1. Use a 7/16 inch (11 mm) wrench to slightly loosen the bar-
retaining nuts (Fig. 31). DO NOT remove the bar-retaining nuts.
2. Hold the guide bar tip up and use a flat-head screwdriver to turn
the chain-tensioning screw (Fig. 32).
• Turn the chain-tensioning screw clockwise to tighten the saw
chain.
• Turn the chain-tensioning screw counterclockwise to loosen
the saw chain.
The desired chain tension depends upon the temperature of the
saw chain (Fig. 33).
• Cold Chain Tensioning - The saw chain should fit snuggly
against the underside of the guide bar. There should be no sag
(Fig. 33).
• Warm Chain Tensioning - The saw chain will expand as it
heats up during operation. The drive links should hang
approximately 1/16 inch (1.3 mm) out of the guide bar groove
(Fig. 33).
3. Hold the guide bar tip up and move the saw chain back and
forth along the guide bar (Fig. 34). Make sure the saw chain
moves freely and is in proper mesh with the sprocket. If the saw
chain does not move easily, slowly turn the chain-tensioning
screw counterclockwise to loosen the saw chain.
4. Hold the guide bar tip up and securely tighten the bar-retaining nuts.
CAUTION:
If the saw chain was tensioned while warm, it
may become too tight when cooled. Loosen the chain
tension after operation and check the chain tension before
the next use.
Correct Cold Tension
24
Bar-Retaining Nuts
Guide Bar Tip
Fig. 31
Chain-Tensioning
Screw
Fig. 32
Correct Warm Tension
Fig. 33
Fig. 34
Too Loose