How to Change a Jigsaw Blade

Similar to all hand or power tools used to cut a variety of materials, the jigsaw also requires regular maintenance. And one of the most important parts of the tool that needs to be regularly maintained is the jigsaw blade.

Because with frequent usage and demanding cutting tasks, the blade only gets duller and duller. And as we all know, you can’t cut anything with a dull blade. Therefore, it’s best to either sharpen or change the jigsaw blade.

But unlike circular saw blades, jigsaw blades aren’t meant to be sharpened since they are relatively cheap to replace, plus their teeth aren’t suitable for sharpening as well. So, the best thing you could do with a worn-out blade on a jigsaw is to replace the blade, instead of trying to sharpen it.

However, if you are a beginner who recently started using the jigsaw, you may not be familiar with the blade changing procedure. That’s why in this guide we’ll be talking about how to change a jigsaw blade.

We’ll begin by giving a little introduction to jigsaws, followed by the types of blades and steps needed to complete the blade changing task, just to finish with the features it has to offer.

A jigsaw is a power tool that uses a reciprocation saw blade powered by an electric motor to cut various materials. With it, you can easily make irregular or straight cuts in metal, wood, plastic, steel, ceramic, and other similar workpieces.

Also, akin to the miter saw, some jigsaws have a beveling function that allows the user to make angled cuts up to 45-degrees.

As an idea, the jigsaw came into existence in the 19th century when woodworkers used a machine powered by treadle to move the blade in a reciprocating manner. But it wasn’t until 1947 when a Swiss engineer in the name of Albert Kaufmann invented the modern jigsaw.

Jigsaw Types

Since the jigsaw is powered by an electric engine, we can differentiate two main types: corded and cordless. By their names alone, we can tell that one of them uses a cord and the other doesn’t.

The corded type requires to have its cord plugged in an electrical socket for the engine to start. While the cordless one uses rechargeable batteries that power the tool.

But in general, both types have their pros and cons. And in the end, everything boils down to how you plan to use it.

For example, cordless jigsaws have a limited usage time due to their batteries. However, in return, you get the freedom to take them wherever you want and cut as long as the batteries last.

While the corded are limited with their operating space due to the cord. But on the positive side, they can run the whole day if needed. As long as it’s plugged in a power outlet, of course.

Another characteristic that separates these two types is their ability to handle heavy-duty work. This trait usually convinces people to go for a corded jigsaw because it can cut easily through stronger and thicker materials, unlike the cordless one.

Check our guide on 10 Best Corded Jigsaws.

Types of Jigsaw Blades & their Material

Depending on the model, we can distinguish two types of jigsaw blades: T-shank and U-shank.

In general, modern jig saws have a universal slot that accepts both T and U shank blades. Older jig saw models on the other hand, only accept U-shank blades. However, in the professional world, woodworkers mainly use the T-shank blade.

But when preparing your tool for a cutting project, you need to look deeper than just the shape of the blade. For instance, the material of the blade tells us its main purpose:

• High-carbon steel (HCS) – best used for cutting soft workpieces like wood or plastic
• High-speed steel (HSS) – best used for cutting all types of metal
• Bi-Metal (BIM) – a combination of HCS & HSS which gives it longevity; best used for demanding tasks and cutting fragile workpieces
• Tungsten Carbide (TC) – best used for cutting tough materials like abrasive metal, tile, stainless steel, iron, etc.

Besides the material, you also need to pay attention to the blade’s thickness and tooth design among everything else that informs us about the type of cuts it can make.

When it comes to reasons for why you need to change a jigsaw blade, we can point out a few major ones.

Apart from the obvious cause for the blade being dull or damaged, another big reason to change the blade is due to the material being cut.

Because just like most cutting tools, jigsaws as well use a different type of blade to cut metal and wood workpieces. Meaning, you can’t cut a metal workpiece with a blade meant to cut wood. And to find out the type of cuts the blade can do the best, check the material it was made from.

For example, use an HSS blade to cut all types of metal as shown in the blade material section above. Don’t use an HCS blade to cut harder materials, and then blame the tool for not being able to cut the workpiece.

To summarize – you need to change a jigsaw blade because:

• The blade became dull and cannot cut effectively through the workpiece anymore
• The blade got damaged (bent or broken) and is practically useless for every task
• Your blade isn’t suitable for the material you plan to cut

If any of these three reasons apply to your blade situation, it’s time to replace it with a new blade.

Depending on the jigsaw type and its features, the steps to change the blade will differ from one type to another. Whether the difference lies in the tool’s corded or cordless design, it not having a tool-less blade changing system, or if the blade has a T-shank vs U-shank shape, in all situations you’ll have to follow the instructions closely.

The blade changing steps can also differ due to unique designs from the manufacturers. Models from DeWalt and Bosch will most likely have a separate approach to the process. So make sure you check the tool’s manual as well.

The biggest distinction in the blade replacement procedure, however, can be seen between older and newer jigsaw models. Concretely speaking, the newer models come with an amazing feature that doesn’t require the operator to use hand tools to change the blade. While older models need an Allen key or a screwdriver to replace the old with a new blade.

Moreover, it’s of the highest importance to disconnect the jigsaw from all electrical power sources before changing the blade. This also brings us to the next distinction in the blade removing process.

For instance, cordless and corded jigsaws have a different initial step when removing the blade. To change the blade on the corded type, you first need to unplug the cord from the electrical outlet. While at the cordless one, you need to remove the batteries before continuing to change the blade.

After making sure that you disconnected the jigsaw, you can safely proceed to remove the blade.

Replace the Blade on a Jigsaw without a Tool-Less System

Unlike modern jig saws, the older models don’t come with a tool-less blade changing feature. Instead, these models require old-fashioned hand tools to remove the blade and replace it with a new one.

To change the blade in this situation, you’ll need to loosen the screw by using a screwdriver or an Allen key.

Step 1: Remove the Old Blade

1. Ensure that the tool is disconnected from the power source
2. Start by locating the screw that holds the blade shank first
3. Use an Allen key or a screwdriver to loosen the screw to remove the blade from the clamp
4. Remove the old one from the blade clamp and prepare to mount the new blade

Step 2: Figure out the Right Blade Direction

Now that you removed the old blade, it’s very important to figure out the right direction the new blade should face before installing it.

To find the correct direction a new blade should face is fairly easy. Just make certain that the cutting teeth face away from the jigsaw and you are good to go.

Step 3: Insert the New Blade

After removing the old one and figuring out the direction the new blade should face, it’s time to mount it on the jig saw.

1. Get the new blade and prepare to install it
2. Begin by cautiously inserting the new blade in the blade clamp slot with its teeth facing the right way
3. Get your screwdriver or Allen key to tighten the screw that holds the blade shank
4. Use the Allen key or screwdriver to tighten the screw
5. Make sure the new blade is secured tightly before starting to use the jigsaw again

Replace the Blade on a Jigsaw with a Tool-Less System

To change the blade on a jigsaw with a tool-less system, you don’t need an Allen key or a screwdriver. Just follow these few simple and easy steps.

Step 1: Remove the Old Blade

1. Make sure that you have removed the batteries if cordless, or unplugged the cord from the electrical outlet if corded
2. Locate the release lever on your jigsaw in order to disengage it
3. Disengage the release lever and proceed to remove the blade from the clamp
4. On some models when you detach the release lever, the blade gets ejected from the tool, while on others you need to remove it from the blade clamp yourself

Step 2: Find the Correct Blade Direction

Just like on older jigsaw models, the same rules apply to the newer versions as well. Make sure that the teeth on the blade are facing away from the jigsaw i.e. in the direction of the workpiece.

Because not only a blade facing in the wrong direction is ineffective and useless but is also dangerous for the user.

Step 3: Insert the New Blade

1. Get the new blade and make sure it faces the right direction
2. Hold the blade release lever and begin to insert the new blade into the clamp
3. Finish by mounting the new blade and releasing the lever to ensure its tightened and secure

T-Shank Blade Vs U-Shank Blade

Since most modern jigsaws use a T-shank blade, they also come with the ability to change the blade without needing tools. Therefore, the blade changing steps for jigsaws with a tool-less system mostly applies to those who use a T-shank blade. However, newer models can accept both types of blades.

While older models, who don’t have a system to remove the blade without tools use U-shank ones. And to remove the blade in this situation you need to use an Allen key or a screwdriver.

Jigsaw Handles

When searching for a jigsaw to purchase, one of the first noticeable differences between various models lies in their design and shape of the handle.

Based on that distinction, we can differentiate two types of jigsaw handles:

• D-Handle, or also known as Top-Handle
• Barrel Grip Handle

On top-handle jigsaws, we can immediately notice a prominent semicircular handle above the engine’s case. While on those with a barrel grip handle, there’s no such thing since the engine’s case acts as the handle.

Due to their ease of use, D-handle jigsaws are the more common type, and beginners love them. However, they are primarily used for doing basic cuts, and users may experience trouble handling it when making tighter cuts.

That’s why professionals usually prefer using the barrel grip handle model since it can make precise cuts, even though it’s harder-to-control.

Jigsaw Features

The vast majority of modern jigsaws come with a myriad of excellent features that adorn the tool. These features also make the whole experience of operating the power tool more pleasant and easy-to-use.

Features to pay attention to:

• Orbital action settings – allows the user to adjust the tool based on the cut needed
• Variable speed control – allows you to set-up the cutting speed
• Tool-less system – for quick and easy blade replacement
• Anti-vibration – stabilizes the tool by reducing the vibrations
• Length of stroke – longer stroke for faster but rougher cuts, while shorter stroke for slower but smoother cuts
• Dust extracting system – for a clean working environment
• LED lights – improves your visibility when operating in a gloomy jobsite

May interest you: Jigsaw vs Bandsaw [Comparison] 

After frequent usage of the tool, the time to change the jigsaw blade will eventually come. And when the time comes to replace it, you need to be ready for the task.

But as we can see from this guide, there’s nothing to fear even as a novice. The steps to change the blade on a jigsaw are relatively easy, and it won’t take you more than 10 minutes to finish the job. However, assure that you have the correct blade for the upcoming tasks and follow the safety protocols.

Hopefully, this guide helped you to better understand the jigsaw and its blade changing procedure.