How to Safely Change a Miter Saw Blade

Miter saws are used extensively in construction, offering workers the ability to cut at a variety of angles. A typical miter saw features a mounted blade that can swing to either the left or right for precise angled cuts. But like all powered cutting tools, the blade on a miter saw must be replaced on a regular basis, especially after prolonged usage.

So, why do you need to a change a miter saw blade? Allowing the blade to turn dull is a recipe for disaster, as it increases the risk of injury. Dull blades are more likely to "catch" on wood and other materials, which can cause serious injury to the operator. Thankfully, problems such as this are easily avoided by replacing the blade. If you discover the blade is dull, chipped or otherwise damaged, follow these steps to replace it.

When you are ready to replace the blade, make sure the miter saw is unplugged and disconnected from the electrical outlet. Next, double-check to make sure it's turned off by squeezing the trigger. As long it's off, go ahead and remove the screw holding the blade guard in place, at which point you can pull the blade guard off.

Now you'll need to disengage the lock used to secure the blade. Depending on the particular make and model of your miter saw, you should see a spindle lock around the blade, either in the front or back. Upon pushing the button, it should disengage the blade lock.

Next, use an Allen wrench to remove the bolt holding the blade in place. Once the bolt is removed, gently pull the blade out of its housing and replacing it with a new place. Keep in mind that you should always install new blades with the teeth facing down. Failure to install new blades correctly could result in bodily injury, so don't make this mistake. After the new blade has been secured to the miter saw, tighten it with your fingers and then again by using the Allen wrench. Now reattach the blade guard and you are good to go!

Congratulations, you've just replaced the blade on your miter saw. Of course, this isn't something you'll have to do frequently if you use your miter saw on a regular basis. Even high-quality blades will wear and degrade over time. Following the steps listed above, however, should guide you on the right track to replacing your miter saw blade.