How to Replace the Pistol Grip Handle on a Skilsaw

Is the handle on your worm drive saw cracked? It's time to replace it. The pistol grip handle is the primary handle on your worm drive saw. It contains the switch, and accepts the power cord. Whether you accidentally drop the saw, or something falls on it, you will likely need to replace the pistol grip handle at some point.

Let's get started.

REMOVING THE PISTOL GRIP HANDLE   1. Remove half of the pistol grip handle.

a. Remove the four screws securing the two halves of the pistol grip handle.

b. Remove the two screws securing the right half of the pistol grip handle to the motor housing.

c. Remove the right half of the pistol grip handle from the saw.

d. Remove the two screws securing the left half of the pistol grip handle to the motor housing.

  2. Remove the cord and switch assembly.

a. Remove the two screws securing the cord clamp to the left half of the pistol grip handle.

b. Remove the cord clamp.

c. Remove the (1) screw securing the switch assembly to the left half of the pistol grip handle.

d. Remove the cord and switch assembly from the left half of the pistol grip handle.

e. Remove the left half of the pistol grip handle from the saw.

INSTALLING THE NEW PISTOL GRIP HANDLE

  3. Install the cord and switch assembly.

a. Install the switch into the left half of the new pistol grip handle.

b. Secure the switch to the handle with the screw.

c. Install the power cord (and the cord guard) into the left half of the new pistol grip handle. (The cord guard should fit snugly into the recess on the handle.)

d. Install the cord clamp.

e. Secure the cord clamp with the two screws.

  4. Install the pistol grip handle.

a. Install the left half of the new pistol grip handle onto the saw.

b. Secure the left half of the handle to the motor housing with the two large screws.

c. Tuck the cord and switch wires into the left half of the pistol grip handle.

d. Install the right half of the new pistol grip handle.

e. Secure the right half of the handle to the motor housing with the two large screws.

f. Secure the two halves of the new pistol grip handle with the four screws.