How to Remove Circular Saw Blade Guard in 3 Simple Steps

Last Updated On May 1, 2023

Most tradesmen will tell you that one of the most dangerous tools in their arsenal is the circular saw. With its exposed blade and sharp teeth, it’s easy to see how an accident could happen. That’s why most circular saws come with a blade guard – a plastic or metal cover that sits over the blade when not in use, designed to protect you from injury.

But Wait a Minute!

What if we told you that removing the blade guard on your circular saw could actually make it safer to use?

Why is it important to remove the circular saw blade guard?

1. The blade guard can get in the way:

Have you ever started cutting with your circular saw only to have the guard get caught on the material you’re cutting? It happens more often than you might think, and it can be really frustrating (not to mention dangerous). When the guard gets caught, it can cause kickback. Meaning the saw could fly back toward you, potentially causing serious injury.

2. You can see what you’re doing (better) without it:

Let’s face it: those guards are not exactly transparent. They obstruct your view of what you’re doing, making it harder to cut accurately. And when accuracy is important (like when trimming doorways or windows), every little helps. Cutting without a guard gives you a clear line of sight, so you can make precision cuts more easily and safely.

3. The guard can cause a vibration

Some guards are known to cause vibration, which can make your cuts less precise and also lead to fatigue. If you’re doing a lot of cutting, that might not be a big deal. But if you’re just making one or two cuts, why put up with the extra vibrations?

4. You don’t need it for most cuts

In most cases, the blade guard is simply not necessary; especially if you’re an experienced tradesman. For example, when cutting along a straight edge (like a piece of plywood), there’s no need for the guard because your fingers are nowhere near the blade. The same goes for rip cuts (cuts made lengthwise along a board). As long as you keep your fingers well away from the path of the blade, you should be fine without the guard.

How do you remove the guard from a circular saw and Replace it Whenever Need?

If you’ve never taken off a circular saw blade guard before, the process may seem daunting. However, it’s actually quite simple and only takes a few steps. Here’s how to do it:

Step-1: The first step is to unplug the circular saw from any power source. This will prevent the blade from spinning while you are working on it. 

Step-2:. Locate the two screws (standard circular saw) that hold the guard in place. These screws are usually located near the front of the saw, just behind the blade. Using a screwdriver or Allen wrench, remove these screws and set them aside.

Step-3: With the screws removed, carefully remove the blade guard. (Take note of how it is attached, so that you can reassemble it later.)

That is all. You accomplished a great task. Furthermore, you can replace or reattach the guard at any time by repeating these steps.

Note: The video mentioned below might help you to understand more accurately.

How to avoid injury when removing/changing the circular saw blade guard?

There are a few things you can do to avoid getting injured when removing the circular saw blade guard.

• Since the saw is still plugged in, please make sure to unplug it before removing the safety guard. This will prevent the blade from turning on unintentionally and injuring you.
• Keeping your fingers away from the blade is a must when removing the guard.
• Use gloves or another form of hand protection if possible.
• Some guards can be difficult to remove and require special tools, so be aware of it.
• When you’re ready to put the guard back on, make sure that the blade is completely covered. If there are any gaps, the blade could start spinning and cause serious injury.

Circular saw blade guard stuck – What to do?

If your circular saw blade guard is stuck, don’t panic! There are a few simple steps you can take to attempt to resolve the issue.

First, make sure that the saw is unplugged before you do anything. Then, take a look at the guard and see if there is any debris or dirt blocking it from moving. If so, remove whatever is blocking it and try again.

If the problem persists, it’s possible that the teeth on the blade are catching on something. To fix this, you’ll need to raise the blade slightly off of whatever it’s caught on. Once you’ve done that, try moving the guard again.

None of these solutions work! The saw blade guard may need to be replaced completely. Fortunately, this is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix. Replacing the guard with a new one from your local hardware store or online is the best option. To install it, follow the instructions above.

How do you keep a circular saw guard up?

One way to resolve this issue is to use a bungee cord or similar object to tie the guard to the up position. This will work for most people, but if you have trouble with the cord getting in the way, you can try taping it down.

Another method is to use a piece of wood or metal as a wedge between the teeth of the blade and the housing of the saw. This will hold the blade in place and allow you to operate without having to worry about holding onto the guard.

You could also try using magnets to keep the guard up. You can hold the guard up while you work by affixing a magnet to the saw’s base.

Conclusion

Removing the Circular saw Blade Guard is important if you want to make clean, precise cuts with your saw. However, it’s also significant to be aware of the risks involved with working with an exposed blade.

Always take precautions when using a circular saw, including wearing eye protection and keeping your hands clear of the rotating blade.