Dewalt Reciprocating Saw Sawblade Locking Mechanism Repair

Written By: John Jarrett
  • Comments: 12
Dewalt Reciprocating Saw Sawblade Locking Mechanism Repair

Difficulty

Easy

Steps

5

Time Required

20 minutes

Introduction

Repair your saw blade falling out of Dewalt reciprocating saws (sawzall). DCS381 shown but applies to DCS380 and many others.

The Dewalt sawblade locking mechanism spring/pin comes loose and (using only a Torx or flathead screwdriver) you can put the spring back in place and repair the blade lock mechanism yourself. (Related to DeWalt DW938 Troubleshooting) (Parts and Exploded View here: https://servicenet.dewalt.com/Products/D...)

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    • Remove the 3 screws holding the guide foot and plate to the saw body with a T20 Torx or medium flat-blade screw driver.

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    • Remove the rubber body cover and yellow lever with your hands. There are no screws holding them on.

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    • Push the locking mechanism up and put the spring / pin in the hole in the locking mechanism.

    • Use your fingers or a pair of pliers.

    • The locking mechanism should move up and down freely. That is the plate with the metal triangle. The spring / pin goes in a hole in the metal triangle.

    There are two hooks the big hook that goes into the triangle lock but where does the small hook go

    josh antak -

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    • Place the rubber cover over the saw body.

    • Insert the yellow lever in the hole in the rubber cover.

    • Align the pin on the yellow lever with the hole in the saw body. (Shown without rubber cover.)

    • Push the rubber cover on completely.

    • Make sure that the pin on the yellow lever is correctly inserted into the hole in the saw body. (Shown without rubber cover.)

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    • Align the pin in the yellow lever with the hole in the face plate.

    • Install the face plate with 3 screws.

    • Test the lever and make sure that the blade does not fall out.

    hi. where to buy this yellow blade securing clip

    Edek Kredek -

    Several key steps are left out. To attach the new spring you must remove the retaining u-clip from the blade clamp collar, then slide the collar and lock slide off the saw shaft. Then install new spring. Special "note" is the ball bearing located behind the blade clamp collar. If you lose or are missing the ball bearing the blade will not lock in. Very key steps that need to be added.

    Peterson -

Conclusion

Make sure the lever moves the locking mechanism up and down. This will hold the blade in.

Author

John Jarrett

Member since: 27/12/17

148 Reputation

8 comments

This does not apply to a DC385. The torx screws are not accessible under the foot.

Hollister Bulldawg -

Thanks for pointing that out

John Jarrett -

The DC385 has holes IN the foot for going thru to the torque screws.

Brad Mason -

hi john! i dont think my spring is functioning properly. what part should i order from dewalt?

Michael Zentgraf -

Hi how dose the spring go back in

Ryan Nelson -

Thank you for showing this fix. I have managed to fix my saw and get the thing moving again freely. Lots of WD40 to help things move along a bit too.

Thank you again

Anne Landon -

I can't get my blade out. It seems the detent ball won't back out of the hole in the blade. Any suggestions. clintoncoblentz@gmail.com

Clinton Coblentz -

Hi, how does the metal housing underneath the rubber body come off? Ive released the 4 screws holding the metal housing to the yellow plastic, the housing rocks but wont release and i dont want to force it lol, regards johny.

John watkins -