How To Remove Blade From Dewalt Miter Saw: Step-by-Step

Do you need to remove the blade from your DeWalt miter saw? Yes, removing or replacing miter saw blade is a crucial part of DeWalt miter saw maintenance. This miter saw blade replacement guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the miter saw blade removal steps to ensure safety and efficiency. Whether you’re performing a DeWalt miter saw blade change, figuring out how to loosen miter saw blade, or learning general DeWalt miter saw blade removal tutorial tips, this guide will help. We’ll also touch on removing blade from DeWalt chop saw aspects and identifying the miter saw blade wrench size.

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Essential Preparations for a DeWalt Miter Saw Blade Change

Before you start a changing DeWalt saw blade, preparing your workspace and tools is vital. This will ensure the miter saw blade removal steps are smooth and safe.

Gathering Your Tools and Gear

Having the correct tools handy makes the DeWalt miter saw blade removal tutorial process much easier. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Miter Saw Wrench: Typically, DeWalt miter saws come with a specific wrench for loosening the arbor bolt. It is crucial to know the miter saw blade wrench size for your particular model.
• Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from debris.
• Gloves: Improve your grip and protect your hands.
• Soft Cloth or Wood Block: To protect the saw’s table and blade during the removal process.
• New Blade: If you are replacing miter saw blade, have the new blade ready.

Ensuring Safety First

Safety should always be your top priority when performing any maintenance on power tools. Before beginning the miter saw blade removal steps:

• Unplug the Saw: Disconnect the miter saw from the power outlet. This prevents accidental starts.
• Engage the Blade Lock: Most DeWalt miter saws have a blade lock. Engage it to prevent the blade from rotating.
• Clear the Area: Remove any obstructions around the saw to give you plenty of room to work.

Step-by-Step: DeWalt Miter Saw Blade Removal Tutorial

Now that you’ve prepped, let’s get into the miter saw blade removal steps.

Step 1: Locating the Arbor Bolt

The arbor bolt is what secures the blade to the saw.

• Identify the Location: It’s usually located in the center of the blade, covered by a blade guard.
• Retract the Blade Guard: Carefully retract the blade guard to expose the arbor bolt. Some models might have a mechanism that allows you to lock the guard in the retracted position.

Step 2: Engaging the Blade Lock

The blade lock keeps the blade from turning while you loosen the arbor bolt.

• Locate the Lock Button: It’s usually near the motor housing.
• Press and Engage: Press the button and rotate the blade manually until you feel the lock engage. This should hold the blade firmly in place.

Step 3: Loosening the Arbor Bolt

This is often the trickiest part, figuring out how to loosen miter saw blade.

• Direction of Loosening: Note that some DeWalt miter saws have a reverse-threaded arbor bolt. This means you may need to turn the wrench clockwise to loosen it. Refer to your saw’s manual to confirm the correct direction. Typically, there is an arrow on the saw indicating which direction to turn.
• Using the Wrench: Place the miter saw wrench on the arbor bolt.
• Apply Force: Apply steady, firm pressure to loosen the bolt. If it’s stuck, try tapping the wrench gently with a rubber mallet.
• Caution: Avoid using excessive force, as you could damage the bolt or the saw.

Step 4: Removing the Arbor Bolt and Washer

Once the bolt is loose, you can remove it and the washer.

• Unscrew the Bolt: Fully unscrew the arbor bolt by hand.
• Remove the Washer: Take off the washer behind the bolt. Keep these parts in a safe place; you’ll need them when installing the new blade.

Step 5: Removing the Old Blade

With the bolt and washer removed, the blade should come off easily.

• Carefully Remove the Blade: Gently slide the blade off the arbor.
• Inspect the Arbor: Check the arbor and flanges for any debris or damage. Clean them with a soft cloth if necessary.

Installing the New Blade: A Quick Guide

If you are replacing miter saw blade, follow these steps to install the new one correctly.

Step 1: Positioning the New Blade

• Check Rotation Direction: Make sure the blade is facing the correct way. There’s usually an arrow on the blade that should match the rotation direction indicated on the saw.
• Mount the Blade: Carefully slide the new blade onto the arbor.

Step 2: Reinstalling the Washer and Arbor Bolt

• Place Washer: Put the washer back onto the arbor against the blade.
• Thread the Bolt: Thread the arbor bolt back into place by hand.

Step 3: Tightening the Arbor Bolt

• Engage Blade Lock: Make sure the blade lock is still engaged.
• Tighten the Bolt: Use the miter saw wrench to tighten the arbor bolt securely. Again, refer to your saw’s manual for the correct tightening direction.
• Torque: Tighten firmly, but avoid over-tightening. You don’t want to strip the threads.

Step 4: Testing the New Blade

• Release Blade Lock: Disengage the blade lock.
• Rotate the Blade: Manually rotate the blade to make sure it spins freely and doesn’t wobble.
• Plug in the Saw: Plug the saw back into the power outlet.
• Test Cut: Make a test cut on a piece of scrap wood to ensure the blade is running smoothly and accurately.

Safety Tips for DeWalt Miter Saw Maintenance

DeWalt miter saw maintenance includes more than just blade changes. Follow these safety tips for all your miter saw tasks:

• Read the Manual: Always consult your DeWalt miter saw’s manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines.
• Wear Safety Gear: Always wear safety glasses and gloves when working with the saw.
• Keep the Blade Sharp: A dull blade is more likely to cause kickback.
• Secure the Workpiece: Always clamp or otherwise secure the workpiece before making a cut.
• Keep Hands Clear: Keep your hands well away from the blade path.
• Inspect Regularly: Regularly inspect the saw for any signs of damage or wear.

Troubleshooting Common Issues During Blade Removal

Sometimes, removing blade from DeWalt chop saw or miter saw can present challenges. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

Issue	Possible Cause	Solution
Arbor bolt won’t budge	Bolt is too tight or corroded	Try tapping the wrench with a rubber mallet or use a penetrating oil. Let it sit for a few minutes.
Blade lock not engaging	Mechanism is dirty or damaged	Clean the lock mechanism or have it serviced.
Can’t find the wrench	Wrench is misplaced	Use the correct size of socket wrench, but be extra careful to avoid damaging the arbor bolt.
Blade stuck on the arbor	Rust or debris	Use a penetrating oil and gently tap the blade with a rubber mallet to loosen it.

Choosing the Right Miter Saw Blade

When replacing miter saw blade, selecting the appropriate blade is crucial for achieving the best results. Here are some factors to consider:

• Blade Diameter: Make sure the blade is the correct diameter for your DeWalt miter saw.
• Number of Teeth: More teeth provide a smoother cut, while fewer teeth are better for ripping.
• Tooth Geometry: Different tooth geometries are designed for different materials. For example, a triple chip grind (TCG) blade is ideal for cutting non-ferrous metals.
• Kerf: The kerf is the width of the cut the blade makes. A thin-kerf blade requires less power and produces less waste.
• Material: Choose a blade designed for the material you’ll be cutting, whether it’s wood, metal, or plastic.

Here is a table summarizing the best blade types for different materials:

Material	Blade Type	Tooth Count (Approximate)
Soft Wood	General Purpose or Combination	40-60
Hard Wood	High ATB (Alternate Top Bevel)	60-80
Aluminum	Non-Ferrous Metal Cutting (TCG)	80-100
Steel	Metal Cutting (Carbide Tipped)	60-80
Plastic	Plastic Cutting (ATB or Triple Chip Grind)	60-80

Common Miter Saw Issues and Maintenance Tips

Beyond miter saw blade replacement guide, proper DeWalt miter saw maintenance can extend the life of your tool. Here are some common issues and maintenance tips:

• Dust Collection: Regularly clean the dust collection system to prevent clogs and maintain optimal performance.
• Motor Brushes: Check the motor brushes periodically and replace them when they are worn.
• Lubrication: Lubricate moving parts according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Blade Alignment: Check the blade alignment periodically and adjust as needed to ensure accurate cuts.
• Cord Inspection: Regularly inspect the power cord for any signs of damage.

Fathoming Arbor Bolt Thread Direction

One area of confusion when performing a DeWalt miter saw blade change is the direction of the threads on the arbor bolt. Most power tools have standard, right-hand threads, meaning you turn the bolt counter-clockwise to loosen it. However, some miter saws, including certain DeWalt models, use a left-hand thread.

• Right-Hand Thread (Standard): Turn counter-clockwise to loosen.
• Left-Hand Thread (Reverse): Turn clockwise to loosen.

Always check your saw’s manual or look for markings on the saw itself to determine the correct thread direction before attempting to loosen the arbor bolt. Forcing the bolt in the wrong direction can damage the threads and make it even more difficult to remove.

FAQ Section

Q: What is the miter saw blade wrench size for my DeWalt saw?

A: The miter saw blade wrench size varies depending on the model of your DeWalt miter saw. Consult your saw’s manual or check the specifications listed on the saw itself to determine the correct size. Some common sizes are 13mm, 19mm, and 22mm.

Q: Can I use any blade on my DeWalt miter saw?

A: No, you should only use blades that are specifically designed for use on miter saws and that are the correct diameter for your saw. Using the wrong blade can be dangerous and can damage the saw.

Q: How often should I change my miter saw blade?

A: How often you need to replace miter saw blade depends on how frequently you use the saw and what materials you are cutting. A general rule of thumb is to change the blade when it becomes dull or when you notice a decrease in cutting performance.

Q: What should I do if the arbor bolt is stuck?

A: If the arbor bolt is stuck, try applying a penetrating oil to the threads and letting it sit for a few minutes. You can also try tapping the wrench with a rubber mallet to help loosen the bolt. If it still won’t budge, you may need to take the saw to a qualified repair technician.

Q: Is there a specific type of blade for removing blade from DeWalt chop saw?

A: While chop saws and miter saws can often use similar blades, always ensure the blade’s specifications (diameter, arbor size, maximum RPM) match your specific saw’s requirements. A blade designed for metal cutting on a chop saw would be different than a standard wood-cutting miter saw blade.

By following these steps and safety tips, you can confidently and safely change DeWalt saw blade on your miter saw, ensuring it remains in optimal working condition for years to come. Remember, proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your tools and achieving the best possible results.