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How do I change the blade in my Cricut machine?

Edited: March 6, 2026

Cricut machines blades / cutting tools need to be changed at different intervals based on the materials you use with your machine. In general, when the cuts are not crisp, then it is time to change it for a new on. Please follow the steps below to change the blade / cutting tools in your Cricut machine:

Note: Not all blades and blade housings are compatible with all machines. To know which ones work with your machine, read this All About Cricut Blades and machine tools help article. 

Make a selection below for step-by-step instructions.

Cricut Explore 5

Changing the blade in Cricut Explore 5 is simpler and safer than ever with the Premium Fine-Point Cutting Tool – a blade and housing in one!*

  1. Open the tool clamp and remove the cutting tool. CAUTION: Cutting tools are sharp. Use extreme caution. Avoid touching the bottom of the tool.
  2. Safely discard the whole tool.
  3. Remove new Premium Fine-Point Cutting tool from packaging.  
  4. Insert the new cutting tool into the clamp until the upper rim of the tool rests on top of the clamp.  
  5. Close the clamp.  

*Premium Fine Point Cutting Tool also compatible with Cricut Explore 4 (and prior), Cricut Maker machines, and Cricut Venture.

Cricut Explore 4 (and prior), Cricut Maker & Cricut Venture Machines

This information is applicable to Cricut Explore 4 (and prior), all Cricut Maker models, and Cricut Venture machines.

  1. Open Clamp B and remove the blade housing.
  2. For Fine-Point blades: Gently push the plunger on the top of the housing and carefully pull out the blade from the bottom.
  3. Remove the protective cover from the new blade.
  4. Insert the new blade into the housing so that the sharp side of the blade points out of the housing. The magnet in the housing will hold the new blade in place.
  5. Return the blade + housing to Clamp B and close it.

Make a selection below for step-by-step instructions.

Cricut Joy 2

Changing the blade in Cricut Joy 2 is simpler and safer than ever with the Premium Fine-Point Cutting Tool – a blade and housing in one!*

  1. Open the tool clamp and remove the cutting tool. CAUTION: Cutting tools are sharp. Use extreme caution. Avoid touching the bottom of the tool.
  2. Safely discard the whole tool.
  3. Remove new Premium Fine-Point Cutting tool from packaging.  
  4. Insert the new cutting tool into the clamp until the upper rim of the tool rests on top of the clamp.  
  5. Close the clamp.  

*Premium Fine Point Cutting Tool also compatible with Cricut Joy & Cricut Joy Xtra.

Cricut Joy & Cricut Joy Xtra

  1. Open the clamp and remove the blade housing.
  2. Gently push the plunger on the top of the housing and carefully pull out the blade from the bottom.
  3. Remove the protective cover from the new blade.
  4. Insert the new blade into the housing so that the sharp side of the blade points out of the housing. The magnet in the housing will hold the new blade in place.
  5. Return the blade housing to the clamp and close it.

 

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