April 01, 2015

How to replace a band saw blade

How to replace a band saw blade

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace the blade on a band saw. If the saw blade is dull or damaged, it won't cut evenly. Replace a dull or damaged band saw blade with the manufacturer-approved band saw part.

Follow these steps to replace the blade in Craftsman, Ryobi, Tradesman, Wen, Rikon and Powertec band saws.

Quick links
Tools required
Work gloves
Allen wrench
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
Replacing a blade on a band saw

This video explains how to replace the blade on a band saw.

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Shut off the electricity

    Unplug the band saw’s power cord from the wall outlet.

  2. 02.

    Release the blade tension

    Open the upper and lower cabinet doors.

    Rotate the blade’s quick-release lever to release the blade tension.

    PHOTO: Open the cabinet doors.

    PHOTO: Open the cabinet doors.

    PHOTO: Release the blade tension.

    PHOTO: Release the blade tension.

  3. 03.

    Remove the table leveling screw

    Remove the table leveling screw from the front of the table.

    PHOTO: Remove the table leveling screw.

    PHOTO: Remove the table leveling screw.

  4. 04.

    Remove the blade

    Open the blade cover in the upper cabinet.

    Pull the blade out of the band saw.

    PHOTO: Open the blade cover.

    PHOTO: Open the blade cover.

    PHOTO: Remove the blade.

    PHOTO: Remove the blade.

  5. 05.

    Install the new blade

    Position the new blade with the teeth pointing downward and forward.

    Work the new saw blade into the cabinets and over the drive wheels.

    Close the blade cover in the upper cabinet.

    PHOTO: Close the blade cover.

    PHOTO: Close the blade cover.

  6. 06.

    Reinstall the table leveling screw

    Reinstall the table leveling screw at the front of the table.

    PHOTO:  the table leveling screw.

    PHOTO: the table leveling screw.

  7. 07.

    Re-tension the blade

    Reposition the blade on the upper and lower drive wheels.

    Rotate the blade’s quick release lever to apply blade tension.

    Close the cabinet doors.

    PHOTO: Apply blade tension.

    PHOTO: Apply blade tension.

  8. 08.

    Restore power

    Plug the band saw into the electrical outlet.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.

Symptoms for band saws

Choose a symptom to see related band saw repairs.

Main causes: damaged rubber tire, worn wheel bearings, loose blade tension, dull saw blade…

Main causes: dull blade, using the wrong type of blade, feeding work piece to quickly, loose blade tension…

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Main causes: dull blade, improper feeding, loose blade tension, not using a work piece guide…

Main causes: broken saw blade, bad drive belt, damaged rubber tire…

Main causes: dull blade, using the wrong type of blade, weak drive motor…

Main causes: lack of electrical power, broken power cord, bad on/off switch, faulty drive motor…

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