Tensioning The Chain - Husqvarna 345 (EPA II) Operator's Manual

• Check that the chain is correctly tensioned. A slack chain
will move sideways, making it more difficult to sharpen
correctly.
• Always file cutting teeth from the inside face. Reduce the
pressure on the return stroke. File all the teeth on one side
first, then turn the chain saw over and file the teeth on the
other side.
• File all the teeth to the same length. When the length of
the cutting teeth is reduced to 4 mm (0.16") the chain is
worn out and should be replaced.
General advice on setting raker clearance
• When you sharpen the cutting teeth you reduce the raker
clearance (=cutting depth). To maintain optimal cutting
performance you must file back the raker lip to the
recommended height.
See the Technical data section to find the raker clearance
for your particular chain.
• On a low-kickback cutting link the front edge of the raker
lip is rounded. It is very important that you maintain this
radius or bevel when you adjust the raker clearance.
• We recommend that you use our raker gauge to achieve
the correct clearance and bevel on the raker lip.
WARNING! The risk of kickback is increased
!
if the raker clearance is too large!
12 –
English
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Setting the raker clearance
• Before setting the raker clearance the cutting teeth should
be newly sharpened. We recommend that you adjust the
raker clearance every third time you sharpen the chain.
NOTE! This recommendation assumes that the length of
the cutting teeth is not reduced excessively.
• To adjust the raker clearance you will need a flat file and a
raker gauge.
• Place the gauge over the raker lip.
• Place the file over the part of the lip that protrudes through
the gauge and file off the excess. The clearance is correct
when you no longer feel any resistance as you draw the
file over the gauge.

Tensioning the chain

WARNING! A slack chain may jump off and
!
cause serious or even fatal injury.
The more you use a chain the longer it becomes. It is
therefore important to adjust the chain regularly to take up the
slack.
Check the chain tension every time you refuel. NOTE! A new
chain has a running-in period during which you should check
the tension more frequently.
The position of the chain tensioning screw on our chain saws
varies from model to model. See the What is what? section to
find out where it is on your model.
Tension the chain as tightly as possible, but not so tight that
you cannot pull it round freely by hand.