Are you someone who works on important jobs that involve cutting through tough objects such as metal or hardwood?
Reciprocating saws are your best bet. These saws move back and forth instead of moving in a circular motion and are pointed to a certain extent. This means that they can get into tight corners (not possible with other saws).
Different kinds of blades can be attached to a reciprocating saw, depending on the material you are working with. The added back-and-forth function allows you to cut through objects in much less time using lesser force and energy.
Make sure you learn how to use a reciprocating saw before you attempt to change its blade. Following instructions will ensure your machine lasts much longer than it would if you did not take proper care of it.
Before learning how to put a blade in a reciprocating saw, we need to understand signs that show that a blade needs changing.
When To Change a Blade In a Reciprocating Saw
Knowing when to change a blade in a saw elongates the machine’s life. You do not want to hack away at objects using a blunt blade. This can put pressure on the machine, causing it to malfunction. It can even harm the teeth of the blade.
1. Partially Sharp Blade
Often, the blade itself has not been affected. However, the teeth are subjected to damage and have thus become blunt with time. Noticing the dullness and getting it fixed can lead to less investment in the future. It also means better craftsmanship and neater cuts.
2. Dull Blade
Does the blade look worn out? Can you see most or all of the teeth bent out of shape? This means that the blade is not sharp anymore and needs to be replaced. Blades often get blunt due to excessive use or simply lying around, gaining rust.
3. Sounds
Knowing what your reciprocating saw sounds like is beneficial for various reasons. One of these is that the moment your saw starts to work overtime, you will learn something is wrong. This is the last resort, a final warning for you to replace your blade.
How To Put a Blade In a Reciprocating Saw
The answer you have been searching for…
If you want a more visual manual, check out this video on changing the blade in a reciprocating saw.
You can opt for many different methods, all of which allow you to safely add a fresh blade to your saw. However, before trying any of them, make sure you plug off your machine and use safety gloves and goggles to avoid injury!
Method 1: The Complicated Way: Remove the Screws
This method is a bit more tricky than most others because it needs some level of expertise. It involves removing screws to detach the blade.
Things You Will Need
- Gloves and goggles
- Screwdriver
- Blades
Steps
- Use the screwdriver to remove the screws attaching a blade to the head.
- Once the blade is loosened, wiggle it till it is detached from the head.
- Add the new blade.
- Add the screws and tighten with a screwdriver until the blade is secured.
Method 2: The Easy Way: Use the Release Option
This method is relatively straightforward. It involves using the release option attached to the saw itself. You do not even need any tools for this!
Things You Will Need
- Safety goggles and gloves
- New blade
Steps
- Press the release button or pull on the lever (options vary depending on the model).
- Keep pressed till the machine lets go of the blade.
- Insert the new blade.
- Wait for the click sound.
Method 3: The Professional Way: Use an Allen Wrench
This method is best left to the professionals. Not everyone knows how to operate an Allen Wrench, and misuse can lead to severe injury.
Things You Will Need
- Safety goggles and gloves
- Allen Wrench
- Blade
Steps
- Locate the point connecting the blade to the head.
- Use the wrench to pull out the screws.
- Move the blade around and tug at it to detach it from the head.
- Attach the new blade, making sure the teeth point in the right direction.
- Wait for the click sound.
Tips and Tricks
Anyone can detach and attach a blade if they follow our instruction manual. However, not everyone keeps safety first.
Professionals in the industry work long hours and challenging projects. They usually have no time to think about their safety. However, injuring yourself is not worth it. Some quick tips, such as the ones listed below, save you from injury and pain in the long term.
- Ensure to stay away from the power button when changing your blade and keep the blade pointed away to prevent injury.
- Read up on the kind of reciprocating saw you own. Changing it at times is as simple as pressing a button.
- Invest in a good quality saw and blades; they will last you longer and be cheaper in the long run.
Our Final Thoughts
We hope we have answered the question of how to put a blade in a reciprocating saw.
Owning a reciprocating saw is the best option for someone into DIY or working with materials that are tough to cut through. However, exercising caution is key to avoiding injury.
Make sure you research reciprocating saws and their functions before investing in them. Buying a machine only to realize that it is not relevant to the kind of objects you work with is a waste of time and resources. Often, you can make do with a simple saw with lesser functions.
In other instances, a standard saw won’t cut it! Investing in a saw specific to your work and industry will add value to your projects.
Choose wisely!
