MAINTENANCE
A cold chain is correctly tensioned when there is no slack on the underside of the guide bar, the chain is snug, but it can be turned by hand without binding.
Chain must be
During normal saw operation, the temperature of the chain will increase. The drive links of a correctly tensioned warm chain will hang approximately .050 in. out of the bar groove.
NOTE: New chain tends to stretch, check chain tension frequently and tension as required.
CAUTION:
Chain tensioned while warm, may be too tight upon cooling. Check the “cold tension” before next use.
Chain Maintenance
See Figures 31 - 32.
CAUTION:
Remove the battery pack and make sure the chain has stopped before you do any work on the saw.
Use only
For smooth and fast cutting, chain needs to be maintained properly. The chain requires sharpen- ing 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 main- tenance of your chain, consider the following:
Improper filing angle of the side plate can increase the risk of a severe kickback.
Raker (depth gauge) clearance.
Too low increases the potential for kickback.
Not low enough decreases cutting ability.
If cutter teeth have hit hard objects such as nails and stones, or have been abraded by mud or sand on the wood, have service dealer sharpen chain.
NOTE: Inspect the drive sprocket for wear or dam- age when replacing the chain. If signs of wear or damage are present in the areas indicated, have the drive sprocket replaced by a Ryobi Service dealer.
How to Sharpen the Cutters
See Figures 33 - 34.
Be careful to file all cutters to the specified angles and to the same length, as fast cutting can be obtained only when all cutters are uniform.
Wear gloves for protection. Properly tension the chain prior to sharpening. Refer to Chain Tension Section earlier in this manual. Do all of your filing at the
Use a 5/32 in. diameter round file and holder.
Keep the file level with the top plate of the tooth. Do not let the file dip or rock.
Using light but firm pressure, stroke towards the front corner of the tooth.
Lift file away from the steel on each return stroke.
Put a few firm strokes on every tooth. File all left hand cutters in one direction. Then move to the other side and file the right hand cutters in the opposite direction. Occasionally remove filings from the file with a wire brush.
WARNING:
Improper chain sharpening increases the poten- tial of kickback.
WARNING:
Failure to replace or repair damaged chain can cause serious injury.
WARNING:
The saw chain is very sharp, always wear pro- tective gloves when performing maintenance to the chain.
18 - English
