Ryobi P2502 Operator's Manual page 25

 Remove all the slack from the chain by turning
the chain tensioning screw clockwise until the
chain seats snugly against the bar with the drive
links in the bar groove.
 Lift the tip of the guide bar up to check for
sag. Release the tip of the guide bar and turn
the chain tensioning screw 1/2 turn clockwise.
Repeat this process until sag does not exist.
 Hold the tip of the guide bar up and tighten the
bar mounting screw securely.
 Chain is correctly tensioned when there is no
sag on the underside of the guide bar, the chain
is snug, but it can be turned by hand without
binding.
NOTE: If chain is too tight, it will not rotate.
Loosen the chain cover screw slightly and turn
tension adjuster 1/4 turn counterclockwise. Lift
the tip of the guide bar up and retighten chain
cover screw securely. Assure that the chain will
rotate without binding.
 Place the hex key back into the storage area.
ADJUSTING CHAIN TENSION
See Figures 29 - 30.
WARNING:
Shut off the motor, wait for all moving parts to
stop, and remove the battery pack. Never touch
or adjust the chain while the engine is running.
The saw chain is very sharp. Always wear pro-
tective gloves when performing maintenance
on the chain. Failure to follow these instructions
can result in serious personal injury.
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.
MAINTENANCE
FLATS ON TIE STRAPS
If adjustment is needed:
 Loosen the chain cover screw 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 chain cover screw 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 chain cover screw slightly,
then turn the chain tensioning screw 1/4 turn
counterclockwise. Lift up the tip of the guide bar,
retighten the chain cover screw securely, then
verify the chain will now rotate without binding.
25 - English
CHAIN COVER
NUT
WRENCH
APROX. 0.050 in.
Fig. 28
Fig. 29
Fig. 30