Chain Maintenance - Ryobi RY3818 Operator's Manual

guard toward the front handle to the run posi-
tion.
 Loosen the bar mounting nuts to finger tight.
 Raise the tip of the guide bar and continue to
hold up until the end of this procedure.
 Turn the chain tensioning screw clockwise until
the flats on the tie straps of the chain contact
the bar, making sure the drive links are seated
inside the bar groove.
 Retighten the bar mounting nuts securely.
 Release the tip of the guide bar and verify the
chain is now correctly tensioned using the
guidelines above.
NOTE: If the chain is too tight and will not rotate,
loosen the bar nuts slightly, then turn the chain
tensioning screw 1/4 turn counterclockwise. Lift
up the tip of the guide bar, retighten the bar nuts
securely, then verify the chain will now rotate
without binding.
NOTE: New chains tend to stretch; check the chain
tension frequently and adjust as needed.
NOTICE:
A chain tensioned while warm may be too tight
upon cooling. Check the "cold tension" before
next use.

CHAIN MAINTENANCE

See Figures 44 - 45.
CAUTION:
Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug
wire before you work on the saw to avoid acci-
dental starting and possible serious personal
injury.
Use only a low-kickback chain on this saw. This
chain provides kickback reduction when properly
maintained.
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
MAINTENANCE
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.
 Depth gauge clearance.
• Too low increases the potential for kickback.
• Not low enough decreases cutting ability.
 If the cutter teeth hit hard objects such as nails
and stones, or are abraded by mud or sand
on the wood, have a qualified service center
sharpen the chain.
NOTE: Inspect the drive sprocket for wear
or damage when replacing the chain. If signs
of wear or damage are present in the areas
indicated, have the drive sprocket replaced by
a qualified service center.
NOTE: If you do not fully understand the correct
procedure for sharpening the chain after reading
the instructions that follow, have the saw chain
sharpened by a qualified service center or replace
with a recommended low-kickback chain.
Page 28 — English
DEPTH GAUGE CLEARANCE
.025 IN.
(0.6 MM)
Fig. 44
INSPECT DRIVE
SPROCKET
Fig. 45