Circular saw blades are very versatile and popular and what attracts them to most people is how easy their blades are to change, making maintenance an easy one for users. A sharp and circular saw blade makes clear and precise cuts, but with time, they become dull.
Once the blades become dull, their performance may slow down, and you may begin to hear straining sounds from the motor or notice burn marks. Over time, that strain may cause your machine to work too hard and finally shorten its lifespan.
Luckily, changing these blades takes just a few minutes. Whether thinking of how to change the blade on craftsman circular saw or how to change the blade on Dewalt circular saw, you are on the right place.
Here are Tips on How to Change a Circular Saw Blade:
Getting started
Many saws usually come with an Allen-type wrench, that is incorporated in the body to make it easier when making some adjustments or when removing the blade. Therefore, make sure you find this wrench.
If your circular blade doesn’t come with directional markers to simplify its installation, note the way in which the teeth face on the saw. This will aid when it comes to installing the blade properly. The blade’s teeth should always face forward.
Another thing that you need to find before you start changing your saw blade is the arbor-lock or the brake button. The arbor-lock is usually at the top of the saw, but you should check your user manual to be sure. Engage the lock and spin the blade to make sure that the lock is on to make sure it is in place as you continue.
Bottom-line
Once you find the wrench and an arbor-lock, the process of changing your circular saw blade is now easy. You can go ahead with other steps to successfully change the blade.
Step 1- Unplug the power cord
Before any other thing, unplug the power cord if using a standard saw and if you are using a cordless circular saw blade, remove the battery. This step is very crucial since you do not want to fire up the blade accidentally as you handle the blade. That is fatal.
It is important to note that you need to make sure you are using the right size of the blade that is meant for your saw. Never try to put a 7-inch blade on a 10-inch circular saw.
Bottom-line
Once you unplug the saw blade from the power source, leave it to rest for some minutes, to make sure that all the power drains out to avoid accidents.
Step 2- Placing the saw on a secure surface
After disconnecting the saw from the power source, it’s time to put it on a safe surface. After that, pull it back or even remove the blade guard to leave the blade exposed. If your machine has an arbor-lock, then you need to engage it.
The arbor is the beam that the blade sits on, and if you lock it in place, you will hold the nut tightly while loosening it to free the blade. If your machine does not come with an arbor lock, you need to push the blade into a wooden floor and hold it tight ready for the next step.
Bottom-line
Holding the saw securely ensures that the blade does not come out accidentally as that is dangerous to your body.
Step 3- Removing the blade
Batch the wrench into the arbor nut and then rotate in the same direction that your blade turns. The best wrench, in this case, is the one that comes with the saw from the manufacturer. Rotate it counter-clockwise for a direct drive saw or clockwise if you have a worm drive saw. Once you unscrew the nut, it’s now time to slide the blade from the saw.
Bottom-line
When removing the blade, always make sure you have your gloves on. Also, after removing the blade, place it on a secure place to make sure it does not get in your way as you work.
Step 4- Installing the blade
After removing the old saw blade, it is now time to install the new one. Take the blade that you want to put back and put it into the arbor. Just do the opposite of how you removed the other blade. This time, slide it anti-clockwise. Slot the nut back in place and then tighten it with your wrench.
Make sure that you do not tighten it so hard and remember that you can tighten the nut harder when cutting. Therefore, the risk of under-tightening is a bit low.
Bottom-line
Just get the nut firmly tight, and you are good to go!
Step 5- Plug the saw back into the power source and test cut
After installing the saw blade, now plug the saw back to the wall socket. As you do so, make sure there are no vibrations and that everything seems secure and very ready to work. Take a piece of wood and test cut to be sure that the saw blade works perfectly.
In conclusion, changing a circular saw blade is an easy process as you can see on the above steps.
Regardless of the type of table saw you choose to use, the above steps will guide you very well. Just make good use of them and get clear and smooth cuts!
Video Credit: The Honest Carpenter
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