Circular saw blades are one of the most commonly used blades for cutting. You can use them for cutting different materials such as wood, plastic, and metal. Various projects use these saw blades, like home renovations and large constructions. They are made in a wide range of different sizes and features, and both professionals and hobbyists can use them.
The most important part of the circular saw blade is the blade teeth. The blade teeth are what do the cutting. The back of the blade has a hook or notch. The hook is for ripping material, while the notch is for cross-cutting material. The hook and notch are located between the gullets. The gullets are the valleys between the teeth.
But like any other tool, a circular saw blade also falls prey to dullness due to regular use. A dull blade can result in irregular cuts on the material and can also cause harm to you as you would require to exert more pressure on the machine to make the dull blade work. Therefore, it is always good to learn how to change a circular saw blade if you suspect it is going dull.
What You’ll Need
To change the blade on your circular saw, here are a couple of things you must have:
- A circular saw
- A new circular blade
- A trusty wrench
Step 1
Unplug the circular saw and place it on a platform high enough to make the blade changing easy for you. Allow the saw to cool down if you recently used it on a project.
Step 2
Clear out the area where you will work on the blade. Ensure no such things are lying around that can cause an accident or be harmed in case of one.
Step 3
The most crucial step in the process of changing a circular saw blade is determining whether your saw needs a blade change or not.
To determine that, here are the things you must pay close attention to:
- Sound: The sound of the blade on your circular saw can quickly determine whether the edge of the blade is sharp or dull. If the machine is too loud or causing a disruptive sound, it likely needs to be changed.
- Pressure: Are you putting a lot of pressure on your blade lately to get a perfect cut? If so, then it is evident that the circular saw blade is dull and must be replaced. A saw must always be smooth-cutting to acquire sharp, clean wood pieces instead of debris. If you struggle to cut the lumber, you won’t get the wood’s regular smooth, desired finish.
Step 4
Before beginning the process, decide on the circular blade you will need according to the diameter of your circular saw. You can always check the last blade you were using for the size. Keep the new blade in the exact same size ready.
Step 5
The next step is to locate the brake system on the saw. It’s likely to be right behind the surface where the saw is attached.
Step 6
Once you’ve identified the brake mechanism, push the brake to keep the circular blade on the machine from spinning. You’ll hear a sound as an indicator of the blade locking in place.
Step 7
Now grab your trusty wrench, attach it to the bolt and gently pry it to loosen the bolt. It doesn’t require too much effort; a little pressure works fine to do the job.
Step 8
Once the bolt is loose, spin it out and take off the custom washer and the nuts holding the circular saw blade in place. Place all these small tools aside in a safe place as you’ll need them again for fitting the new blade.
Step 9
Now, flip over the machine for easy removal of the blade. Take the blade out carefully without causing yourself any harm.
Step 10
Once the old blade is out, take the new blade and insert it in place of the old blade. Make sure its teeth are pointing up front, as that’s the way blades are designed to spin and work most safely.
Step 11
Once the new circular blade is in place, grab the nut and the washer, and place it back on the arbor mount designed to fit the washer.
Step 12
Now, put the bolt back in its place. To tighten the bolt, first, spin it in. Then push the brake system again to hold the blade in place. This time around, you may not hear a sound as the brake won’t push all the way, which is not an issue.
Step 13
The bolt, however, needs to be tightened. Grab the wrench, put it on the bolt, and tighten the bolt with a bit of extra pressure than before. Avoid applying too much pressure, or it might destroy the nearby things or the delicate systems of the machine. Don’t worry if it doesn’t wholly tighten. The upward rotation of the blade will continue to tighten the nut and bolt as it is used each time.
Step 14
Plug the saw in and see how the new circular blade is performing. You will now be able to hear a smoother sound and observe a flawless spin on the blade.
Our Final Thoughts
When working with a circular saw, it’s a good idea to know how to change the blade. Circular saws are portable power saws that use a razor-sharp metal blade to cut through wood, metal, and other building materials.
Changing the blade on a circular saw is relatively simple and only takes a few minutes. Most circular saw blades come in a kit that includes a new blade, a screwdriver, and a wrench.
Even if the kit isn’t available, you can use your trusty tools and follow the step-by-step approach above to replace the old circular saw blade with a new sharp one. Make sure to follow each step with necessary care and precaution to avoid harming yourself in the process.
