How to Replace the Rail Lock Lever on a DeWALT Table Saw

Can't lock your rip fence in place? You might need a new rail lock lever. The rail lock lever engages the fence rail lock on your table saw. The lever is made of plastic. It attaches to the locking shaft on your saw. Most issues with the rail lock lever are the result of breaking it off, either by something striking it, or damage caused while transporting the saw.

Let's get started.

REMOVING THE RAIL LOCK LEVER  

1. Clear the table.

The easiest way to perform this repair is to place the saw upside down on your workbench. Before doing this, you'll need to remove all of the components from the top (table) of the saw:

a. Release the guard lever and remove the guard assembly from the table.

b. Remove the anti-kickback fingers.

c. Remove the rip fence.

d. Remove the throat plate.

e. Loosen the riving knife adjustment screw and lower the riving knife to its lowest position.

f. Using the height adjustment handwheel, lower the blade to its lowest position.

g. Invert the saw (so that the table is flat against your workbench).

2. Remove the side panel.

a. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws on the inside of the side panel.

b. Remove two screws on the exterior of the side panel.

c. Remove the side panel.

3. Remove the brackets securing the locking shaft to the saw table.

a. Using a screwdriver, remove the screws securing the brackets.

b. Remove the brackets.

4. Remove the rail lock lever.

a. Using a socket wrench, remove the nut that holds the rail lock lever (be sure to retain the nut and washer).

  INSTALLING THE NEW RAIL LOCK LEVER

5. Install the rail lock lever.

a. Install the new rail lock lever.

b. Secure the rail lock lever with the washer and the nut.

  REASSEMBLING THE UNIT

6. Reinstall the brackets.

a. Realign the two brackets with the locking shaft.

b. Secure two brackets with the screws.

7. Reinstall the side panel.

a. Install the side panel.

b. Install and tighten the screws on the INSIDE of the side panel.

c. Install and tighten the screws on the OUTSIDE of the side panel.

8. Reassemble the table.

a. Reinstall the throat plate.

b. Reinstall the rip fence.

c. Reinstall the guard.