A sharp blade is essential for clean, accurate cuts and safe operation. Learning how to change blade on DeWalt chop saw helps you replace worn blades correctly, maintain cutting precision, and keep your saw performing at its best.
By following the proper steps and using the correct tools, you can complete the replacement quickly while avoiding common installation mistakes. This guide walks you through each step, from removing the old blade and installing the new one to performing final safety checks before making your next cut.
Key Takeaways
- Engage the spindle lock by rotating the blade until it clicks, then use a wrench to loosen the blade screw counterclockwise.
- Fully raise the saw arm and guard, then carefully remove the old blade along with the blade screw and clamp.
- Position the new blade with teeth facing the arrow on the guard, align it with the spindle, and reinstall the outer clamp securely.
- Tighten the blade screw clockwise using a wrench while holding the spindle lock engaged, ensuring the blade is firmly seated and aligned.
- Reinstall the guard bracket, verify all parts are secure and perform safety checks before operating the saw.
Get Your DeWalt Chop Saw Ready for Blade Replacement
Before you begin changing the blade on your DeWalt chop saw, make sure it’s unplugged or the battery is removed to prevent accidental startup. This step is vital for your safety. Next, make sure you have the right tools handy—a 6 mm hex wrench and a T30 wrench are essential for loosening and tightening the blade components.
Organize these tools along with any screws or parts you remove so nothing gets lost during the process. Although you’ll need to raise the arm and engage the spindle lock later, for now, focus on making sure your workspace is clear and your saw is safe to handle. Taking these precautions will set you up for a smooth, efficient blade replacement.
Raise the Arm and Engage Spindle Lock to Access the Blade
Start by raising the saw arm and guard to fully expose the blade area. Next, locate the spindle lock button near the blade and rotate the blade until you hear a click, which means the lock is engaged.
This keeps the blade from moving, making it safe and easy to remove.
Raising The Saw Arm
When you’re ready to change the blade, lift the saw arm fully by releasing its mechanism or simply raising it upward. Before you do this, make sure the saw is unplugged or the battery is removed to keep things safe. If your model has a locking mechanism for the arm, unlock it first to raise the arm smoothly.
Once the arm is fully elevated, you’ll have clear access to the blade. Keep the arm securely raised throughout the blade replacement process to avoid any accidents. This raised position allows you to engage the spindle lock easily, which holds the blade steady. By following these steps, you’re setting yourself up for a safe and efficient blade change on your DeWalt chop saw.
Locating The Spindle Lock
After you’ve raised the saw arm and guard to expose the blade, locate the spindle lock—a button or mechanism designed to keep the blade from turning. On a DeWalt chop saw, the spindle lock is near the blade, often a black or gray button. Make sure the saw is unplugged or the battery is removed before proceeding. You can rotate the blade slightly to help spot the spindle lock. Once located, you’re ready to engage it in the next step. Here’s a quick reference to help you identify and understand the spindle lock:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Near the blade on the saw’s body |
| Appearance | Usually a button or small lever |
| Function | Prevents blade rotation |
| Safety Check | Saw must be unplugged/battery off |
| Blade Interaction | Rotate blade slightly to locate it |
Engaging Spindle Lock Mechanism
Although you’ve already located the spindle lock, you’ll need to raise the arm and guard to access it fully and engage the mechanism. This step gives you better access to the blade and spindle area, making it safer and easier to work on. Before you proceed, make sure the saw is unplugged or the battery is removed to prevent accidental startup.
To engage the spindle lock, rotate the blade by hand until you feel resistance and hear a click—this means the lock is engaged. The spindle lock holds the blade steady, preventing it from turning while you loosen or tighten the blade screw. With the spindle securely locked, you’re set to safely remove or install the blade without any risk of the blade spinning.
Use 6 Mm Hex and T30 Wrenches to Loosen the Blade Screw
Before you can remove the blade, you’ll need to use the 6 mm hex wrench to hold the spindle lock firmly in place while turning the T30 wrench counterclockwise to loosen the blade screw.
Insert the T30 wrench carefully into the screw, ensuring both wrenches fit properly to avoid stripping the screw or damaging the tools. Apply steady, controlled pressure with the T30 wrench while stabilizing the spindle with the hex wrench.
Keep turning until the blade screw is fully loosened; this prevents sudden slips or damage. Taking your time here is important—once the screw is loose, you’ll be ready to proceed safely with blade removal. Always double-check that the spindle lock stays engaged throughout this step.
Remove the Old Blade and Clean the Spindle Area
Once you’ve fully loosened the blade screw using the 6 mm hex and T30 wrenches, unplug the saw or remove the battery to guarantee safety. Engage the spindle lock by rotating the blade until it clicks, preventing it from turning. Carefully remove the blade screw, then lift off the outer blade clamp and the old blade. Be gentle to avoid damaging any parts. Next, clean the spindle area thoroughly with a brush or vacuum, removing dust and debris to confirm smooth operation.
| Step | Tool Needed | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Loosen blade screw | 6 mm hex, T30 wrench | Hold spindle lock |
| Remove blade clamp | Hands | Handle carefully |
| Lift off old blade | Hands | Avoid component damage |
| Clean spindle area | Brush or vacuum | Remove all debris |
Install the New Blade on Your DeWalt Chop Saw Correctly
When installing the new blade, make sure its teeth face the direction indicated by the arrow on the saw’s guard. Proper orientation is essential for safe and efficient cutting. Next, place the blade onto the spindle, aligning its hole with the spindle and ensuring it sits flat against the flange.
Follow these steps to install the new blade correctly:
- Align the blade’s hole with the spindle and position it flat against the flange.
- Reinstall the outer blade clamp securely onto the spindle to hold the blade in place.
- Confirm the blade is properly seated and aligned before proceeding.
Taking these steps carefully sets you up for the next phase of securing the blade firmly.
Tighten the Blade Screw Securely and Secure the New Blade
Before tightening the blade screw, engage the spindle lock by turning the blade until it clicks to keep it from moving. Make sure the blade is properly aligned and seated on the arbor.
Then, use the right wrench to tighten the screw firmly, ensuring the blade stays secure during use.
Engage Spindle Lock
Although it might take a moment to find the right position, rotate the blade by hand until the spindle lock clicks, securing the spindle and preventing it from moving. Engaging this lock is essential before tightening the blade screw to keep the spindle from turning.
Here’s what you need to do next:
- Confirm the spindle lock is fully engaged to avoid slippage while tightening.
- Use a wrench to turn the blade screw clockwise until it’s firmly secured, preventing any blade wobble.
- Release the spindle lock and double-check that the blade is tightly fastened before operating the saw.
Following these steps guarantees your new blade stays secure and your chop saw runs safely and smoothly.
Align Blade Correctly
To guarantee your DeWalt chop saw operates safely and accurately, you’ll want to align the blade correctly by matching its rotation direction to the arrow on the guard. First, position the blade so it sits flush against the spindle without any gaps. Rotate the blade until it clicks to engage the spindle lock; this keeps the spindle from turning while you tighten.
Using a wrench, turn the blade screw clockwise to secure the blade firmly in place. Make sure the blade doesn’t shift or wobble when nudged gently. Confirm everything is properly aligned and the blade sits solidly before moving on. This careful alignment prevents miscuts and ensures smooth, safe operation every time you use your chop saw.
Tighten Screw Firmly
When you tighten the blade screw, make sure the spindle lock is engaged by rotating the blade until it clicks, preventing any movement. This step keeps the blade steady while you secure it. Use a wrench to turn the blade screw clockwise until it’s snug, but avoid over-tightening, which can damage the saw or blade. Before fully tightening, double-check that the blade is properly seated and aligned to prevent wobbling during use. Remember, a firmly tightened screw ensures safety and precision in your cuts.
Follow these steps:
- Engage spindle lock by rotating the blade until it clicks.
- Use a wrench to tighten the blade screw clockwise until snug.
- Confirm blade alignment and secure the screw firmly before operating.
Reinstall the Guard Bracket and Complete Final Safety Checks
A crucial step in completing your blade change is reinstalling the guard bracket securely. Begin by aligning the guard bracket with its mounting holes and sliding it back into its original position on the saw. Tighten the guard bracket screw firmly to guarantee the guard stays firmly attached and functions properly.
Next, verify that the guard moves freely and fully covers the blade for maximum safety. Conduct a thorough visual inspection, making sure all safety components, including the guard and bracket, are properly aligned and securely fastened. Confirm there are no loose parts or misaligned components.
Only once these final safety checks are complete should you consider the saw ready for use, ensuring your operation remains safe and efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do I Change the Blade on My Dewalt Chop Saw?
To change the blade on your DeWalt chop saw, first unplug it or remove the battery for safety. Lock the spindle by rotating the blade until it clicks.
Use a 6 mm hex wrench to loosen the blade screw and remove the outer clamp. Take off the old blade, place the new one with the arrow pointing the right way, then reassemble and tighten everything securely before use.
2. Where Is the Blade Lock on a Dewalt Chop Saw?
The blade lock on your DeWalt chop saw is usually a spindle lock button located on the top or side of the spindle housing. You’ll need to rotate the blade manually until the button pops out or you can press it in to lock the spindle.
This prevents the blade from turning while you change it. Always make sure your saw is unplugged before engaging the blade lock for safety.
3. How to Change Blade on Dewalt Chop Saw dws773?
To change the blade on your DeWalt DWS773, first unplug the saw and engage the spindle lock. Use a 6 mm hex wrench to loosen the blade screw and remove the outer blade clamp.
Carefully take off the old blade, clean the spindle area, then place the new blade with its arrow matching the rotation direction. Reattach the clamp, tighten the screw, release the spindle, and restore the guard before testing the saw.
4. How to Unlock the Slide on a Dewalt Chop Saw?
Releasing the slide on your DeWalt chop saw is like releasing a caged bird. Freedom starts with a simple move. Find the slide lock lever or knob near the saw’s front or side.
Pull or flip it to disengage the lock, but first, make sure your saw is unplugged for safety. Some models might need you to press a release button while sliding. Once freed, you can smoothly move the saw head as needed.
Conclusion
Changing the blade on your DeWalt chop saw may seem intimidating, but with these simple steps, it becomes a quick and safe task. Just like swapping an old blade for a sharp one, updating your tools keeps your work precise and efficient.
Remember, taking a moment to maintain your saw not only protects you but also sharpens your craftsmanship. Small care today means powerful cuts tomorrow. Don’t overlook the strength in a simple blade change.