How to Replace the Blades in a Rotary Cutter

You can change rotary cutter blades in just a few minutes.

Rotary cutters are useful for quickly cutting material for quilting, sewing or paper-craft projects. Over time, the blade will begin to dull and cut less effectively. While there are methods for sharpening the blades, they often require special tools. Replacing the blades is a quick and simple process that does not require any tools or special skills to perform. In fact, this task will take most people less than 5 minutes from start to finish.

Things You'll Need

• Rotary cutter
• Rotary cutter replacement blade

Instructions

1. Set the rotary cutter, blade side down, on a flat surface. Locate the nut securing the blade on the back of the rotary cutter. Remove this nut by turning it to the left until it comes off.

2. Lift the rotary cutter straight up by the handle. Since the nut was removed, the bolt and the blade of the rotary cutter will be left behind on the work surface.

3. Remove the blade by sliding it off of the bolt. The blade guard will be on the bolt underneath the blade. Leave the blade guard in place.

4. Place the new blade onto the bolt on top of the blade guard.

5. Place the rotary cutter onto the bolt in the same manner you removed it. Replace the nut on the end of the bolt and tighten it.

Tips & Warnings

• Always tighten the blade enough that it does not come loose when you are cutting. If this happens, you risk injury.