Petrol Chainsaw support

⚠️WARNING: A saw chain with incorrect tension can come loose from the guide bar and cause serious injury or death.
⚠️WARNING: Turn the saw off.
⚠️WARNING: Wear gloves to protect your hands from the sharp chain.

Allow the chain to cool before adjusting. A hot chain expands and will tighten as it cools.

1. Loosen the Chain Brake

• Make sure the chain brake is not activated.

2. Loosen the Bar Nuts

• Use a combination wrench (scrench) to loosen the two bar nuts on the side cover.

• Do not remove them—loosen just enough so the guide bar can move slightly.

3. Locate the Chain Tensioner

The position varies by model:

Front tensioner – located at the front of the saw

Side tensioner– located beside the bar nuts

Tool-less tensioner – a large dial adjusted by hand.

All types perform the same function.

4. Adjust the chain tension
Turn the tensioning screw:

• Clockwise to tighten

• Counter-clockwise to loosen

Adjust until the chain:

• Sits snugly against the underside of the bar

• Moves freely by hand (wear gloves)

• Has no visible slack

• Snaps back into place when lifted and released

As a guide, you should be able to lift the chain slightly at the centre of the bar and see only a small portion of the drive links without pulling them fully out of the groove.

5. Lift the Bar Nose and Tighten

• While tightening the bar nuts, lift the tip of the guide bar upward.
  This helps maintain correct tension during operation.

• Tighten both nuts firmly using normal wrench pressure.

6. Recheck the Tension

After tightening:

• Pull the chain by hand to ensure smooth movement

• If too tight, loosen slightly and readjust

• If too loose, tighten again

7. After Initial Use

• New or recently adjusted chains can stretch quickly.

• Check and adjust tension again after 1–2 minutes of cutting.

A properly tensioned chain improves safety and performance as well as wear on the cutting equipment and the chainsaw itself.

⚠️NOTE: Some Husqvarna chainsaws have a non- adjustable oiler.