April 01, 2015

How to replace a band saw drive belt

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace the drive belt on a band saw. The drive belt turns the lower wheel to turn the blade. If the drive belt breaks, the motor runs but the blade won't move. Replace a broken band saw drive belt with the manufacturer-approved band saw part.

Use this guide to replace the drive belt on Craftsman, Ryobi, Wen, Rikon and Tradesman band saws.

Quick links

Video

Instructions

Tools required

Work gloves

Snap ring pliers

Allen wrench

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

Replacing a drive belt in a drive saw

This video explains how to replace the drive belt on a band saw.

Instructions

01.
Shut off the electricity
Unplug the band saw’s power cord from the wall outlet.
02.
Release the blade tension
Open the upper and lower cabinet doors.
Rotate the blade’s quick-release lever to release the blade tension.
PHOTO: Open the cabinet doors.
PHOTO: Release the blade tension.
03.
Release the drive belt from the motor pulley
Loosen the top and bottom mounting screws on the drive motor and pivot the motor inward to release the drive belt tension.
Remove the drive belt from the motor pulley.
PHOTO: Loosen the motor mounting screws.
PHOTO: Pivot the motor inward.
04.
Remove the drive belt
Use snap ring pliers to remove the C-clip from the lower wheel shaft.
Slide the lower wheel off its shaft and remove the drive belt.
PHOTO: Remove the C-clip.
PHOTO: Pull the wheel off.
05.
Install the new drive belt
Position the drive belt on the lower wheel pulley and, while sliding the wheel onto the shaft, wrap the drive belt over the motor shaft.
Reinstall the C-clip on the lower wheel shaft.
Push the drive motor outward to apply tension to the drive belt and tighten the mounting screws on the drive motor.
PHOTO: Install the new drive belt.
PHOTO: Reinstall the C-clip.
PHOTO: Pivot the motor outward.
06.
Re-tension the blade
Reposition the blade on the upper and lower drive wheels.
Rotate the blade quick release lever to apply blade tension.
Close the cabinet doors.
PHOTO: Reposition the blade.
PHOTO: Apply blade tension.
07.
Restore power
Plug the band saw into the electrical outlet.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.