Changing a Cricut blade takes about two minutes and requires only the blade cartridge and the small hex wrench that came with your machine

The process is the same whether you own a Cricut Explore, Cricut Maker, or Cricut Joy. You'll remove the old blade from the housing, slide in the new one, and lock it in place. The hardest part is usually finding the hex wrench — most people store it in the small compartment on the right side of the machine or in the original box.

Cricut sells replacement blades in several types: the standard fine-point blade for paper and vinyl, the knife blade for thick materials like leather and wood, and specialty blades for fabrics and other surfaces. Each blade type uses the same housing and removal process, so once you know how to change one, you can swap between any blade your machine supports.

Key Takeaways

  • The hex wrench needed to change blades comes with your Cricut machine and is usually stored in a small compartment on the right side or in the original packaging.
  • You remove the old blade by loosening the set screw with the hex wrench, then slide the new blade into the housing until it clicks into place.
  • Different blade types — fine-point, knife, and specialty — all use the same housing and follow the identical removal and installation steps.
  • A dull blade will produce jagged cuts or skip lines in your material, which is the main sign you need to replace it rather than sharpen it.

Locate the hex wrench and blade cartridge

Before you start, gather the hex wrench and the new blade you want to install. The hex wrench is a small metal tool with a hexagonal head — it should have come in the box with your Cricut machine. Check the small compartment on the right side of the machine first, or look in your original packaging if you've moved it.

Have your new blade cartridge ready. Cricut blades come in a plastic housing that protects the sharp tip during storage and shipping. You do not need to remove the blade from this housing before installation — the housing itself slides into the machine.

Remove the blade cartridge from the machine

Open the blade access door on the front of your Cricut machine. On most models, this is a small hinged panel near the cutting mat area. Look inside and you'll see the current blade cartridge inserted into a slot.

Gently pull the blade cartridge straight out toward you. It should slide out without resistance. If it feels stuck, check that the door is fully open and that you're pulling straight out rather than at an angle.

Loosen the set screw on the old blade

Once the cartridge is out, look at the top of the blade housing. You'll see a small metal screw — this is the set screw that holds the blade in place. Use your hex wrench to turn this screw counterclockwise (to the left) until it is loose enough to remove by hand.

Do not force the screw. If it feels stuck, apply gentle pressure and turn slowly. Once it's loose, unscrew it the rest of the way by hand and set it aside somewhere you won't lose it — you'll need this same screw for the new blade.

Remove the old blade and insert the new one

With the set screw removed, the old blade should slide out of the housing easily. Pull it straight up and out. Be careful of the sharp tip, even though it's protected by the plastic housing.

Take your new blade cartridge and align it with the slot in the housing. Slide it down into the housing until you feel it seat at the bottom. The blade should sit flush with the top of the housing when it's fully inserted.

Tighten the set screw and reinsert the cartridge

Once the new blade is seated, use your hex wrench to tighten the set screw back into place. Turn it clockwise (to the right) until it is snug, but do not over-tighten — you only need enough pressure to hold the blade in place. If you turn too hard, you can strip the screw or damage the housing.

Now slide the entire blade cartridge back into the machine. Push it straight in until you hear or feel it click into place. Close the blade access door. Your machine is now ready to cut with the new blade.

Test the new blade before cutting your project

Before you load your material and start a full project, run a test cut on scrap paper or vinyl. This confirms the blade is installed correctly and cutting cleanly. If the blade skips lines or produces jagged edges on the test cut, remove the cartridge and check that the blade is fully seated in the housing and the set screw is tight.

Once you see clean, smooth cuts on your test material, you're ready to use the new blade on your actual project. Most Cricut blades last through hundreds of cuts before they become dull and need replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I lose the hex wrench?

Cricut sells replacement hex wrenches, but you can also use any hex wrench that fits the set screw — typically a 1.5 mm or 2 mm size. Check your toolbox first before ordering a replacement from Cricut.

Can I sharpen a Cricut blade instead of replacing it?

Cricut blades are not designed to be sharpened. Once a blade becomes dull, replacement is the only option. A dull blade produces jagged cuts and skipped lines that sharpening cannot fix.

How often do I need to change my blade?

This depends on how much you cut and what materials you use. A fine-point blade typically lasts through 2,000 to 3,000 cuts on paper and vinyl. Knife blades dull faster when cutting thick materials. Replace the blade when you notice cuts becoming rough or uneven.

Do different blade types use the same housing?

Yes. The fine-point blade, knife blade, and specialty blades all use the same cartridge housing and follow the same installation process. You can swap between blade types as often as you need.

What if the blade won't slide into the housing?

Make sure you're aligning the blade correctly — the tip should point downward and the flat side should face the direction of the slot. If it still won't slide, check that the old blade is completely removed and that nothing is blocking the housing.