Changing a circular saw blade is an easy task that can be done using minimal tools.
There are two kinds of circular saws, Sidewinder type circular saws, and Worm-drive type circular saws.
Now, most brands have both types of circular saws.
Notice that sidewinder types circular saws have the motor on the side of the blade while worm drive type circular saws have the motor behind the blade.
Worm drive saws are also significantly heavier.
The method of changing the blade varies depending on the type of circular saw you have.
In this guide, I’ll explain how to change the blade on both types of circular saws.
Things You’ll Need
- Circular Saw
- Allen key
- Blade Wrench
- Saw Blade (For replacing)
- needle plier
- bench vice
Video-Changing Circular Saw Blade
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Changing the Blade of a Sidewinder Type Circular Saw
Begin by locating the Allen key on the circular saw. (if provided with that model).
In case the manufacturer did not provide an Allen key, use a blade wrench instead.
Inspect the sidewinder saw for an arbor-lock button.
Grab in or around the arbor bolt of the circular saw blade using the Allen key or blade wrench.
Press down on the arbor-lock button and rotate the Allen key or blade wrench until you hear a click.
The click signifies that the locking mechanism has been activated, and the blade will no longer rotate.
Begin rotating the blade wrench in the same direction as the blade rotates while cutting.
Once the bolt is loosened, remove the bolt and also remove the washer underneath the bolt.
Retract the upper blade guard completely and remove the circular saw blade for the saw.
While holding the retractable upper blade guard in place, slip in the new saw blade.
The new blade should fit around the arbor hole firmly.
Use the arrows provided on the blade to orient the blade with the direction of rotation of the saw. (Anti-clockwise direction).
Putting the blade in the opposite direction can cause accidents while cutting.
Put the washer and the bolt back on the blade and hand thread the bolt until it stays in place.
Use the Allen key/ blade wrench to tighten the bolt further.
At this point, your blade change is complete and you are ready to start using your circular saw.
Changing the Blade of a Worm Drive type Circular Saw
Look for an Allen key aboard the circular saw.
Make use of a blade wrench if an Allen key is not available.
Inspect the worm-drive saw for an arbor-lock button.
Grab in or around the arbor bolt of the circular saw blade using the Allen key or blade wrench.
Press down on the arbor-lock button and rotate the Allen key or blade wrench until you hear a click.
The click signifies that the locking mechanism has been activated, and the blade will no longer rotate.
Begin rotating the blade wrench in the same direction as the blade rotates while cutting.
Once the bolt is loosened, remove the nut and also remove the washer underneath the bolt.
Retract the upper blade guard completely and remove the circular saw blade for the saw.
While holding the retractable upper blade guard in place, slip in the new saw blade.
The worm-drive saw’s arbor hole is diamond-shaped as it is of a higher torque than the sidewinder circular saw.
Fix the blade onto the bench vice and, using a needle plier, pull out the circular arbor hole along the blade’s notch to reveal a diamond arbor hole in the blade.
The new blade should fit around the arbor hole firmly.
Use the arrows provided on the blade and orient the blade in the same direction of rotation of the saw. (clockwise direction).
Put the washer and the bolt back on the blade and hand thread the bolt until it stays in place.
Use the Allen key/ blade wrench to tighten the bolt further.
You might be interested in these:
- How to Sharpen a Circular Saw Blade
- How to Cut Concrete Blocks with Circular Saw
- How to Cut Plywood with a Circular Saw
Tips To Remember While Changing a Circular Saw Blade
- Make sure depth is set all the way down before you begin adjusting.
- Before making any adjustments, make sure the saw is unplugged.
- Make sure the saw teeth are facing in direction of rotation.
- Remember to turn the Allen key clockwise to loosen and Anti-clockwise to tighten the bolt.
- Over tightening the bolt will result in difficulties while trying to loosen the bolt next time.
- While holding the blade between a bench vice, remember to not exert too much pressure as it will bend the blade and render it useless.
- Stay away from the saw while cutting.
- Using excessive force will create pinch points in the wood leading to damage for both the user and the saw.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When should I change my circular saw blade?
You should change your circular saw blade when it starts showing signs of fatigue, indicated by chipped, broken or missing tooths. For carbide-tipped circular saw blades inspecting with a bright light source and magnifying glass helps identify dull edges.
How tight should a circular saw blade be?
Circular saw blades are designed to stay in place even if it is not tightened too much. Over tightening the bolt onto the blade will result in further difficulty while replacing the blade next time. The bolt should be in such a way that it can be unscrewed without applying much pressure.
What can I do with an old circular saw blade?
Old circular saw blades should always be recycled, reused or repurposed. Do not throw blades in the garbage as it can cause injury if picked up.. Old rusted circular saw blades are health hazards and must promptly be dealt with.
How do you remove the center of a saw blade?
You can pry and pull out the centre of the saw blade using a needle nose plier. Follow the notch given on the saw blade and prevent the use of excessive force as it might bend the blade and render it useless.
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