How to Change the Blade on a Craftsman Table Saw

If you've never changed the blade on a Craftsman table saw before, you may find yourself scratching your head in frustration, wondering how you get to the nut holding the blade to the spindle. Don't give up and don't swear yourself red in the face. It is relatively easy as long as you follow a few simple guidelines.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 inch open-ended box wrench Screwdriver Gloves

Instructions

1. Unplug your saw. This is an important safety precaution.

2. Remove the protective fence that covers the blade. The fence can be removed using your screwdriver.

3. Raise the blade all the way up. Spinning the wheel on the front of your saw will raise the blade. Turn the wheel clockwise until the blade has gone as far up as it will go.

4. Lay your screwdriver on the cutting table and then slide it under the teeth of the blade, so the blade is wedged tight and cannot spin.

5. Find the 1/2-inch nut that is holding the blade to the spindle shaft. Using your 1/2 inch open-ended box wrench, loosen the nut. The nut must be loosened in the opposite direction from most nuts, as it is on a left-handed bolt. If you are standing in front of the machine while you are loosening the nut, you will need to pull your wrench toward you.

6. Remove the nut and then remove the blade. Insert a new blade and hand-tighten the nut back in place. Use your box wrench to tighten the nut snugly. Lower the blade. Replace the blade fence.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear gloves when handling a saw blade.

• You may need to gently tap your box wrench with a short piece of wood to loosen the nut holding the blade.