RIDGID R01101 Manuel De L'opérateur page 24

MAINTENANCE
NOTE: If the chain is too tight and will not rotate, loosen
the bar mounting nut slightly, then turn the chain tension-
ing screw 1/4 turn counterclockwise. Lift up the tip of the
guide bar, retighten the bar mounting nuts 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 to avoid possible injury.
CHAIN MAINTENANCE
See Figures 36 - 38.
WARNING:
Remove the battery pack and make sure 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 main-
tained.
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.
 If cutter teeth have hit hard objects such as nails and
stones, or have been abraded by mud or sand on the
wood, have service dealer sharpen chain.
NOTE: Inspect the drive sprocket for wear or damage when
replacing the chain. If signs of wear or damage are present
in the areas indicated, have the drive sprocket replaced by
a RIDGID Service dealer.
HOW TO SHARPEN THE CUTTERS
See Figures 39 - 40
Be careful to file all cutters to the specified angles and to
the same length, as fast cutting can be obtained only when
all cutters are uniform.
WARNING:
The saw chain is very sharp, always wear protec-
tive gloves when performing maintenance to the
chain to prevent serious personal injury.
 Properly tension the chain prior to sharpening. Refer
to Adjusting the Chain Tension section earlier in this
manual. Do all of your filing at the mid-point of the bar.
 Use a 5/32 in. diameter round file and holder.
 Keep the file level with the top plate of the tooth. Do not
let the file dip or rock.
 Using light but firm pressure, stroke towards the front
corner of the tooth.
 Lift file away from the steel on each return stroke.
 Put a few firm strokes on every tooth. File all left hand
cutters in one direction. Then move to the other side and
file the right hand cutters in the opposite direction. Oc-
casionally remove filings from the file with a wire brush.
WARNING:
Improper chain sharpening increases the potential
of kickback, which can result in serious personal
injury.
WARNING:
Failure to replace or repair damaged chain can
cause serious injury.
NOTICE:
A dull or improperly sharpened chain can cause
excessive motor speed during cutting which may
result in severe motor damage.
18 — English