How do you change the blade on a Craftsman circular saw?

Changing the blade on a Craftsman circular saw is a relatively straightforward process that can be done in just a few minutes with some basic tools. Having a sharp, undamaged blade is essential for making clean, accurate cuts in wood, plastic, or metal. As blades naturally become dull over time from use, knowing how to swap out an old blade for a fresh one helps maintain optimal cutting performance.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk through the complete process of changing the blade on a Craftsman circular saw using simple, illustrated instructions. We’ll cover the reasons you may need to replace the blade, the tools required, how to remove the old blade, installing and securing the new blade, and tips for testing the blade and adjusting the cutting depth.

Whether you’re replacing an old, worn-down blade or just looking to switch to a different type of blade for a specific project, this guide has everything you need to change the blade on your Craftsman circular saw quickly and hassle-free.

When to Change the Circular Saw Blade

Here are the most common situations that indicate it’s time to replace the circular saw blade:

The blade is damaged

Over time and heavy use, circular saw blades can become warped, bent, cracked, or missing teeth. Any visible damage to the blade means it’s time for a new one, as damaged blades produce rough, uneven cuts and can be dangerous to use.

The blade is dull

Dull blades require more effort to push through material and leave ragged edges. A sharp blade should slice through wood or other materials smoothly and easily. Having to force the saw through the workpiece or noticing rough, tear-out edges are signs your blade needs sharpening or replacing.

You’re noticing burning on cuts

Excessive burning on the cut line indicates a dull blade that is not slicing cleanly through the material. The friction and heat buildup caused by a dull blade results in scorching.

You need a different blade type

Switching to a blade designed for a specific purpose or material can improve cutting performance. For example, using a fine-finish blade for detailed woodwork, a carbide blade for masonry, or a blade with more teeth for thinner wood or plastics.

It’s been a long time since you changed the blade

As a good general rule, the blade should be changed after 15-20 hours of use. More frequent blade changes may be needed when cutting abrasive materials like masonry or metal.

So in summary, look for visible blade damage, rough cutting performance, burning marks, or just time since the last change as signs it’s time to swap in a fresh circular saw blade. Use the rest of this guide for step-by-step instructions on how to change it out.

Tools You’ll Need

Changing the circular saw blade requires just a few basic tools:

• Replacement circular saw blade (make sure it’s the correct size and type for your saw)
• Hex key or Allen wrench (usually found in the circular saw kit)
• Gloves for hand protection
• Rags for cleaning

Optional items that can help make blade changing easier include:

• Penetrating oil or WD-40
• Hammer
• Block of wood

The most important thing is using the proper hex key or Allen wrench size to loosen the arbor bolt holding the blade in place. Make sure you have the right size key before getting started.

You should also have the owner’s manual for your saw handy so you can reference the proper blade changing steps and safety precautions specific to your model if needed.

How to Remove the Old Blade

Once you’ve gathered the necessary tools and replacement blade, follow these steps to remove the old blade:

1. Unplug the circular saw – Disconnecting power is an important safety precaution.
2. Lock the saw blade – Locate the blade lock button or lever and engage it to prevent the blade from spinning.
3. Tilt the blade – Tilt the footplate of the saw up so the blade is fully exposed.
4. Loosen the arbor bolt – Use the appropriate hex key or Allen wrench to loosen the arbor bolt securing the blade. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen. You may need to hold the blade with one hand as you loosen the bolt.
5. Remove the bolt and outer flange – Slide both the arbor bolt and the outer flange off the spindle. Set these parts aside so they don’t get lost.
6. Remove the blade – With the retaining bolt and flange removed, you can now slide the blade itself off the spindle. Set the old blade aside.
7. Clean the surfaces – Take a few minutes to clean the spindle surface and inner and outer flanges, removing any dirt, debris, or oil.

Spraying penetrating oil on the arbor bolt and letting it soak in for 5-10 minutes first can help loosen a stubborn bolt. Tapping the bolt lightly with a hammer or block of wood is another trick to help break it free if needed.

With the old blade removed, inspect the arbor assembly closely. Make sure there is no damage or worn parts that could prevent safe blade operation.

Installing the New Circular Saw Blade

Installation of the new blade follows similar steps but in reverse order:

1. Position the new blade – Align the new blade on the spindle with the teeth pointing in the correct direction (towards the front of the saw). Make sure it sits flat.
2. Install the flange and bolt – Slide the outer flange onto the spindle followed by the arbor bolt. Thread the bolt in place hand tight.
3. Tighten the arbor bolt – Use your hex key or Allen wrench to tighten the arbor bolt securely while holding the blade with your other hand. Do not over tighten.
4. Release the blade lock – Disengage the blade lock button or lever.
5. Test the tightness – Spin the blade by hand with the saw unplugged. It should spin smoothly and freely with no wobble.
6. Lower the footplate – Lay the circular saw flat on its footplate again.
7. Plug saw back in – Reconnect power once installation is complete.

When positioning the new blade, pay close attention to the teeth direction – they should always point in a clockwise direction at the front of the saw. Also double-check that the new blade is the right size and bore diameter to fit your model saw.

Securely tightening the arbor bolt is critical to prevent the blade from loosening during use. Tighten firmly, but not so much that you strip the bolt or compress the flange.

Adjusting the Cutting Depth

Any time you install a new blade, it’s a good idea to check and adjust the cutting depth as needed. Here’s how:

1. Set blade depth to maximum – Turn the depth adjustment knob or lever to expose the full blade teeth.
2. Make test cut – With the saw unplugged, make a cut in a piece of scrap wood.
3. Measure depth – Use a ruler to measure the depth of the cut.
4. Adjust as needed – Turn the depth adjustment knob to increase or decrease cutting depth based on your measurement.
5. Verify smooth adjustments – Adjust up and down several times to verify it transitions smoothly through the full range.

Referring to your owner’s manual for proper cutting depth recommendations can help guide this adjustment. Minor further tweaks may be needed as you begin actually cutting material.

Proper blade depth helps ensure safe, efficient cuts without overloading the saw motor. Take the time to check this each time you change blades.

Testing and Using the New Blade

Before starting any heavy duty cutting, it’s smart to do a quick test run to ensure proper installation and adjustment:

• Verify smooth rotation – With saw unplugged, turn the blade by hand to check for smooth, free spinning.
• Listen for vibrations – Run the idling saw briefly and listen for any strange vibrations.
• Do test cuts – Plug in and make a few sample cuts in scrap material, checking for smooth cutting performance.
• Make any needed adjustments – Tweak blade tightness or depth as needed until test cuts are satisfactory.

With everything checked out, you can now fire up your Craftsman circular saw equipped with a sharp new blade. Always follow recommended safety precautions when operating power saws.

Some final tips for maximizing the life of new blades include:

• Let blade reach full speed before starting cuts
• Ease into the cut gradually
• Support workpieces properly
• Avoid cutting hard objects like nails
• Keep the blade lubricated and clean

Taking good care of new circular saw blades allows them to stay sharper for longer. But with this handy guide, you’ll always know the steps to quickly swap blades whenever needed.

Conclusion

Changing the blade on a Craftsman circular saw just takes a few tools and about 10 minutes of time. Following the proper steps to remove the old blade, install the new one, adjust depth, and test performance ensures you complete this maintenance task quickly, safely, and accurately.

Equipping your saw with a fresh, quality blade improves cutting efficiency and accuracy. Knowing when to replace worn or damaged blades based on visible inspection, rough performance, and total usage time will maintain your saw’s effectiveness for all your home workshop needs.

So inspect your saw blades periodically, watch for signs it’s time for a change, and keep this guide handy for smooth, trouble-free blade changes. With fresh sharp blades, your Craftsman circular saw will continue earning its reputation for helpfulness and reliability on all your projects.