A Step-by-Step Guide to Easily Replace Any Circular Saw Blade
Your circular saw is incomplete without a blade, making it essential to know how to replace a circular saw blade. Luckily, once you learn the process, you’ll be able to remove and install a new blade in just a few minutes.
How to Change a Circular Saw Blade: Removing the Saw Blade
Quick and Easy Steps
- Depress the blade lock.
- Loosen and remove the spindle bolts.
- Open the blade guard.
- Take out the blade.
Pro Tip: Prioritize Safety! Always remove the batteries or unplug the saw before working around the blade.
Before starting, locate two important tools: a blade wrench and a blade lock. Most circular saws store the wrench on the plate, so check the handle, base, and motor housing. If you can’t find it, consult your manual for guidance.
The blade lock is usually situated on the motor housing behind the blade guard. Press it in while turning the blade until you feel the locking mechanism engage and prevent further rotation.
Pro tip: To facilitate blade removal, set the depth to the lowest position so the shoe (base) is out of the way.
Press in the blade lock and loosen the arbor bolt
Continue pressing the blade lock button and position the wrench around the bolt on the arbor, which is the center of the blade. Rotate the wrench to loosen the bolt approximately half a turn before releasing the blade lock and removing the bolt manually.
But which way is loose?
The direction depends on the side where the blade is located. If the blade is on the left, the bolt has reverse threading and needs to be unscrewed to the right. For a blade on the right, standard threading applies, and loosening works for left-handed users.
However, you can simply remember that unclamping always occurs in the same direction as the blade is turning.
Rotate the blade guard and remove the blade
The difficult part is now over. Rotate the blade guard to open it, lift the blade, and pull it out.
There will be another component that comes off with the blade. This is the outer flange, which the arbor bolt clamps to the blade, providing better stability than just the bolt alone.
How to Change a Circular Saw Blade: Installing the Saw Blade
Quick and Easy Steps
- Rotate the blade guard open.
- Slide the blade on.
- Put the outer flange on.
- Press in the blade lock.
- Tighten the spindle bolts.
When installing a circular saw blade, the process is essentially the reverse of removing it. The most crucial aspect is to ensure the correct orientation of the blade—remember, it won’t always be printed side out!
Circular saw teeth rotate upward, moving through the material instead of downward. If you examine the teeth closest to the front of the saw, they should be facing up, regardless of the mounting side.
Even if you forget, most circular saws have an arrow on the blade cover or guard to serve as a reminder.
Rotate the guard, slide the blade onto the arbor, position the outer flange over it, and hand-tighten the arbor bolt. Press the blade lock button, rotate the blade until the lock engages, secure the bolt with a wrench, and you’re good to go!
Pro Tip: Never use power tools to tighten the arbor bolts! Doing so could damage the arbor or bolt threads, rendering the saw unsafe for use.
Like the saw featured in the photos? Learn more in our Flex 24V Rear Handsaw Review!
Do you have any valuable insights or tricks on how to change circular saw blades? Share them in the comments below!