Makita EA3700T Original Instruction Manual page 12

Adjusting saw chain tension
CAUTION:
• Excessively loose saw chain may jump off the bar, and therefore presents an accident
risk. If the saw chain is too loose, adjust it.
• Excessively high tension of saw chain may cause breakage of saw chain, wear of
the guide bar and breakage of the adjusting screw/dial.
The saw chain may become loose after many hours of use. When you change the
saw chain or after some hours of operation, check the saw chain tension before use.
Properly adjusted saw chain contributes good performance and tool's long life.
The tension of the chain is correct if the chain rests against the bottom side of the
guide bar and can still be easily turned by hand.
Check the chain tension frequently, new chain tends to become longer during use.
To adjust tension of the saw chain, perform the following procedure:
1. Release the chain brake by pulling the front hand guard.
2. Unscrew the retaining nut a bit to loosen the sprocket cover.
3. Slightly lift and hold the tip of the guide bar.
4. Turn the chain adjusting screw to adjust the saw chain tension.
5. Adjust the chain tension until the lower side of the saw chain fits in the guide bar
rail (see circle in the figure).
During adjusting the chain tension, keep lifting up the tip of the guide bar.
6. Keep holding the guide bar lightly, and tighten the sprocket cover after adjusting
the chain tension.
Tighten the retaining nut to secure the sprocket cover.
7. Make sure that the saw chain does not loose at lower side but it fits snugly against
the lower side of the bar, and can still be easily turned by hand.
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