How To Open DeWalt Box Cutter [Quickly & Easily]

The box cutter is another quality tool that DeWalt offers to its customers. But before you can unlock its potential, you will need to know how to open it. Let's take a look at the steps to open a DeWalt box cutter quickly and easily.

To open a DeWalt box cutter, follow these steps:

  1. Find the locking mechanism.
  2. Press down and slide the locking mechanism forward.
  3. Ensure the blade is locked in place.
  4. Repeat the steps to put the blade away.

As you can see, opening the DeWalt box cutter is a simple process. To be sure it's used safely, in this article, we will walk you through how to use it in detail. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about DeWalt products, so read on!

How Do You Open A DeWalt Box Cutter?

The DeWalt box cutter, also known as a retractable knife or utility knife, is a handy tool when working on a project. A box cutter consists of a small knife blade used to cut materials such as cardboard, wires, and packages.

DeWalt is known to make quality tools, so we can see why their box cutter is a popular choice amongst professionals and DIYers. However, with any knife, you need to know how to use it safely to avoid injury.

Let's take a look at how to open a DeWalt box cutter quickly, easily, and safely.

Find The Locking Mechanism

Box cutters that have a sliding blade will have a locking mechanism to keep the blade in place. Right above the handle, you will see a black locking tab. The locking tab will be in a slide that is used to slide the blade in and out.

If you have the folding DeWalt box cutter, then you will need to open it in order to access the locking mechanism. Double-check the instructions provided with your DeWalt box cutter if you are unsure if you have located the lock.

Press Down And Slide The Locking Mechanism Forward

professional hands gloves cutting off edges

Once you have located the locking mechanism, you will need to press down and push it forward. Slide the locking mechanism to the end of the slide until it locks into place.

To double-check the blade is locked into place, try moving the locking mechanism without pressing down. If it moves, then the blade isn't locked into place.

Repeat The Steps To Put The Blade Away

Anytime you aren't using the DeWalt box cutter, it is vital to put the blade away. To do this, press down on the locking mechanism and slide it toward the knife handle. Again, make sure the locking mechanism is in place before putting it away.

Since DeWalt box cutters are so easy to open, it's a good idea to close the blade away even if you will be using the knife again soon. The blades on box cutters are pointy and sharp, and it doesn't take a lot of force to break the skin if you're not careful.

How Much Does The DeWalt Box Cutter Cost?

retractable utility knife heavy duty blade, How To Open Dewalt Box Cutter [Quickly & Easily]

You will find that DeWalt box cutters or other box cutters are fairly inexpensive compared to other types of knives on the market. You can purchase a standard DeWalt Box cutter for under $15 or a two-pack for around $20.

But why are utility knives so inexpensive compared to the other knives on the market? Utility knives consist of a small thin blade and a very basic handle. Since they don't require special materials to make, they can be made in mass production, thus pushing the price down.

Nonetheless, for the money, they are one of the handiest tools to have. You will find one in almost every home and construction worker's tool bag.

You will find that some utility knives are of better quality than others. Depending on what you will be using it for, you might consider buying one of high quality that won't break. However, if you want one just to have in the house, you can find box cutters for under $5 that will serve their purpose.

How Do You Know When It's Time To Replace A Box Cutter Blade?

Another key difference between a box cutter and a standard knife blade is that they are replaceable. While they can be sharpened, the blades are meant to be replaced.

Instead, there are three key signs that your box cutter blade needs to be replaced.

Rust On The Blade

Since they are made of thin stainless steel, the blades are notorious for rusting when exposed to moisture. If you don't take good care of your box cutter, it can develop rust quickly. When a blade rusts, it will become fragile and almost useless. If you notice rust forming, it's time to replace the blade.

Blade Won't Extend Or Retract

Over time, box cutter blades can accumulate dust, debris, and other gunk that can keep them from extending or retracting. It also could be due to the blade being damaged or rusty. If it's been a while since you changed the blade and you are experiencing this problem, then it's time for a blade replacement.

Dull Blade

If you are a frugal person, you can definitely sharpen a box cutter blade. However, sooner or later, the box cutter blade won't sharpen anymore and may even get duller when you try to sharpen it.

When your box cutter blade doesn't sharpen or cut through materials like it used to, it's time to replace it. Luckily, replacing a DeWalt box cutter blade is as easy as opening it, so keep reading to learn how!

paper knife opener thin blades cut

How Do You Replace A DeWalt Box Cutter Blade?

DeWalt makes three different box cutters—the standard box cutter, foldable box cutter, and snap-off knife. The only difference between the first two is the foldable aspect, but other than that, extending and replacing the blade is the same.

Let's cover how to replace the blade on the standard and foldable DeWalt box cutter first.

  1. First, locate the button on the bottom of the handle. You will need to open the foldable knife and locate the button, but it will be in the same spot.
  2. Next, press the button and lift up on the top of the handle.
  3. Remove the fresh blade located inside the handle.
  4. Close the handle, and extend the old blade (refer to the steps above if needed).
  5. Next, push and hold the blade release button and pull out the old blade.
  6. Continue holding the blade release button and insert the fresh blade.
  7. Let go of the blade release button to lock the blade into place.
  8. Ensure the blade is firmly in place.
  9. Retract the blade, and you are good to go.
  10. Safely discard the old blade.

How To Replace The Blade On A DeWalt Snap-Off Box Cutter

unboxing a box using a utility knife

Now, let's take a look at how to replace a blade on a snap-off box cutter. Be sure to wear safety glasses when snapping off the blade to avoid injury.

  1. Remove the belt clip from the box cutter, as this is your blade snapper.
  2. Next, extend the blade to the next etched line.
  3. Place the belt clip firmly onto the work surface.
  4. With the etched blade line down, place the blade into the belt clip.
  5. Now, lift up the back of the knife until the old blade breaks off.
  6. Safely discard the old blade.

To replace the entire blade on a DeWalt snap-off box cutter, follow these steps:

  1. First, remove the snapper (belt clip) from the bottom of the knife.
  2. Now slide the entire blade out from the bottom of the knife.
  3. Insert the new blade with the hole at the bottom.
  4. Next, take the slider and align it with the blade hole.
  5. Slide the blade until it locks into place.
  6. Lastly, replace the snapper at the bottom of the knife.

If you need blade replacements, you can find them at most hardware stores, or you can order them on the DeWalt website.

Is The DeWalt Standard Or Foldable Box Cutter Better?

The standard and foldable DeWalt box cutters are the most durable of the three. They are made of stronger materials and feature comfortable hand grips when cutting. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to both of them.

The standard box cutter is more accessible, as you don't need to unfold it to extend the blade. However, it's not as easy to store on the go as the foldable box cutter. The foldable box cutter folds small enough to carry it like a pocket knife.

However, if you use your foldable box cutter regularly, the foldable feature may accumulate gunk, making it hard to open it. The folding mechanism could also break, making it useless. Since the price of both DeWalt box cutters is similar, it really comes down to a matter of preference.

Final Thoughts

retractable utility knife heavy duty blade

Overall, DeWalt produces quality products, and the box cutters are no different. Always use the box cutter safely, and replace the blade when you see rust forming. By following the tips in this article, you will get the most out of your DeWalt utility knife.

Made it to the end? Here are other articles you might find helpful:

How To Start A Dewalt Pressure Washer [Quickly & Easily]

Can You Leave Dewalt Batteries On Charger?

How To Use A Dewalt Table Saw [Step By Step Guide]

Share this article

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *