Among all types of tool users, from professional construction workers to casual home-owners, reciprocating saws are one of the most commonly used and universally useful power tools on the market today.
It is no mystery, then, that the vast majority of these users will eventually need to replace their recipro saw's blade.
Fortunately, for the thousands of us that enjoy the benefits of a reciprocating saw and their voracious little blades, this replacement process is easier than you might think; in fact, it's quite simple.
As with any other process, though, this one too requires a few preliminary steps.
Before actually embarking on your blade changing journey, you must 1.
) know when your blades require replacement, and 2.
) ensure you have the proper replacement blade for your saw's specific make and model.
Of course, it is pretty simple to determine when your blade needs to be replaced.
With use and time, the thing will simply become dull and worn and will perform like a dull and warn instrument - badly.
Although slightly more intensive, determining the right blade for your saw is similarly simple.
You require only the make and model of your tool and either a telephone or a search engine (or, perhaps, even the tool's manual).
Accordingly, if you are not already aware of which blade you need to satisfy your saw, you need only contact an authorized service center or investigate a few websites; the right item number will never be too many clicks or clacks away.
Once you have obtained the correct blade, you can begin getting your hands a bit dirty.
The first step in the repair procedure (and, essentially, all other power tool repair procedures) is disengaging the tool.
Unplug it or remove the tool's battery.
Don't ever begin working on a tool (especially one with a blade) that has any potential to engage; this is dangerous and silly and just might result in irreparable injury.
So, disengage the tool.
Next, to release the existing blade, you will need to point the saw's nose away from you - this, of course, means position the saw in a way that puts the blade as far away from your body as possible (while still remaining proximate enough to work on it).
If need be, you can rest the saw's butt on your body, but mind the switch; although the saw is disengaged, you should avoid depressing or joggling the switch in any way.
On the nose of the tool (just below the blade hole) you will find the tool's locking collar; this is a thick ring that you will be able to pull towards the back of the saw and turn.
While pulling backwards on the locking collar, also rotate the component counter-clockwise.
This will loosen the ring and (thanks to an integrated spring mechanism) force the blade out of the saw.
Entirely remove the blade and insert the new one in exactly the same manner and orientation that the former blade was positioned (unless of course you are removing the blade simply to reorient the direction of the its teeth (which can be installed to face either up or down)).
To lock the new blade into place, simply (and slowly) re-rotate the locking collar in the clockwise direction.
You will hear a "clicking" sound as the locking collar pulls and secures the blade into its proper position within the tool.
Ensure that you hear this blade lock "click" before proceeding and, like a round of applause congratulating your conclusion, you have completed your task.
My friends, you have now replaced the blade in your recipro saw and people everywhere are proud of you.
From here, you need only return the tool's battery or plug-in the saw and ensure that it behaves exactly as it should.
Great job.