Chain Maintenance - Ryobi RY40503 Operator's Manual

Proper chain tension is critical to the performance
of your chain saw. Always check chain tension
before using the saw and periodically until the
work is complete.
A cold chain is correctly tensioned when there is
no slack on the underside of the guide bar. The
chain should be snug, but still able to be turned
by hand without binding.
A warm chain is correctly tensioned when the flats
on the tie straps hang approximately .050 inches
out of the bar groove. The tip of the combination
wrench provided is approximately this size and
can be used to help determine if a warm chain is
correctly tensioned.
If adjustment is needed:
 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 mounting nuts slightly,
then turn the chain tensioning screw 1/4 turn
counterclockwise. Lift up the tip of the guide bar,
retighten the bar mounting 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 to avoid possible injury.
MAINTENANCE
CHECK FOR WEAR
TOP PLATE
RIVET HOLE

CHAIN MAINTENANCE

See Figures 33 - 35.
Remove the battery pack and make sure the
chain has stopped before you do any work on
the saw to avoid accidental starting and pos-
sible serious personal injury.
Use only low-kickback chain on this saw. This
fast-cutting chain will provide kickback reduction
when properly maintained.
For smooth and fast cutting, chain needs to be
maintained properly. The chain requires sharpen-
ing when the wood chips are small and powdery,
25 - English
RAKER CLEARANCE
.025 in.
OR DAMAGE
DRIVE SPROCKET
CUTTING
CORNER
HEEL
GULLET
WARNING:
Fig. 33
Fig. 34
SIDE PLATE
DEPTH GAUGE
TOE
Fig. 35