Replace the Circular Saw Blade with a High Tooth-Count Finish Blade

Follow these steps to replace your current framing blade with a high tooth-count blade to eliminate splintering:

1. Safety First: Disconnect the circular saw from the power source or remove the battery to prevent accidental activation.
2. Remove the Existing Blade: Use the saw's arbor wrench to loosen the blade bolt. Hold the spindle lock button if your model is equipped with one to prevent the blade from rotating while you unscrew the bolt. Remove the outer flange and the old 18-24 tooth framing blade.
3. Select the New Blade: Obtain a new 6-1/2 inch or 7-1/4 inch blade (matching your saw's diameter) that features 40 to 60+ teeth and an Alternate Top Bevel (ATB) grind geometry.
4. Install the New Blade: Place the new blade onto the arbor, ensuring the teeth are pointing in the direction of the saw's rotation as indicated by the arrow on the blade guard.
5. Secure the Blade: Replace the outer flange and the blade bolt. Tighten the bolt firmly with the arbor wrench.
6. Verify the Fix: Perform a test cut on a scrap piece of wood similar to your project material. The cut edges should now be clean and free of the jagged splintering previously caused by the low tooth-count blade.

Sources