Whether you’re revamping your courtyard or need to fix a broken cabinet, the jigsaw is one of the most frequently used tools to adeptly cut the edges of the wood, plywood, metal, and numerous other materials. However, this task can be extremely aggravating if the jigsaw blade doesn’t fit in properly and keeps falling out.
If everything is intact, you can use this versatile power tool for a variety of intricate shapes and compound cuts in different kinds of materials instead of calling a woodworker for trivial tasks.
The blade of a jigsaw will keep falling out if you have not used the right kind of blade or the blade has not been properly locked in the saw. This can sometimes be due to some blockages in the holder. This causes the setting screws to not fix properly, making your jigsaw ineffective for cutting.
Keep reading this article to decipher the crux of the issue of why your jigsaw blade keeps falling after just a few strokes into the cut. You’ll find all the possible reasons why this happens. Once you’ve narrowed down the cause, we’ve compiled a list of plausible solutions to help you properly fix the blade and make it easier for you to swiftly cut through the sheets!
Before you can proceed with your cutting endeavor, you must figure out why this happens and fix the issue.
Common causes of a jigsaw blade falling out
Despite making considerable efforts to constantly fix your blade, sometimes it might just keep falling out, hindering you from making smooth cuts.
These factors might be causing this incessant issue.
Particles stuck in the blade holder
Sometimes, saw dust particles or any other obstacles might sit on the surface of the blade holder, causing your blade to be inserted only partially. Due to this, the screws are unable to tighten the blade properly.
Make sure to roundly check for any sawdust remains in the holder before placing the blade.
Blade not locked properly
If you’re a newbie at using blades or you’ve purchased a new jigsaw, note that the locking mechanisms of the jigsaw might be a little rigid, at least for the first few times. Insert the blade deeply and securely into the holder so that it sits in well, making sure you lock it in the holder before you start making any cuts. Otherwise, it would fall just after a few strokes.
Screws might not be fixed right
Blade screws are an essential component to fix the jigsaw blade right in the clamp. If these screws are missing, not inserted correctly, or have worn threads, there is a high probability that the blade would fall.
Usually, there are 2 screws that secure the blade, so make sure that you tighten them properly, and they are not just left slipping along.
Not using the right blade
Typically, there are two types of Jigsaw blades that are used. Not using the right blade can be quite bewildering, and you’ll constantly be in an uphill struggle if you’re essentially not using the right blade.
Equipment might be worn out.
Another cause why your blade keeps falling off is because either the blade clamp or the shaft might be worn out, encumbering the securing of the blade. Check if the blade clamp that secures the screws on the blade is worn out or broken and needs replacement.
Additionally, also check for the shaft that supports the blade. If it has deviated from its place or is broken, you would have to install a new one – or maybe due to the intense wear and tear, it’s time to buy a new jigsaw.
What type of Jigsaw Blade to use?
Before you can start securing your blade in the jigsaw, you need to know that not all blades are the same. There is a range of Jigsaw blades having specific features. What’s most important is the type of blade that you’re using that fits well into your machine.
Firstly, you need to consider whether your jigsaw uses a U-shank or T-shank blade. These are merely identified by the U and T shapes of the blade.
U-shank
U shank blades were commonly used in conventional jigsaws. However, there are still some low-end brands that still use a U-shank blade for their saws.
In order to secure these blades in the holder, a set of screws is required to thoroughly tighten the screws. To do this, you would need an independent tool. Changing these blades can be a long and daunting task.
Place the blade into the holder, fully inserting it deeply, making sure there is no dust remains to create an obstruction, and then secure it well with the screws on each side. Make sure to double-check if the blade is intact by trying to pull it out. Once you’ve properly secured it, the chances of the blade falling are quite low.
However, U-shank blades aren’t considered too rigid and sturdy, lacking in efficiency relative to the other type. When using the blade to strike thick materials like timber or metal, the blade might excessively vibrate and end up falling out.
T Shank
Prevalent in the market today, these blades have become quite popular in recent times. If you have recently purchased a jigsaw, you’ll most probably be requiring a T-shank blade.
Much more efficient, these blades can be easily changed without requiring any independent tools to tightly secure the screws. Just ensure that the blade holder is free from any foreign particles that can stop the blade from sitting in properly.
To install this kind of blade in the holder, you need to turn the blade housing at a 90-degree angle and then insert the blade. Doing this helps lock the blade in. Once fully inserted and secured, the T shank blade should not fall.
Can I switch the blade types in my jigsaw?
Unfortunately, no.
Trying to use a T shank blade on a U shank jigsaw or the other way round would end up damaging your equipment or the blade. This is because the shape of the jigsaw is designed to take its own blade only.
While it is absolutely impossible to insert a T-shank blade into a U-shank jigsaw, you can still fit in the U-shank in a T-shank jigsaw. However, you wouldn’t be able to securely hold the blade tight in the holder, and it would continue to fall.
If you’re contemplating which blade is a better option, T shank blades are definitely better due to their efficiency and rigidity. Their oscillating effects enable you to make smoother cuts. Almost all modern models comprise T-shank blades, having a greater range of features than the traditional version.
What type of blade to use?
If you go out in the market to buy a jigsaw blade, you’ll come across a multitude of options to choose from. Although we cannot claim any one brand to be the best, spending a few more bucks on getting a more efficient, optimal quality blade would be a better decision for the long run.
Make sure you get the right blade to perform the task at hand. This itself can save you from the struggle of cutting smoothly while maintaining the machine.
- Use a coarse tooth blade to rip wood with the grain
- Use a fine-toothed blade to cut across the grain to get cleaner edges
- Use high carbon steel blades for soft woods and light-duty plastic
- Use high-speed steel blades to cut through tough metals
How to replace Jigsaw parts?
Sometimes, putting in an extra effort to change the worn-out parts of the machine can be sufficient to ameliorate its functioning rather than having to purchase an entirely new jigsaw. Replacing these parts can prevent the blade from falling out constantly.
Clamps
A tool to secure the blade in place, the clamp can render the machine ineffective if it is damaged. To replace this clamp, first, remove the blade and the screws holding the blade. Next, remove the blemished clamp and replace it with a new one. Now insert the blade, securing it well with screws to ensure it doesn’t fall.
Shafts
If the shaft that supports the blade has sheered off, you will have to replace it. To do this, first, remove the base and then remove the screws securing the equipment together to open the jigsaw. Locate the position of the shaft and pull it out from the face of the gear. Next, install the new shaft, ensuring it locks properly into the shaft on the front gear face.
Once the shaft is appropriately inserted, reassemble the equipment back together, reinstalling the base and, finally, the blade.
Make smooth cuts with properly installed blades!
There are numerous reasons why your blade might not secure properly in the jigsaw and keeps falling down. Now that you’ve identified the core of the issue take measures to fix your blade securely in the tool. Once the blade is set properly, you wouldn’t have to struggle to make sleek and intricate cuts.