How to Unlock a Miter Saw – Hands on Step by Step Guide

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Do you get problems when it’s time to unlock your miter saw? Well, today is your lucky day then. I am here to give you all the information you need. You will learn how to unlock a miter saw and other essential tips. The best thing is that you will learn that most simply and clearly

Most woodworkers use their miter saw in different places. Manufactures have put into consideration that miter saw users may like to carry it to different places. That’s why most miter saws models feature locks to facilitate easy moving of the miter saw. Most miter saws designs in the market today have two locks. Without further ado, let us get into details.

How to Unlock a Miter Saw

What is a Miter Saw?

Bosch Power Tools GCM12SD - 15 Amp 12 Inch Corded Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide Miter Saw with 60 Tooth Saw Blade

Woodworkers will tell you that a miter saw is a cutting tool. Well, I agree with them. Miter saw is mostly useful for making crosscuts on wood materials. Miter saws utilize circular blades to cut through a wood material. The miter saw operates by pushing down the circular blade to the material.

With the miter saw, the blade size has a great role to play in the size of material the saw can cut. Large blades are capable of cutting larger pieces of material than small miter saw blades. The miter saw blades also come with a different number of teeth.

A miter saw is useful in cutting through odd angles. It is possible to cut through angles like 45 and 90 degrees.  A miter saw comes with a fence in which you hold the material. Miter saws come in different types. All the types use circular blades, but there is a difference in the features. 

Types of Miter Saws

You will get 3 different types of miter saws in the market. The three miters saw kinds are perfect for cutting through any wood materials. However, they have a variation in their capability. They will be suitable for different types of users. Let’s review the three types. It will help you choose the most appropriate model.

Standard Miter Saws

DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw, Tool Only (DCS361B)

The standard miter saw has fewer complex features, unlike other miter saw models. The blade comes mounted on the arm of the saw. You mount the miter saw on a base to cut through angles less or more than 45 degrees. The standard miter saw is the best miter saw for beginners.

Unlike the other miter saw types, this model comes at an affordable price. Using this kind of miter saw does not require any experience. This miter saw model is super easy to use. They are also lightweight. That implies that carrying a standard miter saw from one place to another is easy.

Compound Miter Saws

DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, Compound (DWS715)

A compound miter saw is capable of making compound cuts, bevel cuts, miter cuts, and also angled crosscuts. That’s why I insist it is better to determine what you want to achieve with the miter saw. That will help you choose the best miter saw, model. The compound miter saw allows you to adjust its cutting angles.

The compound miter saw comes with a blade. The blade is tilted table from 0 to 45 degrees both on the right and left. Some compound miter saw’s models have double or single bevel options. Double bevel compound miter saw’s blade will tilt both in the right and left.

Sliding Compound Miter Saws

Delta 10" Sliding Compound Miter Saw 26-2241

The compound miters saws have great features. However, they have a limit in their cutting width. That is where the Sliding Compound Miter Saws come in. Unlike other miter saw models, the sliding saw’s blade is not fully fixed. The saw’s blade and arm are attached in a sliding technique.

A standard miter saw’s blade moves both up and down, and in and out. Do you now get where it’s sliding characteristic come from? With that, the sliding compound miter saw allows you to cut through materials of different widths.

How to Unlock a Miter Saw – Hands on Step by Step Guide

Unlocking the Head

Some miter saws have a knob while others have a pin. You will find the pin or the knob at the blade’s right back. Remove the pin while putting a little pressure on the miter saw’s head. They will automatically unlock the head. For sliding miter saws, just loosen the lock, and you are good to go.

Bevel Locks

You will not find bevel locks in all miter saws. For all miter saws that are capable of going bevel cuts, there should be a bevel lock. To unlock the bevel lock, hold the lever down, press it, and release simultaneously when you reach the desired angle. Removing the bevel’s pin is also another way of unlocking.

Swivel Lock

The swivel lock allows you to unlock the blade by just using a knob. Unlocking the blade allows the user to change cutting angles easily. To unlock the swivel lock, lower the saw’s bar, rotate it, and release it when it reaches the perfect angle.

Down Position Lock

Safety in carrying a miter saw is essential. That’s why miter saws have down position locks. A miter saw’s guard shields the blade’s upper area. The blade’s lower part and teeth tuck under the miter saw’s working table. These parts lock at the blade’s pivot back. You unlock all these with a knob.

Push or Pull

Miter saw’s lock is in the form of a pin and a knob. Just as the name implies pushing or pulling the knob is the way to unlock. The blade lifts and the guard covers it once you release the pin. Ensure that there is not stuck dirt around the guard.

Rail Lock

The blade arm is most likely to house the knob. Are you wondering what to use to unlock the rail lock? Well, that specific knob is what to use. The rail lock is useful in securing the miter saw’s head when you want to transport it.

Preset Angle Lock

Unlocking the present angle lock is super easy. The miter saw’s lever is the secret behind unlocking the preset angle lock. Lower the miter saw’s lever and release when you reach the preset angle. Using the middle of the index finger is the best way to lower the lever.

The Angle Locks

At the front area of the miter saw you will see two locks. Those are what you use to adjust the angles. There will be a lever and a knob. Loosen the knob to unlock the miter saw. Lowering and releasing the lever is also another way of unlocking the miter saw’s angles.

Blade Lock

To locate the blade lock, check at the backside of your miter saw. Do you see a pin? Well, that’s the blade lock. Apply downward pressure on the head while pulling the blade lock (pin). This will result in unlocking the blade.

Knurled Knob Lock

This mostly applies to slide miter saws that allow changing of the blade’s cutting angle. Rotating the knurled knob in a clockwise way will unlock the blade’s right and left swivel features.

Unlocking the Table or Base

Loosening a knob at the base of the miter saw automatically unlocks the table. You will then look for an angle by moving the base.

How to Unlock a Craftsman Miter Saw

CRAFTSMAN V20 7-1/4-Inch Sliding Miter Saw Kit (CMCS714M1)

Are you looking for information on how to unlock a craftsman miter saw? Then, you are in the right place. Everything you want to know is here. Locking and unlocking a miter saw are daily activities of any woodworker. Locking a miter saw will facilitate easy transportation and storing. You unlock when using it.

For a craftsman miter saw to be operational, there is a need to unlock. This miter saw model will come with different locks. The lock to be keen about is the slide carriage lock. The lock comes with a knob. Loosen the knob when you want to use the miter saw.

The craftsman miter saw is not the best miter saw for beginners. The craftsman miter saw comes with a front lock control. That feature manages the upward and downward movement of the saw. For angles management, there is a back lock. The saw also has a guard that locks the upper part of the blade.

There is a switch handle that plays a great role in unlocking the miter saw. Here is how to unlock the craftsman miter saw. Push the handle in a downward manner. The next step will be pillion the directive latch out. This will lead to the head rising. With that, your table saw’s head is unlocked.

How to Unlock a Dewalt Miter Saw

DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw (DWS780)

The Dewalt miter saw come with various types of locks. The best way to know how to unlock a Dewalt miter saw is using the Dewalt saw manual. The instructions in the manual are simple and clear. Using the step by step instructions will ensure that the unlocking process is easy.

Unlock Dewalt miter saw angle locks by bringing together the lever and the knob. If the Dewalt miter saw bevel stuck, just lower the lever to unlock it. Loosening the knob is the best way to unlock the down position. The clockwise turning of the Knurled Knob will inlock the Dewalt’s Knurled Knob Lock.

How to Unlock a Ryobi Miter Saw

RYOBI 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless 7-1/4 in. Compound Miter Saw (Tool Only) with Blade

Ryobi miter saw is a compound type. Locking down saw’s arm makes it easier for you to transport the miter saw. There is a need to know how to unlock a Ryobi miter saw. For the Ryobi miter saw, you will find the pin at the arm’s right side. It is simply a cylindrical button.

Pressing the top part of the arm will make the pivots joint to float. Once you do that, pull the pin to the right side. If the Ryobi miter saw lock pin stuck look for a way that will make pulling it easier. Release the arm once you pull the pinout.

How to Unlock Chicago Electric Miter Saw

10 Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw with 45 Degree Bevel and Dust Bag, Extension Bars and Table Clamp

Most people struggle with how to unlock Chicago electric miter saw. Here, you will get the best technique to unlock Chicago electric miter saw parts. There is a release knob at the pivot side. The knob comes with a pin. You use the pin to unlock the miter saw’s head.

Apply a little pressure on the saw’s head. You will insert downward pressure. The pressure should be enough to roll the pinout. While pressing, try to pull out the pin. The knob should be at a right angle. Then release the knob.  With that your Chicago electric miter saw’s head will be fully unlocked.

How to Unlock Dewalt Sliding Miter Saw

DEWALT Sliding Compound Miter Saw, 12-Inch (DWS779)

With the Dewalt sliding miter saw, it’s blade not fixed in place with the arm. However, there is a delta miter saw blade lock. This brings us to how to unlock Dewalt sliding miter saw. Do you know how to do that? Well, I will show you the easiest way to unlock the sliding miter saw.

The Dewalt sliding miter saw’s blade can be dangerous. This is because it is not in place. That’s why the miter saw features safety locks. For managing up and down movement there is a back lock. To unlock the blade, you simply push a knob located at the back of the blade.

How to Unlock Kobalt Miter Saw

Kobalt Compact Sliding 7-1/4-in 10-Amp Single Bevel Sliding Laser Compound Miter Saw

The Kobalt miter saw will come with different locks. There is only one secret towards the easy operation of the miter saw. Knowing how to unlock Kobalt miter saw is the best idea. For Kobalt miter saw, the process is straightforward and quick. There is the head and a slide carriage lock.

For the slide carriage lock, all the users should do is loosen the slide carriage knob. When not in use, this knob should always be tight. To unlock the head, push the saw’s switch handle. Located the stop latch knob. Pulling that knob will fully unlock the head.

How to Unlock Milwaukee Miter Saw

Milwaukee 6955-20 12" Sliding Dual Bevel Miter Saw

Milwaukee miter saw is a compact miter saw readily available in the market. I am here to show you how to unlock Milwaukee miter saw. When storing and transporting, there is a need to lock the slide rails, head and other parts of the Milwaukee miter saw. When using, simply unlock the parts.

The easy process toward unlocking the head is using the pin. Apply a downward force on the head of the miter saw. The next step will be to pull out the miter saw’s pin. Lastly, release the head. Turning the knob in a clockwise direction will unlock the miter saw’s slide rail lock.

How to Unlock Ridgid Miter Saw

RIDGID 15 Amp 12 in. Corded Dual Bevel Sliding Miter Saw with 70° Miter Capacity

The Ridgid 10 miter saw manual have all the instructions on how to unlock Ridgid miter saw. The user should check the miter lock lever of this miter saw before aligning the blade. In case the blade is locked, pushing the miter lock will be a bit troublesome. This implies that the blade should be unlocked.

There is a lock button at the back of the blade. Ridgid miter saw with stand also comes with a spindle lock button. To unlock the miter saw, lower the spindle. Then hold onto the miter saws back lock button. This will make pushing the miter lock lever easier.

How to Unlock Tradesman Miter Saw

How to Unlock Tradesman Miter Saw

The tradesman miter saw will have a miter spring lock, a bevel lock, and also an arbor lock. There are techniques on how to unlock tradesman miter saw different locks. An arbor lock holds the blade from rotating. Lock it when replacing the blade and unlock it when it’s time to use the miter saw.

The tradesman miter saw also comes with a miter spring lock. This lock locks the saw once you reach the perfect angle. You unlock this lock when you need to set the miters angles and lock it once you set it. The bevel lock is useful for setting bevel angles.

Quick Tips and Tricks

A miter saw is a valuable tool for any user. This implies that taking care of it should be a priority. Caring and maintenance activities may include blades are vast. There is a need to sharpen the miter saw’s blade once you feel it is blunt. With a sharp blade, you will be sure of smooth and effortless cutting.

Miter saw lubrication is also a trick towards proper miter saw maintenance. Lubricate the stuck parts. Cleaning the miter saw is also essential. You may find that the miter saw stopped working. This can be as a result of debris stuck in the miter saw’s parts.

Do you want to cut through a small piece of material? Well, I know that can be disturbing. To facilitate easy cutting if small pieces of wood, make an additional wood fence. Hold the piece against the wood fence. You will cut through the small piece without any problem.

In terms of locking and unlocking a miter saw, there is only two rule. Lock the miter saw when storing or transporting. Unlock the miter saw when it is in use. When unlocking the miter saw parts, follow the instructions that come with most miter saws manual. However, you already know how to unlock it.

Safety Precautions

A miter saw is a power tool. It has a lot of benefits, especially for woodworkers. Therefore, you should be cautious of the dangers that come with a miter saw. Following safety, precautions are the only way to escape such dangers. Most miter saws have safety features but it’s your job to uphold more safety.

When using a miter saw, wear gloves. The miter saw’s blade is one part to be cautious about. Wearing gloves will not only reduce blade injuries but also workpiece injuries. Remember you are dealing with wood materials that can leave scratches on your skin. Goggles will also prevent debris and dust from getting into your eyes.

Once you are done using the miter saw, switch it off. Then store it in a safe spot away from children or where you do normal activities. If you have a garage that will be the best place to store the miter saw. When storing lock all miter saw parts. This includes even locking the blade guard.

The most important safety precaution is following instructions. Most miter saws come with manuals. The manual will answer most of your questions. If your miter saw won’t rotate, just clarify from the manual. Again, be careful when sharpening and changing the blade.

Conclusion

If you are a newbie in using miter saws, get the best miter saw for beginners. Such kind of miter saws is less complex to operate. Unlocking the miter saw will also be a straightforward task. It is appropriate to have a deeper understanding of the kind of miter saw you are dealing with.

By know, you have all the information on how to unlock a miter saw. All that is left is to put the knowledge into practice. You will realize that unlocking a miter saw does not require extensive experience. As long as you have the basic skills, then you are good to unlock.

Robert Terry

Robert Terry is a specialist author at isawguide.com. He is very enthusiastic about woodworking and carpentry. His writings have been published in the wood magazine before. His passion for working with wood and woodworking tools lets him explore many pieces of informative content and resources. Besides working as a creative writer, he loves to share his skills and experiences with the woodworking and carpentry community.

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