How To Adjust And Clean Silhouette Blades
Do you know what this nifty little tool is for? I’ve put together this video for Silhouette-machine users not thoroughly acquainted with the various cutting blades, particularly for CAMEO 3 owners. Find out how to adjust and clean Silhouette blades with the various tools and varieties of blades.
How to Adjust and Clean Silhouette Blades
Here’s my video tutorial on how to adjust and open various Silhouette blades.
I mention this in the video, but you can find the built-in ratchet adjustment tool on every Silhouette cutting machine released after the original CAMEO.
Blades found in this video (affiliate links):
- Auto blade for the Silhouette CAMEO® 3
- Ratchet blade
- Fabric blade
- Deep cut blade
- Premium blade
- Replacement adjustment tool
Related Tutorials:
Please let me know if you have any questions!
This post contains affiliate links. It won’t change your price, but it helps you by getting exactly the product I used, and it helps me by giving me a little kickback to help support this blog. Win-win. 🙂
Kelly, Is it possible to purchase the tool you demonstrated? I have a Cameo and whenever I try to twist off the cap, I have the hardest time getting a grip, especially twisting it back on…and the Premium blade is even more difficult! I don’t want to use pliers, because I don’t want to damage the blade, but it I have been tempted because it sure is frustrating wrestling with those tiny, but sharp, blades!
Jeanette, the CAMEO 3 adjustment/opening tool is not currently available to purchase separately, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see it added. I suggest sending a quick email to support@silhouetteamerica.com to make that request. I agree it makes removing the cap so much easier, and should not be limited to CAMEO 3 owners.
I’m disappointed to see that my comment I left yesterday has disappeared…!
And now it’s there…Sorry, Kelly! Thanks for the response and I hope Silhouette fulfills our request!
Enjoy your blog!
Thanks, Jeanette! Sorry your comment temporarily disappeared. I only delete spam comments; the rest of the glitches I blame on WordPress. 🙂
How do I clean my black blade for the Silhouette SD. I did not see any information here only the blade holder.
Lora, the original black ratchet blades did not have a removable cap for cleaning, but if you have bought any black ratchet blades in the past year or so, they should all have a cap that can twist off for cleaning. You can unscrew it with your fingers; a tool is not required. For photos, see the link at the bottom of the post for “Troubleshooting the Silhouette Ratchet Blade.” Once it’s open you can blow on it or use a soft paintbrush to clean off any debris.
Thanks Kelly I had over looked this link. I had clicked and looked at all the rest. Checking mine it is the older version. I bought several when I could use coupons to stock up. This one does not unscrew, I was thinking when I did my last cut that I bet there is lots of paper dust inside of it.
I might as well just change out my blade. I will watch for the new blades.
Thank you for the great tips that you provide.
I still have some of those first versions of the ratchet blade with the non-removable cap, but they are buried under the newer ones. Fortunately, I find I don’t have to clean my blades very often unless I’m working with certain fibrous materials. Thanks for your support, Lora!
Thank you for the well illustrated example of the use of that weird little attachment that came with my machine that I had no idea what was. Now I know and know how to use it.
I’m so glad you found it helpful, Judith! I didn’t know what it was when I first saw it, either!
Hi Kelly,
Thank you for the helpful video.
I’m trying to open the blase cap of the auto blade for the first time as you demonstrated and its just stuck. Any idea how can I manage to release and open it?
Thank you.
Eliane
HI Elaine! Unfortunately, it might just be stuck. I accidentally overtightened one of my autoblade caps and cannot get it back open no matter how hard I try.
Make sure you are twisting counter-clockwise (“righty-tighty, lefty-loosey”). I have heard of people using needle-nose pliers, too, although that’s not my favorite choice.
You may also want to ask support@silhouetteamerica.com if they have any suggestions.
Hi, is it possible to change the blade on the new self adjusting blade or do I have to spend $10-14 every time the blade chips?
Unfortunately, you do have to replace the entire unit with a chipped blade. There is no way to replace the blade inside.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HELPING ME TO CLEAN MY BLADES. I FOUND SOME JUNK UNDER THE LID AND NOW I KNOW WHY MY MACHINE WONT CUT. YOUR VIDEO WAS VERY CLEAR AND INFORMATIVE. WELL DONE ON A AWESOME LESSON. I WILL BE BACK
You’re welcome, Juanita! Glad I could help. 🙂