Remove the Old Blade and Housing
The blade sits inside a metal housing that clips into the machine's carriage arm on the left side. Power off your Cricut and wait a few seconds. Look at the carriage arm — you will see a small rectangular housing with a blade tip visible at the bottom.
Pinch the two small tabs on either side of the housing and pull straight toward you. The housing will release and slide out completely. Do not twist or angle it; pull directly outward. Set the old housing on a flat surface where you can see it.
Once the housing is out, you can see the blade inside. Most Cricut blades are a small metal point, roughly the size of a ballpoint pen tip. The blade itself does not come out of the housing — you replace the entire unit as one piece.
Key Takeaways
- The blade and its metal housing are one unit that clips into the carriage arm; you replace both together, not the blade alone.
- Pull the housing straight out toward you by pinching the tabs on the sides; do not twist or force it at an angle.
- The new housing slides in the same way it came out, with the blade tip pointing downward into the cutting mat area.
- Cricut sells different blade types for different materials — a standard blade for paper and vinyl, a knife blade for thick materials, and a scoring stylus for fold lines.
- If the blade does not cut cleanly after installation, check that the housing is fully seated and that the blade tip is not bent or chipped.
Insert the New Housing and Blade
Take your new blade housing — it comes in a small plastic case from Cricut. The blade tip should be pointing downward. Align the housing with the slot in the carriage arm where the old one came from. The slot runs left to right, and the housing has a shape that only fits one way.
Slide the new housing straight in until you hear or feel a click. The two tabs should snap into place on either side. Gently tug the housing to confirm it is locked; it should not move. The blade tip should now be visible at the bottom, ready to touch the cutting mat.
Verify the Blade Is Seated Correctly
Before you cut anything, check that the housing is fully inserted. A housing that is not clicked all the way in will not cut cleanly and may damage your material or the machine. Look at the carriage arm from the side — the housing should be flush with the arm, not sticking out.
Run your finger gently along the top of the housing (not the blade tip). You should feel no gaps or wobbling. If the housing feels loose, pull it out and reinsert it, making sure you hear the click both times.
Know Which Blade Type You Need
Cricut sells several blade types, and using the wrong one for your material will produce poor cuts or break the blade. The standard blade cuts paper, cardstock, vinyl, and thin fabrics. The knife blade is thicker and cuts leather, wood, and thick cardboard. The scoring stylus does not cut; it creases paper and cardstock so you can fold it cleanly.
Check your project instructions or the material package to see which blade is recommended. If you are not sure, the standard blade works for most common projects. Cricut also makes specialty blades for rotary cutting and fine-point work, but these are less common.
Troubleshoot a Blade That Does Not Cut Well
If your new blade cuts poorly or skips lines, the housing may not be fully seated. Remove it and reinsert it, listening for the click. If it still does not cut, the blade tip may be bent or chipped — this sometimes happens during shipping. Contact Cricut's support line with your order number and they will send a replacement.
Another common cause is a cutting mat that is too worn or dirty. If the mat surface is smooth or sticky, the blade cannot grip the material properly. Clean the mat with a lint roller or replace it if it is more than a year old. A fresh mat often solves cutting problems that seem like blade problems.
Store Old Blades Safely
Do not throw old blades in the trash where someone might cut themselves. The blade tip is sharp and stays sharp even when it no longer cuts well. Place the old housing in its original plastic case or wrap it in several layers of paper towel and tape it closed. Label it "used blade" so no one tries to use it.
Keep used blades in a drawer or box away from children and pets. Some people save them for light scoring work even after they stop cutting cleanly, since scoring requires less pressure than cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean a dull blade instead of replacing it?
Cricut blades cannot be sharpened at home. Once a blade stops cutting cleanly, it needs to be replaced. Wiping the blade with a dry cloth may remove lint or dust that is blocking it, but this is a temporary fix. A truly dull blade will not respond to cleaning.
How long does a Cricut blade last?
A standard blade typically cuts for several months of regular use before it dulls. Heavy use — cutting thick cardstock or leather daily — may wear it out in weeks. Light use — cutting paper a few times a month — can stretch it to six months or longer. You will notice the blade is wearing out when cuts become rough or incomplete.
What if the housing is stuck and will not pull out?
Turn off the machine and wait 30 seconds. Do not force the housing or you may damage the carriage arm. Gently wiggle it side to side while pulling straight out. If it still will not budge, contact Cricut support — forcing it may break internal parts.
Do I need to change the blade setting in the Cricut app?
Yes. If you switch from a standard blade to a knife blade or scoring stylus, you must tell the Cricut app which tool is now installed. Open your project, go to the tool settings, and select the correct blade type. The machine will not cut properly if the app thinks you have a standard blade but you have installed a knife blade.
Can I use third-party blades instead of Cricut brand?
Third-party blades exist and are cheaper, but they vary in quality and fit. Some fit loosely in the housing, which causes poor cuts. Others dull faster than Cricut blades. If you try a third-party blade and it does not work, switch back to Cricut brand — the housing is designed for Cricut blades specifically.