Homelite HOMCS10VNM User Manual - Page 18

MAINTENANCE n Lay out the new saw chain in a loop and straighten any kinks. The cutters should face in the direction of chain rotation. If they face the opposite direction, turn the loop over. n Place the chain drive links into the bar groove as shown. NOTE: Make certain of direction of chain. n Position the chain so there is a loop at the back of the bar. n Hold the chain in position on the bar and place the loop around the sprocket. n Fit the bar flush against the mounting surface so that the bar mounts are in the long slot of the bar. n Rotate the chain tension cam clockwise a few turns to take up enough slack in the chain so it stays in position. n Replace the chain cover. n Rotate chain cover lock knob clockwise to tighten. The bar should still be free to move for tension adjustment. n Remove all slack from the chain by turning the chain ten- sion adjustment ring clockwise until the chain seats snugly against the bar with the drive links in the bar groove. n Lift the tip of the guide bar up to check for sag. n Release the tip of the guide bar and turn the chain tensioning knob 1 click clockwise. Repeat this process until sag does not exist. n Hold the tip of the guide bar up and tighten the chain cover lock knob. 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. NOTE: If chain is too tight, it will not rotate. Loosen the chain cover lock knob slightly and turn the chain tension adjustment ring 1 click counterclockwise. Lift the tip of the guide bar up and retighten the chain cover lock knob. Ensure that the chain will rotate without binding. ADJUSTING CHAIN TENSION See Figures 19 - 20. WARNING: Shut off the motor, wait for all moving parts to stop, and make sure the switch trigger is locked out in the off position. 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 pruning 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. A warm chain is correctly tensioned when the flats on the tie straps hang approximately .050 inches out of the bar groove. If adjustment is needed: n Loosen the chain cover screw to finger tight. n Raise the tip of the guide bar and continue to hold up until the end of this procedure. n Turn the chain tensioning knob 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. n Retighten the chain cover screw securely. n Release the tip of the guide bar and verify the chain is now correctly tensioned using the guidelines above. NOTE: If the chain is too tight and will not rotate, loosen the chain cover screw slightly, then turn the chain tensioning knob 1 click counterclockwise. Lift up the tip of the guide bar, retighten the chain cover screw securely, then verify the chain will now rotate without binding. NOTE: New chains tend to stretch; check the chain tension frequently and adjust as needed. NOTICE: A chain tensioned while warm may be too tight upon cooling. Check the "cold tension" before next use. CHAIN MAINTENANCE See Figures 21 - 22. WARNING: Make sure the switch trigger is locked out in the off position and 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 maintained. 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. Page 14 - English