What happens if I don't change the chain?

A blunt or stretched chain cuts slowly, throws dust instead of chips, and makes the saw harder to control.

Ryobi chainsaw chains and parts

Which chain or part each of the 27 Ryobi chainsaws sold in Australia takes.

Showing 21 of 27 Ryobi models · grouped by part

Loading more models…

Steps for the 8" Titanium Chainsaw Chain RCHT8 (33 drive links) (RCHT8), the chain 9 Ryobi models take.

1Remove the battery pack and put on heavy-duty gloves.
2Loosen the chain tension: on tool-free models turn the chain tensioner knob anticlockwise to unlock the adjustment ring, then turn the ring anticlockwise.
3Loosen and remove the sprocket cover, then take off the bar and old chain.
4Fit the new chain in the bar groove with a loop at the back of the bar and the cutters facing the direction of rotation (turn the loop over if they face backwards).
5Place the loop around the drive sprocket, lower the bar onto the bolt and refit the sprocket cover.
6Tension the chain (Ryobi gives a 4–5.5 mm gap between the drive teeth and the bar on the 12" saw), then lock the tensioner knob.

No reset needed. Check the chain tension often while a new chain beds in.

What happens if I don't change the chain?: A blunt or stretched chain cuts slowly, throws dust instead of chips, and makes the saw harder to control.
Is there anything to reset after changing the chain on a Ryobi chainsaw?: No reset needed. Check the chain tension often while a new chain beds in.

Brand names describe compatibility only; FitMatch is independent of Ryobi. Fitment sources are recorded on every model page.