Ryobi RY405011 Operator's Manual page 23

NOTE: New chains tend to stretch; check the chain tension
frequently and tension as required.
NOTICE:
A chain tensioned while warm may be too tight upon
cooling. Check the "cold tension" before next use to
avoid possible injury.
CHAIN MAINTENANCE
See Figures 36 - 38.
WARNING:
Remove the battery pack and make sure the chain has
stopped before you do any work on the saw to avoid
accidental starting and possible serious personal injury.
Use only low-kickback chain on this saw. This fast-cutting
chain will provide kickback reduction when properly main-
tained.
For smooth and fast cutting, chain needs to be maintained
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 chain cuts to one side. During
maintenance of your chain, consider the following:
 Improper filing angle of the side plate can increase the
risk of a severe kickback.
 Raker (depth gauge) clearance.
• Too low increases the potential for kickback.
• Not low enough decreases cutting ability.
 If cutter teeth have hit hard objects such as nails and
stones, or have been abraded by mud or sand on the
wood, have service dealer sharpen 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 RYOBI Service dealer.
HOW TO SHARPEN THE CUTTERS
See Figures 39 - 40.
Be careful to file all cutters to the specified angles and to
the same length, as fast cutting can be obtained only when
all cutters are uniform.
WARNING:
The saw chain is very sharp, always wear protective
gloves when performing maintenance to the chain to
prevent serious personal injury.
 Properly tension the chain prior to sharpening. Refer to
Chain Tension section earlier in this manual. Do all of
your filing at the mid-point of the bar.
MAINTENANCE
 Use a 5/32 in. diameter round file and holder.
 Keep the file level with the top plate of the tooth. Do not
let the file dip or rock.
 Using light but firm pressure, stroke towards the front
corner of the tooth.
 Lift file away from the steel on each return stroke.
 Put a few firm strokes on every tooth. File all left hand
cutters in one direction. Then move to the other side and
file the right hand cutters in the opposite direction. Oc-
casionally remove filings from the file with a wire brush.
WARNING:
Improper chain sharpening increases the potential of
kickback, which can result in serious personal injury.
WARNING:
Failure to replace or repair damaged chain can cause
serious injury.
NOTICE:
A dull or improperly sharpened chain can cause excessive
motor speed during cutting which may result in severe
motor damage.
TOP PLATE FILING ANGLE
See Figure 41.
 CORRECT 30° – File holders are marked with guide marks
to align file properly to produce correct top plate angle.
 LESS THAN 30° – For Cross Cutting.
 M O R E T H A N 3 0 ° – F e a t h e re d E d g e D u l l s
Quickly.
SIDE PLATE ANGLE
See Figure 42.
 CORRECT – 80° Produced automatically if correct diameter
file is used in file holder.
 HOOK – "Grabs" and dulls quickly. Increases potential
of KICKBACK.
Results from using a file with diameter too small, or file
held too low.
 BACKWARD SLOPE – Needs too much feed pressure,
causes excessive wear to bar and chain.
Results from using a file with diameter too large, or file
held too high.
17 - English