice right through framing lumber. It is your go-to demolition tool.
But reliability goes out the window when you has to fight the machine. When the blade quits or starts walking off the cut, you’ve wasted not just patience but also time. I say that because most problems with this model aren’t manufacturer defects.
They’re caused by a user error or plain old wear-and-tear. And when owners experience those symptoms, they assume their tool is busted. Then they bring it back without ever reading the manual.
Knowing what’s wrong will keep your job going and save you some bucks. The number one complaint is that the blade wanders. The blade moves off of marked line.
Common Makita LS1016 Issues And Fixes
Why Your Reciprocating Saw Blade Wanders
This typically means the blade is either wrong type for the cut or it is simply too wide. A general purpose blade has larger gullets and fewer teeth. It is intended to be used for speed rather then precision.
To get a straight cut, use a bi-metal blade with more teeth per inch. The finer the tooth, the straighter your line. You can’t have both speed and accuracy.
Most folks choose speed, then complain about tool. Another common problem is that blades breaks too soon. Ugh.
Fixing Frequent Blade Breaks
That’s money down the drain, and frustration. Snap! You plunk a good one in the slot and now there’s a good blade in the trash.
First, look at the pin. The LS1016 features a side-mounted pin system for fast change outs. When the pin isn’t seated properly or has became worn or bent, the blade won’t stay secure.
Pressure causes a loose blade to flex and SNAP! Each time you get out the saw, make sure to inspect your retaining pin. This little guy hold the whole cutting process together.
Replace it immediately if it is damaged. Don’t attempt to pound it back into shape. Stuttering under a load would point to another issue.
Preventing Voltage Drop and Stuttering
The saw starts without an issue but then will bog down on a nail or a knot. Often this signals either wrong technique or not enough power. Remember, the LS1016 is a corded tool.
If you are using a long, thin extension cord, you are losing voltage. Guess what? You’re losing voltage.
A voltage drop means the motor cannot draws enough current. Stall time. Run your saw with a heavy duty extension cord rated for amperage of your saw.
Keep it as short as possible. Technique also enters into it. Don’t force the blade.
Stopping Motor Overheating
Let it go to work with reciprocating action. Too much pushing binds up the mechanism and overheats the motor. Running it too hard forces the tool to overheat.
Sawdust can clogs its vents on the body. That prevents the motor from cooling down. So the thermal cutoff kicks in or it simply shuts off.
Regularly blow out the vents with compressed air or clean them with a brush. Thirty seconds. If you don’t clean it, you’ll burn your motor out.
If the body seems hotter than usual to the touch within just a couple of minutes of use, it means the vents has gotten clogged up. Stop cutting immediately. Remove the dust.
Wait for it to cool. Better to quit than buy another moddern motor. Lastly, the blade release mechanism will get stiff.
Lubricating the Blade Release Mechanism
Again, it is not a catastrophic issue, but an annoyance. Over time, grease and sawdust combine to create a paste in the lever housing. A dab of silicone lubricant on the pivot point fix this.
Clean off the rest. No WD-40 here… WD-40 attracts more dust. A good lubricant that remains where you place it is what you’re after.
Taking these little moments to maintain the tool ensures it continues running like new. The LS1016 is built to last. Give her a little respect and she’ll do the same for you.
You should of noticed this sooner, but the tool is luxuruisly reliable when maintained. Making sure your blades is in good shape helps too, because poor quality blade can cause problems. Don’t let mistakes dissapear without checking things first.
It’s actualy easier than you think.