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How to Change Blade on Skilsaw Circular Saw? | 8 Practical Steps!

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If you’re experiencing rough and inaccurate cuts with your Skilsaw circular saw, it is the right time to change those old rusty blades.

Even though the blades on your Skilsaw are durable, they get worn out with use.

Even if you are a professional or just someone who loves doing DIYs in the backyard, you should ensure your Skilsaw is in excellent condition. To ensure your Skilsaw makes smooth and precise cuts, you must change the blades periodically.

Changing the old blade might be quite challenging, especially if you are not sure how to change blade on Skilsaw circular saw.

But don’t panic, as it’s not that complicated.

It is a simple process you can do on your own by following some easy steps. This article will guide you through changing your circular Skilsaw blades.

Circular saw—how to change blade on Skilsaw circular saw
How to change blade on Skilsaw circular saw? – Image via cottonbro studio.

What Is a Skilsaw Circular Saw?

Before getting into the actual process, let’s first learn about the machine we are dealing with.

A circular saw is a powerful carpentry tool used to cut lumber. It mainly consists of a motor and a circular blade. One needs to hold the saw with both hands and push it through the material we are cutting.

It is more powerful than a handheld saw and can be used to cut thicker lumber. Similarly, with features like a laser beam guide, you can make precise cuts with good accuracy. It is adjustable, which makes it versatile to be used for a variety of purposes.

The circular saw uses replaceable blades with sharp teeth to cut the lumber.

The Skilsaw circular saw is a product from a company called Skil Power Tools. It is a circular saw of the brand Skil. The Skilsaw is so popular that it has become synonymous with the circular saw.

Like how Coca-Cola is synonymous with cold drinks, Skilsaw is one of the most important tools in construction works, especially in cutting the lumber with precision.

Why Change the Blades?

Though the blades of the Skilsaw do last a good amount of time, it does need replacement after being used continuously.

You need to change your blades if the blade is worn out, doesn’t cut the timber properly, wobbles, and makes rough cuts.

Sometimes, it may cut in a zigzag way and ruin the lumber.

If you come across these signs, you must understand that it’s time to change the blades.

How to Change Blade on Skilsaw Circular Saw?

Okay, now that we know enough about the machine, let’s learn how to change blade on Skilsaw circular saw.

1. Unplug Your Skilsaw

The very first step is to turn off your Skilsaw and unplug it. It would be best if you kept it on a table or workbench.

If you have recently used the Skilsaw and the engine is still hot, let it sit on the bench for a while.

It is really important to make sure the Skilsaw has properly cooled down.

2. Lock the Blade

After the Skilsaw has cooled down, we must ensure it is safe.

Since the blades are still very sharp for your skin, you can get cut if it moves. So, it is necessary not to let that happen.

So, press the red button, which locks the blade.

3. Remove the Safety Guard

On most Skilsaws, there is a safety guard that covers the blade.

It is basically a plastic cover that covers the blade when not in use.

Now, lift the safety guard and remove it out of the way, exposing the blade to be removed and changed.

4. Remove the Old Blade

After removing the safety guard and exposing the blade, it is finally time to take the bad boy out.

Using a ¾” wrench or a ¾” socket wrench, unscrew the retaining bolt. The retaining bolt is the one at the center of the blade.

Keep the bolt in a safe place, and don’t lose it!

Now that the blade is loose, it is ready to be removed. Carefully lift the blade and remove it from the Skilsaw.

5. Put the New Blade In

Now that the old blade has been removed, take the new blade and install it carefully.

Align the blade with the place where the earlier unscrewed retaining bolt goes in. Arrange the teeth facing side down so they can cut the material when spinning in a clockwise circular motion.

Be extra careful in this step, as you may cut yourself.

6. Screw the Retaining Bolt

Now that you have placed the new blade in screw the retaining bolt back into the Skilsaw.

Use the ¾” wrench or the ¾” socket wrench once again to replace the bolt. Make sure the bolt is tight and properly holds the blade in place.

Related article: How to Tighten Circular Saw Blade? | A Step-By-Step Guide!

7. Put the Safety Guard In

After changing the blade and tightening the retaining bolt, it’s time to put the safety guard back in position.

It needs to cover the blade!

8. Release the Red Button

Now release the red safety button.

This makes the Skilsaw ready to be used again!

You can now use the Skilsaw to make smooth cuts.

So, this is how you can change the blade of the Skilsaw Circular Saw. After this, you can continue using Skilsaw to cut the materials. Make sure you maintain your Skilsaw for longer-lasting blades.

How to Change Blade on Skilsaw Circular Saw – YouTube

Checkout the following tips on how you can maintain your Skilsaw Circular saw:

Tips to Maintain Your Skilsaw & Its Blade!

Generally, a circular saw’s blades last between 1500–3000 cuts.

Typically a circular saw’s blade has a warranty period of 1 year. However, it can last much longer, depending on the owner.

The durability greatly depends upon the quality of the blade and how you use it.

So, here are a few things you need to know to make your blades last longer:

  • First, you should clean the blade of your Skilsaw and ensure there isn’t any dust or wood debris in your machine.
  • You can use a leaf blower to remove tiny wood pieces immediately after use.
  • You should also use lubricants in the movable parts so that there isn’t excess friction or rust in the machine.
  • Avoid using your Skilsaw in highly humid places. The moisture in the air may cause rusting in the blade, and the saw itself.
  • Check the alignment of blades before and after every use. If anything seems wrong, hurry up and fix the issue as soon as possible.
  • Store your spare blades in a safe and dry place. Again because moisture causes rusting and wearing out of the blades, store them properly.

Now, let’s head to some FAQs.

FAQs

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions on Google.

What Is the Difference Between a Circular Saw and a Skilsaw?

Skilsaw has rapidly spinning circular blades in all models.

Hence, all Skilsaws are circular saws. However, not all circular saws are Skilsaws, as circular saws can be gas-powered and fixed on radial arms.

Is Skilsaw a Good Circular Saw?

Because Skilsaws are powerful, accurate in making cuts, durable, and easy to use, they can be called good saws.

Also, they are not so heavy and have precise leveling settings.

So, Skilsaws are one of the best circular saws available.

What Type of Saw Is a Skilsaw?

Skilsaw is a famous brand for handheld circular saw. Hence, circular saw blades are used to make cuts in wood, like rip cuts, cross cuts, or both.

Are Skilsaw Blades Reverse Thread?

Since a left-handed saw requires a regular threaded bolt, they are reverse threaded.

But a right-handed circular saw is not reverse threaded; rather regular threaded. So, it will need a reverse threaded bolt.

On the other hand, a right-handed circular saw would require a reverse threaded bolt.


Conclusion!

Now you only know what a Skilsaw is but also how to change blade on a Skilsaw circular saw.

A Skilsaw circular saw is a great tool for professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

You can follow this step-by-step guide to change the blades on your Skilsaw circular saw. It is a simple process, and you can do it yourself.

You should wear protective gloves and other gear to ensure safety while doing the replacement.

Also, choose a good quality blade, so you don’t need to change them more frequently. You can check our maintenance tips listed above to maintain the health of your Skilsaw circular saw.

We hope that this article was able to help you learn how to change blade on Skilsaw circular saw.

Please let us know in the comment section below if you have any feedback or queries. Share this article with your DIY enthusiast friends!

Thank you for reading!