Carpentry and Woodworking - Changing Circular Saw Blade - Not!

I've used my circular saw for some time and have never changed the blade. Now that I'm finally trying to do it, I can't - for the life of me - get the blade off. I follow the instructions to immobilize the blade - but the bolt just won't come loose!!!

Does anyone have a tip for me?

Different saws have different ways to hold the blade while you loosen the nut. Porter Cable has a push-in locking pin which locks the motor. In the past I have used a screw driver wedged into the teeth of the blade. I have also used pliers to hold the blade. If you try the last two, wear gloves!

What brand is your saw? Does it have a locking pin?

Make sure you are trying to turn the bolt the right way. Is it a left hand thread? If the blade is locked with the blade lock or by putting the screwdriver or allen thru the hole, it should come loose.

It's a Skil Classic Saw. No locking pin. The blade moving is not a problem - turning the bolt is.

Skil classic? The gold housing? With the thumb operated blade guard? Man I love that saw! why don't more have the thumb operated guard?

Well, just checked mine, so its a RH thread. Jeez, don't know what else to suggest. Using the supplied wrench mine came right off. Just tried it to be sure.

Musta been way over tightened when they sent it out.

All I can suggest is put a screwdriver or allen so it traps the blade from moving and use a 6 point socket on the bolt.

Clamp a vice grip on the blade very tightly, or place the blade in a sturdy vice and use it as a fulcrum. Use a 6 pointed socket on the bolt, that is if you haven't already boogered it up too much.

yep - gold housing and saw. i love(d) it too - but had to replace it. it just wouldn't budge. thanks to all for trying.

You replaced the saw because of a seized bolt? I think I would have drilled it out first. OTOH probably as good an excuse as any to buy a new tool. :)
I've never seen a blade bolt that couldn't be loosened. Did you try a little mechanical advantage like a wrench extension?

msk...hope you come back to the thread. Don't throw it away!! I don't think they even have some parts for it anymore. I'd take it off yer hands if you'd ship it.

Not sure if you missed the above statement, it is a left hand thread, turn CW to remove. Not righty tighty, these are righty, loosy.