That tile saw I rented from Home Depot nearly cost me a finger

Last Saturday I was cutting some 12x24 porcelain tiles for my kitchen backsplash and the blade guard on that rental saw kept sticking. Nearly took my thumb off when the tile cracked and my hand slipped forward. I ended up buying a cheap used MK saw off Craigslist for $150 and it works way better. Anybody else had close calls with those big box store rental tools?

2 comments

Log in to join the discussion

Log In

2 Comments

felixw684mo ago

Had a similar thing happen with a wet saw from a different rental place a few years back. Those rental tools get abused by everyone and nobody bothers to maintain them. The blade guards are always gunked up with dried mortar or just plain loose. Not saying the cheap MK saw is perfect either, but at least you know exactly what you're working with. One thing I'd add though - those big box stores usually have a safety check list they're supposed to go through before you leave with the tool. If the guard was sticking, that's on them for not catching it. Worth complaining to the manager next time, just to save someone else from a trip to urgent care.

3

nora544mo ago

Did the rental place give you any paperwork on tool safety when you picked it up? I always ask for the checklist before I walk out, because some of those guys just hand you the keys and wave you off without a second glance. Last time I rented a floor nailer, the guard was held on with a zip tie, and the kid behind the counter just shrugged when I pointed it out. Makes you wonder if they even inspect the stuff between rentals, or if they just hose off the dirt and call it good.

1