Adjusting Saw Chain Tension - Makita 5014B Instruction Manual

11. Maintain Chain Saw With Care
Inspect chain saw cords periodically and if damaged,
have repaired by authorized service facility. Keep cord
clear of the chain and operator at all times. Never
carry saw by the cord or pull it to disconnect from
receptacle. Keep cord from oil and sharp edges.
Inspect extension cords periodically and replace if
damaged. Keep tools sharp and clean for better and
safer performance. Follow instructions for lubricating
and changing accessories. Keep handles dry, clean,
and free from oil and grease.
12. Disconnect Chain Saw
Disconnect chain saw when not in use, before
servicing, and when changing accessories and
attachments, such as saw chain and guard.
13. Outdoor Use Extension Cords
Use only extension cords intended for use outdoors
and so marked.
14. Stay Alert
Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do
not operate chain saw when you are tired. Keep all
parts of the body away from the saw chain when the
motor is operating. Before you start the saw, make
sure the saw chain is not contacting anything.
15. Check Damaged Parts
Before further use of the chain saw, a guard or other
part that is damaged should be carefully checked to
determine that it will operate properly and perform its
intended function. Check for alignment of moving
parts, binding of moving parts, breakage of parts,
mounting, and any other conditions that may affect its
operation. A guard or other part that is damaged
should be properly repaired or replaced by an
authorized service center unless otherwise indicated
elsewhere in this instruction manual. Have defective
switches replaced by authorized service center. Do
not use chain saw if switch does not turn it on and off.
Do not operate a chain saw that is damaged,
improperly adjusted, or is not completely and securely
assembled. Be sure that the saw chain stops moving
when the trigger is released.
16. Guard Against Kickback
WARNING: KICKBACK may occur when the nose
or tip of the guide bar touches an object, or when the
wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut.
Tip contact in some cases may cause a lightning fast
reverse reaction, kicking the guide bar up and back
towards the operator. Pinching the saw chain along
the top of the guide bar may push the guide bar rapidly
back towards the operator. Either of these reactions
may cause you to lose control of the saw which could
result in serious injury to user. The following
precautions should be followed to minimize kickback.
(1) Grip saw firmly. Hold the chain saw firmly with
both hands when the motor is running. Use a firm
grip with thumbs and fingers encircling the chain
saw handles.
(2) Do not over reach.
(3) Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
(4) Don't let the nose of the guide bar contact a log,
branch, ground, or other obstruction.
(5) Don't cut above shoulder height.
8
(6) Use devices such as low kickback chain and
special guide bars that reduce the risks associated
with kickback.
(7) Only use replacement bars and chains specified
by the manufacturer.
17. Power Supply
Connect chain saw to correct voltage, that is, be sure
that the voltage supplied is the same as that specified
on the nameplate of the tool.
18. Replacement Parts
When servicing use only identical replacement parts.
19. Wear ear protectors during operation.
20. Before making a felling cut, remove dirt, stones, loose
bark, nails, staples and wire from the tree.
21. Secure the log so that it will not roll or move suddenly
during operation.
22. AVOID UNINTENTIONAL STARTING. Don't carry
plugged-in tool with finger on switch. Be sure switch is
OFF when plugging in.
23. Attention! Do not expose this tool to rain and pull plug
immediately if the supply cable be damaged or cut.
24. The chain saw must not be left outdoors during rain
and it must not be used when wet.
VOLTAGE WARNING: Before connecting the tool to a
power source (receptacle, outlet, etc.) be sure the voltage
supplied is the same as that specified on the nameplate of
the tool. A power source with voltage greater than that
specified for the tool can result in SERIOUS INJURY to
the user - as well as damage to the tool. If in doubt, DO
NOT PLUG IN THE TOOL. Using a power source with
voltage less than the nameplate rating is harmful to the
motor.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Installing saw chain and guide bar
CAUTION:
Always be sure that the tool is switched off and unplugged
before installing saw chain and guide bar.
Use the socket wrench to loosen the hex bolt holding the
chain cover. Remove the chain cover. (Fig. 1)
Fit one end of the chain over the sprocket and the other
over the end of the guide bar. Notice that the cutters must
be in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 2 and 3. Keep the
chain in the guide bar grooves.
Install the guide bar so that the lower hole in the guide bar
is just over the adjusting pin. Install the chain cover and
tighten the hex bolt only tight enough to hold the guide bar
temporarily.

Adjusting saw chain tension

CAUTION:
Always be sure that the tool is switched off and unplugged
before adjusting chain tension.
Use the slot-head screwdriver provided to turn the chain
tension adjusting screw to the right for more tension, or to
the left for less tension. (Fig. 4)
After adjusting the tension, grasp the chain in the middle
of the chain bar, and lift up. The gap between the chain
and bar should be about 0.5 mm to 1 mm. (Fig. 5)
After adjusting the tension, replace the chain cover. Use
the socket wrench and tighten securely the hex bolt so