How to Fold a Bandsaw Blade in 5 Steps

Originally published: 5 September 2019 | Updated: 10 September 2026

A bandsaw blade can take up a lot of space when it is left as one large loop. Coiling it into several smaller loops makes the blade easier to store, transport and handle.

SAFETY FIRST

Bandsaw blades have sharp teeth and may spring open suddenly when released. Wear suitable protective gloves and safety glasses, keep the teeth pointed away from your body, and maintain control of the blade throughout the process.

This guide assumes the blade has already been safely removed from the bandsaw. Follow your machine manufacturer's instructions and your workplace procedures when removing, installing or handling a blade.

Watch the folding technique

Watch the short demonstration first, then use the illustrated steps below as a reference while folding the blade.

Step-by-step method

The aim is to progressively reduce one large loop into several smaller loops that can be secured together for storage.

1. Position the blade

Place the blade on a level surface with the teeth pointing away from you. Hold the bottom of the loop securely against the floor with your foot. Place your right hand inside the blade and firmly grasp the top of the loop from underneath.

Step 1 of folding a bandsaw blade with the large blade loop positioned securely on the floor

2. Compress the loop

Push the top of the blade downwards while maintaining control of the loop. Reduce the diameter of the loop by approximately half.

Step 2 of folding a bandsaw blade by compressing the large loop to approximately half its original diameter

3. Begin the twist

Rotate your right hand to twist the blade. As the blade turns, the single large loop will begin to form two smaller loops.

Step 3 of folding a bandsaw blade by twisting the compressed blade to begin forming smaller loops

4. Continue forming the loops

Continue the twisting motion while using your other hand to control and hold the loops as they form. Reposition your right hand as required while maintaining control of the blade.

Depending on the length of the bandsaw blade, we typically coil the blade into around three to five loops.

Step 4 of folding a bandsaw blade by continuing the twist to create several controlled loops

Bandsaw blade folded into several smaller overlapping loops ready to be secured

5. Secure the folded blade

Once the blade is sitting neatly in its smaller loops, secure the loops together with a suitable twist tie or cable tie so the blade cannot spring open during storage or handling.

Step 5 of folding a bandsaw blade with the finished loops secured together for storage

Storage tip: Keep the folded blade secured until you are ready to use it again. When opening a coiled blade, maintain control of the loops and allow them to expand carefully rather than throwing or dropping the blade open.

Changing blades?

If you're folding a blade because you're changing materials or applications, correct blade selection matters too. See our guides to selecting bi-metal bandsaw blades and selecting carbide bandsaw blades to help narrow down the right blade for the job.

Need help with your bandsaw blades?

Correct blade selection, setup, break-in and handling all contribute to reliable bandsaw performance. AusTech Saw & Tooling supplies bandsaw blades for a wide range of metalworking and industrial applications and can help you select the right blade for your machine, material and cutting requirements.

Browse Band Saw & Cold Saw Blades Contact AusTech

How to Fold a Bandsaw Blade (the Right Way)