There comes a time when every saw blade needs to be replaced. Whether it’s because the blade has gotten dull and can’t cut through wood anymore, or you just want to switch up the type of blade you’re using, knowing how to change a reciprocating saw blade is a must for any DIY homeowner.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the steps of changing a Bosch reciprocating saw blade, so you can get the job done quickly and easily.
How to Change a Bosch Reciprocating Saw Blade in 6 Steps
Here are some steps to change the blade of your saw:
Step 1.
Place your reciprocating saw on a flat surface to ensure it stays stable while you change the blade. Make sure that both the power cord and trigger switch are facing away from you, so you don’t accidentally turn the saw on while doing this.
Step 2.
Turn off the reciprocating saw and unplug it before changing your blade. This will help to prevent any accidents or injuries that could occur if the saw were to suddenly kick on while you’re trying to replace the blade. Gently place it onto a flat surface, ensuring that both parts of the trigger are facing up.
Step 3.
Once your reciprocating saw is unplugged, slide its cover down towards you until it’s completely removed from your power tool. This should expose two different types of screws one large screw in between where your blade goes and another directly underneath where your blade sits.
Step 4.
Remove these screws carefully with an adjustable wrench so you can separate the blade from your reciprocating saw. The old blade should slide right off.
Step 5.
Put the new blade on by holding it in place with one hand and screwing back in the two screws you removed earlier with the other. Tighten these screws as tight as they will go without forcing them, then put your saw’s cover back on and attach it to your power tool again. Make sure that both parts of your trigger are facing up before plugging your saw back in and trying to use it.
Step 6.
Test out your new blade by pressing down on its edge against a piece of scrap wood or another similar object so you can see if it cuts properly through wood, plastic, metal, or other materials successfully.
Different types of blades and when should you use them?
There are three different kinds of blades that you can use on your reciprocating saw. Each blade is designed for a specific type of material, so it’s important to know what kind of blade you need before buying one. The three types are wood blades, metal cutting blades, and demolition blades.
Wood Blades
If you’re just looking to trim branches, cut pieces of wood or perform general maintenance around the house, you’ll want to use a wood blade. These blades are thin and designed for making straight cuts in things like 2x4s. They’re not ideal for cutting through thick metal pipes because it will take forever, so try to opt for another type of blade if that’s what you need.
Metal Cutting Blades
These blades are thicker than wood blades and they can cut through thicker materials like metal pipes or nails embedded in wood. Using these types of blades is faster than using a demolition blade (more on this later), but since it’s built strong, they can’t make very fine cuts. This is why the design makes them ideal for cutting square holes in the metal, rather than things like making curves.
Demolition Blades
Designed for heavy-duty cutting jobs, demolition blades are the thickest of the three options and are known to cut through thick pieces of metal quickly. However, they’re not ideal for cutting wood or plastic because these materials will dull or chip the blade very fast. Plus, this type of blade will make a lot of sawdust when you use it so wearing a dust mask is highly recommended.
How to safely store your blades?
After you’ve finished using your blades, make sure to safely store them away in a place where they won’t be able to cause any damage or injuries. A safe option for storing blades is keeping them inside the plastic portion of your saw’s casing. If this isn’t an option, try covering the blade with a cloth and storing it in a toolbox somewhere that is out of reach from kids and animals.
What are some tips for keeping your blades in good condition?
To make your blades last as long as possible, it’s a good idea to clean them with a damp cloth every once in a while. This will remove any sawdust that has settled on the blade, which can cause it to dull more quickly over time. If you’ve been cutting through thick metal objects and the blade is chipping or wearing down too quickly, try using a metal file to gently grind down the jagged pieces until they’re smooth again.
Do not use oil on these types of blades because this could actually damage them further by causing them to rust. It may sound counterintuitive since we associate oil with being able to keep things from rusting but trust us no lubricant should touch these blades under any circumstances!
Safety Rules
- Always wear safety glasses when using any type of power tool.
- Keep your hands away from the blade at all times when changing or storing it. This is to avoid injury in case it were to suddenly kick on while you’re reaching for the blade.
- Make sure that both parts of your trigger are facing up before plugging your saw back in and trying to use it again after changing blades. Otherwise, you may force the new blade against wood or another similar object, which could cause it to break off inside the reciprocating saw’s casing – leading to an expensive repair bill!
Conclusion
Changing the blade on a Bosch reciprocating saw is not a difficult process. It can be done in just a few minutes with the right tools and some basic knowledge.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your saw is always running at peak performance. Have any questions or comments? Leave them below!