April 01, 2015

How to replace a band saw tire

This DIY repair guide shows how to replace the tire on a band saw. The band saw tire stretches tightly around the drive wheel, to protect the blade from touching the wheel directly. The tire grips the blade as the blade rotates around the wheels. If the tire stretches or wears out, it no longer grips the blade well, and the blade won’t turn or could slip off the wheel. Replace a loose or damaged band saw with the manufacturer-approved band saw part.

Follow the steps in this repair guide and video to replace the tire on Craftsman, Rikon, Wen, Ryobi, Tradesman and Powertec band saws.

Quick links

Video

Instructions

Tools required

Work gloves

Slot screwdriver

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

Replacing a tire on a band saw

This video shows how to replace a tire on a band saw.

Instructions

01.
Shut off the electricity
Unplug the band saw’s power cord from the wall outlet.
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: Release the blade tension.
03.
Remove the table leveling screw
Remove the table leveling screw from the front of the table.
PHOTO: Remove the table leveling screw.
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: Remove the blade.
05.
Remove the upper wheel
Release the upper drive wheel from the drive wheel bracket.
Pull the upper drive wheel out of the cabinet and set it on a stable work surface.

PHOTO: Remove the upper wheel.
06.
Remove the tire
Pry the tire out of the drive wheel channel using a slot screwdriver and remove the tire from the drive wheel.
PHOTO: Remove the tire.
07.
Install the new tire
Work the new tire into one side of the drive wheel channel.
Stretch the tire outward and work it into the channel around the rest of the drive wheel.
Push all edges of the tire completely into the drive wheel channel.
08.
Reinstall the upper wheel
Reinstall the upper drive wheel on the drive wheel bracket.
PHOTO: Reinstall the upper wheel.
09.
Reinstall the blade
Position the blade with the teeth pointing downward and forward.
Work the saw blade into the cabinets and over the drive wheels.
Close the blade cover in the upper cabinet.
PHOTO: Close the blade cover.
10.
Reinstall the table leveling screw
Reinstall the table leveling screw at the front of the table.
PHOTO: the table leveling screw.
11.
Re-tension the blade
Align 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.
12.
Restore power
Plug the band saw into the wall 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.