April 19, 2023

Band Saw: Why won't my my band saw's blade move?

A broken saw blade, failed drive belt or damaged rubber tire can prevent the blade from moving when the motor runs.

Check the condition of the blade and replace the blade if it's broken. If the blade is okay, examine the rubber tires and replace any worn or damaged tire. If the blade and rubber tires are okay, check the motor drive belt and replace if it's worn or broken.

band saw

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR BAND SAW PROBLEM

JC-BSAW-Replace-the-band-saw-drive-belt

Replace the band saw drive belt

The drive belt connects the drive motor pulley to the lower wheel and rotates the lower wheel, which spins the band saw blade. Examine the drive belt regularly and replace the drive belt if it's broken or damaged.

Band saw drive belt

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-BSAW-Replace-Band-Saw-Drive-Belt-Intro-Image
April 01, 2015

How to replace a band saw drive belt

If your band saw blade isn't moving but you hear the motor running, the drive belt could be broken. This step-by-step repair guide and video show how to replace a band saw drive belt in just 15 minutes.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-BSAW-Replace-the-band-saw-rubber-tire

Replace the band saw rubber tire

The band saw rubber tires fit over the upper and lower wheels and grip the band saw blade to prevent slipping. Examine the band saw rubber tires regularly and replace worn or damaged tires.

Band saw rubber tire

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-BSAW-Replace-Band-Saw-Tire-Intro-Image
April 01, 2015

How to replace a band saw tire

If your band saw blade wobbles, wanders or won't move, the band saw tire might be the problem. This repair guide and video show how to replace a band saw tire in 15 minutes or less.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-BSAW-Replace-the-band-saw-blade

Replace the band saw blade

The band saw blade becomes dull with use. Cutting hard wood or metal hastens blade dulling. The band saw blade is dull when you must apply significantly more than normal force to push the piece you're cutting through the blade. Replace the band saw blade when it's dull or damaged.

Band saw blade

Find the required part specific to your product.

RG-BSAW-Replace-Band-Saw-Blade-Intro-Image
April 01, 2015

How to replace a band saw blade

If your band saw takes a long time to cut, the blade could be dull. This DIY repair guide and video show how to replace a band saw blade in 30 minutes or less.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

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…

Main causes: angle indicator needs adjustment, dull blade…

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…

Repair guides for band saws

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your band saw.

How to replace a band saw on-off switch

How to replace a band saw on-off switch

If the switch won't turn the band saw on or off, it could be defective. Replace the switch, using these steps.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a band saw drive belt

How to replace a band saw drive belt

If the motor runs but the blade doesn't move, it could be that the drive belt is broken. Here's how to replace it.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a band saw blade

How to replace a band saw blade

If the saw blade is dull or damaged and isn't cutting cleanly, replace the blade following these steps.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Articles and videos for band saws

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your band saw.

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…

How to tell if a fuse is blown

How to tell if a fuse is blown

Learn how to tell whether a fuse is blown…

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…