Blade replacement of a utility knife or box cutter is easy and safe if you follow some simple steps. Most retractable utility knives, as well as box cutters, offer the privilege to change blades if your present utility blade becomes dull, rust, or breaks off. If you don’t want to buy a new cutter, box cutter blade replacement is the best and only option. Besides, you need to know the best cutting tools. This is why learning and knowing the process of the box cutter blade replacement is important.
So, what is your question now?
Most questions are like how to change the blade of a utility knife, how do I change the blade in my utility knife, or how to replace a utility box cutter knife blade or the box cutter blade replacement guide. Actually, all of them have the same answer. In this case, the box cutter blade replacement guide would help you get all those questions’ answers. However, if you want to get the best utility knife, it is necessary to know how to choose the best utility knives.
Contents
Box Cutter Blade Replacement
Box cutters or utility knives are a kind of razor-sharp utility knives that are able to cut a variety of materials such as carpet, paper, rope, rubber hoses, PVC, leather, fabric, Sheetrock, drywall, rope, vinyl, and so much more. Well, how to change the blade in a utility knife usually varies based on the body type of the knife you have. Some have a rigid body while others may be folding or retractable knives. However, most of them are pretty similar to changing the blade. So, when you feel that the blade of your utility knife has become dull, it’s high time you changed the blade.
However, switching the blades is pretty easy. This saves money as well as you can keep your old knife to use again. You really don’t have to throw it away if you can do the very simple task which is to remove the old and dull blade and install a new blade instead. So knowing how to change the retractable blade would help you too. It would be a new knife again.
How to Change a Utility Knife Blade
In this box cutter blade replacement discussion, we will now show how to change a utility knife blade and install a new one. If you are new, it must be exciting for you because you might have thought you had to throw your knife away due to its dull blade. However, there are different types of box cutters and blades out in the market, choosing the best one is important too.
The box cutter blade replacement guide or the step-by-step guide on how to replace a utility box cutter knife blade has been given below with proper images.
Step 1: Open the Knife Body
What you need to do first to change the blade of a utility knife is open the knife body carefully. Keep the box cutter on a flat table and then find a screwdriver that matches the type of screw that is holding the body together. Unscrew completely. After removing the screws, tear the casing apart simply by pulling them. Be gentle on the knife or else it can be broken. Now you got two halves.
Step 2: Remove the Blade from the Housing
As you have the two halves of the housing, it is time you removed the old and dull blade from the housing. In this case, you need to be extra cautious because you are dealing with still a sharp blade though it became dull. It can easily injure you for your slight carelessness. The total components of a utility knife are a handle, the blade, the blade housing, and something to hold the blade housing together (usually a screw or two).
Well, now, either you can use a plier being cautious, or use your fingers carefully to remove the blade from the housing. One thing is really important (if this is your first time) – take the notice seriously of the way the old blade is placed in the housing so that installing the new blade can be done exactly the same way. Or else, you may not insert the new blade properly or it may take a longer time.
Step 3: Replace the Dull Blade
Now is the time to replace the dull blade and install the new one. Remember, removing the blade from the housing and installing the new blade by replacing the old ones are the most dangerous steps while you are replacing the utility box cutter knife blade. For this reason, stay cautious and pass all the steps very carefully. Doing carefully and properly, the box cutter blade replacement would be a successful mission.
One more thing, you must ensure the proper positioning in the blade housing because some blades may have a notch system. If it is still not in place, place the new blade in the exact position in the housing and make sure it is set firmly.
Step 4: Put the Utility Knife Back Together
Since you have successfully positioned the new blade in the housing, in this step, you need to put the box cutter back together. Now, put the two halves of the housing back on the blade and fasten the screws back into the place where it was at first. And yes, check the blade of the box cutter to ensure whether it is seated properly or not. If it is all ok, perfect.
Now, make sure the screws are not too loose or overtightened. If the blade is too loose, it will not work firmly. Or if it is too tightened, the blade may not move smoothly in the handle the way it should. In addition, in the case of a folding-handle knife, this could impinge on the proper folding.
Things You Will Need
- Screwdriver
- Replacement blade
- Pliers (if necessary)
Why Are Box Cutters Used For?
A box cutter, also known as a utility knife, is a common and key tool that can be seen in almost every warehouse and art craft-related job. These extra-sharp blades are popular for cutting various materials such as cardboard, carpet, drywall, rope, vinyl, leather, flooring, and much more. Workers choose them without any hesitation because they are versatile, multi-purpose, and have the ability to cut precisely.
However, these box cutter blades are designed for heavy-duty work. When you do such work with these cutters, the blades become dull sooner. This is why, most box cutter knives feature disposable blades that can be replaced to get a new, sharp, and fresh edge. You know, these utility knives don’t require much maintenance while traditional knives need frequent sharpening.
What Are The Best Box Cutter Blades?
There are many types of box cutter blades out in the market. Different types of box cutter blades can be break-away blades or self-loading blades, single-sided blades, double-sided blades, and so on. However, we are here going to discuss main two types of best box cutter blades.
- A Trapezoidal Blade
- Snap-off Blade
A trapezoidal blade is a kind of classic design blade that has been used in box cutters or utility knives for decades. You can easily recognize it by seeing it because these trapezoidal blades are long on one end and short on the other. In addition, it has a precision-cut razor edge on the long side and a cutting point on either end. You may be thinking why double-tipped design? Well, it means the blade can be turned around when a fresh blade is needed.
The Snap-off blade is an innovatively designed blade that gained popularity quickly on job sites around the world. However, a snap-off blade is a long blade that consists of fragmented same types of blades that if the front one becomes dull, you can snap the one and work immediately with the next one. This is one of the best and most convenient blades for utility knives. You can know more from here.
A snap-off blade isn’t durable as a trapezoidal blade. But a snap-off blade can be snapped easily by a plier and a new one comes. You must be happy to get one like this.
Why and When Should I Replace The Utility Blade?
Whichever type of blade you are using doesn’t matter, you need to replace the blade eventually. There are some signs you may notice that demand to install a new blade. So, let’s know why and when we should change the blade.
Rust
The blade you are using may be rusted due to its disposable nature. An important tip to know is that the blade of a utility knife tends to rust quicker than blades on a regular knife. However, if the blade is quite rusted and is unable to use, it is a high time you replaced the blade.
Problems extending and retracting the blade
These types of problems are common too. Problems of extending and retracting the blade may indicate the mechanism may not work properly due to displacing the spring or debris stuck on it. However, very dirty and rusty blades often cause these kinds of problems to a utility knife.
When the Blade Becomes Dull
One of the most common reasons to change the blade of your utility knife is the dull blade. After frequent use, the blade can be dulled. A ragged blade often jags and potentially injures you with unsafe cuts. Since these blades are disposable, you can reach for a replacement.
If The Blade Breaks Off
Another reason to change the blade of a utility knife is if the blade breaks off. For a snap-of blade, it is easy and you don’t have to do anything because in this case, a new edge comes out if the front one breaks off.
However, if it happens to a trapezoidal blade you won’t have many options left. Either buy a new utility knife or change the blade of the knife. You may have already read in this box cutter blade replacement guide on how to change a utility knife blade.
Final Words
In this box cutter blade replacement guide you may have already learned how to replace a blade. We have tried to show the steps as easier as possible with images. Besides box cutter blade replacement, we have provided some important question answers such as why, when, and how to replace your box cutter blades. If you find this article ever a bit helpful, our effort on this would be worth it.
If you have any questions, you are welcome to ask us. We will try to write more related articles or the articles you need.