If you cut fabrics with a rotary cutter, knowing how to change the blade is essential. Though it can sometimes feel like a hassle, a simple swap to a new blade can keep your rotary cutter gliding through materials and making clean, swift cuts with ease. Download or print our handy graphic guide to changing Olfa rotary cutter blades below, and find the correct replacement blades for Olfa rotary cutters at WAWAK.
HOW TO CHANGE OLFA ROTARY CUTTER BLADES
If your blade isn't cutting all the way through fabrics, is skipping spots in the material, or requires a lot of pressure to make a cut, it's most likely time for a blade change. It's a good idea to change the blade of your rotary cutter any time you notice signs of dullness or damage, or at the start of a new project. If you've never changed a rotary cutter blade, read through these step-by-step instructions and check out the infographic below to get an idea of the process before you try it out yourself!
These instructions are applicable for Olfa standard rotary cutters—specialty Olfa rotary cutters or other rotary cutter brands may function differently. Let's get started!
STEP 1: FACE THE BLADE SIDE DOWN
To change a rotary cutter blade, begin with the rotary cutter facing blade-side down. For safety, make sure the blade cover is engaged.
STEP 2: UNSCREW THE NUT
With the blade side down, hold the flat side of the blade in place with your non-dominant hand. Unscrew the nut with your dominant hand by twisting it counterclockwise.
STEP 3: REMOVE THE NUT AND WASHER
Remove the nut and the washer underneath it, making sure to set them down in the same orientation they were removed. The washer should be sitting with the curved side upwards, like a bowl. It's important to keep the same orientation so that you will be able to re-assemble the blade correctly later.
STEP 4: REMOVE THE HANDLE
Remove the rotary cutter handle. With the nut and washer removed, the handle should lift right off of the center wheel.
STEP 5: REMOVE THE OLD BLADE
After removing the handle you will have the center wheel (the black wheel with a stem) and the blade. Carefully remove the old blade from the center wheel and take the new blade from its case. Dispose of the used blade by placing it in the opened packaging and taping it shut if it does not close.
STEP 6: PLACE THE NEW BLADE
Put the new blade onto the stem of the center wheel. Be careful of the edges—the new blade will be very sharp!
STEP 7: REPLACE THE HANDLE
Place the handle back over the center wheel so the stem comes up through the back of the handle.
STEP 8: REPLACE THE WASHER
Replace the washer with the curve still facing upward. This should be the same orientation it was removed in.
STEP 9: SCREW THE NUT BACK INTO PLACE
Screw the nut back onto the center wheel by turning it clockwise. The front disc will start to spin when it is tightened enough, and then you're all finished!
SHOP FOR ROTARY CUTTERS & BLADES AT WAWAK
Use this handy how-to guide to learn to replace Olfa Rotary Cutter blades.
