I recently got the M18 track saw in January and have been loving it overall! However, I encountered a frustrating issue yesterday: the splinter guard kept detaching from both ends of the track. It seems like the adhesive softens too much in the heat, which makes me wonder why Milwaukee chose such adhesive for a tool meant to be used outdoors in the summer? I've already ordered a Festool splinter guard to replace it, but I'm trying to figure out how to remove the old adhesive without damaging the aluminum track.
3 Answers
I actually re-adhered my splinter guard using high-strength double-sided tape, making sure to clean everything with alcohol before sticking it down. It’s held up great so far! I just rolled it on to really set the bond. A good solution if you're looking for something more permanent.
I recently swapped my splinter guard with the Festool tape, and it was super easy! Just peeled off the old one and used my thumb to roll the remaining adhesive off — kinda like getting rid of a booger! I did find that keeping it in the AC helps if it gets too gummy or sticky, so that might be worth a shot.
Haha, I relate! Mine is also a gummy mess, and there’s definitely a lot of adhesive stuck on there. Maybe I’ll try cooling it down first.
Honestly, I've had similar issues with splinter guards from various brands. I found that cleaning off the old adhesive with denatured alcohol and using a plastic scraper works pretty well. For better longevity, I switched to Makita's splinter tape, but it’s black, so it can be a bit tricky to work with. I also started using storage clips for my tracks, which seems to help preserve the splinter strips. Keeping them out of the way during storage really makes a difference!
I got a Rugged Tools track rail bag, which has been a game-changer for me! It really keeps the tracks safe and sound. And I totally get you — the track saw is such an amazing tool!
That's a good tip! I also leave my splinter strips a little short so they don't touch the ground when I'm standing the rail up. Just the aluminum hits the ground, minimizing wear on the strip.
That’s an interesting approach! I had to trim mine back with a cut to make it fit right — definitely some trial and error involved!