How To Change A Ryobi Reciprocating Saw Blade Step By Step

Do you need to replace your reciprocating saw blade. No matter if you’re a professional or novice, there are some key points that you should know to get the job done right.

To change the blade of a Ryobi reciprocatingsaw, first loosen the blade clamp. Then, remove the old blade, and then insert the new one. Before tightening the clamp, make sure the blade is correctly oriented.

Continue reading to learn more. In this blog post I’ll take you step-by-step through the entire process. You will also find some helpful tips for choosing the right blade for your job. You can read the rest of this article if you are looking for a new blade, or just want to improve your skills.

Ryobi’s 18v power equipment is a popular choice. They are lightweight, affordable, and powerful. Their unique feature is their toolless blade changing system, which makes it easy to swap blades.

Tools Required:

1 New Ryobi 18v Reciprocating saw blade (or compatible brand)

Step 1 Take the guard off your saw. Two bolts hold the guard in place. These bolts can be removed with a wrench. These screws are located on opposite sides of your guard so it is best to remove them one by one.

Step 2 After the guard has been removed, you will see two screws to either side of your blade holder. These screws can be removed with your wrench.

Step 3 After all four bolts have been removed you can remove the blade holder assembly. It is quite easy to do. It has a screw running through its center. This bolt can be removed with your wrench. The blade holder will be easily removed.

Step 4 Now you can install your blade. Place the new blade on top of the saw post.

There will be resistance but you can keep going until the post is in the hole. It only needs to go in approximately 3/4 inch.

Step 5 Install your new blade guard and tighten the bolts with your wrench. Now your saw is ready to be used again.

How To Remove The Old Blade?

Follow these steps to remove the old blade:

1. You must ensure that your saw is off and not plugged into the power source.

2. To retract the blade from your saw’s body, press the green release button.

3. Turn the blade holder 180 degrees away from you and pull up on it with equal pressure until it is free from its locked position.

The blade will come out of the nose of your tool, and will remain attached to your blade holder by a spring loaded tang (if necessary).

Now you can see the locations of all four bolts in Step 1. For securing your guard, the bolts nearest you can be removed using a wrench.

The 2 remaining bolts are used to hold the blade holder assembly in its place. These can be removed with a wrench or manually.

How To Insert The New Blade?

These are the steps to follow:

1. Place the blade on the opposite side from the place you took it out. If applicable, ensure that the tang is attached to the spring and fits snugly in the hole on the saw’s body.

2. Slide the new blade through until it makes a popping sound. This indicates that it is securely in place within your tool’s nose cavity. Now you can replace or tighten the bolts from Step 1.

How To Choose A New Ryobi Reciprocating Saw Blade

The work that you do with your reciprocating saw will determine the type of blade you choose. These are the main considerations for choosing a blade.

1. Utility

This is the measurement of the blade’s diameter and thickness. For more precise work, smaller blades will be used. Larger blades are for heavier-duty jobs that require larger cuts.

2. Coating

You will find different types of protection on your saw blade. One type of coating that protects blade teeth against rusting, chipping and wear is the titanium nitride.

Anti-stick coatings are also available that will make your job easier by preventing material sticking to your teeth when you’re cutting.

3. Material

The majority of reciprocating saw blades can be made from high-speed steel (for more difficult jobs), high-carbon steel (stamped), or bi-metal (for heavy-duty jobs).

How To Maintain/Care For Your Blade?

These are some key points to remember in order to properly care for your blades.

  • Avoid hitting the blade with your fingers or dropping it. It could cause damage to the teeth.
  • To remove any trace materials, clean the blade thoroughly with a dry cloth.
  • You should always ensure that your blades are stored in dry areas with low humidity. Otherwise, metal parts may corrode and rust.

Tips For Safely And Effectively Using A Reciprocating Saw

  • Before you attempt to use your saw, make sure that you understand its workings.
  • Focus on what you are doing and don’t get distracted by other people.
  • To avoid accidental contact with sharp objects or moving parts of blades, keep both hands still.
  • To get the best cuts, use steady strokes.
  • To make overhead cutting easier, you should use your reciprocating saw at the highest possible position.
  • Wear gloves whenever you are using a reciprocating saw to cut. This will prevent any injuries from flying debris and overheated metal parts.
  • Do not place your hands, or any other part of you body, in a way that could accidentally cause contact with the blade.
  • To avoid electrocutions and shocks, make sure the tool is grounded properly before you use it.

Conclusion

You can change the blade of your reciprocating saw in no time. These safety tips are important to remember before you attempt to change the blade of your power tool.

You’ll be able to use the device safely and effectively, without worrying about potential injury.

FAQ

How Frequently Should I Replace My Blades?

You can expect your blade to last at most 5 times longer if it is the right type for your application.

You should replace your blades if they become difficult to do jobs that used to be much easier, or if you feel like you are pushing the saw through an application.

It is a good rule of thumb to replace the blade every 25-30 minutes, but this will vary depending on your level and experience.

How Do You Tighten The Blade?

To activate your blade, first pull the trigger on the tool. Next, grab your blade wrench. Place it on the flats in your saw’s armor plate. These flats are near the place where you will insert your blade.

You will hear the lock collar engage when you turn counterclockwise.

Now, remove the blade wrench and tighten the bolts on either side of your saw.

How Do You Loosen The Blade?

To activate your blade, first pull the trigger on the tool. Next, grab your blade wrench. Place it on top your saw’s armor plate. You will hear the lock collar click as you turn clockwise.

Now, you can take out your blade wrench and remove the saw blade from your tool.