April 01, 2015

How to replace a table saw blade

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace the blade on a table saw. Change the blade to suit the woodworking projects or if the saw blade has worn out, causing the blade to bind or burn into the wood. Inspect the blade regularly and replace it with the manufacturer-approved table saw part if it's dull or damaged.

Use these steps to replace the blade on Craftsman, Mastercraft, Tradesman, Companion, Emerson, DeWalt and Ryobi table saws.

Quick links

Video

Instructions

Tools required

Slot screwdriver

Work gloves

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

Replacing a blade on a table saw

This video shows how to replace the blade on a table saw.

Instructions

01.
Shut off the electricity
Unplug the table saw’s power cord from the wall outlet.
02.
Remove the blade guard
Loosen the blade-tilt locking knob and tilt the blade to a 90-degree angle.
Raise the blade to its highest cutting position.
Push the red button on the blade guard and lift off the blade guard assembly.
PHOTO: Raise the blade.
PHOTO: Remove the blade guard.
03.
Remove the table insert
Insert a slot screwdriver into the large hole in the table and pry out the table insert.
PHOTO: Remove the table insert.
04.
Remove the saw blade
Use the 2 blade wrenches supplied with the table saw to remove the blade arbor nut.
Remove the outer flange washer and saw blade from the arbor.

PHOTO: Remove the arbor nut.
PHOTO: Remove the blade.
05.
Install the new blade
Position the new blade on the arbor and reinstall the flange washer and arbor nut.
Firmly tighten the arbor nut using the 2 blade wrenches supplied with the table saw.
06.
Reinstall the table insert
Push the table insert into the top of the table.
PHOTO: Reinstall the table insert.
07.
Reinstall the blade guard
Push the red release button on the blade guard and reinstall the blade guard assembly on the riving knife. Release the red button.
PHOTO: Reinstall the blade guard.
08.
Restore power
Plug the table 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.