Craftsman 316.350220 Operator's Manual page 17

SAW CHAIN TENSION ADJUSTMENT
Always use protective
WARNING:
gloves when handling
the saw chain.
Proper tension of saw chain is extremely important and
must be checked before starting, as well as during any
cutting operation.
Taking the time to make needed adjustments to the saw
chain will result in improved cutting performance and pro-
longed chain life.
NOTE: Saw chain stretches during use, particularly when
it is new, and it will occasionally be necessary to adjust
and tighten it. A new chain and bar will need chain read-
justment after as few as 5 cuts. This is normal with a new
chain, and the interval between future adjustments will
lengthen quickly.
To adjust the saw chain:
1. Loosen the bar retaining nut(s) (B, Fig. 27). Hold nose
of guide bar up and turn adjustment screw (D)
CLOCKWISE to increase chain tension. Turning screw
COUNTERCLOCKWISE will decrease amount of ten-
sion on chain. Ensure the chain fits snugly all the way
around the guide bar (Fig. 28).
..................................... Fig. 28 .......................................................................................
2. After making adjustment, and while still holding nose
of bar in the uppermost position, tighten the bar
retaining nuts securely. Chain has proper tension
when it has a snug fit all around and can be pulled
around by gloved hand.
NOTE: If chain is difficult to rotate on guide bar or if it
binds, too much tension has been applied. This requires
minor adjustment as follows:
A. Loosen the bar retaining nuts so they are hand tight.
Decrease tension by turning the bar adjustment screw
COUNTERCLOCKWISE slowly. Move chain back and
forth on bar. Continue to adjust until chain rotates
freely, but fits snugly. Increase tension by turning bar
adjustment screw CLOCKWISE.
B. When saw chain has proper tension, hold nose of bar
in uppermost position and tighten the bar retaining
nuts securely.
17
CAUTaON: ifsaw chain isTOO
LOOSE or TOO
TIGHT, the sprocket, bar, chain, and crank-
shaft bearings will wear more rapidly. Study
29 for information concerning correct
tension(A), correct warm tension (B),
and as a guide for when saw chain needs
adjustment (C).
Fig, 29 ............
CHAIN BRAKE MECHANICAL TEST
WARNING:
The purpose of the
Chain Brake ® is to
reduce the possibility of injury due to kick-
back however it cannot provide the intend-
ed measure of protection if the saw s oper-
ated carelessly.
Always test the Chain Brake <_ before using
your saw and periodically while on the job.
Your chain saw is equipped with a Chain Brake ®that
reduces possibility of injury due to kickback. The brake is
activated if pressure is applied against brake lever when,
as in the event of kickback, operator's hand strikes the
lever. When the brake is activated, chain movement stops
abruptly.
To Test the Chain Brake®:
1. The Chain Brake ® is DISENGAGED (chain can move)
when BRAKE LEVER tS PULLED BACK AND
LOCKED (A, Fig. 30).
2. The Chain Brakd _ is ENGAGED (chain is stopped)
when brake lever is in forward position. You should
not be abte to move chain with gloved hand. (B, Fig.
30).
................... Fig. 30