Jigsaws can most likely be one of the most versatile power tools you’ll find in your tool store. Different blades are available depending on the material you want to cut, whether it is metal, timber or plastic. Some blades are made with special tooth orientation to cut only on the down-stroke, for cutting laminates and veneers. Before you can use your jigsaw to its full potential, however, you need to be able to change the blade.
Step One
Unplug your saw. If you have a cordless saw, remove the battery pack.
Step Two
Inspect the shaft that holds the blade. The blades on many older jigsaws are held in place with a setscrew. These commonly had heads that accepted either slot- or hex-head drivers to tighten or remove blades. More contemporary jigsaws offer tool-free blade replacement shafts. These will have a lever that locks the blade in place. If there is a setscrew on the blade shaft, loosen it with the appropriate tool. Otherwise, push or pull the locking lever to release your saw’s blade.
Step Three
Insert the new blade. The end of the blade must be fully seated in the end of the shaft for proper operation. If your saw is equipped with a roller guide, the back of the blade should rest inside the roller’s groove.
Step Four
Tighten the setscrew or return the locking lever to the locked position.
Step Five
Plug your saw in or insert the battery pack. Depress the trigger briefly. Observe the saw blade for proper alignment. When the blade is properly inserted, it will travel up and down in a straight line with no deviation in its path.