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How To Change Reciprocating Saw Blade – 3 Easy Ways

By: David S. Miles | Last Updated: January 19, 2024

When you want to do some DIY projects or anything about cutting or tearing down materials or buildings, you may need a reciprocating saw. This versatile power tool can perform many tasks such as tearing down drywall, pruning overgrown trees, and even cutting PVC pipes. But how does it perform so many tasks? Well, this is because you can attach different types of blades to this saw in ordered to get different kinds of cutting performance.

However, you cannot get your projects done with a reciprocating saw as long as you know how to change Reciprocating saw blade. In this article, we will discuss the process of changing the reciprocating saw blade.

Safety Measures First

Working with saws and sharp blades is considerably a risky job until you follow proper safety measures. Before you change a reciprocating saw blade, you need to keep in mind the following things.

1. Protective Gear: Whenever we deal with power saws’ blades, there is a chance of getting cut by the blades. However, protective gears such as gloves and goggles reduce the chances of unexpected consequences while changing them.

2. Unplug the Reciprocating Saw: To avoid turning the machine on while changing blades, unplug your reciprocating saw. If you accidentally turn on the power saw while changing blade, you may encounter any disastrous situation.

3. Remove Batteries: In case you use a cordless reciprocating saw, you need to remove the batteries before you start changing the blade.

Change Reciprocating Saw Blade Using A Screwdriver

Reciprocating Saw Blade

After taking the safety precautions, you can go for changing blades. Here is how to change the reciprocating saw blade using a screwdriver.

In the whole process, you’ll need just two things:

1. A screwdriver that suits the screw of your reciprocating saw.

2. The new blade that you want to attach to your reciprocating saw.

Step 1: Find the Screw

First of all, you need to find out the screw that keeps the blade attached to the saw. Generally, you will find the screw at the end of the blade.

Step 2: Unscrew the Blade.

Unscrewing the blade is easy as long as you have the necessary screwdriver. Not every screwdriver fits in every screw. So, you make sure you have the proper screwdriver before you start unscrewing the blade. Usually, the flat-headed ones fit the screw of a reciprocating saw blade. Once you have the right screwdriver, unscrew the screw. Then remove the old blade.

Step 3: Insert the New Blade

After removing the old blade, you have to choose a new one depending on the task that you want to perform. Whatever blade you choose, you need to insert it correctly. The hole of the blade will go inside the saw. Keep wiggling and pushing the blade until it reaches the clamp. Then tighten the screw with your screwdriver.

The Most Convenient Method: Quick Release Button or Lever

Some Sawzalls have a quick-release button. If you have that type of reciprocating saw, your job is even more comfortable. Find out the quick-release button or lever. It may be a switch made of metal or plastic located at the point where the blade touches the saw.

After pushing the button, gently remove the blade. Then, insert the new blade into the clamp. After placing the blade in the proper position, release the quick-release button.

Also Read- How to Pick a Good Quality Corded Reciprocating Saw?

Changing Reciprocating Saw Blade with an Allen Wrench

To apply this method, you will require the following tools.

  • Safety gloves and goggles to protect yourself.
  • A set of Allen Wrenches.

You need to follow nearly the same steps as we discussed earlier. The only difference is, now you are switching to another tool to change the blade of a reciprocating saw.

Step 1: Find the Blade Holder

Take the Allen wrench that fits in the hex-head screw socket. Then, insert the wrench into the screw socket. Start moving the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the screw.

Step 2: Remove the Old Blade

After loosening the screw, start wiggling and pulling the blade until it comes out of its place.

Step 3: Attach the New Blade

Insert the blade gently by moving and pushing until the hole of the blade reaches its place. Make sure the teeth of the blade face the direction of the handle. When the blade gets its place, it will lock itself.  Now, tighten the screw using your Allen wrench. This time, you have to move the wrench in the clockwise direction.

Conclusion

Wow, we’re done so quickly! Hopefully, this article will help you learn how to change a Sawzall blade. Whenever you want to change the blade of your reciprocating saw, follow the step-by-step guideline. And never neglect the safety measures when you work with power tools and blades. Your life is more precious than anything else in the World.

Also Read:

Sawzall Vs Reciprocating Saw – What’s The Difference?

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