How To Change Dewalt Miter Saw Blade: The Ultimate Guide

Changing a Dewalt miter saw blade is a crucial skill for any woodworker. How to change a Dewalt miter saw blade? The process involves unplugging the saw, loosening the arbor bolt with the correct wrench (size typically 13mm or 5/8 inch), removing the old blade, installing the new blade in the correct orientation, and securely tightening the bolt. This guide will provide a detailed, step-by-step miter saw blade installation guide to ensure safe and efficient dewalt miter saw blade replacement.

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Safety First: Preparing for Your Dewalt Miter Saw Blade Replacement

Before you even think about touching your Dewalt miter saw, safety needs to be your top priority. Working with power tools can be dangerous if you don’t take the necessary precautions.

Essential Safety Gear

• Safety Glasses: Flying debris is common when working with saws. Protect your eyes.
• Work Gloves: Provides a better grip and protects your hands from sharp blade edges.
• Hearing Protection: Miter saws are loud. Protect your hearing during the dewalt blade change procedure.

Power Down: Unplug Your Saw

This is non-negotiable. Ensure the saw is completely disconnected from the power source. This prevents accidental starts during the dewalt miter saw blade removal.

Clear the Area

Make sure your workspace is clean and free of obstructions. A cluttered workspace is a dangerous workspace.

Gathering Your Tools for a Dewalt Miter Saw Blade Change

Having the right tools readily available will make the process much smoother and safer.

• Correct Wrench: Most Dewalt miter saws use either a 13mm or 5/8-inch wrench for the arbor bolt. Check your saw’s manual to confirm the correct dewalt miter saw blade wrench size.
• Arbor Lock: Most Dewalt miter saws have an arbor lock that you will need to engage.
• New Miter Saw Blade: Choose a blade appropriate for the material you will be cutting.
• Clean Rags: For wiping down the saw and blade.
• Optional: Blade Stabilizer/Washer: Some blades come with washers that help reduce vibration.

Step-by-Step: The Dewalt Miter Saw Blade Change Procedure

Now that you’re prepared, let’s dive into the actual blade replacement. Here are the miter saw blade change steps:

Step 1: Locating and Engaging the Arbor Lock

The arbor lock is a mechanism that prevents the blade from spinning while you loosen or tighten the arbor bolt.

1. Locate the Arbor Lock Button: It’s usually located near the motor housing, close to the blade.
2. Rotate the Blade: Manually rotate the blade until you feel the arbor lock engage. You should hear a click.
3. Verify Engagement: Ensure the blade is locked securely and cannot rotate.

Step 2: Loosening the Arbor Bolt

This is often the trickiest part of changing blade on dewalt saw.

1. Position the Wrench: Place the correct size wrench on the arbor bolt.
2. Direction to Loosen: Note the direction to loosen. Dewalt Miter saws have different threads. Some models use a standard thread (lefty-loosey) while others use a reverse thread (righty-loosey). Check your manual, or look for an arrow showing the direction to loosen the nut, often found near the bolt itself. Applying force in the wrong direction can damage the bolt.
3. Apply Force: Using firm, steady pressure, loosen the bolt. You may need to use some force, especially if it hasn’t been loosened in a while.

Step 3: Dewalt Miter Saw Blade Removal

Now that the bolt is loose, you can remove the blade.

1. Remove the Bolt and Washer: Carefully remove the arbor bolt, any washers, and the outer blade flange. Keep these parts together in a safe place.
2. Carefully Remove the Old Blade: Gently pull the old blade off the arbor. Be careful of the teeth, as they can be sharp.
3. Clean the Flanges and Arbor: Use a clean rag to wipe down the inner and outer blade flanges and the arbor itself. Removing any dirt or debris ensures a flush fit for the new blade.

Step 4: How to Install Miter Saw Blade

Installing the new blade correctly is crucial for safe and accurate cuts.

1. Mount the Inner Flange: Place the inner blade flange onto the arbor, ensuring it sits flush against the saw housing.
2. Mount the New Blade: Position the new blade onto the arbor. Pay very close attention to the blade’s rotation direction. There is usually an arrow on the blade indicating the correct direction. The blade teeth should point downwards at the front of the saw when looking at it from the operating position.
3. Mount the Outer Flange and Washer: Place the outer blade flange and any washers onto the arbor, ensuring they are properly seated against the blade.
4. Thread the Arbor Bolt: Hand-tighten the arbor bolt onto the arbor.

Step 5: Securing the New Blade

Tightening the arbor bolt properly ensures the blade is securely held in place.

1. Engage the Arbor Lock: Make sure the arbor lock is still engaged.
2. Tighten the Arbor Bolt: Use the wrench to firmly tighten the arbor bolt. Do not overtighten, as this can damage the bolt or the saw. A snug fit is sufficient. If the thread is reversed, turn the wrench to the “tighten” direction as indicated on the saw.
3. Test the Blade: Release the arbor lock and manually rotate the blade to ensure it spins freely and doesn’t wobble.

Step 6: Final Checks and Adjustments

Before you start cutting, perform a few final checks to ensure everything is in order.

1. Blade Guard Functionality: Ensure the blade guard moves freely and covers the blade properly.
2. Bevel and Miter Settings: Check the bevel and miter settings to ensure they are accurate.
3. Test Cut: Make a test cut on a piece of scrap wood to verify the blade is cutting cleanly and accurately.

Choosing the Right Miter Saw Blade

The type of blade you use will significantly impact the quality of your cuts.

Blade Tooth Count

• Lower Tooth Count (24-40 teeth): Ideal for ripping lumber and general-purpose cutting. Provides faster cuts but can be rougher.
• Higher Tooth Count (60-80 teeth): Best for crosscutting, fine woodworking, and cutting delicate materials like plywood and aluminum. Produces smoother, cleaner cuts.

Blade Material

• High-Speed Steel (HSS): Economical and suitable for cutting wood and some non-ferrous metals.
• Carbide-Tipped: More durable and long-lasting than HSS blades. Ideal for cutting hardwoods, plywood, and abrasive materials.
• Diamond-Tipped: Used for cutting tile, masonry, and other very hard materials.

Blade Diameter

Ensure the blade diameter matches the specifications of your Dewalt miter saw. Using the wrong size blade can be dangerous and damage the saw.

Table: Choosing the Right Miter Saw Blade

Material	Tooth Count	Blade Material	Application
Softwood	24-40	HSS or Carbide	Ripping, General Purpose
Hardwood	60-80	Carbide	Crosscutting, Fine Woodworking
Plywood	60-80	Carbide	Clean Cuts, Avoiding Tearout
Aluminum	60-80	Carbide (Non-Ferrous)	Smooth Cuts, Preventing Binding
Tile/Masonry	N/A	Diamond	Cutting Hard, Brittle Materials

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to Unplug the Saw: This is a critical safety hazard.
• Using the Wrong Wrench Size: Can damage the arbor bolt.
• Ignoring the Blade Rotation Direction: Can cause the blade to bind and kickback.
• Overtightening the Arbor Bolt: Can damage the bolt and the saw.
• Using a Dull or Damaged Blade: Can lead to poor cuts and increased risk of kickback.
• Not Wearing Safety Gear: Always protect your eyes, ears, and hands.

Maintaining Your Miter Saw Blade

Proper maintenance will extend the life of your miter saw blade and ensure optimal performance.

Cleaning the Blade

Regularly clean your miter saw blade with a blade cleaner to remove pitch, resin, and other debris.

Sharpening the Blade

A dull blade can be sharpened to restore its cutting performance. You can either sharpen it yourself using a specialized sharpening tool or have it professionally sharpened.

Storing the Blade

Store your miter saw blades in a dry, safe place to prevent rust and damage. Consider using a blade case or a wall-mounted rack.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Blade is Difficult to Remove: Ensure the arbor lock is fully engaged and the wrench is properly positioned. If the bolt is stuck, try applying penetrating oil.
• Blade Wobbles: Check the blade flanges for damage or debris. Ensure the blade is properly seated on the arbor.
• Blade Binds or Kicks Back: Ensure the blade is sharp and appropriate for the material you are cutting. Check the fence and miter settings for accuracy.
• Arbor Bolt Stripped: A stripped arbor bolt will need to be replaced. Consult your Dewalt service center for assistance.

Best way to change miter saw blade: a recap

The best way to change your miter saw blade involves safety first, the right tools, and a careful step-by-step approach. This detailed guide covered all the necessary steps for dewalt miter saw blade replacement. Remember to always consult your saw’s manual for specific instructions and safety precautions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the dewalt miter saw blade wrench size?
  • The wrench size is typically 13mm or 5/8 inch, but always refer to your saw’s manual for the exact size.
• Can I use any brand of blade on my Dewalt miter saw?
  • Yes, as long as the blade diameter and arbor hole size are compatible with your saw.
• How often should I replace my miter saw blade?
  • Replace the blade when it becomes dull, damaged, or starts producing poor cuts. The frequency depends on usage and the materials you cut.
• Who is qualified to change a miter saw blade?
  • Anyone can change a miter saw blade as long as they understand and follow the safety precautions and instructions.
• What if I strip the arbor bolt?
  • Stop immediately and consult a qualified repair technician. Continuing could damage the saw further.
• How do I know which direction to turn the wrench to loosen the arbor bolt?
  • Consult your saw’s manual, or look for an arrow indicating the direction to loosen the nut, often found near the bolt itself.
• What if I can’t engage the arbor lock?
  • Ensure the blade is free of debris and the arbor lock mechanism is clean. If it still doesn’t engage, consult a repair technician.