Is it time to replace your Milwaukee circular saw blade? Is it a new saw and you need to install the blade? If so this is the place for you! This is a very quick and easy job that can be done in a couple of minutes! I will walk you through the step-by-step on how to change your Milwaukee circular saw blade.
Milwaukee has a variety of different circular saw models. While each model may be a little different, the process of changing the blade is the same. Most models use a 6.5 or 7.25 inch blade (I have also seen some 5 and 3/8 inch ones). So we will show you the process of changing the blade on your Milwaukee circular saw!
Milwaukee circular saw blade change
When performing a Milwaukee circular saw blade change, disconnect the saw from power source. Hold the spindle lock button and use blade wrench to loosen the blade screw. Retract the lower blade guard, remove old blade and replace with the new blade. Then tighten blade bolt using hex wrench.
Step 1: Make sure saw has no power
Depending on the model of Milwaukee circular saw you have, the power source will be battery or plug. Though most models these days are battery powered. It is essential to unplug or remove the battery from the saw! Try pressing the trigger once this is done to ensure there is no power to the saw.
If you are doing a Milwaukee circular saw blade install (on a new saw), jump down to step number 3.
Step 2: Lock saw blade in place
Locate the spindle lock button on top of the saw. Once you have located this button, press and hold it.
While holding the spindle lock button down, slowly rotate the saw blade. It does not matter if you rotate the blade clockwise or counter clockwise at this time. Rotate the blade slowly until you hear a click. Once you hear this click you will notice the blade lock button depresses a little more. Once this happens the blade will lock in place (you will no longer be able to rotate the saw blade easily).
Step 3: Loosen blade bolt
Continue to hold the spindle lock button down (so blade remains locked). Then use the blade wrench to loosen the blade bolt. All Milwaukee circular saws come with the appropriate size blade wrench located on the back of the saw.
If you do not have your blade wrench anymore you can use a standard hex wrench. All Milwaukee circular saw models use a 5mm hex wrench.
It is important to note: the blade bolt is reverse threaded. This means the direction to tighten and loosen is opposite compared to other screws. To tighten you will turn to the left (counterclockwise) and to loosen, you will turn to the right (clockwise). The bolt is clearly labeled, to remind you.
Remember it is important, you MUST continue to hold the blade lock button while loosening the bolt. Holding the front handle on the top of the saw allows for the best hand positioning to do this.
Once the blade bolt is fully loosened, you can remove it and set it aside. Next remove the outer blade flange and set that aside as well.
Step 4: Remove the saw blade
Before removing the saw blade pay attention to which direction the teeth of the current blade are going. Some blades this will not matter as they have teeth pointing both directions. However, on other blades (with single teeth) you will want to make sure the new blades teeth are going the same direction. Majority of the time you will want the teeth of the blade facing up. Remember the blade moves clockwise when the saw is being used.
When removing the saw blade it is important to be very careful. Though you may be changing the blade because the teeth are dull, they are still sharp enough to cut skin. For caution it may be best to wear a glove when removing the old blade. Either way use EXTREME caution!
Prior to removing the blade you have to move the blade guard out of the way. To do this you can use the lower blade guard handle.
Push the blade guard handle counter clockwise to move the blade guard out of the way. It is important to note, you no longer have to be holding the blade lock button. This will help free up one of your hands for other tasks.
With the blade guard out of the way now you can remove the blade and set it aside.
Step 5: Place new blade on the saw
Continue to hold the blade guard out of the way to put the new blade on. Place the new blade over the spindle and inner blade flange.
The image above shows the arrangement of pieces involved in the circular saw blade assembly. The blade will rest on the spindle, between the inner flange and the outer flange.
With the blade resting on the inner flange, now you can put the outer flange back on. This is a keyed piece so it will only fit one way. Next, place the blade bolt in. I like to start it by hand and tighten as much as I can. REMEMBER: this is a reverse thread screw, so to tighten you will turn to the left (counter clockwise).
Once you have tightened the bolt as much as you can by hand, let go of the blade guard lever. To finish tightening the screw you will have to again hold the spindle lock button down. Then use the blade wrench and give it another quarter turn.
You DO NOT have to tighten this bolt very tight. As it says in the Milwaukee circular saw operators manual, you want the screw to be “firm.” If you try to over tighten the bolt, often times this can cause the blade to malfunction.
Lastly, make sure you put the blade wrench back in the proper storing position, so it will be there next time!
Step 6: Test the new blade
With the new blade in place, now it is time to test the saw out. Plug the saw in or place the battery back on the saw. I would recommend just pressing the trigger a couple times prior to cutting anything. You want to make sure the blade is functioning properly.
If you are having any trouble changing the blade on your Milwaukee circular saw I recommend that you reach out to Milwaukee directly at 1-800-729-3878 or you can contact there support team.
Most Milwaukee circular saws come with a 3 year limited warranty.
Know your blade size
It is important to know the diameter of your saw blade in order to replace it with the proper blade. If you have your instruction manual, you can easily determine the blade size. My manual states multiple times that my Milwaukee circular saw uses a 6.5 inch blade.
Also on some saw blades (depending on the manufacturer) the size of the blade and the number of teeth will be on the blade.
If you no longer have the manual and the “old blade” is worn out, do not worry measuring the blade is easy.
With the blade removed place it flat on a solid surface. Use a tape measure to measure from one side of the blade to the other. Make sure the tape measure runs through the center of the blade.
It is very important to use the correct size blade on the appropriate circular saw.
Teeth of the blade
Circular saw blades come with a variety of different teeth amounts. I have seen anywhere from 14 to 120 teeth on a blade. The more teeth on a blade the smoother and finer the cut. Rule of thumb: if you need a more precise cut you will want more teeth. Less teeth often leads to a faster more rough cut. In general, I like to have a variety of blades around with different teeth counts to change pending on the cut that I need.
In most cases you can use any blade brand on your Milwaukee circular saw. You just have to make sure that the size matches up on the blade and saw. If you want to buy blades directly from Milwaukee, they have a wonderful guide to help you find the right blade.
Conclusion
Changing the blade on a Milwaukee circular saw is quick and easy, if you follow these simple steps:
- Make sure saw has no power
- Lock the saw blade in place
- Loosen the blade bolt
- Remove the saw blade
- Place new saw blade on
- Test the new saw blade
Did this help you in changing your Milwaukee circular saw blade? If so please let us know in the comments.
A current home owner and dad of two, who loves to fix things. I have spent countless hours fixing and repairing things around the house. I started this blog to share my knowledge with you. I hope you find what you are looking for!
Thank you!