Craftsman "HD77" Skilsaw

[Citation]

We are sadly losing a great neighbor. He and his wife are moving out of state and the neighborhood will miss him. As the tool person in the neighborhood (other than him) I was offered some tools he figures he won't need in the future. One of those was a Craftsman worm drive circular saw, 135.276103. Based on photos and other information this appears to be a Skilsaw HD77 rebrand. Very cool!

So other than being self congratualtory, I was posting to ask if people knew how to read the datecode on the saw. The date code on mine is H4213. I'm going to start reading up on these things since they appear to have a strong following. Quite an upgrade from my $50 Porter Cable (B&D rebadge).

 

[Bigblockyeti]

Can't help you with the date code, but I can tell you that it is a rebadged Skil which is good as any parts you unlikely to need should be available for a long time despite the craftsman brand now being a mere shell of its former glory. It's a great saw that should serve you well for a very long time!

 

[redwrench60]

Very good saws. From what I’ve seen those worm drive Craftsmans are indeed a Skill HD77 rebrand. I love the Skil worm drive family of saws. I like the power, heft, ergonomics and reliability of these classic saws. They are the John Wayne of circular saws. I have a Makita 5007 sidewinder but I rarely reach for it. My Skil worm drive is more powerful, quieter and easier to use since I can see the table marks better and watch my cut unfold. The extra weight that people complain about helps stabilize the saw and absorb the occasional burp or kickback and helps the saw “fall” through the cut.

We need pics of the saw!

 

[mc4life27]

I have a skil hd77 50 year gold one and I love the saw. It's the last tool I use regularly that I have not switched over to a newer cordless. The saw is a tank and extremely reliable. Everyone used to make fun of it when I would pull it out on the job site. But once a few people tried it once or twice it seems like they ask to use it all the time now.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[jgromada]

Great saw! Check the worm drive lubricant and if you don't know when it was changed go ahead and do that. Your saw will thank you.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002EVD9G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Citation]

I have no knowledge of the saw's history. It's a little dirty but only dirt and wear that looks appropriate. I'm guessing/assuming this one was made/sold in the 90s. That's part of why I want to find a date code decoder.

Other than seeing discussions were people raved about worm drives I know little about circular saws and I I've never used ones other than home owner grade stuff. Over the years I've used many "pro" tools but typically fabrication or mechanic type tools. My carpentry tool exposure is far more limited.

I can see why people talk about the magnesium version of this saw. This one is heavy!

Question for the experts. I know this saw has a diamond shaped drive for the saw. The blade that came in it (a very high tooth count blade) was just clamped without knocking out the diamond. Is that an issue?

 

[PugetDude]

That's a Skil 77 in Craftsman clothing.
I have one of each, they're great saws.
30+ years old, I've cut miles of wood, concrete, wonderboard, and metal roofing with mine. bought them used, have never changed the oil... and they just keep on going.

 

[Bigblockyeti]

You may want to go ahead and change that oil if you haven't ever and you've been cutting concrete and wonderboard. It part of basic maintenance and you're worm wheel is likely 90% or more gone if the oil really has never been changed.

 

[Wamsutta]

I remember those saws; they were all black.

 

[Citation]

I checked the oil today. Looked good but a little low (bottom of threads vs top). Good color. The bevel adjustment is very tight. I'm not sure if that is by design or "by impact".

 

[redwrench60]

Question for the experts. I know this saw has a diamond shaped drive for the saw. The blade that came in it (a very high tooth count blade) was just clamped without knocking out the diamond. Is that an issue?

You’ll want to remove the blade and remove the diamond shaped knockout but don’t “knock” out the knockout. Grab it in the center hole with a pair of long nose pliers or Channellocks and twist it out. Hammering it out can warp the blade. Make sure the blade is installed to turn the correct direction.

If you need work drive oil Lowe’s carries it in stock. May as well change the oil in it. Takes 5 mins and is easy. I’m sure YouTube has videos on how to. Try penetrating oil on the saw tables pivot points and then work all the pivots and adjustments. They are probably stuck from a long period of inactivity.