Ryobi RY5018 Operator's Manual page 27

NOTE: The adjusting pin may need to be slightly
repositioned with the chain tensioning screw so
that it is aligned with the position of the bar chain
tensioning pin hole.
 Replace and fingertighten the bar mounting nuts.
The bar must be free to move for tension adjust-
ment.
 Remove all 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 nuts securely.
The 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.
Ensure that the chain brake is not set.
NOTE: If chain is too tight, it will not rotate. Loosen
the bar nuts slightly and turn the tension adjuster 1/4
turn counterclockwise. Lift the tip of the guide bar
up and retighten the bar nuts securely. Ensure that
the chain will rotate without binding.
ADJUSTING THE CHAIN TENSION
See Figures 42 - 44.
WARNING:
Shut off engine, wait for all moving parts to stop,
and disconnect spark plug wire and move it away
from spark plug. Never touch or adjust the chain
while the engine is running. The saw chain is
very sharp. Always wear protective 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.
MAINTENANCE
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:
 Stop the engine and make sure the chain brake
is not set by pulling the chain brake lever/hand
guard toward the front handle to the run position.
 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.
Page 27 — English
Fig. 39
Fig. 40
Fig. 41