7
Tensioning Saw Chain
Never attempt to adjust the tension while the engine
is running.
The chain on sprocket nose bars can be tensioned
slightly tighter than chains on solid nose bars.
Chain should not be tight when you’re done cutting,
since the chain will “shrink” as it cools off. Loosen it
slightly, so it doesn’t tighten on the bar.
Wearing work gloves, loosen bar mounting nuts
enough for the nose of the bar to slightly move up and
down.
Hold up the nose of the bar. Tighten the chain
adjusting screw until the chain will move freely without
binding when pulled by hand.
To make sure no kinks are in the chain, snap it by
pulling it out from the bar and letting go. Then check the
tension again. Lift the chain from the top middle of the
bar. The drive links should remain in the bar groove.
Retighten bar mounting nuts while still holding up the
bar nose, and then make a final tension check.
6
Perform a lubrication checkup:
Check the oil level every time you refuel
the engine.
To check chain lubrication before
and during cutting, position the bar
nose over a light background (tree
stump, sawdust, etc.), and run the
engine at half throttle, making sure it
throws out an increasing trace of oil.
Be careful not to allow the tip of the
bar to contact any surface. If you
do, kickback may result.
Keep the oil inlet
holes and bar groove
open and free
from dirt.
Use STIHL Bar & Chain Oil:
Some people try to get away with using old engine oil or
other oil not designed for bar and chain lubrication.
STIHL bar and chain oil has special additives that help it
adhere to the bar and chain, as well as keep tree pitch
from gumming up moving parts. There are also
formulations for working in cold conditions.
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