The basic steps to swap out a dull or broken blade
To replace the blade in your Cricut machine, you remove the old blade from the tool holder, drop in the new one, and lock it in place — the whole process takes about a minute. The exact steps depend on which Cricut model you own, because the tool holders differ slightly between the Explore, Maker, and Joy machines. The most common mistake is not pushing the blade all the way down before locking it, which causes the machine to cut poorly or skip lines.
You will need the replacement blade itself (Cricut sells these in packs or individually), and you may want a small flathead screwdriver or the removal tool that came with your machine, though many people do the job with just their fingers. Keep the blade cover on the replacement blade until the moment you insert it — these blades are sharp and will cut skin easily.
Key Takeaways
- Most Cricut blades lock into a tool holder with a small screw or twist-lock mechanism that takes seconds to open and close.
- The blade must sit all the way at the bottom of the holder before you tighten it, or your cuts will be uneven or incomplete.
- Cricut sells standard blades, deep-cut blades, and specialty blades (like knife blades for thick materials), so check which type your project needs before you buy.
- A dull blade usually shows up as skipped lines, rough edges, or the machine stopping mid-cut, not as a blade that looks visibly worn.
How to remove the old blade from an Explore or Joy machine
On Cricut Explore and Joy models, the blade sits in a tool holder that twists to lock and unlock. To remove it, hold the tool holder steady with one hand and turn the bottom collar counterclockwise until it stops — you will feel it loosen. Once the collar is loose, pull the blade straight up and out of the holder. The blade cover should come off with it, or you may need to slide it off separately.
If the blade is stuck, do not force it. Twist the collar back and forth a few times to loosen any dust or material buildup around the edges, then try again. If it still will not budge, set the holder aside for a few minutes — sometimes a blade gets stuck because the plastic has warped slightly from heat, and it will release once it cools.
How to remove the old blade from a Maker machine
Cricut Maker machines use a different locking system: a small screw on the side of the tool holder rather than a twist collar. To remove the blade, use a flathead screwdriver (or the tool Cricut includes) to turn the screw counterclockwise until it is loose enough to pull out by hand. Once the screw is out, pull the blade straight up and out of the holder.
Keep the screw somewhere you will not lose it — it is small and easy to misplace, and you will need it to lock in the new blade. If you do lose it, Cricut sells replacement screws individually, though you can also order them through the Cricut website or contact their support team for a replacement.
Installing the new blade
Before you insert the new blade, make sure the blade cover is still on it. Align the blade with the opening in the tool holder and push it straight down until it stops — you should feel resistance, and the blade should sit flush with the top of the holder. Do not force it; if it does not slide down smoothly, pull it out and check that the blade is straight and that nothing is blocking the holder.
Once the blade is all the way in, lock it in place. On Explore and Joy machines, turn the bottom collar clockwise until it is snug — you should not be able to twist it further by hand, but you also do not need to crank it hard. On Maker machines, insert the screw and turn it clockwise until it is tight. Again, snug is the goal; over-tightening can crack the plastic holder.
After you lock the blade in, gently tug on it to make sure it does not move. If it slides up or down, the lock is not tight enough — loosen it, push the blade down again, and tighten it once more.
When to replace your blade and what type to buy
A blade usually needs replacing after 2,000 to 3,000 cuts, depending on what you are cutting. Cardstock and vinyl wear a blade faster than paper. The first sign of a dull blade is not usually a visible chip — it is skipped lines, where the machine cuts partway through the material and then stops, or rough, jagged edges instead of clean cuts. If you are cutting the same material at the same settings and suddenly getting poor results, a dull blade is the most common cause.
Cricut makes several blade types. The standard blade works for paper, cardstock, vinyl, and light fabrics. The deep-cut blade is thicker and cuts through thicker cardstock, leather, and some plastics. The knife blade is for very thick materials like wood and leather but cuts much more slowly. For most projects, you will use the standard blade. Check your project instructions or the material package to see which blade type is recommended.
Troubleshooting blade problems after replacement
If you installed a new blade and your cuts are still poor, the most likely cause is that the blade is not seated all the way down in the holder. Remove it, push it down firmly until you feel it stop, and lock it again. Make sure the blade cover is off before you test — cutting with the cover on will ruin the blade and the holder.
If the blade is seated correctly and cuts are still skipping, check that you are using the right blade type for your material. A standard blade will not cut thick leather or wood cleanly, no matter how sharp it is. You may also need to adjust the pressure or speed settings in the Cricut Design Space software — some materials need a slower cut speed or higher pressure to cut all the way through.
If the machine is making a grinding noise or the blade is not moving at all, stop immediately and remove the blade. Check inside the holder for dust, lint, or bits of material that might be jamming it. Use a small brush or a dry cloth to clean out the holder, then reinstall the blade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use third-party blades in my Cricut machine?
Some third-party blades fit Cricut tool holders, but Cricut does not test or support them. If you use a non-Cricut blade and it damages the machine, Cricut will not cover it under warranty. Most users stick with official Cricut blades to avoid compatibility issues and ensure the blade is the right size and sharpness for the machine.
How do I know if my blade is dull or if something else is wrong?
A dull blade shows up as skipped lines, rough edges, or the machine stopping mid-cut on materials it used to cut cleanly. If the machine is making noise, not moving the blade at all, or cutting unevenly in only one spot, the problem is usually not the blade — check for jams, dust, or misaligned material instead.
What should I do with the old blade after I remove it?
Cricut blades are sharp and should not go in the trash where they could injure someone. Wrap the old blade in several layers of paper or cardboard, seal it in a small box, and throw it away. Some recycling centers accept metal scraps, so you can also check with your local facility about whether they take old blades.
Do I need to clean the tool holder when I replace the blade?
It is a good idea to wipe out the holder with a dry cloth before you insert the new blade, especially if you have been cutting materials that shed fibers like felt or fabric. Dust and lint can prevent the blade from seating all the way down, which causes poor cuts. A quick wipe takes five seconds and can save you from troubleshooting later.