Like all of your tools, the sharpness of your jigsaw blade doesn’t last forever. It does not matter if the blade is the most expensive or if it is made of the most durable material. The more you use your jigsaw, the faster the blade will wear down. Sometimes, the blade might even break or snap when used inappropriately. The good thing about jigsaw, however, is that you don’t have to throw it away if the blade no longer works. You just need to learn how to change the jigsaw blade and you can start cutting wood again.
Do you think it’s time to finally buy and use a new jigsaw blade? If so, here’s a simple guide that you can easily and quickly follow.
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When Should You Replace the Blade
Even the best jigsaw blade will wear down eventually. If you take care of your tools properly, it will last longer than it should. However, in time, you will notice several signs which will tell you that you should finally change the jigsaw blade. Here are the signs that you should look out for:
Once you notice those signs, you might want to change the jigsaw blade immediately. Otherwise, you will experience the following consequences:
- Breaking: When the blade becomes too blunt, it’s more prone to breaking. When the blade breaks while you are in the process of cutting wood, it might affect your workpiece.
- Struggling: Cutting with a blunt blade requires more effort. You will eventually notice that you get tired more easily.
- Poor quality: You can’t expect to make a good cut with a worn blade. In fact, you might be unable to cut some materials at all.
For the jigsaw to perform at its best and cut through different materials, it needs to have a sharp blade.
Tools You Will Need
T-shank blade
Most of jigsaw blades can be ejected without the need of any tool. If this is the case with your jigsaw, all you need is:
A T-shank is a popular blade among modern jigsaws as it gives allowance for quick changes without the use of any other external tool. However, it can also be used in a U-shank jigsaw as well.
However, in the case that you have bought a jigsaw that does not automatically loosens the blade, you need two things:
U-shanks are blades that are manually fastened to a jigsaw. However, if you can’t purchase one, you can also use a T-shank blade. Just note that some jigsaw models use a type of blade unique to their own brand. Thus, it’s best if you read your manual before you make any blade purchase.
Allen key
To manually attach the blade to your jigsaw, you need an Allen key. This tool will be used to drive screws from the base of the jigsaw. Allen keys come in different sizes, so if you are not sure about the screw size of your jigsaw, it’s best that you buy one Allen key set. In the absence of an Allen key, you can also use a screwdriver.
Once you have everything you need, you can finally proceed to changing your jigsaw blade.
Step-By-Step To Change A Jigsaw Blade
There are two ways to change a jigsaw blade, depending on the type of jigsaw you have. Take a look at the two methods below.
Method 1: Tool-less Method - Change New Blade Without Using Tools
When you have a jigsaw that can automatically release the blade from the clamp, you can use this method:
Step 1: Prepare the new blade
Before you start, make sure that you have the T-shank blade ready for use.
Step 2: Loosen the release lever
Look for the blade release lever in your jigsaw. Once you find it, disengage it. If you don’t know how, you can read your jigsaw manual.
Step 3: Remove the blade
There are some jigsaws that release the blade from the jigsaw while there are some that require you to remove it. Thus, when disengaging the blade release lever, be sure to keep your distance to avoid accidents.
Step 4: Insert the T-shank blade
When inserting the new blade, make sure that the blade’s teeth are facing away from the jigsaw. Hold the blade release lever while inserting the new blade. Once the blade is in the right position, release the lever to secure the blade in its place.
Method 2: Change Jigsaw Blade Using An Allen Key
In the absence of the blade release lever in your jigsaw, you need to use this method:
Step 1: Loosen the screw
Get your Allen key and use it to loosen the screw that holds the blade shank in its place.
Step 2: Remove the blade
Once the screw is removed, you can simply remove the old jigsaw blade from the blade clamp. Set it aside and prepare your new blade.
Step 3: Insert the new blade
Get the T-shank or U-shank blade that you’ve prepared and carefully insert it into the blade clamp. Make sure that the new blade is positioned the same way as the old one.
Step 4: Re-tighten the screw
When the new blade is already in position, use the Allen key to tighten the screw again and secure the blade in its place.
No matter what method you use, it’s important that you take care of your safety. Wear hand gloves when you are handling the old and new jigsaw blade. Once you’re done with the process, you can begin cutting wood again.
