When I first got my saw I found I could not install a blade bottom first. The turning motion of the screw plus my improper angle gave me failure 95% of the time. However, if I top clamp first then push the lower blade into the clamp, the blade has resistance from sliding up in the clamping process and has all the intended blade bottom in the clamp. There is a slight bow in the blade using this method so I loosen the top clamp allowing the blade to self straighten and then re-clamp. Torque on the bottom screw may be another reason I do not have slippage problems. I made one of Steve's clamp overlays [with a one sided thumb lever]. This allows extra leverage tightening the bottom clamp. As a side note, I glued the one on top but use the bottom one as a separate "wrench". I have never sanded or cleaned any blades. Brian