Dewalt Screw Clamp

[Betban]

Hi, I looked in past articles because I'm sure I saw this question before but can't find it. The bottom screw clamp on my Dewalt 788 won't hold the blade on. Is it just worn out and needs replacing, or could there be other problems associated with why it won't hold the blade in? Just wanted to get confirmation in case I need to buy more than the screw clamp.

[terrylee]

It could be the holder where the screw into could be worn out.,they can replace.My gets worn out every two months or so.If do lot of scroll sawing and you turn the screw clamp in and out,it well wear down

[dgman]

I bet you are a top feeder. It is a common problem with DeWalt and Excalibur saws. Two things to consider.

First, most blades have a small amount of oil on them to help prevent rusting. This oil builds up on the thumb screw and set screw. To remedy this, sand the ends of the blades before installing. I use a small piece of folded sandpaper, grit facing in, to Sand the ends.

Second, the tip of the thumb screw gets worn and rounded. To remedy this I sand the end of the thumb screw. Look for my post in Works in progress and Tutorials for " Simple jig for blade slippage".

If you where a bottom feeder, the top clamp would start slipping first.

If these remedys don't work, you may have to replace the blade clamp.

Edited November 30, 2015 by dgman

[Betban]

Thanks. Never though of the holder but that makes sense. I'm a bottom feeder. Does it make a difference? I'll check out all the recommendations. Appreciate the feedback.

Edited November 30, 2015 by Betban

[Terry Jay]

Seyco sells the insert for the thumb screw and the set screw as a package.  I try to keep a couple on hand,  Rubbing them on sandpaper will extend their life but they do not live forever.  The clamp itself will eventually wear out, as it is soft aluminum and can be spred just by repeated tightenings, and can also have the treads stripped by repeated tightenings.  Another part to have on hand.  I believe most clamp parts between EX and Dewalt are interchangeable, but I could be wrong on some detail or another.

 

For the lower clamp put the set screw in the right hand side and the thumb screw in the left hand side, it will make for a slightly but noticeable better grip on the blade.

Terry

[amazingkevin]

It could be the holder where the screw into could be worn out.,they can replace.My gets worn out every two months or so.If do lot of scroll sawing and you turn the screw clamp in and out,it well wear down

I keep wanting to buy some.lubraplate to put on my thumb screws,Good stuff!