How to change a coping saw blade

Please note: How this is done may vary depending on the make and model. One method is shown below: 

How is the blade attached?

A coping saw has a removable blade mounted in a metal frame. Like all frame saws, the blade must be stretched taut in order to cut efficiently.

The blade is held in place by two metal arms on either end of the frame. These arms have thin slots in, to accept the blade.

On either end of a coping saw blade is a little pin. When the saw is tightened, the frame pulls outwards, stretching the blade. The little pins pull against the frame’s arm, preventing the blade from falling out.

Removing the blade

Step 1 – Turn handle anti-clockwise 

Turn the handle in an anti-clockwise direction, until the blade is released from the frame’s arms. 

Step 2 – Remove blade

Remove the blade from the frame completely, and set it aside

Inserting the blade

Step 1 – Turn handle anti-clockwise 

Ensure the handle is loose by turning it in an anti-clockwise direction.

Step 2 – Insert new blade 

Insert a new blade into the slots on the arms of the frame.

Ensure the teeth are on the outside of the frame, and are pointing back towards the handle. This is to ensure that the saw cuts on the pull stroke

Step 3 – Turn handle clockwise 

Once the blade is in place, turn the handle in a clockwise direction. 

This causes the frame and its arms to pull outwards, stretching the blade.

Changing the angle of the blade

Some models of coping saw allow you to rotate the blade to any angle, to make certain cuts easier.

How you adjust the blade angle will vary depending on the make and model. One method is shown below:

Step 1 – Turn handle anti-clockwise 

Before attempting to adjust the blade, turn the handle in an anti-clockwise direction, but only enough to slacken the blade. Turning it too much will cause the blade to fall out.

Step 2 – Turn metal ‘wings’ 

When you have done this, you can turn the metal ‘wings’ on either end of the frame to adjust the blade angle. You can either move them towards or away from you.

You can adjust the blade to any angle you wish, but you must ensure both sides match up, or the blade will be twisted.