About This Guide
Use this guide when replacing or reinstalling the guide bar and cutting chain on the supported X20-SAW Series models listed below.
Models Covered
X20-SAW-4A
X20-SAW-4A-BLK
X20-SAW-4A-BLU
X20-SAW-4A-GRN
X20-SAW-4A-PNK
X20-SAW-4A-RED
X20-SAW-TV1
What You Need
Protective work gloves - wear them whenever handling the cutting chain.
Supplied screwdriver / adjustment tool - used to adjust chain tension.
Replacement guide bar and/or cutting chain - when applicable.
Start Here: Before You Begin
Bar + Chain Replacement Assembly
Complete the steps in order. Keep the battery removed throughout the procedure.
1. Remove the Battery
Confirm that the saw is switched off, then completely remove the battery before beginning any work on the bar or chain.
2. Remove the Chain/Sprocket End Cover
Loosen the end cover knob and remove the chain/sprocket end cover.
Remove the existing guide bar and cutting chain from the mounting surface when replacing either component.
3. Confirm the Cutting Chain Direction
Lay the replacement chain out in a loop and straighten any twists or kinks.
The sharp cutting edges must face away from the operator in the direction of chain rotation indicated on the guide bar.
4. Seat the Chain Around the Guide Bar
Starting at the tip of the guide bar, place the chain drive links into the guide-bar groove.
Continue working the chain around the guide bar so it sits snugly inside the groove while leaving a loop at the rear of the guide bar.
5. Loop the Chain Around the Sprocket
Hold the chain against the guide bar and place the rear loop of chain completely around the drive sprocket.
Keep the chain drive links seated inside the guide-bar groove while positioning the bar against the saw's mounting surface.
6. Align the Guide Bar + Adjusting Pin
Position the guide bar so the raised mounting piece sits inside the long slot of the guide bar.
Align the adjusting pin with the chain-tension pin hole in the guide bar.
7. Pre-Tension the Cutting Chain
While holding the guide bar and chain against the mounting surface, use the supplied screwdriver to adjust the chain tensioner screw / cover screw.
- Turn clockwise to tighten the chain.
- Turn counterclockwise if the chain becomes too tight.
8. Check Chain Tightness by Hand
With the battery removed and protective gloves on:
- Gently pull the chain away from the guide bar to check the amount of movement.
- Confirm the chain remains seated in the guide-bar groove.
- Carefully move the chain around the bar by hand.
- Confirm that the chain moves smoothly without binding.
The guide specifies approximately a 0.3 cm gap when the chain is pulled away from the bar.
If needed, turn the tensioner / cover screw slightly clockwise to tighten or counterclockwise to loosen, then check the chain again.
9. Install the Chain/Sprocket End Cover
Once the chain is seated, aligned, and initially tensioned, reinstall the chain/sprocket end cover.
Insert the bottom tab into its slot first, then position the cover over the end of the guide bar.
Make sure the end cover is properly seated before tightening the end cover knob.
10. Tighten the End Cover Knob + Perform the Final Check
Tighten the end cover knob to secure the chain/sprocket end cover.
Before returning the saw to operation, perform one final tension check with the battery still removed.
- No chain sag underneath the guide bar.
- Drive links remain seated inside the guide-bar groove.
- Chain is snug against the bar.
- Chain can still be moved by hand, while wearing gloves, without binding.
- End cover knob is securely tightened.
Final Installation Check
Before Reinstalling the Battery
| Checkpoint | What to Confirm |
|---|---|
| Battery | Battery remains completely removed during replacement, tensioning, and manual chain checks. |
| Chain Direction | Sharp cutting edges face in the direction of chain rotation indicated on the guide bar. |
| Guide-Bar Groove | Chain drive links are seated throughout the guide-bar groove. |
| Sprocket | Rear chain loop is fully positioned around the drive sprocket. |
| Adjusting Pin | Adjusting pin is seated in the chain-tension pin hole at the last / rearmost small hole in the guide bar. |
| Chain Tension | Approximately 0.3 cm movement when pulled; no sag underneath the guide bar. |
| Chain Movement | With protective gloves and the battery removed, the chain can rotate by hand without binding. |
| End Cover | Bottom tab is seated correctly and the chain/sprocket end cover sits properly over the bar end. |
| End Cover Knob | Knob is securely tightened after final chain-tension verification. |
After Installing a New Chain
A newly installed chain can settle and stretch during its initial use, so chain tension should be checked more frequently.
- With the battery removed, confirm the chain tension before starting.
- Reinstall the battery only after the saw is completely assembled.
- Run the saw at idle for approximately 5 minutes.
- Remove the battery again and recheck the chain tension.
- Re-tighten the chain if necessary.
- Use only light cuts for approximately the first 30 minutes of use and maintain proper chain lubrication.
Troubleshooting
Keep the battery removed before checking chain seating, alignment, tension, or the end cover.
Chain Remains Loose After Adjustment
Check
- Chain is fully seated in the guide-bar groove
- Rear chain loop is positioned around the sprocket
- Adjusting pin is seated in the correct chain-tension hole
Try
- Re-seat the chain and guide bar, confirm the adjusting pin alignment, then adjust the tension again
Chain Is Extremely Difficult to Move
Possible Cause
- Chain may be over-tightened
Try
- With the battery removed, turn the tensioner / cover screw slightly counterclockwise and recheck the tension
Chain Comes Off the Guide Bar
Check
- Chain seating in the guide-bar groove
- Sprocket alignment
- Adjusting-pin alignment
- Chain tension
- End cover knob is securely tightened
End Cover Will Not Sit Correctly
Check
- Guide-bar position
- Adjusting pin alignment
- Chain placement around the sprocket
- Bottom end-cover tab
Important
- Do not force the cover into position
Saw Vibrates or Will Not Cut Correctly
Check
- Verify that the cutting chain is installed in the correct direction
Find Your X20-SAW Manual
Open the official Shop Joe Product Manuals page and search your exact X20-SAW model before confirming model-specific parts or specifications.