I have a Husqvarna 345e chainsaw. Can't get the cover back on.

That metal band you see which is preventing you from putting on the cover is part of the chain break mechanism. You were suppose to disengage the break before taking off the cover (I did the same thing). To get it back together you need to disengage the break by a tricky procedure and that will make the band diameter larger so it fits over the clutch. To force the band open, you need to first place the cover over the two bolts that hold the bar. As you already know, the back of the cover will not be able to fit over the clutch. Now in this angled position, bend (force) the break lever down (gray thing on top) until you can force together the sproket in the cover onto the mating pastic fitting built into the break lever. Now you can use the break lever to force down the internal spring and open the metal band. That will expand the stainless steel band and it will fit around the clutch. If you now push down on the back of the cover it will snap in over the clutch. Once you see how it is done, it is not so hard, but it is tricky because you are forcing some of the parts slightly out of position to get it back together. .

Okidoke, flip the cover over. The chain break spring is under a plastic cover with 3 screws... do not remove this. See the metal break mechanism that goes into the break handle? Get ahold of that with a pair of plyers, have someone hold the plastic cover, now twist the mechanism into place. It will take some force, and do not get ahold of the plasitc with plyers, it will break. Also, you could make a wrench just for this. Take the spark plug wrench and cut it to fit over the above mentioned break "switch", then use that to turn it. Easier to show you, if you have questions, or this doesnt make sense, email me and I can get you some pictures. I have a Husqvarna 235 that had this same thing.
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Clint

The chain brake spring is set to "on", which is why you can't slide the cover back on. Fit the cover back on enough to throw the brake bar- with an audible click. Make sure you leave it in the "off" position- then the spring will be in the open position and the cover will slip right on. I got this from the manual when I finally figured out where to look.

Having this issue as well - however the lock will not disengage, the band will not widen. Half installing the cover and trying to disengage lock is only damaging the corners of the grey plastic.

I don't know what to say since a mechanical person like my son might take a chance and retool the piece. I think you're talking about the 3 pronged part that fits into the brake with a spring that works on inertia or force. I didn't try that. But what I now learned is the brake, that circular metal piece in the clutch cover of my 235e wouldn't fit around the circular part with the clean springs in it. Anyway if you're an expert you might know what I'm talking about. I took it to Tractor Supply and in 45 minutes two people there were able to get it back on, but as soon as they removed it they were stuck again. I think the hand brake for safety never worked properly. I got my money back. I went to HD to look at another out of curiosity and moved the emergency brake for kickback and found it didn't click in or out like any model regardless of price. The Echo did, the Homelite did. Even my old Sears did. I think there's a problem with the 235e.

Call the manufacturer and order a whole new cover for around $60 bolt in place and go. Or as my southern friends say plug and play yaall.