How To Replace a Miter Saw Blade

A miter saw is one of the most commonly owned and commonly used power tools in the industry. Accordingly, miter saw blade changes are one of the most common tool maintenance applications. Fortunately, for tool users of all skill levels, changing the blade on a miter saw is easier than you might think. In fact, whether your saw has a blade lock feature or not, changing your miter saw blade requires only a few minutes, a screw driver, an Allen wrench and, in some cases, a hunk of scrap wood.

As with all repair and maintenance procedures, the first step in replacing your miter saw blade is embracing a few safety precautions. Disengage the saw and unplug it; never work on a power tool that has the potential to turn on. You might also throw on your safety glasses because they make everyone look smarter and absolutely stay focused. Handling a blade is always dangerous and particularly so if you’re rushed or distracted. So, keep your eyes on the prize.

The next step is bypassing the blade guard. Slide the guard up slightly. This will reveal the screw that holds the guard to the miter saw. Loosen that screw so that you can slide the blade guard further backward. Slide it back as far as it will go positioning it about 170-degrees behind its usual position. This gives you access to the saw’s locking pin and blade bolt.

Depress the saw’s locking pin (in the very center of the blade) and spin the saw blade until it locks. If your saw does not have a locking pin, wedge your scrap wood (ideally a piece of 2×4) in front of the blade to prevent it from moving. Next, using an Allen wrench (or an open-ended wrench), remove the blade bolt. Though many saws have a reverse threaded blade bolt, the thread pattern is not universal to all miter saws. Accordingly, you should look for an indicator on the tool of which way to loosen the bolt or review your tool’s manual before going to town on it. Remove the flange and finally, remove the blade.

Install the new blade in the same way the former blade was removed. Replace the flange and the blade bolt ensuring the blade bolt is securely tightened.

Slide the blade guard forward and tighten the screw that fastens it to the saw. Replace the guard to its normal working position and, after reengaging the saw and again embracing the safety precautions of miter saw operation, make a few cuts to ensure the saw is in perfect working order.

Lastly, pat yourself on the back for a job well done.

As you can see, replacing the blade on a miter saw is a fairly fast and simple process. Just remember to be careful while doing it. Also keep in mind the necessity of having a sharp, maintained blade: it will enhance both your results and your safety on the job; so, to those who balk at blade changing, do it for the well-being of your projects and for the overall safety of your shop or jobsite.

Milwaukee’s 2603-22CT FUEL Drill/Driver Kit

Utilizing what Milwaukee claims to be the world’s most advanced technologies to innovate this 18v drill/driver, the Milwaukee Fuel 2603-22CT is designed to incorporate the best of both power and ergonomics. Based on the performance of the tool, I’m inclined to believe Milwaukee’s aforementioned claim of superiority to be nothing short of the absolute truth. Producing a presently unrivaled degree of power and performance and featuring a comfortably compact body design, the M18 Fuel drill/driver is built for the ultimate over-achiever and ideal for the most demanding professional.

Producing up to 650-in/lbs of torque and weighing-in at a meager 4.4-lbs with its battery, the 2603-22CT is the most powerful drill in its class. This is largely due to its redesigned and super-efficient brushless motor. In fact, it’s this new motor that both enables the tool to produce greater power and keeps the tool shockingly lightweight. Replacing the traditional carbon brushes and copper conductors with a tiny electronic circuit board, the Milwaukee Fuel motor generates about 25% more torque than comparable 18v drills and about 30% more than Milwaukee’s previous model. This modification also renders the motor vastly more efficient allowing the drill/driver 50% more run-time per battery charge and a life-time that’s up to 10X longer.

The M18 RedLithium battery also boasts superior technology and functionality. Offering 5X more recharges than leading competitors, the Milwaukee Fuel battery pack is compact and and seriously efficient. In fact, the tool can drive more than 500 screws in dense wood per each charge. Milwaukee battery technology (RedLink Plus) offers total system communication with overload protection and the battery itself also displays its remaining run-time on an integrated fuel gauge. The tool also includes 2 M18 compact RedLithium battery packs and a multi-voltage 30-minute charger which allows users to charge both Milwaukee’s M18 (18v) M12 (12v) batteries with the same charging unit (and in only 30-minutes).

The 2-speed Fuel drill/driver additionally offers variable speeds ranging from 0-550 RPM and 0-1,850 RPM ensuring you have the ideal amount of power for a variety of different tasks. The tool’s contoured soft grip also allows users to operate the tool comfortably during extended or awkward applications and because the drill/driver also features an all metal ratcheting locking chuck, the Fuel delivers maximum gripping power, bit retention and total durability. An LED light is also integrated into the tool for optimal functionality rendering the thing altogether, untouchably awesome.

Ultimately, with its advanced brushless motor, 650-in/lbs of torque, superior battery and charging technology, overload protection, and optimal life and performance, Milwaukee’s 2603-22CT Fuel drill/driver is one of the most impressive tools to hit shelves in a long time.

Do Not Carry Electric Tools by Their Power Cords!

Always carry a power tool by its handle. Do not carry an electric tool by its power cord; this can damage or break the cord’s connection to the tool which will either reduce its power and performance or render it temporarily obsolete. Carrying a power tool by its cord also makes the tool more susceptible to body damage. So, don’t do it. Hold and carry your power tools by their handles only.