Do you want to know how to put a blade on a Skilsaw? Is your Skilsaw manual a challenge to understand? If you cannot change your Skilsaw blade, you are in the right place. We will highlight what you should know about putting a blade on a Skilsaw.
Many cabinetmakers and carpenters prefer using circular saws for making specific cuts on wood, cabinets, and doors because they make the job a lot easier. A Skilsaw’s blade is round with very sharp metal teeth. Hence, one needs to be careful when changing it.
It is essential to change your Skilsaw blade when dull or damaged. However, knowing how to change it is more important. Here is all you need to know about changing your Skilsaw’s blade.
Table of Contents
How to Change a Skilsaw Blade
Before changing the blade, you must ensure the replacement blade is sharp enough. Furthermore, ensure that you have chosen the right blade and it is in perfect condition to provide smooth and seamless cuts. Hence, you must select the correct replacement blade. There are some necessary tools to put a blade on a Skilsaw. These are the new blade, a hex wrench, a blade wrench, and safety tools.
Step One: Shut Down and Disconnect the Power
Your safety is paramount when working with any tool. Before you begin anything, the first thing to do is shut down the tool and unplug it from the power outlet. If the device is battery-powered, disconnect the battery. If you were using the tool before you decided to change the blade, allow it to sit for about 15 minutes for the blade to cool.
Step Two: Press the Skilsaw’s Arbor-Lock Button
The second step is pressing the tool’s blade lock button. After that, spin the blade to engage the lock mechanism until the blade stops spinning. However, before you press the arbor lock button, ensure the device is on a wooden or flat surface.
The essence of pressing the lock button is to hold the blade in a tight position and prevent it from turning freely. The restriction of the blade’s movement is for your safety, as you do not want to cut yourself accidentally while changing the blade.
Step Three: Take Off the Safety Guard
The next step is to take off the safety guard – the plastic sheath covering the Skilsaw blade when not in use. The blade becomes fully visible and easily accessible when you take off the guard, making it easy to remove and replace.
Step Four: Lose the Arbor Nuts
There is a ¾-inch bolt at the blade’s center; it holds the blade to the Skilsaw. Use a ¾-inch wrench to remove the bolt. After removing the bolt, the Skilsaw blade will be free for you to remove. Lift it out and set it aside. However, in some Skilsaw models, you would have to remove a nut rather than a bolt. Hence, whether you will remove a nut or bolt depends on the Skilsaw model you have. Remember to keep all the bolts or nuts you lose from the tool securely, as you do not want to lose them.
Step Five: Put the New Blade
After taking out the old blade, the next step is to put the new blade. Place the new Skilsaw blade on the arbor and ensure the teeth face the right rotation direction. Most blades come with an arrow to indicate the direction of rotation, making it easy for you to fix the blade in the right direction.
Ensure the hole at the blade’s center is in line with the hole the bolt or nut will go in. For safety purposes, you should wear gloves while handling the blade.
Step Six: Replace the Nut or Bolt
The next step after putting the new blade is to lock it in. Use a blade wrench to secure the nut once you place it. Tighten and depress the lock nut to lock the blade securely. However, avoid over-tightening the nut so you will not have any issues loosening it the next time you want to change the blade.
Once the blade is in place, replace the safety guard and lock it with the right tool. Do not forget to release the red safety lock to allow the blade to turn freely. That is it; the blade replacement is done.
Once you finish, reinsert the battery in the device or plug it back into the power outlet and turn it on. Disengage the safety and use the saw with the new blade.
Tips for Choosing the Right Blade
When replacing your Skilsaw blade, you want to ensure you replace it with the right blade. Skilsaw has different blades, and using the right one for your tool is very important. Nevertheless, deciding on which blade to use can be difficult sometimes. Consider this when looking for the right blade for your Skilsaw:
Size of the Blade
The blade’s diameter is a crucial consideration. Moreover, you should know the bolt size of the Skilsaw blade.
There are different blade sizes, and knowing the one your Skilsaw uses is essential. You should check your Skilsaw’s label to know the correct blade size it uses. If you cannot find the blade size on the tool, you can check the user manual or check online with the tool’s model.
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)
Revolutions per minute (RPM) is another vital consideration. When replacing your Skilsaw blade, you want to ensure you replace it with a high-performance blade, and you can measure a blade’s performance by its speed.
Without gears, the RPM of electric saws is between 1,725 and 3,450. The latest models of powerful saws come with higher RPM, ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 RPM. Hence, you should opt for a higher RPM if you want the best out of your new Skilsaw blade.
Arbor Diameter
The arbor diameter helps ensure that the center slot of the blade fits the saw correctly. You can find the blade’s arbor diameter on its label. Nevertheless, if it is not printed on the blade, you can measure it to get the right arbor diameter.
Safety Measures
When working with any power tool, make safety your top priority. You should also extend your safety precaution to the blade changing process, not just when the instrument is in use. Here are some safety measures for putting a blade on a Skilsaw.
- Use suitable gloves and gear when changing the blade. Ensure your hands and face are protected. Put on protective glasses to prevent fatal accidents in the event of flying objects.
- This product’s user manual comes with instructions on how to replace the blade. If you have the user manual, diligently follow all the instructions. Use it as a guide to prevent unexpected events.
- Consider using friction-reducing saw oil to make the blade last longer and function smoothly. In addition, the oil will improve the sharpness of the blade’s teeth.
- Clean the safety guard very well before you replace it. Ensure the cover is free of sawdust or debris.
- After putting in the new blade, do some practice cuts with it to ensure it is working properly. Put on safety gear while you do this.
- If the Skilsaw is faulty, the new blade will not fit properly. In such an event, avoid forcing the blade to fit to prevent damaging it. In addition to damaging the blade, you can sustain severe injuries if you try to force the blade.
When Should I Replace My Skilsaw Blade?
One of the apparent signs of replacing your Skilsaw blade is when it is no longer sharp. However, you need to visually inspect the blade. Some noticeable wear and damage signs to look out for include chipped, missing, broken, and worn-out teeth or chipped carbide tips. Once you notice any of those signs, it is time to replace it.
You can use a magnifying glass and bright light to check the carbide edges to determine if it is getting dull. If the tips are just dull, you can take the blade out and re-tip or sharpen it. However, if it is damaged, the only option is to replace it.
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Conclusion
If you want to cut wood or other materials smoothly and quickly, you need a very sharp blade and a highly functional saw. A Skilsaw is one of the most powerful saws, and it makes woodwork a lot easier. However, when your blade is dull or bad, you need to change it to get those perfect and smooth cuts. Hence, knowing how to put a blade on a Skilsaw is important. With the guide in this article, putting a blade on your Skilsaw should no longer be an issue for you. Do not forget to apply safety measures when replacing the blade.