How to replace a band saw drive belt

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace the drive belt on a band saw. The drive belt turns the lower wheel to turn the blade. If the drive belt breaks, the motor runs but the blade won't move. Replace a broken band saw drive belt with the manufacturer-approved band saw part.

Use this guide to replace the drive belt on Craftsman, Ryobi, Wen, Rikon and Tradesman band saws.

Instructions

1. Shut off the electricity

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

2. Release the blade tension

Open the upper and lower cabinet doors.

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

3. Release the drive belt from the motor pulley

Loosen the top and bottom mounting screws on the drive motor and pivot the motor inward to release the drive belt tension.

Remove the drive belt from the motor pulley.

4. Remove the drive belt

Use snap ring pliers to remove the C-clip from the lower wheel shaft.

Slide the lower wheel off its shaft and remove the drive belt.

5. Install the new drive belt

Position the drive belt on the lower wheel pulley and, while sliding the wheel onto the shaft, wrap the drive belt over the motor shaft.

Reinstall the C-clip on the lower wheel shaft.

Push the drive motor outward to apply tension to the drive belt and tighten the mounting screws on the drive motor.

6. Re-tension the blade

Reposition the blade on the upper and lower drive wheels.

Rotate the blade quick release lever to apply blade tension.

Close the cabinet doors.

7. Restore power

Plug the band saw into the electrical outlet.