Shoutout to the arborist in Boise who suggested using a 2:1 water and vinegar mix for cleaning sap off my handsaw

I tried it after a big silver maple removal and it cut through the gunk way faster than the citrus cleaner I usually buy. Anyone have a better ratio for pine sap, or is that stuff just a lost cause?

4 comments

4 Comments

marywilson2mo ago

Wait, you got all the sap off a handsaw after a silver maple? That stuff is like glue. How long did you have to let the mix sit on it before it worked?

phoenixw112mo ago

Oh man, @marywilson, I almost gave up. That maple sap was like someone coated my saw in super glue and candy. I slathered on the mix of baking soda and vegetable oil, fully expecting to just throw the saw away. Left it sitting in the sun for like, two hours while I did other stuff. Came back and it just wiped off with a paper towel, like magic. I was shocked it actually worked.

paigep852mo agoMost Upvoted

Oh wow, I saw that trick online somewhere too! @phoenixw11 leaving it in the sun was smart, I bet that heat really helps. Might have to try that next time.

morgan.rose1mo ago

Ugh, pine sap is the worst, it feels like it never comes off. That vinegar trick is a lifesaver for the lighter stuff though.