1 Answer

Unless this saw is different than all others, the procedure is quite simple.  First take the hex bolts which hold the plate over the saw, and remove them.  On some these are the only two mounts for the saw blade.  In fact, you only have to loosen these, and you will see that they are on a slotted cut in the bar.  This allows the bar to move, permitting the slack needed to remove the chain from the bar.  Sometimes, you may want to flip the bar over, by fully removing the bolts.  This allows bar to wear evenly, and is called for if you notice cuts being not square, usually making all on a slant, even if you try a straight, and square cut.  Make sure that you do not put the chain on backwards, or it will not cut and will be dangerous.  So to be sure, pay attention to direction of the teeth before removal.  Even better take a photo, so you can refer back to it, just in case.  Now, put the chain on the bar, and make sure it is in the groove of the bar.  Put the bolts back in, or tighten slightly if you didn't remove entire bar.  To get the proper adjustment of the chain, there is a screw around the side of the bar, tighten it and you will see chain tighten on bar.  Only tighten it until you can lift the chain from the bar so the teeth bottoms just can be off the groove in the bar.  This will be about 1/2 in. of lift.  If too loose, the chain could come off the bar, if too tight, the bar wears and saw works too hard.  When adjusted correctly, tighten the two bolts on the bar tightly.  Double check to insure the chain is not on backwards!  Start saw, and try it out on a small log.  If needed, loosen and make additional adjustments.  The chain will stretch after a bit of cutting, so always check chain prior to operation, now, and always!  Adjust loose chain with the process discussed here, even if you are not changing chain.  If old chain can be sharpened, I suggest getting it done professionally, and hang on a hook in shed, you will notice a dull chain by size of chips being thrown from it.  Big chips are from a sharp saw, and it will cut even hard dry wood.  A dull saw throws chips like sand sized, and the saw works harder, and it is not as safe to cut with as a dull chain.  I keep about 4 to 5 chains sharpened all the time, and it is good to have at least 3.  Always work safely, and watch for others coming into your work area, Safe Cutting!