2/0 spiral blades break

[FrankEV]

Working on a project that is real busy and it is suggested to use 2/0 Spiral blade.   This is my first attempt of doing a major portion of a project with a spiral blade and that is going OK.  However,. I borke 4 blades imediately after installing the blade but not while sawing. They are breaking near the top even though the tension is not over tight. 

Seems like the thumb screw is crimping the blade.  I do notice area of the blade that gets gripped, is not flat and may not be laing flat under the thumb screw. Very hard to see.   

Just wondering if there is any tricks for installing 2/0 spiral blades on the Pegas so they don't break.

BTW, I did break a few blades while sawing, but I take responsibility for that...pushing too hard or letting the blade get bent while changing holes.  

      

Edited August 20, 2020 by FrankEV

[fredfret]

Spirals get twisted to flat or nearly so before I use them. I use 2 flat nose pliers only takes a few seconds. I don't use a pegas but did use a dewalt for several years before getting a hawk.

[kmmcrafts]

I use a couple pairs of needle nose pliers and I untwist the ends to make it easier to clamp.. Usually hold one pair near the end of where the teeth are and hold it and then the other pair I grip onto the very tip and untwist them.. These blades do break pretty easy anyway.. 

[amazingkevin]

I,m thinking that the Allen screw that the blade tests on is out to far and making  a hole for the blade to get squeezed in and break?directly in front of the thumb screw is the blade and on the he other side of the blade is the thumb screw. Thick blades won,t break as easy but thin ones will in the hole.they snap putting tension on them. MAYBE?

[JustSomeOldDude]

i wonder if one could fill the ends with solder to help disperse the clamping load.