Page 25
ADJUSTING THE CHAIN TENSION
See Figures 49 through 51.
WARNING:
Never touch or adjust the chain while the motor is
running. The saw chain is very sharp. Always wear
protective gloves when performing maintenance on
the chain.
1. Stop the engine before setting the chain tension.
2. Make sure the bar mounting nuts are loosened to finger
tight, turn the chain tensioner clockwise to tension the
chain.
Note: A cold chain is correctly tensioned when there is
no slack on the underside of the guide bar, the chain is
snug and it can be turned by hand without binding.
3. Retension the chain whenever the flats on the drive
links hang out of the bar groove.
Note: During normal saw operation, the temperature of
the chain increases. The drive links of a correctly
tensioned warm chain will hang approximately .050 in.
(1.25 mm) out of the bar groove. To help determine the
correct warm chain tension, use the tip of the combina-
tion wrench can be used as a guide.
Note: New chain tends to stretch, check the chain
tension frequently and tension as required.
CAUTION:
A chain tensioned while warm may be too tight upon
cooling. Check the “cold tension” before next use.
≈≈
≈≈
≈ .050 in. (1.25 mm)
FLATS ON DRIVE LINKS
≈ ≈
≈ ≈
≈
.050 (1.25 mm)
Fig. 51
Fig. 50
Fig. 49
CHAIN MAINTENANCE
See Figures 52 and 53.
CAUTION:
Check that the switch is in the STOP “ ” position
before you work on the saw.
Use only a low-kickback chain on this saw. This fast-cutting
chain provides kickback reduction when properly main-
tained.
For smooth and fast cutting, maintain the chain properly.
The chain requires sharpening when the wood chips are
small and powdery, the chain must be forced through the
wood during cutting, or the chain cuts to one side. During
maintenance of the chain, consider the following:
Improper filing angle of the side plate can increase the
risk of severe kickback.
MAINTENANCE