How to Attach the Bar and Chain on a Chain Saw

A chain saw is a powerful and useful tool that can make short work of big jobs around your property. Most of the time chain saws come fully assembled and ready to use. On occasion, you may need to attach the bar and chain to the body of the chain saw. Properly installing the bar and chain will allow you to operate this high speed wood cutting tool safely as well as help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Heavy duty gloves
• Chain bar adjustment tool

1. Locate the two bar nuts on the right hand side of the body of the chain saw. Loosen the two bar nuts with the chain bar adjustment tool. Remove the two bar nuts and set them aside.

2. Locate the clutch cover on the right hand side of the body of the chain saw. The clutch cover is held in place by the two bar nuts. Once the two bar nuts have been removed, remove the clutch cover and set it aside. If a plastic shipping spacer is present behind the clutch cover, remove and discard it.

3. Grasp the bar with one hand. Insert the screwdriver end of the chain bar adjustment tool into the adjusting screw on the bar. Turn the adjusting screw counter clockwise to adjust the tensioning rack. Continue turning the adjusting screw until the tensioning rack has moved as far to the front of the bar as is possible.

4. Place the bar onto the body of the chain saw, over the bar bolts. Slide the bar back against the clutch drum sprocket.

5. Put on a pair of heavy duty gloves. Remove the chain from its packaging. Hold the chain with the cutting links, facing the direction of the chain rotation.

6. Slip the chain around the clutch drum sprocket. Slip the drive links in the chain into the groove in the bar. Settle the bottom of the drive links around the teeth, in the nose sprocket of the bar.

7. Grasp the bar. Pull the bar forward. Inspect the chain to insure all drive links are snug in the groove of the bar.

8. Replace the clutch cover over the bar bolts. Replace the bar nuts onto the bar bolts and turn them clockwise until they are finger tight. Adjust the tension on the chain. Tighten the bar nuts by turning them clockwise using the chain bar adjustment tool.

Tips & Warnings

• These instructions are specific to the Poulan Wild Thing Chain Saw. Other manufacturers and models may vary. Check your owner’s manual.
• The chain is extremely sharp and can cause serious cuts, even if when not in motion. Always wear gloves when handling the chain.