Kobalt KPS 1040B-03 User manual

AS21138
Questions, problems, missing parts? Before returning to your retailer, call our customer
service department at 1-888-3KOBALT (1-888-356-2258), 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., EST,
Monday - Sunday. You could also contact us at [email protected] or visit
www.lowespartsplus.com.
ATTACH YOUR RECEIPT HERE
Serial Number Purchase Date
Español p. 23
ITEM #3809900/4132855
BRUSHLESS
POLE SAW
MODEL #KPS 1040B-03
ON
ON
KOBALT and logo design are trademarks or
registered trademarks of LF, LLC. All rights reserved.

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Product Specications...................................................................................... 2
Packaging Contents.........................................................................................3
Safety Information............................................................................................ 4
Preparation....................................................................................................... 7
Operating Instructions...................................................................................... 8
Care and Maintenance...................................................................................14
Troubleshooting..............................................................................................22
Warranty.........................................................................................................22
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
COMPONENT SPECIFICATION
Rated voltage 40V d.c.
Cut length 10” (254mm)
Chain pitch 3/8" (9.5mm)
Chain gauge 0.043” (1.1mm)
Chain type CL14340XPB (TriLink)
Guide bar type M1431040-1041 (TriLink)
Operating temperature 14°F (-10°C) - 113°F (45°C)
Storage temperature 32°F (0°C) - 104°F (40°C)
Recommended bar and chain for this pole saw
PART NAME TYPE MODEL NUMBER
Guide Bar M1431040-1041 KPSGA 1040-03
Saw Chain CL14340XPB KPSCA 1040-03

3
PACKAGE CONTENTS
P
H
L
M
O
J
Q
A
B
K
D
PART DESCRIPTION PART DESCRIPTION
A Side-cover knob J Extension segment
B Side cover K Front handle
C Guide bar L Lock-off button
D Saw chain M Trigger switch
E Oil-tank cap N Rear handle
F Oil tank O Chain-tensioning knob
G Chain sheath P Power-head segment
H Threaded sleeve Q Rear segment
I Threaded connection
WARNING
• Remove the tool from the package and examine it carefully. Do not discard the carton or any
packaging material until all parts have been examined.
• If any part of the tool is missing or damaged, do not attach the battery to use the tool until
the part has been repaired or replaced. Failure to heed this warning could result in serious
injury.
C
G
I
I
N
H
E
F

4
SAFETY INFORMATION
Please read and understand this entire manual before attempting to assemble or operate
this product. If you have any questions regarding the product, please call customer service
at 1-888-3KOBALT, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., EST, Monday - Sunday. You could also contact us at
[email protected] or visit www.lowespartsplus.com.
WARNING
• The operation of any power tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes,
which can result in severe eye damage. Before beginning power-tool operation, always wear
safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields and a full-face shield, when needed. We
recommend using a wide vision safety mask over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses
with shields. Always use eye protection marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.
• Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction
activities contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects,
or other reproductive harm. Some examples of these chemicals are:
– Lead from lead-based paints
– Crystalline silica from bricks, cement, and other masonry products
– Arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber
• Your risk from these exposures varies, depending upon how often you do this type of work.
To reduce your exposure to these chemicals:
– Work in a well-ventilated area.
– Work with approved safety equipment, such as dust masks that are specially designed to
lter out microscopic particles.
– Avoid prolonged contact with dust from power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and
other construction activities. Wear protective clothing and wash exposed areas with soap
and water. Allowing dust to get into your mouth or eyes or to lie on the skin may promote
absorption of harmful chemicals.
Know the Tool
To operate this tool, carefully read this manual and all labels afxed to the tool before using it.
Keep this manual available for future reference.
Important
This tool should be serviced only by a qualied service technician.

5
SAFETY INFORMATION
Read All Instructions Thoroughly
Some of the following symbols may be used on this tool. Please study them and their meaning.
Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and more safely.
SYMBOL DEFINITION SYMBOL DEFINITION
V Volts n0No-load speed
Direct current /min Revolutions or Strokes per Minute
A danger, warning,
or caution. It means
‘Attention! Your safety
is involved.’
To reduce the risk of injury, user
must read instruction manual.
Wear eye protection. Wear ear protection.
Wear protective
gloves. Wear head protection.
Wear safety footwear. Keep sufcient distance away from
electrical power lines
General Safety Warnings
INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO A RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO
PERSONS
WARNING
• When using electric gardening appliances, basic safety precautions should always be
followed to reduce the risk of re, electric shock, and personal injury, including the following:
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
• Do not operate near electrical power lines. The unit has not been designed to provide
protection from electric shock in the event of contact with overhead electric lines. Consult
local regulations for safe distances from overhead electric power lines and ensure that the
operating position is safe and secure before operating the saw chain pole saw.
CAUTION
• Wear appropriate personal hearing protection during use. Under some conditions and
durations of use, noise from this product may contribute to hearing loss.
• Avoid Dangerous Environment – Don’t use appliances in damp or wet locations.
• Don't use in rain.
• Keep Children Away - All visitors should be kept at a distance away from work area.
• Dress Properly - Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. They can be caught in moving
parts. Use of rubber gloves and substantial footwear is recommended when working
outdoors. Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.
• Use Safety Glasses. Always use face or dust mask if operation is dusty.

6
SAFETY INFORMATION
• Use Right Appliance - Do not use appliance for any job except that for which it is intended.
• Don’t grasp the exposed cutting blades or cutting edges when picking up or holding
the appliance.
• Don’t Force Appliance - It will do the job better and with less likelihood of a risk of injury at
the rate for which it was designed.
• Don’t Overreach - Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
• Stay Alert - Watch what you are doing. Use common sense. Do not operate appliance when
you are tired.
• Keep all parts of the body away from the saw chain. Do not remove cut material or
hold material to be cut when blades are moving. Make sure the switch is off when clearing
jammed material. Saw chain continues to move after the switch is turned off. A moment of
inattention while operating the pole saw may result in serious personal injury.
• Carry the pole saw by the handle with the saw chain stopped. When transporting or
storing the pole saw, always t the saw chain device cover. Proper handling of the pole saw
will reduce possible personal injury from the saw chain.
• Hold the pole saw by insulated gripping surfaces only, because the saw chain may
contact hidden wiring. A saw chain contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts
of the pole saw “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.
• Do not use the pole saw in bad weather conditions, especially when there is a risk of
lightning. This decreases the risk of being struck by lightning.
• To reduce the risk of electrocution, never use near any electrical power lines. Contact
with or use near power lines may cause serious injury or electric shock resulting in death.
• Always use two hands when operating the pole saw. Hold the pole saw with both
hands to avoid loss of control.
• Always use head protection when operating the pole saw overhead. Falling debris can
result in serious personal injury.
• Store Idle Appliances Indoors - When not in use, appliances should be stored indoors in a
dry and high or locked-up place out of reach of children with the battery pack removed.
• Maintain Appliance with Care - Keep cutting edge sharp and clean for best performance
and to reduce the risk of injury. Follow instructions for lubricating and changing accessories.
Keep handles dry, clean, and free from oil and grease.
• Check Damaged Parts - Before further use of the product, a guard or other part that
is damaged should be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and
perform its intended function. Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts, mounting, and any other condition that may affect its operation. A guard
or other part that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by an authorized
service center unless indicated elsewhere in this manual.
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to
battery pack, picking up or carrying the appliance. Carrying the appliance with your nger on
the switch or energizing appliances that have the switch on invites accidents.
• Disconnect the battery pack from the appliance before making any adjustments,
changing accessories, or storing appliance. Such preventive safety measures reduce
the risk of starting the appliance accidentally.
• Use only with the battery packs and chargers listed below:
BATTERY PACK CHARGER
KB 240-03; KB 440-03; KB 640-03; KRC 840-03

7
SAFETY INFORMATION
• Recharge only with the charger specied by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable
for one type of battery pack may create a risk of re when used with another battery pack.
• Use appliances only with specically designated battery packs. Use of any other
battery packs may create a risk of injury and re.
• When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper
clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects that can make a
connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may
cause burns or a re.
• Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact.
If contact accidentally occurs, ush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek
medical help.
• Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.
• Do not use a battery pack or appliance that is damaged or modied. Damaged or
modied batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior resulting in re, explosion or risk of
injury.
• Do not expose a battery pack or appliance to re or excessive temperature. Exposure
to re or temperature above 265°F (130°C) may cause explosion.
• Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or appliance
outside of the temperature range specied in the instructions. Charging improperly or
at temperatures outside of the specied range may damage the battery and increase the
risk of re.
• Have servicing performed by a qualied repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the product is maintained.
• Do not modify or attempt to repair the appliance or the battery pack (as applicable)
except as indicated in the instructions for use and care.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION
Know Your Pole Saw
Before attempting to use the pole saw, familiarize yourself with all of its operating features and
safety requirements.
WARNING
• Do not allow familiarity with the saw to cause carelessness. Remember that one careless
moment is enough to cause severe injury. Before attempting to use any tool, be sure to
become familiar with all of the operating features and safety instructions.
• Do not attempt to modify this tool or create accessories not recommended for use with this
tool. Any such alteration or modication is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition
leading to possible serious personal injury.

8
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
• Always wear eye protection with side shields marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1, along with
hearing protection. Failure to do so could result in objects being thrown into your eyes and
other possible serious injuries.
• Do not use any attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this
product. The use of attachments or accessories not recommended can result in serious
personal injury.
1. Assembling the Pole Segments
WARNING
• Never assemble or adjust any parts of the saw
while the power head is running or while the
battery is installed. Failure to stop the motor and
remove the battery may cause serious personal
injury.
Assembly without the extension segment
a. Remove the battery pack.
b. Align the arrow on the power-head segment
(P) with the arrow on the rear segment (Q)
and push the power-head segment into the
rear segment.
c. Rotate the threaded sleeve (H) onto the threaded connection (I) of the rear segment (Q) to
secure the power-head segment (P) and the rear segment (Q) together.
d. Pull on both segments to verify that they are securely joined in place.
Assembly with the extension segment
The extension segment increases the cutting range. It should be connected between the
power-head segment and the rear segment.
a. Remove the battery pack.
b. Align the arrow on the power-head segment (P) with the arrow on the extension segment
(J) and push the power-head segment into the extension segment.
c. Rotate the threaded sleeve (H) onto the threaded connection (I) to secure the extension
segment (J) and the power-head segment (P) together.
d. Repeat the same steps to join the extension segment (J) and the rear segment (Q).
e. Pull on all segments to verify that they are securely joined in place.
WARNING
• Be certain that the threaded sleeves are securely tightened before operating the pole saw,
check them periodically for tightness during use to avoid serious personal injury.
1
H
I
J/Q
P

9
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
2. Filling Oil tank with Bar and Chain Oil
The pole saw is not lled with oil at the time of
purchase. It is essential to ll the tank with oil
before use. Operating the pole saw without chain
oil or when the oil level is below the minimum mark
will result in damage to the saw. Chain life and
cutting capacity depend on optimum lubrication.
The chain is automatically lubricated with chain oil
from the tank during operation.
WARNING
• Do not smoke or bring any re or ame near the
oil or the saw. Oil may spill and cause a re.
a. Turn the trigger switch (M) to OFF. Remove the battery pack from the pole saw.
b. Wipe the oil-tank cap (E) and the area around it to ensure that no dirt falls into the oil tank.
c. Position the pole saw on its side on a rm, at surface, so that the oil-tank cap is facing
upwards. Rotate the oil-tank cap counterclockwise to remove it.
d. Carefully pour the oil into the tank. Fill to the bottom of the ll neck. Wipe off any excess
oil.
e. Replace the cap, place the saw upright.
NOTICE:
• Use KOBALT®and TriLink™ bar and chain oil for best results. It is specially designed to
provide reduced friction and faster cuts.
• Never use oil or other lubricants not specically designed for use on the bar and chain. This
can lead to a clogged oil system, which may cause premature wear of the bar and chain.
• Check the oil level frequently and ll when the oil level falls below the minimum line. Never
operate the pole saw if the oil is not visible.
• Do not use dirty, used, or otherwise contaminated oil. Damage may occur to the bar or
chain.
• It is normal for oil to seep from the saw when it is not in use. To prevent seepage, empty the
oil tank after each use and then run the saw for one minute. When storing the tool for a long
period of time, be sure the chain is lightly lubricated – this will prevent rust on the chain and
bar sprocket.
To preserve natural resources, please recycle or dispose of oil properly. Consult your local
waste authority for information regarding available recycling and disposal options.
2
F
E

10
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3. To Attach/Remove Battery Pack
a. Make sure that the trigger switch (M) is in the
OFF position.
b. Align the mounting grooves on the battery
pack with the raised ribs in the pole saw’s
battery port, as shown.
c. Slide the battery pack into the tool until it
snaps into position.
NOTICE: Make sure that the latch on the pole saw
snaps into place and the battery pack is secured
to the tool before beginning operation. Improper
assembly of the battery pack can cause damage to
internal components.
To Remove Battery Pack
WARNING
• Always be aware of the location of your feet, children, or pets when pressing the battery-
release button. NEVER remove the battery pack at a high position. Serious injury could
result if the battery pack falls.
a. Make sure that the trigger switch (M) is in the OFF position.
b. Hold the battery pack in the palm of your hand.
c. Press the battery-release button with your thumb. The battery pack will disengage from the
latch.
d. Grasp the battery pack and remove it from the pole saw.
WARNING
• Battery tools are always in operating condition. Therefore, the trigger switch should always
be in the OFF position when the tool is not in use or when carrying the tool at your side.
4. To Start/Stop the Pole Saw
a. To turn the pole saw ON, push the lock-off
button (L) to left or right and then depress the
trigger switch (M).
b. To turn it off, release the trigger switch and
allow the pole saw to come to a complete
stop.
WARNING
• Always remove the battery pack from the pole
saw during work breaks and after nishing work.
4L
M
3
Battery-
release
button

11
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
5. Before Using the Pole Saw:
Refer to “Safety Information” earlier in this manual for appropriate safety equipment.
DANGER
• Never cut near power lines, electric cords, or other electric sources. If the bar and
chain jams on any electrical cord or line, DO NOT TOUCH THE BAR, CHAIN OR THE
ALUMINUM POLE! THEY CAN BECOME ELECTRICALLY LIVE AND MAY BE VERY
DANGEROUS. Continue to hold the pole saw by the insulated handles or lay it down and
away from you in a safe manner. Disconnect the electrical service to the damaged line or
cord before attempting to free the bar and chain from the line or cord. Contact with the bar,
chain, other conductive parts of the pole saw, or live electric cords or lines will result in death
by electrocution or serious injury.
WARNING
• Do not use any attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this
product. The use of attachments or accessories not recommended can result in serious
personal injury.
Before each use, inspect the entire product for damaged, missing, or loose parts such as
screws, nuts, bolts, caps, etc. Tighten securely all fasteners and caps and do not operate this
product until all missing or damaged parts are replaced.
a. Remove the battery pack.
b. Make sure that the saw chain (D) is properly mounted and correctly tensioned.
c. Lift the tip of the guide bar (C) up to check for any sagging in the chain. If the tension
requires adjustment, refer to the section: “Replacing the Bar and Chain” in the
“Maintenance” section of this manual for adjustment instructions.
d. Check the oil level and ll the oil tank (F) as needed.
e. Check the cutting-teeth sharpness of the saw chain.
f. Make sure that the chain is well lubricated.
g. Stand upright and hold the pole saw in a relaxed position.
h. Make sure the saw chain is not touching the ground or any other objects.
i. Hold the pole saw with both hands: with the right hand on the rear handle (N) and the left
hand on the front handle (K).
j. Make sure that you have a secure and balanced footing. Watch out for obstacles such as
tree stumps, roots, and ditches, which could cause you to trip or stumble.

12
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
6. Basic Cutting
NOTICE: Practice cutting a few small logs using the
following technique to get the “feel” of using your
saw before you begin a major sawing operation.
Follow the steps below to prevent damage to tree
or shrub bark. Do not use a back-and-forth sawing
motion.
a. Make a shallow (1/4 of the limb diameter) rst
cut (1) on the underside of the limb, close to
the main limb or trunk (Fig. 6b).
b. Make the second cut (2) from the top side of
the limb, outboard from the rst cut. Continue
the cut through the limb until the limb separates
from the tree. Be prepared to balance the
weight of the tool when the limb falls (Fig. 6b).
c. Make the nal cut (3) close to the trunk.
NOTICE: For the second and nal cuts (from the
top of the limb or branch), hold the bucking spikes
against the limb being cut (Fig. 6c). This will help
to steady the limb and make it easier to cut. Allow
the chain to cut for you; exert only light, downward
pressure. If you force the cut, damage to the bar,
chain, or motor can result.
d. Release the trigger on the power head as soon
as the cut is completed.
NOTICE: Failure to follow proper cutting
procedures will result in the bar and chain binding
and becoming pinched or trapped in the limb. If this
should happen:
• Stop the motor and remove the battery pack.
• If the limb can be reached from the ground,
lift the limb while holding the saw. This should
release the “pinch” and free the saw.
• If the saw is still trapped, call a professional for
assistance.
6a
6c
Bucking Spikes
1
2
3
6b LOAD
Second Cut
First Cut 1/4
Diameter
Final Cut

13
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
7. Limbing and Pruning
This pole saw is designed for trimming small
branches and limbs up to 8" in diameter. For best
results, observe the following precautions:
• Plan the cut carefully. Be aware of the direction
in which the branch will fall.
WARNING
• Branches may fall in unexpected directions. Do
not stand directly under the branch being cut.
• The most typical cutting application is to
position the pole saw at an angle of 60°or less,
depending on the specic situation. As the angle
of the pole-saw shaft to the ground increases,
the difculty of making the rst cut (from the
underside of the limb) increases.
• Remove long branches in several stages.
• Cut lower branches rst to allow the top branches more room to fall.
• Work slowly, keeping both hands on the saw with a rm grip. Maintain secure footing and
balance.
• Keep the tree between you and the chain while limbing. Cut from the side of the tree
opposite the branch you are cutting.
• Do not cut from a ladder this is extremely dangerous. Leave such operations for
professionals.
• Do not make a ush cut next to the main limb or trunk until you have cut off much of limb to
reduce the weight. Following proper cutting procedures will prevent stripping the bark from
the main trunk or limb.
• Do not use the pole saw for felling or bucking.
• To prevent electrocution, do not operate within 50 ft. (15m) of overhead electrical lines.
• Keep bystanders at least 50 ft. (15m) away.
7Minimum
50’(15m)
50’
(15m)

14
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
WARNING
• All maintenance should only be carried out by a qualied service technician.
• Before cleaning or performing any maintenance, remove the battery pack. For safe and
proper operation, always keep the tool and its ventilation slots clean.
• When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other parts may create a
hazard or cause product damage.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields during power tool operation
or when blowing dust. If the operation is dusty, also wear a dust mask.
• When cleaning the pole saw, DO NOT immerse in water or other liquids.
• Do not at any time let brake uids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, penetrating oils,
etc. come in contact with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken, or destroy plastic,
which may result in serious personal injury.
Cleaning
• Before cleaning or performing any maintenance, remove the battery pack. For safe and
proper operation, always keep the tool and its ventilation slots clean.
• When work has been completed, clean the tool to allow smooth functioning of the tool over
time.
• Always use only a soft, dry cloth to clean your tool. Never use detergent or alcohol.
• Always wear safety goggles when cleaning tools with compressed air.
8. Replacing the Bar and Chain
WARNING
• Always wear protective gloves when handling
the bar and chain. These components are sharp
and may contain burrs.
• Never touch or adjust the chain while the motor
is running.
NOTICE: When replacing the guide bar and
chain, always use the specied bar and chain
combination listed in this manual.
Disassembling the Worn Bar and Chain
a. Remove the battery and allow the saw to
cool. Make sure the oil-tank cap (E) is snug to
prevent oil leakage.
b. Position the pole saw on its side on a rm,
at surface, so that the side cover is facing
upwards.
c. Rotate the side-cover knob (A)
counterclockwise, then remove the side cover
(B). Clean the side-cover with a dry cloth (Fig.
8a).
d. Remove the bar and chain from the mounting
surface. Remove the worn chain from the bar.
NOTICE: This is a good time to inspect the drive
sprocket for excessive wear or damage.
8a
A
B
O
8b
Cutters
Chain-drive Links
Chain rotation

15
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Assembling the New Bar and Chain
a. Remove the battery and allow the saw to
cool. Make sure the oil-tank cap (E) is snug to
prevent oil leakage.
b. Lay the new saw chain in a loop on a at surface
and straighten any kinks. The cutters should
face in the direction of chain rotation. If they face
backwards, turn the loop over. (Fig. 8b & 8c).
c. Place the chain-drive links into the guide-bar
groove. Position the chain so there is a loop at
the back of the guide bar (Fig. 8d).
d. Place the loop around the drive sprocket of the
power head.
NOTICE: Small directional arrows are engraved
in the saw chain. Another directional arrow is
molded into the saw housing. When looping the
saw chain onto the drive sprocket, make sure
that the direction of the arrows on the saw chain
corresponds to the direction of the arrow on the
housing. If they face in opposite directions, turn
over the saw chain and guide bar assembly.
e. Place the guide bar on the mounting surface
by sliding the guide bar slot over the screw,
making sure that the housing bolt is aligned
with the hole on the side cover and the tension-
adjusting pin is inserted in the lower hole in the
tail of the bar (Fig. 8e).
f. Replace the side cover and lightly tighten the
side-cover knob (A) by turning it clockwise, but
do not fully tighten it (Fig. 8f).
8e 8f
Drive sprocket
Housing bolt
NOTICE: To extend the guide bar life, invert the bar occasionally.
CAUTION
• The saw chain must be properly tensioned before using.
8c
8d
Bar groove
Chain-drive
links

16
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
g. Remove all the slack from the chain by turning
the chain-tensioning knob (O) in the “+”
direction until the chain seats snugly against
the guide bar with the drive links in the guide
bar groove.
h. Lift the tip of the guide bar up and pull outward
to check for sag (Fig. 8g & 8h). Release the tip
of the guide bar and turn the chain-tensioning
knob once in the “+” direction. Repeat this
process until the sag is eliminated.
NOTICE: If the chain is too tight, it will not rotate.
Loosen the tensioning knob slightly (turn it in the
“–“ direction. Lift the tip of the guide bar up and
retighten the side cover knob securely. Assure that
the chain will rotate without binding.
8g
8h

9a
9b
17
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
9. Adjusting the Chain Tension
a. Stop the saw, allow the saw to cool and remove
the battery pack before adjusting the chain
tension.
b. Loosen the side-cover knob.
c. Rotate the chain tensioning knob (O) to tension
the chain. See the section: “Replacing the
Bar and Chain” in this manual for additional
information (Fig. 9a).
• During normal saw operation, the temperature
of the chain will increase. The drive links of
a correctly tensioned warm chain will hang
approximately 0.050 in. (1.3 mm) out of the bar
groove (Fig. 9b).
• A cold chain is correctly tensioned when there is
no slack on the underside of the guide bar and
the chain is snug, but it can be turned by hand
without binding. The chain must be re-tensioned
whenever the ats on the drive links do not sit in
the bar groove (Fig. 9c).
NOTICE: New chains tend to stretch, check
chain tension frequently and adjust the tension as
required.
NOTICE: A chain tensioned while it is warm may
be too tight upon cooling. Check the cold tension
before next use.
9c
Flats on Drive Links
0.05in. (1.3mm)
O

18
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
10. Chain Maintenance
WARNING
• Remove the battery pack before performing any maintenance, failure to heed this warning
could result in serious personal injury.
• Always wear gloves when handling the saw chain – the saw chain is sharp and may contain
burrs.
Use only low-kickback chains on this saw. This fast-cutting chain will provide kickback
reduction when properly maintained.
A properly sharpened saw chain cuts through wood effortlessly, even with very little pressure.
Never use a dull or damaged saw chain. A dull saw chain cutter leads to increased physical
strain, increased vibration load, unsatisfactory cutting results and increased wear.
For smooth and fast cutting, the chain needs to be maintained properly. 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 are the indicators that the chain requires sharpening. During maintenance of
your chain, consider the following:
• Improper ling 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 the chain sharpened by a qualied service technician.
NOTICE: 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 qualied
service technician.
Sharpen the Cutters
Be sure to le all cutters (Fig. 10a) to the specied
angles and to the same length, as fast cutting can
be obtained only when all cutters are uniform.
a. Remove the battery pack. Wear gloves for
protection.
b. Use a 5/32" (4.4 mm) diameter round le and
holder (available separately). Do all of your
ling at the middle position of the guide bar.
c. Keep the le level with the top plate of the
tooth. Do not let the le dip or rock.
d. Keep a correct sharpening angle of 30°
between the le and the saw chain; see Fig.
10b & 10c. Always use a le holder (available
separately) when sharpening saw chains
by hand. File holders have markings for the
sharpening angle (Fig. 10b).
e. Using light but rm pressure, perform a stroke
towards the front corner of the tooth. Lift the
le away from the steel on each return stroke
(Fig. 10c).
10a
Top
Plate
Side
Plate
Depth
Gauge
10b
Filing
Direction
5/32"(4.0mm)
Round File Cutter Tooth
Sharpening
Angle: 30°

19
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
f. Make a few rm strokes on every tooth. File all
left hand cutters in one direction. Then move
to the other side and le the right-hand cutters
in the opposite direction. Occasionally remove
lings from the le with a wire brush (Fig. 10d).
WARNING
• Improper chain sharpening increases the
potential of kickback.
• Failure to replace or repair a damaged chain can
cause serious injury.
Top-Plate Sharpening Angles (Fig. 10e)
CORRECT 30°- This optimal angle can be obtained
only when the specied les and proper setting are
used. File holders are marked with guide marks
to align the le properly to produce the correct top
plate angle.
LESS THAN 30°- The tooth is too dull for cutting.
MORE THAN 30°- The edge of the cutting tooth is
feathered and dulls quickly.
10c
30°
10e Top Plate Sharpening Angles
Less than 30°
Correct Incorrect Incorrect
More than 30°
10d
Left Hand
Cutters
Right Hand
Cutters

20
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Side Plate Angle (Fig. 10f)
CORRECT 55°- The optimal angle can be
produced automatically if the correct diameter le
is used in the le holder.
HOOK - “Grabs” and dulls quickly. Increases
potential of KICKBACK. Results from using a le
with a diameter that is too small, or a le held too
low.
BACKWARD SLOPE - Needs too much feed
pressure, causes excessive wear to bar and chain.
Results from using a le with a diameter too large,
or a le held too high.
Depth-Gauge Clearance
a. The depth gauge should be maintained at a
clearance of 0.025 in. (0.6 mm), as shown in
Fig. 10g. Use a depth gauge tool (available
separately) to check the depth-gauge
clearances.
b. Check the depth gauge clearance every time
the chain is led.
Use a at le and a depth-gauge jointer (both
available separately) to lower all gauges uniformly
(Fig. 10h). Use a 0.025 in. (0.6 mm) depth-gauge
jointer.
Depth gauges must be adjusted with the at le
in the same direction that the adjoining cutter was
led with the round le. Use care not to contact the
cutter face with the at le when adjusting depth
gauges.
55°
10f Side Plate Angle
Hook
Correct Incorrect Incorrect
Backward
Slope
10g
0.025"
(0.6mm)
Depth Gauge Clearance
10h
Depth Gauge Jointer
Flat File