How To Unlock Dewalt Miter Saw? Easy & Quick Ways Are Here!

Last Updated On February 10, 2023

Purchased a new Dewalt miter saw and got trouble with unlocking? Or, Looking for quick and simple ways for unlocking it without a user manual?

Unlocking a Dewalt miter saw is a 2 minutes task and easier than making omelets. Even if you are a beginner with Dewalt saw, it won’t take more than a few minutes but you have to know the easy and quicker ways of unlocking the miter saws.  

When it comes to unlocking the miter saws, safety precautions are a must and even Dewalt is the most updated saw with safety features and is a little bit different to unlock. But, once you get the proper knob to unlock, you can unlock the whole miter saw within a few seconds.

Want more clarification on how to unlock the Dewalt miter saw? We are here with a detailed article that includes all the necessary info about unlocking a Dewalt miter saw and helps to unlock your miter saw real quick.

How Can I Unlock Dewalt Miter Saw?

Find the knobs on different parts and unlock these knobs to unlock the Dewalt miter saw. Now, the miter saw comes with locks on the different parts like the head, front side required angle, bevel cuts, base, etc.  As these locks are related to each other, you have to unlock them one by one to unlock the whole miter saw quickly.

Let’s start with the headlock first. The Headlock is on the top side of the saw and includes a small knob. With such a small knob, you can unlock the lock with simple pressure. 

Once you’re done with the headlock, it’s time to open the specific angle lock which is on the front side of the Dewalt miter saws with the same technique. This lock varies from model to model and can have a pin or knob. To unlock the angle lock push the pin or knob with the middle finger for a quick opening.

If your saw includes a bevel cut option, you have to set the tilting position according to your needs. As the Dewalt includes 2 different options of bevel cut in the miter saw including the 45° and 90° option, you have to push the pin and set the point on the desired angle.

Finally, it’s time to go for the base locks. Most of the Dewalt saw includes a movable base and includes a knob lock system so that you can use the saw in different positions. To unlock such a lock, you have to twist the knob to set the base in the proper position. 

Still, confused on how to unlock the miter saw? Go through the article as we have more details for you.

Is The Unlocking System Same for Other Brands?

Most of the old model miter saw have quite similar unlocking systems. But, nowadays all the brands are bringing new features so that the user can have an advantage while working. Especially brands like Dewalt saws have lots of updated models which have unique features and different styles to unlock the saw.

Due to such a variety of features and models, the unlocking system varies a little bit from brand to brand. But, once you get the basics of unlocking a miter saw, we hope you can unlock most of the miter saws within a few seconds.

Steps of Unlocking a Dewalt Miter Saw

Before going through the unlocking process of a Dewalt miter saw, keep sure your Dewalt’s model includes the features or parts. It will make the unlocking process quite fast and hassle-free. Let’s have a look at the unlocking for it in detail.

The Saw Head Locks

The Head is the common part for all the miter saws and it consists of multiple locking mechanisms including a lever, pin, or knob. Most of the headlocks are on the top side of the saw and small in size.

Now, to unlock the lever or knob of the miter head, you have to press the lock with simple pressure. For pin headlock, pull the pin out to unlock the meter head of the Dewalt miter saws.

The Down and Push lock

When it comes to the down position lock of the miter saw, Dewalt miter saws include a knob that you have to open for unlocking. To unlock the down position knob lock,  go for a gentle push with the finger for a quick opening.

Due to the variation of models in Dewalt’s, the position of these locks may differ a little bit. But, once you get the proper position of the lock, move the knob outward to open it quickly. 

The Knurled Knob Lock

As the Knurled lock is the most common, all models of Dewalt miter saws include it. Compared to other locks, this one is quite simple to unlock and requires less time.

When you’re starting a project, you have to twist the knurled knob in the anti-clockwise direction. It requires little to no strength to unlock the lock. If the blades start swiveling, use this knob lock to stop the movement.

The Angle Lock

Once you’re done with the knurled knob lock, it’s time to unlock a miter saw angle’s lock. In most of the models, the angle lock is on the front side. Some updated models have two-angle locks.

As the lock varies from model to model, it may include a locking pin or knob. To unlock the angle lock, push the pin or knob with the middle finger for a quick opening. For update models, open both locks before operating the saw.

The Preset Angle Lock

Whereas the previous locks are knob and pin, this preset angle lock comes with a lever locking system. As the lever includes a spring-loaded design, you have to use the index finger or middle finger for unlocking the angle lock. If you find the lock a little hard to open, it is better to use the index finger rather than the middle one.

Swivel and Lock

If you want to adjust the preset angle, unlocking the swivel and lock is the only way. It is actually used to set up a custom angle and the process is a little bit tricky.

First, you have to spin the handle and then go for the activation of the lever. To activate the lever, you need to press it down which will help to set a custom angle. Also, you will hear a clicking sound that ensures the angle is perfectly set.

The Slider

If you pick a Dewalt sliding compound saw, a slider lock is important to be opened. Even this lock is on the base and includes a rotating knob. To open the lock, you need to rotate the knob in an anti-clockwise direction. 

Once you release the slider, it will help to slide the arm and keep working simple and quick. So, you have to open the slider lock and twist it after reaching the desired position.

The Bevel

Most of the Dewalt miter saw includes a bevel cut option include a small metal pin or lever. As a result, you have to set the tilting position according to your needs. As the Dewalt includes 2 different options of bevel cut in the miter saw including the 45° and 90° option, you have to set the bevel lock point to get the desired angle. 

Now, to set the metal pin, you have to unlock the pin or the lever by pushing it. If you fix the angle in the desired point, you can get a perfect angle cut easily.

The Base

Once you’re done with the slider or bevel, it’s time to go for the base locks. Actually, lots of the Dewalt miter saw includes a movable base that has a knob locking mechanism. With the help of the knob lock system, you can use a saw in different positions. 

To unlock such a lock, you have to twist the knob to set the base in the proper position. If you set the lock in the desired position, it becomes easy to work with the miter saw.

Compound Cut Adjustments

All the Dewalt’s have a compound swivel powerhead which needs to be unlocked for making compound cuts. As the swivel powerhead includes a knob lock, you have to push the knob to unlock it.

If the knob is properly unlocked, it will allow a perfect bevel cut on the powerhead. Also, keep the lock loose as the tightening can damage the mechanism.

Troubleshoot Dewalt Miter Saw

Sometimes issues arise which relate to the unlocking procedure. In fact, using a proper unlocking procedure can solve such issues. Let’s have a look at a few issues you can troubleshoot easily.

Saw Is Not Starting

If you face issues like the saw is not turning on even after trying multiple times, it means you don’t unlock the saw properly. Other reasons also cause this issue but unlocking becomes crucial most of the time. 

On top of that, you should check the condition of the cord and battery level as these can also cause such issues. If the saw is still not working, better to call for a Dewalt expert.

Saw Is Not Lifting Up

When it’s about to lift up, you have to twist the pin correctly and release it for the automatic lifting of the saw. For twisting the pin correctly, you need to turn the pin inward or outward. Also, such issues can arise if the blade is not maintained for a longer time.

Saw is Not Working Smoothly

It is a common issue for every model of Dewalt miter saw. It may jam multiple times if the saw bevel is stuck and cause damage to the desired angle cut. When you’re working on a project, these jamming issues can cause serious problems.

To solve such issues, it is better to clean the saw properly after every use. Besides, you can grease the moving parts and cover the saw with a clean cloth while storing. 

Saw Is Rotating Slowly

Most of the time, issues like slow ration happen due to battery power. When the battery becomes old and the cell is dying, the rotation decreases which impacts the overall performance of the saw. So, when the performance is not good, it is better to change the cell.

Tips To Follow For Safety & Better Performance

To keep you safe while using and for ensuring better performance, we are here with some quick tips. 

1. Unplug the miter saw before unlocking the locks for safety issues.
2. When you’re unlocking the saw, keep your hand distance from the saw blade to avoid risks.
3. Keep the parts clean and use grease regularly for better performance.
4. Use little pressure on the knob, pin, and lever mechanism to avoid serious damage.
5. Always wear safety goggles, hand gloves, and mask to avoid serious health injuries.
6. If you are a beginner, don’t hesitate to take expert help and use the manual properly as the model varies a lot.

Warnings

When you’re working with a sharp machine as a miter saw, safety is the most important to avoid senior injuries. Let’s have a look at some strict warnings while using the miter saw.

Most of the time, the straight-down cuts can throw the cutting head if the chop cut is wider than the blade. As these cuts can be dangerous, always keep the hands in a safe position while making such cuts. 

Moreover, keep your hand distance from the blade when you’re unlocking the saw. As the sharp object can cause serious damage, it is better to keep the hand safe distance from the blade. Further, always wear safety goggles, hand gloves, and mask to avoid serious health injuries.

Wrap Up

Finally, we are at the end of our detailed article. As we covered all the related topics about unlocking, hope you got clarification on how to unlock Dewalt miter saw quickly. 

On top of that, the wrong unlocking can cause serious issues for both the saw and the user. If you follow the unlocking process step by step by reading our guide, you can maintain the saw for years and keep yourself safe and secure. So, follow the proper unlocking today and get a top-notch performance for years.