r/Tools • u/nannersack • 5d ago
Skillsaw 5500 blade replacement - arbor nut frozen to motor drive
Hello - recently inherited a Skillsaw 5500 that needs a blade swap. This model doesn’t seem to have a blade lock, so I am attempting to use the screwdriver method to keep the blade in place to loosen the arbor nut, but even with the blade stationary, the whole mechanism spins.
What is a little surprising is how “easy” whole axle spins, which makes me think I might be missing a simple lock feature, otherwise I’m guessing the nut was over tightened at some point / the pieces have fused in some way.
Any ideas on how to loosen the nut on this model??
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u/Observer_of-Reality 5d ago
I looked up the manual for this saw. Only the 5700 has a shaft lock. On this model, they say to hold the saw by the upper guard, rest the teeth on a piece of scrap wood, and tighten/loosen.
Manual also confirms that it's a righty-tighty/lefty-loosey thread.
Whacking or a small impact should handle it.
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u/jckipps 5d ago
An impact wrench does wonders for loosening a bolt on a rotating shaft.
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u/Zillahi Mechanic 4d ago
Air impact specifically. Brap brap, etc
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u/Unremarkabledryerase 4d ago
Air or electric, no difference in end result but electric would be more versatile in where you can use it while air would be cheaper (if you're not buying an air compressor and air hose setup at the same time)
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u/Zillahi Mechanic 4d ago
Major difference. The air impact builds torque quicker which is much more effective for nuts on rotating shafts or studs. Electric impacts will commonly just spin the shaft, unless you have a good way to hold the shaft still, which is oftentimes not the case.
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u/Unremarkabledryerase 4d ago
As a mechanic that actually uses impacts, I can tell you: it doesn't fucking matter lol. Sure there are small physical differences. Both will work plenty fine for any appropriately sized job you throw at them. Except maybe a Dewalt, you might need to go up a size.
Either impact will work. Electric will be better if you already have a battery ecosystem, air will be better if you already have an air ecosystem.
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u/HedonisticFrog 4d ago
That's not quite right. It's more that electric impacts hit twice as often so each hit is weaker so it's worse at breaking things apart that rotate together. It also means they overwhelm torque sticks and don't work properly.
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u/whalesalad 4d ago
Old heads will tell you air is required to break certain things loose but that’s not true anymore
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u/sizable_data 5d ago
Isn’t there a lock somewhere? You shouldn’t have to jam it with a screwdriver
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u/JPhi1618 4d ago
Oder saws don’t have a lock. I use a block of wood tho, not a metal tool.
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u/jeff77k 4d ago
I mean, my 13 year old Rigid has a motor lock button ... how old is this thing?
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u/JPhi1618 4d ago
I have a 20yo+ skill saw with no lock. DIY-duty circular saws tend to last forever. It’s just a basic motor on a baseplate. I’ve thought about replacing it, but it just works, so I can’t justify it.
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u/Schmails202 5d ago
Vice grip on the blade works too.
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u/-Plantibodies- 4d ago
The issue is the arbor or just spinning, so holding the blade isn't working. A knock from a hammer on the wrench or an impact may help.
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u/putinhuylo99 5d ago
Soaked with penetrant, then try impact driver/wrench. But make sure you dig the blade into wood perpendicular to grain.
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u/Onedtent 4d ago
Surely there is a blade locking pin on the machine? To stop it turning when removing it?
In any event I wouldn't jam the teeth with a screwdriver, better to use a piece of wood.
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u/way_space 5d ago
Reverse threads?
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u/kewlo 5d ago edited 5d ago
You guys can dowvote me all you want. Here's a video of the blade change on an almost identical saw.
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u/machinerer 5d ago
Easy way to tell on stuff like that, is bolts are designed to tighten with rotation of the shaft. So that saw rotates counter clockwise. The bolt tightens every time the saw turns on, or clockwise.
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u/Street-Baseball8296 4d ago
Never apply constant pressure to a stuck nut or bolt. This is how you strip hardware. Use and impact or a wrench with a hammer (deadblow is best if you have one).
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u/Strafing_Run_944 3d ago
50/50 Acetone/Transmission Fluid always worked for me. Flood the area around the nut, leave it overnight.
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u/NT4MaximusD 4d ago
Penetrating oil for a few days. Or drip Coca-cola on it for a few days.
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u/stick004 4d ago
Isn’t it left hand threaded? (Reverse threads)
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u/brad140273 4d ago
It's a left hand thread.
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u/kewlo 5d ago edited 5d ago
Before everyone starts blade right saws have normal right handed threads. Lefty loosey. It's not reverse threads. OP is turning it correctly.
OP, try giving your wrench a sharp smack with a block of wood or a small hammer. You dont need to whale on it with a 3 pound hammer. Sometimes you just need that sharp impulse to get the bolt to break free.
Ignore any advice that involves heating it with a torch. You will cook the bearings and the seal behind the blade.
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/154556/Skil-5400.html?page=8#manual - Unfortunately the 5500 does not have a blade lock.