Change a Circular Saw Blade
Many homeowners use circular saws for a variety of projects. Saw blades will eventually become dull or damaged and need to be replaced or sharpened. It is also necessary to change blades when you switch working materials. Some materials such as metal require different blades than wood. This article will tell you how to change a circular saw blade.
Contents
Steps
Removing the Blade
- Disconnect the saw. Unplug wired saws or remove the battery packs from battery-operated saws.
- Set it down on with the blade facing up.
- Push in the spindle lock button. This locks the blade assembly in place and keeps it from spinning.
- Use an appropriate wrench to loosen the bolt. Keep the lock button depressed.
- Remove the bolt and blade flange.
- Move the lower guide lever to lift up the corresponding guard.
- Take the blade off the spindle. You will have to hold the lower guard to keep it from falling back into place.
- Clean the spindle, upper and lower guards of dirt and sawdust.
Installing the Blade
- Position the blade on the spindle. Ensure that the blade teeth are pointing in the same direction as the rotation indicated by an arrow. Let go of the lower guard.
- Put the blade flange back onto the spindle and tighten the bolt by hand.
- Tighten the bolt by turning a wrench counter-clockwise while depressing the spindle lock button.
Tips
- Some saw models have separate washers you must remove while other saws have the washers built into the bolts.
- Check your circular saw's manual. Some saws are loosened and tightened by turning the bolt counter clockwise.
Warnings
- Always remove the power source from your saw. Failure to do so can result in serious injury if the saw accidentally turns on.
Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Wrench (provided with saw)
- Extra blades
