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How to Coil a Band Saw Blade: 2 Easy Methods

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A band saw blade is sharp, and it holds a lot of tension. If you do not handle it the right way, it can spring open fast. In this short video, Kenneth Oyer from Sawblade.com shows you two easy ways to coil a band saw blade. Both methods are about technique, not strength, and both are safe when you wear the right gear.

Understanding the Importance of Proper Bandsaw Blade Handling

A coiled bandsaw blade is like a spring. It wants to open up, and if it slips out of your hands, it can open with a lot of force. Knowing how to coil your blade the right way keeps you safe and keeps your blade in good shape for your next cut.

Why Safety Measures Are Crucial

Even when you know what you are doing, a blade can move in a way you do not expect. Gloves protect your hands from the teeth, and safety glasses protect your eyes if the blade springs open. It only takes a few seconds to put them on, and they can save you from a bad cut.

The Role of Protective Capping

Every bandsaw blade from Sawblade.com ships with protective capping on the teeth. The capping protects you and the blade during shipping and storage. Make sure to remove it before you run the blade on your saw. To learn more, read From Factory to Your Saw: How Bandsaw Blade Capping Works.

Preparing for Blade Handling

Before you start, take a minute to get your gear ready and clear some space around you.

Safety First: Gloves and Safety Glasses

Here is what you need:

  • Gloves that fit well and give you a good grip
  • Safety glasses (safety rated)
  • A wire tie or twist tie to hold the blade once it is coiled

Unboxing and Inspecting Your Bandsaw Blade

When your blade arrives, open the box with care and look over the blade for any damage. If something does not look right, contact our customer service team and we will help you out.

Opening Your Bandsaw Blade

If your blade is already coiled, you will need to open it before you use it or coil it again. Keep your gloves and glasses on for this step too.

The Initial Unfolding Process

Hold the coiled blade in both hands with a firm grip, and point it away from your face and body. Remove the tie, then let the blade open slowly while you keep control of it.

Unfolding the Inner Edges

As the blade starts to open, pull the inner loops outward until the blade forms one large loop. For more detail, see our full guide on How To Fold A Band Saw Blade.

Safely and Correctly Coiling Your Bandsaw Blade

You do not need strength to coil a band saw blade. Once you learn the right moves, the blade does most of the work for you. Here are the two methods Kenneth shows in the video.

Pre-Coiling Safety Measures

Keep your gloves and safety glasses on the whole time. Make sure you have room to move, and keep your wire tie or twist tie close by so you can secure the blade right away.

Coiling Technique 1: Foot-on-Blade Method

This is the easiest and quickest way to coil a band saw blade.

  1. Stand the blade up in front of you and step on the bottom of the blade.
  2. Pull the two sides of the blade forward, toward you.
  3. Push the top of the blade down.
  4. Once the two sides cross, lift your foot. The blade will keep coiling on its own.

For another step by step look at this method, see How to Fold Your Bandsaw Blade Using the Foot-on-Blade Method.

Coiling Technique 2: Table Pivot Method

This method is a good choice if the first one does not feel right, if the blade has too much tension, or if the blade is too long to coil standing up.

  1. Find a pivot point, like a table or countertop.
  2. Place the blade under the edge, about an inch or so.
  3. Coil the blade upward.
  4. Cross the tops of the blade. The blade will finish the coil for you.

Because the blade pivots against the table, it does not try to get away from you. In the video, Kenneth controls the whole blade with just two fingers.

Securing Your Coiled Blade

Once the blade is coiled, check that the coil is nice and tight. Then secure it with a wire tie or a twist tie. This keeps the tension in place, so the blade stays coiled until you are ready to use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is proper handling of a bandsaw blade important?

A bandsaw blade is sharp and holds a lot of tension. Handling it the right way keeps you safe and keeps the blade from getting damaged.

What safety gear do I need to coil a bandsaw blade?

Wear gloves and safety glasses the whole time. If the blade slips, it can spring open fast.

What is the role of protective capping on bandsaw blades?

Capping covers the teeth to protect you and the blade during shipping and storage. Remove it before you use the blade on your saw.

What is the easiest way to coil a band saw blade?

Step on the bottom of the blade, pull the two sides forward, and push the top down. Once the sides cross, lift your foot and the blade will finish coiling.

What if my blade is too long for the foot-on-blade method?

Use a table or countertop as a pivot point. Place the blade about an inch under the edge, coil it upward, and cross the tops.

Do I need to be strong to coil a band saw blade?

No. Coiling a blade is about technique, not strength. With the table method, you can control the blade with two fingers.

How do I keep a coiled band saw blade from opening?

Make sure the coil is tight, then secure it with a wire tie or a twist tie.

Is coiling a band saw blade the same as folding it?

Yes. People use both words for the same thing: turning a full blade into a small loop that is easy to store.

Conclusion

Now you know two safe ways to coil your bandsaw blade. Put on your gloves and safety glasses, choose the foot-on-blade method or the table pivot method, and secure the blade with a wire tie or twist tie when you are done. With a little practice, you will be able to coil any blade in just a few seconds.

For more tips on bandsaw blades, check out these articles:

We hope this guide helps you handle your bandsaw blades with confidence.