How to Change the Blade on a Stuck Circular Saw

Removing circular saw blades is simple.

Circular saws are the workhorse of the do-it-yourself tool stable. They are capable of making almost any cut that can be made with a table saw and they are portable. From time to time it becomes necessary to change the blade on your circular saw. This is a fairly simple procedure that is only slightly complicated by a blade that is stuck in position. Most stuck saws are jammed due to debris caught on the edge of the blade inside the guard, or between the blade and the motor housing. Saws stuck due to blown motors or bearings will require professional servicing or replacement.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Wrench

Instructions

1. Unplug the saw from the wall. Pull the blade guard up as far as it will go. Use a narrow screwdriver or other tool to probe up into the blade guard to knock loose any stuck pieces of material. Grip the blade between your fingers and pull down along its front edge to dislodge the jam.

2. Probe behind the blade to dislodge any debris that may be stuck. Rotate the blade with your fingers to help dislodge debris. If the blade will not turn at all, proceed to removing the blade.

3. Use an open-ended wrench, adjustable spanner wrench or socket wrench to grip the arbor nut. The arbor nut is the flat nut tightened against the center of the blade. Turn the nut counterclockwise. If the blade turns, depress the blade stop button, which usually is located above and behind the blade. Turn the nut until it comes loose. Spin the nut off, remove the arbor washer and lift the blade from the spindle.

4. Clean out the guard and any other debris against the motor housing. Place the new blade onto the arbor spindle, paying attention to the spindle marker. On right-handed saws, with the blade to the left of the motor, the printed face goes out. On left-handed saws, with the blade to the right of the motor, the printed face goes against the motor housing. Replace the arbor washer and turn it so it sits tight against the blade--it will only fit one way.

5. Replace the arbor nut. Depress the blade stop button and tighten the nut using your wrench. Plug the saw in and test it. If the blade still refuses to turn, make certain it is getting power; you may have thrown the breaker. For saws getting power and still not turning, seek professional servicing to prevent injury due to malfunction. Contact the maker via its website or check with a local hardware store for information about a local service center.

Tips & Warnings

• Always unplug the saw before attempting any repair or service.

References

• Bob Vila: How to Use a Circular Saw
• "Power Saws, a Do-it-Your-Selfer's Guide to Power Saws"; various authors;1994