How to Replace the Blade Spacers on a DeWALT Shear

The spacers separate the center blade from the outer two blades. One spacer fits into the hole on center blade, and the other attaches between the two outer blades at the rear. The spacers create a tiny gap between the blades, allowing the center blade to pivot freely. When the spacers wear, the center blade might begin to chatter. Or the blades might become pinched, causing the tool to bind.

Let's get started.

REMOVING THE SPACERS   1. Remove the blade assembly.

a. Use a hex wrench to remove the two front screws from the cutter-head.

b. Use a hex wrench to loosen the rear screw securing the cutter-head.

c. Pivot the blade assembly out of the cutter-head and remove the (3) blades and the (2) spacers from the unit.

INSTALLING THE NEW SPACERS

  2. Install the blade assembly.

a. Install one of the new spacers into the center blade.

b. Position the left knife and the right knife against the center blade (the beveled portion of the outer knives should face the top of the shear).

c. Install the blade assembly into the cutter-head.

d. Align the rear fork on the center blade with the eccentric inside the gear housing.

e. Install (and partially tighten) the front screw.

f. Pivot the outer knives (as necessary) to align the mounting holes (on each knife) with the center hole on the cutter-head.

g. Install the second new spacer into the center hole on the cutter-head. The spacer should pass through the rear holes on both of the outer knives.

h. Install and tighten the center screw.

i. Tighten the remaining two screws to secure the blade assembly to the cutter-head.