How to Change Cricut Blade​? (Full Guide)

[Finn Allen]

Is your Cricut machine not cutting properly? You try to cut vinyl, but your machine tears it instead. This indicates that your machine needs a new blade. Here are more signs that your Cricut blade needs replacement, such as materials not cutting properly or paper edges looking rough. These blades get dull with time and frequent use. When you often cut vinyl, glitter vinyl, and cardstock, the blades lose their sharpness, leading to uneven cuts and material tearing.

You may be worried about damaging your machine while changing the blade. Therefore, this guide shares step-by-step instructions. With the help of this guide, you will learn how to change the Cricut blade so you can start cutting accurately again.

Types of Blades That Cricut Machines Use

Cricut machines use different types of blades depending on the model. The choice of blade also depends on the material you’re cutting. The Cricut Explore uses three blade types: Premium Fine-Point Blade, Bonded Fabric Blade, and Deep-Point Blade.

The Cricut Maker uses several tools, including the Rotary Blade, Scoring Wheel, Knife Blade, and Premium Fine-Point Blade. The Cricut Joy uses a special Cricut Joy Blade designed specifically for the machine. Cricut Venture also cuts with a Premium Fine-Point Blade. This guide will briefly explain how to use these blades according to your machine, so read the full guide to learn the complete process.

Steps to Change a Blade in Cricut Explore, Maker, and Venture

These machines commonly use blades such as the Premium Fine-Point Blade and the Knife Blade, while the Rotary Blade is mainly used with the Cricut Maker.

Rotary Blade

A rotary blade is used for fabric materials like cotton, silk, and denim. It is one of the most commonly used blades in Cricut machines. If your current rotary blade is damaged or dull, use these steps to replace it.

1. As the edges of rotary blades are sharp, put a plastic holder on the blade housing.

2. Then, open and remove the screw from the blade holder using a screwdriver.

3. Release the blade housing from the plastic holder.

4. After that, insert the blade housing into the new blade cap.

5. Tighten the screw you released from the bottom.

6. Remove the protective cap from the new blade.

7. Now, put the blade holder into the clamp B.

Premium Fine-Point Blade

This blade is used in Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore, and Cricut Venture machines. The steps to change this blade are similar to those of a bonded fabric blade and a deep-point blade. The premium fine-point blade is used more commonly. Hence, if you learn its steps, you’ll be able to change the other two blades. Let’s check the steps below.

1. Gently open the clamp B where the blade housing is installed.

2. Push the plunger on the housing, then carefully pull out the blade.

3. Take the new blade and insert it into the blade holder. Take off the protective cover from the new blade before that.

4. There is a magnet inside the blade housing that will take the new blade.

5. Finally, insert the whole blade holder into clamp B, and close it.

Knife Blade

A knife is another highly used blade type in Cricut machines. It usually cuts thicker materials such as leather and wood. If it gets dull, follow these steps to replace this blade.

1. Open the clamp B, and remove the blade housing.

2. Remove the packaging of the new blade, take the white cap, and place it on your old knife blade.

3. Twist that cap counterclockwise while holding the blade holder from both ends, and open it.

4. Carefully remove the blade from the housing.

5. Place the new blade into the blade housing, and ensure that it fits well.

6. Now, tighten the blade using the same white cap.

7. Finally, place the blade holder with the new blade into the clamp.

Steps to Change a Blade in Cricut Joy Machines

Cricut Joy machines use a different blade, and here is the process to change it. You need to change blades from time to time to ensure precise cutting.

1. Take off the blade housing from the clamp.

2. Slightly push the plunger on the top of the blade holder and pull out the blade carefully.

3. Take off the protective covering from the new blade.

4. Put the new blade into the blade housing and ensure that the sharp side points out.

5. Now, the magnet in the blade holder will easily hold the new blade in its slot.

6. Insert the blade housing into the clamp and close it.

FAQs

How to change blade on Cricut Explore Air 2​?

1. Power off your machine to avoid accidents.

2. Open the clamp B and remove the blade housing.

3. Press and hold the plunger on the top of the housing to remove the old blade.

4. Insert the new blade into the housing, and close the clamp correctly.

5. Finally, run a test cut to ensure that the blade is installed properly.

How to change blade on Cricut Maker 3​?

1. Turn off your cutting machine, and open the clamp B.

2. Lift the blade housing carefully.

3. Press the plunger at the top to release the dull blade.

4. Insert the new blade into the housing and let it adjust against the magnet inside.

5. Close the clamp, and take a test cut to ensure a precise installation.

How do I change the fine point blade on my Cricut?

1. Remove the blade housing from the clamp B.

2. Press down the plunger button on the top of the housing to release the old blade.

3. Take the new blade, and remove its protective covering.

4. Insert the new blade into the blade holder, and the magnet in the housing will grasp it.

5. Reinstall the blade housing into the clamp B, and start cutting again.

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