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How To Replace A Circular Saw Blade: Tips And Tricks

Brandon Carter
  May 30, 2023 8:03 PM

An essential tool in workshops and construction sites, the circular saw is one of those hand-held power tools that is slowly gaining popularity, prized for its ability to make quick and straight cuts. Different types of circular saw blades are purpose-built for cutting different materials, including plywood, hardwood, metal, and plastic.

For the cleanest cuts, when the blade becomes dull, you will need to replace it with a new blade. Installing a circular saw blade is one of the simplest tool maintenance tasks you can perform at home.

Keep reading-we'll show you how to remove the circular saw blade and how to replace it.


1. Before Start

No special skills or requirements are required to change a circular saw blade, but you should be familiar with how the saw works.

In addition, the saw blade tips on both old and new saw blades are sharp. Handle them carefully. Wearing a pair of flexible leather gloves, although not required, will protect your hands while still allowing the user to have enough finger dexterity to change blades with ease.


2. Steps to Replace The Circular Saw Blade

Replace Old Circular Saw Blade for Smooth Work

Replace Old Circular Saw Blade for Smooth Work

Source: Pinterest

Step 1: Disconnect The Circular Saw From The Power Source

Safety first. Savvy do-it-yourselfers know that it is unsafe to service any power tool while plugged in. Unplug the corded or pneumatic circular saw from the socket or hose, and remove the battery from the cordless circular saw. The purpose is to disconnect the power supply.

Step 2: Locate The Wrench of  Circular Saw Stored On The Tool

The circular saw comes with a special wrench designed for tool maintenance. This wrench is usually stored in a slot on the circular saw body and can be removed by pulling it out.

If the wrench falls out or is lost, you should purchase a replacement saw wrench. Also, other types of wrenches are capable of bolting to the circular saw, but if they don't, the tool can slip and damage the bolt.

Step 3: Press The Spindle Lock Button To Keep The Saw Blade From Rotating

All circular saws have a spindle lock-a button on the saw body to prevent the blade from rotating when the button is engaged. If the shaft lock button is not pressed, the blade and pin will rotate when the user tries to remove the pin that holds the old blade in place, preventing the latch from loosening. The spindle lock button is to lock the blade in place so the pin can be removed or reassembled. Press and hold it.

Step 4: Use A Circular Saw Wrench To Loosen The Pin That Holds The Saw Blade In Place

While holding the spindle lock, use a circular saw wrench to loosen and remove the pin that holds the saw blade in place. Turn the circular saw wrench counterclockwise to remove the bolt and set it aside.

In most cases, the bolt can be removed with a wrench. However, sap or even corrosion can cause the bolt to re-stick. If the bolt is stuck, spray some lubricant on it, then try again.

Step 5: Push The Old Blade Guard Out of The Way To Remove It

The circular saw blade guard is a guard that rotates in the wrong direction when the user starts cutting with the saw. The blade guard reverses on the saw blade when the saw is not in use. The guard slides back and forth easily.

Now is the time to really get rid of the old, loose blade. Simply push the blade guard out of the way by hand and pull the old blade out of the saw.

Choose The Right Type of Saw Blade for Each Work

Choose The Right Type of Saw Blade for Each Work

Source: Amazon

Step 6: Slide The New Blade Into Place And Reinstall The Latch

Installing a new circular saw blade is as simple as removing the old blade-just reverse the order of the steps. Open the blade guard, placing the new saw blade in the saw with the inscription facing out and the center hole aligned with the spool hole. Put the bolt back and tighten it with a saw wrench. Again, hold the spindle lock button to tighten the bolt without turning the blade.


3. Types of Circular Saw Blades

Crosscut Saw Blades

The cross-cutting saw blade is designed to achieve a smooth, clean, and safe cut when cutting metal materials. A serrated cross-cutting blade; alternately tilted left and right.

Circular saw blades for cutting aluminum are more expensive than other blades, but it delivers the cleanest, most precise cuts at the fastest speeds. You can saw through a 20-foot aluminum sheet in seconds, depending on the size and grade of the circular saw blade. You also use this blade to cut metal.

Metal Cutting Circular Saw Blade

Metal Cutting Circular Saw Blade

Source: Amazon

Ripping Saw Blades

This circular saw blade for plywood is primarily designed to achieve a smooth, clean, and safe cut when sawing wood or cutting in the same direction as the grain. The blade has a limited number of large and straight teeth, allowing for the efficient removal and removal of dust from the cut.

Saw Blades for Plywood

Saw Blades for Plywood

Source: Amazon

Combination Saw Blades 

These fine cut circular saw blades are designed for both saw and cross cuts and are the most common type of circular saw blade. Switching from the saw blade to the cross blade every time you change the cutting direction can be frustrating unless you always have two circular saw blades on hand. Thus, a combined blade allows one person to cut in both directions. The combination blade has a variety of teeth. The difference between the higher and lower number of teeth is gone. The more teeth, the smoother the cut.

This saw blade is suitable for most materials, you can even cut tile with circular saw.


Conclusion

Replace the batteries or plug the power cord into an electrical outlet after installing the new blade and test run to make sure everything is safe and working properly.

Now that you know how to change a circular saw blade, are you ready to get back to work?


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