How to Change a Blade on a Skilsaw Circular Saw

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Skilsaws are special kinds of circular saws that are more powerful and can be used for various purposes. The blade is the heart of the saw, and this article will teach you how to change a blade on a Skilsaw circular saw.

How to Change a Blade on a Skilsaw Circular Saw

The blade you use should be sharp enough and in perfect condition to ensure a smooth cut. Therefore choosing the right blade and proper replacement is necessary.

Tools Required

  • The Skilsaw circular saw
  • A new blade
  • A blade wrench
  • Hex wrench
  • Safety tools

Step #1: Identify if Blade Replacement is Needed

While cutting the wood, if the cuts become rough, it may indicate that the blades require replacement.

If some burn marks appear on the wood surface, this means your Skilsaw circular saw blade needs replacement. Long usage of damaged blades can cause permanent damage to the saw.

Circular saw blades

Step #2: Choose the Correct Blade

The first step in replacing your Skilsaw circular saw blade is deciding which blade you want to use. The following factors need to be kept in mind while choosing a blade.

Blade Size

The diameter of the blade is the dimension of prime interest. It is measured from corner to corner as well as through the center of the blade.

The bolt size of the Skilsaw circular saw’s blade also should be known. Usually, the blade size is printed on the saw, which helps you identify the required blade size.

Arbor Diameter

The arbor diameter is also printed on the blade. If not, take it to the shop and measure the blade to get the correct arbor diameter.

The arbor diameter is a critical measure that helps ensure that the blade’s middle slot fits into the shaft of the circular saw.

Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)

The speed of the blade is an important measure of its performance and is measured by the number of revolutions it makes in a minute.

The electric saws without gears have RPM in the range of 1725 to 3450. Modern-day powerful saws have a higher RPM in the range of 4000 to 5000.

There are different types of blades:

  • Crosscut blades that have more than 40 V-shaped teeth. There is a small curve at the center as well.
  • Rip-cut blades have flat teeth and typically have less than 40 teeth.
  • Combination blades are capable of doing both crosscuts and rip cuts.

Step #3: De-energise the Saw

Before beginning with the process of changing the blade, make sure you have removed all power connections from the saw.

In case your saw is battery-powered, remove the batteries before proceeding. If you need to change your blade while using it, make sure to cool the blade properly before starting.

Step #4: Engage the Arbor Lock

To remove the damaged blade, locate and identify the Skilsaw circular saw’s blade lock button, which is usually the red button on one side of the saw.

Hold the button, and spin the blade a little till the blade locks in place.

Locking the blade restricts its movement and prevents accidental cuts during the changing process.

Step #5: Remove the Arbor Nut

The blade is held at its place by a nut called the arbor nut. Take a wrench, place it on the arbor nut and rotate it in the direction that the blade cuts in to loosen it.

If you have a direct saw-drive, rotate the wrench in an anti-clockwise direction and if it is a worm drive saw, then rotate it in the clockwise direction.

Skilsaw circular saw

Remove the upper blade guard before removing the old blade. Keep the arbor lock button pressed while removing the arbor nut.

You will need a hex wrench to remove the arbor nut if you have a battery-powered Skilsaw circular saw. You can use this link to learn more about wrenches.

Step #6: Fit the New Blade

After you have removed the old blade, take out the new blade from the packing safely. Take the blade and bring it near the arbor of the saw.

An arrow exists on the Skilsaw circular saw to indicate its direction of rotation. The teeth of the blade should face in that direction.

Take a hammer and drive the blade into the shaft if needed.

Step #7: Attach the Nut Again

Take a ¾” wrench to fix the arbor nut back again. Place the nut on the shaft and tighten it to attach it back. Do not make it too tight so that you don’t have trouble removing it later.

Once you have attached the blade, put back the plastic safety case. Then release the arbor lock button enabling the blade to turn freely again.

This video helps you understand the process better.

Safety Measures

  • A user manual is provided with the saw, which contains information regarding the circular saw. Always use it as a reference to use your saw correctly.
  • To ensure smooth functioning and longevity of the saw, use friction-reducing Skilsaw oil. This also increases the sharpness of the teeth of the saw.
  • There are a variety of blade cleaners available that should be used to clean the saw. Always go for bio-degradable and non-toxic cleaners.
  • After having replaced the blade, make sure to do some practice cuts to ensure the saw is working fine.
  • Clean the plastic guards properly before beginning the replacement process. Remove all sawdust that might have accumulated.
  • If the circular saw is damaged, you might not be able to fit the blade properly. Do not force the blade into a damaged saw as it may cause injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Circular Saw Blade Cut Backward?

Most circular saws cannot operate in the backward direction. However, certain specially designed saws allow backward blade installation. Such saws are used to cut vinyl material.

How Often Should a Circular Saw’s Blade be Changed?

The blade of a circular saw can work fine for any duration between 12 hours to 120 hours. This depends on the quality of the blade and the material cut.

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Conclusion

A circular saw is used for cutting wood which in turn adds to the beauty of your room. If the saw’s blade isn’t in proper condition, it doesn’t yield a perfect result. Hence knowing to change your saw’s blade is important, as is knowing how to use it.

An expert at home repair, remodel, and DIY projects for nearly 40 years. His first experience came in completely restoring an antique home. Completely redone from the inside out, and restored to its original form, the home is a featured design by renowned Southern California Architect Cliff May, considered to be the father of the California Ranch Home. Now Dennis spends his time on fine woodworking projects and tool comparisons.