How to Change a Jigsaw Blade: In 5 Easy Steps

If you’ve ever tried to change a jigsaw blade, you know it can be a real pain. The process is often confusing and frustrating, and it’s easy to end up with a damaged blade or jigsaw. In this guide, we’ll show you how to change a jigsaw blade quickly and easily, so you can get back to your project. Let’s get started!

Reasons to change the jigsaw blade

There are many reasons you might need to change the blade on your jigsaw. Some of the most common reasons include:

• The blade is worn out and needs to be replaced.
• You need a different type of blade for a different material.
• You need a longer or shorter fresh blade for a particular project.
• You want to change the blade to reduce vibration.

Changing the blade on your jigsaw is a relatively simple process. With a little bit of know-how, you can change the blade in a matter of minutes. So next time you need to change the blade, don’t be afraid to do it yourself. It’s easy!

Tools You Will Need

The first step is to gather the tools you will need. For this project, you’ll need the following tools:

Screwdriver

If your jigsaw has a release button, you won’t need a screwdriver. But if it doesn’t, you’ll need a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold the blade in place. It is important to use the right size screwdriver so that you don’t strip the screws.

Allen wrench

An allen wrench is only necessary if you’re using a U-shank blade. You’ll need to use it to loosen the screws that hold the blade in place. The allen keys wrench is also known as a hex key. It is an L-shaped tool that is used to drive bolts and screws that have a hexagonal socket in the head. You can find allen key wrenches in a variety of sizes at your local hardware store.

New blade

Of course, you’ll need a new blade for this project. As we mentioned earlier, there are three different types of blades: T-shank, U-shank, and Universal. Be sure to get the right type of blade for your jigsaw.

Gloves (optional)

You may want to wear gloves when removing the old blade as the teeth can be very sharp. The new blade will also be sharp so handle with care. If you are not comfortable wearing gloves, be extra careful when handling the blades.

Steps To Change A Jigsaw Blade

Now that you have all of the tools you need, it’s time to get started. Follow these steps to change your jigsaw blade:

1. Identify the basic components of the jigsaw

The key parts you need to know are the blade, the clamp, and the release lever. The first step is to identify the basic components of the jigsaw.

The blade is the part of the jigsaw that does the cutting. It’s usually made of steel or carbon, and it’s the part that gets dull over time.

The clamp is what holds the blade in place. It’s usually made of metal, and it’s located near the front of the jigsaw.

The release lever is what you use to release the blade from the clamp. It’s usually located near the back of the jigsaw.

Now that you know the basics, let’s move on to changing the blade.

2. Do Not take off what isn’t necessary

The baseplate is the only part of the saw that you need to remove in order to change the blade. Taking off more than necessary can put you at risk of breaking something on your saw.

If your saw has a blade guard, make sure to remove that as well. The blade guard is the plastic piece that covers the blade holder. It’s usually located near the front of the saw.

You might also need to remove the dust cover. The dust cover is the plastic or metal piece that covers the blade clamp. It’s usually located near the back of the saw.

Now that you’ve removed the necessary parts, you’re ready to change the blade.

3. Release the old blade

The next step is to release the old blade from the clamp. To do this, you will need to press the blade release lever or button. This is usually located on the side of the jigsaw near the blade clamp. Once you have pressed the release button, the blade clamp will open and you can remove the old blade.

If your jigsaw does not have a release button, you will need to use a screwdriver to loosen the screws that hold the blade in place. Once the screws are loose, you can remove the old blade.

Be careful when removing the old blade as the teeth can be very sharp. You may want to wear gloves to protect your hands. Now that the old blade is out, you can insert the new blade.

4. T-shanks vs. U-shanks vs Universal blades

The next step is to insert the new blade. But before you do, you need to know what kind of blade you need. Jigsaw blades come in three different types: T-shank, U-shank, and Universal.

The T-shank is a popular blade among modern jigsaws as it provides a secure grip and is compatible with most jigsaw models. It enables fast modifications without the need of the use of any additional external tool. However, it can also be more expensive than other types of blades.

U-shank blades are the oldest and most common type of jigsaw blade. They’re not as widely used as T-shanks, but they’re still a good option for many people. U-shank blades are less expensive than T-shanks, but they require an allen wrench to change them.

Universal blades are designed to fit any type of jigsaw. If you’re not sure what kind of blade you need, chances are you need a Universal blade. Universal blades are the most expensive type of blade, but they’re also the most convenient.

Now that you know what kind of blade you need, it’s time to insert the new blade.

5. Insert the new blade

To insert the new blade, you will need to line up the teeth forward with the slot in the blade clamp. Once the blade is lined up, you can close the clamp and tighten the screws. Make sure the blade shank is tight before you start using the jigsaw.

If your jigsaw has a release button, you can simply insert the new blade and press the blade change button to clamp the blade in place.

How to choose your jigsaw blade?

When it comes to a jigsaw, there are several blades to pick from. Every blade has different purpose, so it is important to pick the right one for the job. Here are some things to consider before selecting a blade are:

Shank type:

Check the manual of your jigsaw to see what type of shank it uses. The two most common are T-shank and U-shank. T-shank blades are the most common and can be used with nearly any jigsaw. U-shank blades, on the other hand, are only compatible with a few models.

Size and teeth:

The next thing to consider is the size and teeth of the blade. Larger blades are better for thicker materials, while smaller blades are better for more detailed work. Teeth determine the blade’s aggressiveness. A blade with more teeth will be more aggressive and cut faster, while a blade with fewer teeth will be less aggressive and cut slower.

Application:

The last thing to consider is what you will be using the blade for. If you are cutting metal, you will need a different blade than if you are cutting wood. There are many different types of jigsaw blades, so make sure to pick the right one for the job.

How to ensure safety while using a jigsaw

You should always wear safety goggles when using a jigsaw. The goggles will protect your eyes from debris and sawdust that can be created when cutting. You should also wear gloves to protect your hands from the sharp teeth on the blade.

Finally, make sure to read the owner’s manual for your jigsaw. The owner’s manual will contain safety instructions specific to your model of saw. Following the safety instructions in the manual will help keep you safe while using your jigsaw.

Bottom line

Now that you know how to change a new jigsaw blade, you’re ready to tackle any project. Just remember to be careful when removing the old blade and to choose the right blade for your project. Always wear safety goggles and gloves when using a jigsaw to protect yourself from injury.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Happy sawing!