Cain Kennedy
Installing a circular saw blade is a simple task that can be done in a few minutes. It is important to know how to do this as a dull blade can compromise the quality of your work and lead to kickback. Before you start, make sure you have the right tools and that you are wearing protective gloves to prevent cuts. You should also consult your saw's manual for specific instructions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Step | Disconnect the saw from its power source. |
| Second Step | Locate the blade wrench and the blade lock. |
| Third Step | Press the blade lock and rotate the blade until the locking mechanism engages. |
| Fourth Step | Loosen the arbor bolt and remove the old blade. |
| Fifth Step | Use the correct side of the blade. |
| Sixth Step | Open the blade guard and install the new blade and flange. |
| Pro Tip | Always remove the battery or unplug the saw before you work on the blade. |
What You'll Learn
Disconnect the power source
Disconnecting the power source is the first and most important step when installing a circular saw blade. This is because it is unsafe to service any power tool while it is plugged in or charged. Before you begin, ensure that the saw is unplugged from the electrical outlet or extension cord. If you are using a cordless saw, remove the battery.
It is also important to note that you should always double-check that your saw is unplugged or has the battery disconnected before you start working. This will ensure that there is no risk of the saw turning on accidentally while you change the blade.
Additionally, you should be aware of the potential risks when handling the saw blade. The blade tips on both old and new saw blades are extremely sharp. Therefore, it is recommended to wear a pair of flexible leather gloves to protect your hands while still allowing you to have enough finger dexterity to change the blade easily.
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Find the blade wrench
When installing a circular saw blade, it is important to find the blade wrench. This is because the blade wrench is required to loosen and tighten the arbor bolt, which holds the blade in place.
Circular saws typically come with a blade wrench, which is often stored in a slot on the saw body. This could be located on the handle, base, or motor housing. If you cannot find the wrench in any of these places, it may be attached to the power cord. If you still cannot find the wrench, it may be worth consulting your manual for further help.
If you have lost your blade wrench, you can use an open-end or socket wrench as a replacement. Adjustable wrenches can also be used, although they are harder to work with in the limited space.
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Press the blade lock
Pressing the blade lock is an important step in changing a circular saw blade. This will prevent the blade from spinning while you work on it. The blade lock is usually found on the motor housing, just behind the blade guard.
To engage the blade lock, press it in and, at the same time, rotate the blade. You will feel the lock button slip into place, and this will prevent the blade from rotating further. Now, you can proceed to loosen the arbor bolt.
Some older circular saws may not have a blade lock. In this case, you can use a screwdriver in one of the holes in the blade to lock it while tightening or loosening the blade nut. Alternatively, you can press the blade into a piece of wood to hold it in place, or use vice grips or lockable pliers to clamp the blade and prevent it from moving.
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Loosen the arbor bolt
The bolt will loosen in the same direction that the blade rotates when in use. On a corded right-hand circular saw, the bolt will loosen counterclockwise. A left-hand saw will loosen clockwise. You can also look for the arrow on the upper or lower blade guard for the blade rotation and loosen the bolt in the same direction as the arrow.
If your saw does not have a blade lock, you can hold the blade in place by raising the base plate so that some of the teeth of the blade are pressed into a piece of wood or a worktable. While pressing down on the saw and holding it in place, follow the steps above to loosen the bolt. Alternatively, you can clamp the blade in place with some vice grips or other lockable pliers while loosening the bolt.
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Remove the old blade
To remove the old blade of a circular saw, safety should be the top priority. Ensure that the saw is unplugged or the battery is removed. This is to prevent any accidental injuries. It is also advisable to wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts.
Once safety measures are in place, locate the wrench that comes with the saw. This is usually stored in a slot on the saw body. If the wrench is missing, a replacement circular saw wrench can be purchased. Alternatively, other types of wrenches can be used, but if the fit is not perfect, the tool could slip and damage the bolt.
The next step is to locate the blade lock button or lever, usually found on the backside of the upper guard. Depress the button and place the wrench over the bolt. Turn the blade with the wrench until you feel it lock into place. While continuing to depress the button, use the wrench to loosen the bolt and then unscrew it completely. The bolt will loosen in the same direction that the blade rotates when in use. Once the bolt is removed, carefully lift the blade off the shaft and out through the base plate.
If your circular saw is older and does not have a blade lock, there are two ways to hold the blade in place while loosening the bolt. One way is to raise the base plate so that some of the teeth of the blade are pressed into a piece of wood or a work table. Hold the saw in place and then loosen the bolt. Another method is to clamp the blade with Vice-grips or other lockable pliers while loosening the bolt.
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Frequently asked questions
You must ensure that the replacement blade matches the size of the circular saw.
Before attempting to install a new blade, you should always disconnect your saw from its power source. This can be done by unplugging the saw or removing its battery.
You will need a circular saw wrench, which is typically stored in a slot on the saw body. You may also need a pair of leather gloves to protect your hands.
First, locate the blade lock or spindle-lock button, usually found on the motor housing behind the blade guard. Press and hold this button while rotating the blade until you feel the lock button slip into place. Then, use the wrench to loosen the bolt holding the blade in place and remove the old blade.
Ensure the new blade is the correct way around, with the arrow on the blade pointing in the same direction as the arrow on the saw's guard. Slide the blade through the shoe and place it onto the spindle, then tighten the washer and bolt until they feel snug.
