Stanley Fatmax Xtreme Retractable Utility Knife - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

Please watch tthis video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsKu2DGVu50

How do I change the blade on the quick change/instant change knife? Warning: Blades are sharp and can cause serious injury. Be extremely careful when handling blades. Wear eye protection and dispose of used blades properly, such as wrapping in duct tape. FULLY EXTEND THE BLADE. Press down and forward again on the slide button until the button is in the full front of the top slot (0 through 3 in the below picture). Note- the blade must be extended beyond the 3rd detent position. This will cause the slide button to remain in a down position, allowing the blade release button to operate. PRESS AND HOLD THE BLADE RELEASE BUTTON ON THE FRONT SIDE OF THE KNIFE. (Step 4 in the below picture) Note- if the blade is not fully extended beyond position 3) , the blade release button will not work. Remove the old blade carefully. Insert new blade. NOW, RELEASE THE BLADE RELEASE BUTTON. ENSURE THE BLADE IS LOCKED IN PLACE. If the blade does not retract, try carefully giving a slight tug on the blade to reseat.

Are you using Stanley Blades or off brand? Hey, I use off brand but sometimes it does make a difference. Second, make sure the blade slider is clean. If you were cutting shingles, for instance, the tar gets in there and screws things up.. try WD-40 spray it liberally all over the blade slide and buttons. If that doesn't work and you purchased it at a Menards store, I can speak of experience they'll replace it no hassle. I hope I helped

It only goes in one way, try to loosen the screw a little

I have the same utility blade with yours.

1. Make sure the side lock is unlocked.
2. Push the thumb tab all the way to the front of the blade handle.
3. Insert the blade in the opening, you may notice two notches on the top side of the blade.
4. Press the small blade release button as you slide the blade into the knife. You may have to jiggle up and down to get the two notches on the blade fully into the handle.

If properly inserted, the exposed area of the blade should look very close to an equilateral triangle.

make sure both notches of the blade are inside the handle. They notch into the thumb lever.

good luck

Hi Betsy,

Please go to this webpage and read the rants about this product.
Down towards the bottom are reviews written mostly by contractors and such. Review number 3 addresses your problems exactly. http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/12/05/review-stanley-fatmax-utility-knives/

Good luck

Handie Andie

On the side there is a big gold wheel, twist counter clockwise and the case should split in half, the blade is held by a magnet, prise the old blade off and replace with new one, then put case back together and tighten gold wheel clockwise
Goodluck!

I can't see what country you live in from your profile, but if it's the UK, you could try www.partmaster.co.uk . They sell parts for just about anything.

The model in your picture is a fixed blade utility knife (model 10-816). Your question asks for instructions for model 10-778, which is a retractable knife. I'll guide you through the 10-778 which you asked for, if you need instructions for the pictured 10-816 please re-post the question.

Push the thumb slide forward as far as it goes exposing the blade. Press the blade change button on the side of the knife (the small button on the left side near the blade) and pull out the old blade.
Insert the new blade and slide thumb slide back to fully engage blade in the internal lock.

some stanley knifes require stanley blades only, or make sure the clip blade is in is seated in the grove completely.

If it is a 10-816 then Knife swivels open for easy blade change and clean out - no tools required, much like 10-999
If it is a 10-778, you don't really open it. You press little button on left side, behind the blade wiper, and this releases blade. Push red button on rear of knife, to open blade storage
if it is a 10-999 then press the button on rear and rotate the two halves.

open the blade all the way and turn the knob to loosen, then scissor the two halves to open

The gold looking circle on the side of the utility knife. Just unscrew that and it will pop open then you can change the blade. I looked everywhere and am unable to find the instruction or picture. I own one and that is why I am answering this for you. Please rate

Question edited for clarity. The LED Area Light or the Unit display. The backlit display always stays on to alert you to the internal battery status, so that when you come to use it, it should be fully charged. https://www.manualslib.com/manual/2188388/Stanley-Fatmax-Pp1dcs.html?page=2&term=light&selected=1#manual

I'm having same problem... anyone know?

replace battery. Check your manual that came with unit. copy and paste Stanley fat max power it 1000a battery

Select a location that is relatively level and flat. The edge of a bench is best so that the level can be placed in the same position when the level is rotated during the calibration process. To calibrate follow below: Press and hold Calibrate button for about 4 seconds. The display will now show CAL1. Press the Calibrate button briefly again and the 1 will flash, a beep will be heard and CAL2 will be displayed. Rotate the level 180° end to end with the display still facing you whilst the level is now upside down. Place the level in the same location. Press the Calibrate button briefly one last time. The 2 will flash, a beep will be heard and the display will revert back to normal.

From the the attached photo I see that you have completely disassemble the tape. This makes the tape almost impossible to reassemble. The spring has to be back wound fully, the blade attached and retracted back into the case using the back wound spring. This requires special equipment that is not overly complicated, however not possible to make for a once off use. I have designed, built and trained operators to use this type of equipment in a production situation, however in my 35 years of experience I have never been seen anyone back wind a spring by hand. Sorry to say but the tape is ready for the trash.

It is a known issue! https://www.google.com/search?q=stanley+fatmax+powerit+1000a+wont+turn+off ..