Ryobi offers tons of different tools that one can use to enjoy perfect stability and durability. In addition to that, you also get to enjoy the right edge of perfection on all these tools when it comes to utility.
So, if you’re aiming for a starter option, Ryobi should be for you.
Ryobi chainsaw is one such highly powerful tool that you will enjoy for sure, as it allows you the perfect combination of handling and power for all the different cutting needs you could have.
While it is not a premium-grade option, you will still find this option to be optimal for DIY projects.
So, if you’re a beginner or just looking for a start option to help you with the projects, then going with the Ryobi system is a great idea.
Just be sure to keep track of the basic maintenance, and you will not feel the need to rely on any other option down the road.
Although it is perfectly great for you to be having, the Ryobi chainsaw can also have certain problems at times, such as getting the chain off frequently. If the chain is getting off, you will need to tighten it up.
If you are not sure how to do it, here are a few things you must be aware of:
How To Tighten Chain On Ryobi Chainsaw?
- Remove The Power
Before anything else, you need to remove all power from the unit. It is simply too dangerous to mess about the chain tensioning when the power going into the system is optimal.
So, even if the unit is turned off, you still need to remove the batteries.
That can be done easily by pulling on the tabs and disconnecting the battery from the Ryobi chainsaw.
At this point, you will at least have peace of mind that you won’t have to lose your fingers when working with this system. So, be sure to keep this crucial step in mind.
- Figure out the Mechanism
The first thing that you should be doing is to figure out the mechanism on your Ryobi chainsaw. Ryobi chainsaw comes with two different mechanisms for tightening the chain.
To start with, one is tooled, and the other one is a tool-free tensioning system.
So, once you figure out which one of these your Ryobi chainsaw has on it, it will be a lot easier for you to sort it out, and you can easily get the chain tightened up without having to face any further problems or issues on it.
- Tooled Tensioning System
For the tooled tensioning system, as the name suggests, you have to use the right tool with your Ryobi chainsaw to get it going.
With that tool, you will need to find the tightening bolt and access it properly without damaging some other component. Once you are able to access the tightening bolt that you would be having on your Ryobi chainsaw.
You have to make sure that you are tightening the chain just right, or you will end up breaking it due to excessive tension on it.
Just as a loose chain is not right for your chainsaw, too much tension is also a problem. So, you will need to leave a bit of movement room vertically, and that should be doing the trick for you.
- Tool-free Tensioning System
The next thing you need to know about is a tool-free tensioning system that you might have on the Ryobi chainsaw.
It is also pretty easier to be operated, and you just need to ensure that you are unlocking the gear properly.
So, once you have disengaged the lock, you can move the gear to rotate the gear that controls the tension of your chain on the Ryobi chainsaw.
The tool-free tensioning system is the best for you to be enjoying, but you will have to ensure that you are taking care of engaging and disengaging the lock properly for it to not cause you any further problems.
So the chain will not come off on its own, if you have it sorted out properly.
- Rotate The Tension Screw
At this point, you just have to rotate the tensioning screw located near the base of the chain, and that will be enough to help you with the process. You can use any alternative if you don’t have the tensioning tool to help you with the adjustment.
All that you have to do is to rotate the screw clockwise, and that will have you sorted out in most situations. Hopefully, you will not have to worry about as much hassle down the road, and fixing the unit will come easily to you.
- Check The Slack
Lastly, you just have to check up on slack on the chain. Ideally, you need to make sure that the chain is completely snug with the rotating mechanism, and you can’t see any hanging blades from the system.
That will give you a pretty good idea of the ideal fit.
From there, you can go about connecting the battery one more time and engaging the chainsaw. It will be able to cut through any material that is within the operating load. You will not have to worry about the chunks flying off or the chain coming off.
However, one thing that you will have to keep in mind is that the chain should not be too tight. Having too much tension on the chain will only impact its integrity, and you will not be able to get a good response from the system.
So, be sure to check up on the unit for slack and excessive tension.
Ideally, you should be able to pull on the chain with your hands, and it should come a few centimeters off the frame. However, if that is not the case, then you will need to tighten it up further.
On the last note, some owners also point out issues with the chain making noise after they are done tightening up the system. So, you will have to be on the lookout for that problem as well.
Chain Making Noise After Tightening It Up?
One of the issues that some owners have pointed out is that the chain started making noise after the adjustment. This issue might seem small, but it presents hardware issues with the system.
So, you will have to go about figuring out the situation accordingly.
You need to make sure that the chain is in good shape and that there are no frayed sections or roughed-up pieces. If you do find there to be roughed-up pieces, then you’re out of luck. There is no point in using this chain in the system.
Your best bet here is to reach out to the local store and buy a replacement. You can ask the dealer to help you with a replacement for the Ryobi saw.
Luckily, the replacement is not that expensive. You will still be able to maintain a minimal budget to include this option.
However, if you’re in a situation where the chain was damaged out of the box, then you need to claim the warranty. There is no point in spending more cash when your system is covered by the warranty.
The Ryobi team stands fully behind all of their projects, and you don’t have to hassle with all of these issues on your own. Instead, you need to reach out to the dealer to help you out, and he will be more than willing to sort out these minor errors.
After you explain your end, you can demand a new piece and he will start the verification on his end. Most of the time, getting a new chain will not be that challenging for you. So, try to involve the official team when you can’t seem to secure a response.
Wrapping Up
Keeping the right tension on the chain is one of the more important things that you will have to keep in mind when dealing with the Ryobi chainsaw.
Without the chain adjustment, you will never be able to get a reasonable response from the unit, and it will also damage the system.
So, we have listed all the viable methods and techniques you can use to adjust the tensioning system. It will not be that much of a hassle, and you can rely on the tensioning tool to tighten up the bolt.
Just make sure that the saw is not engaged when you’re messing about the mechanism.
One more thing to keep in mind here is that you should never over-tighten the system.
Putting up too much pressure on the unit will only hold you back, and you will not be able to get a robust enough response from the unit. So, be sure to keep track of all of these pointers.
Once you’re sure that the tension is managed properly, you can further engage the chainsaw and check up on the cutting performance.
Ideally, you will get through the material with incredible efficiency and won’t have to adjust the tension on the unit for a while.