Skil 5380 Operating/Safety Instructions Manual page 8

SM 1619X05344 03-10:SM 1619X05344 03-10 3/10/10 3:06 PM Page 8
ATTACHING THE BLADE
Disconnect the plug from
W RNING
the power source before
making any assembly, adjustments or
changing accessories. Such preventive
safety measures reduce the risk of starting
the tool accidentally.
1. Turn BLADE STUD with wrench provided
counter-clockwise and remove BLADE STUD
and OUTER WASHER (Fig. 2). If the shaft
moves while attempting to loosen the blade
stud, strike the wrench counter-clockwise to jar
BLADE STUD loose.
2. Retract the lower guard all the way up into
the upper guard. While retracting the lower
guard, check operation and condition of the
LOWER GUARD SPRING.
3. Make sure the saw teeth and arrow on the
blade point in the same direction as the arrow
on the lower guard.
4. Slide blade through slot in the foot and
mount it against the INNER WASHER on the
shaft. Be sure the large diameter of the INNER
and OUTER washers lay flush against the
blade.
FIG. 2
OUTER W SHER
Large Diameter
Faces Blade
BL DE
STUD
Tighten
Loosen
Assembly
LOWER GU RD
SPRING
BL DE
5. Reinstall OUTER WASHER and tighten
BLADE STUD finger tight. To lock shaft hold
the saw securely by the upper guard with blade
teeth imbedded in scrap wood and TIGHTEN
BLADE STUD 1/8 TURN (45°) WITH THE
WRENCH PROVIDED.
Do not use wrenches with longer handles,
since it may lead to over tightening of the blade
stud.
VARI-TORQUE CLUTCH
This clutching action is provided by the friction
of the OUTER WASHER against the BLADE
and permits the blade shaft to turn when the
blade encounters excessive resistance. When
the BLADE STUD is properly tightened (as
described in No. 5 of Attaching The Blade), the
blade will slip when it encounters excessive
resistance, thus reducing saw's tendency to
KICKBACK.
One setting may not be sufficient for cutting all
materials. If excessive blade slippage occurs,
tighten the blade stud a fraction of a turn more
(less than 1/8 turn). OVERTIGHTENING THE
BLADE STUD NULLIFIES THE EFFECTIVE-
NESS OF THE CLUTCH.
BL DE SH FT
INNER W SHER
Large Diameter
Faces Blade
-8-
UPPER
GU RD
LOWER GU RD