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.

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. Remove the table leveling screw

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

4. Remove the blade

Open the blade cover in the upper cabinet.

Pull the blade out of the band saw.

5. 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. 

6. Remove the tire

Pry the tire out of the drive wheel channel using a slot screwdriver and remove the tire from the drive wheel.

7. 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.

8. Reinstall the upper wheel

Reinstall the upper drive wheel on the drive wheel bracket.

9. 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.

10. Reinstall the table leveling screw

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

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.

12. Restore power

Plug the band saw into the wall outlet.