What do the numbers mean on chainsaw chains?
The numbers on a chainsaw chain identify the chain’s fit and size: pitch, gauge, and drive link count. For your Craftsman 358356331 chainsaw, matching gauge and drive links to your guide bar is what ensures the chain seats correctly and runs safely.
Most chain packaging (and many bars) call out these specs:
- Pitch: the spacing of the chain’s rivets (common homeowner sizes include 3/8 in low-profile and .325 in).
- Gauge: the thickness of the drive links that ride in the bar groove (common gauges include .043, .050, .058, .063).
- Drive link count: the number of drive links (the “teeth” on the inside of the chain) that wrap around the bar.
- Bar length: often listed as 14 in, 16 in, 18 in, 20 in, etc (length alone is not enough to pick a chain).
Use the markings on the guide bar first, then match the chain to those exact specs.
- Look for stamped/printed info on the side of the bar (often includes gauge and drive links).
- If the bar is worn and unreadable, count the drive links on the old chain.
- Confirm the gauge by checking the bar groove spec (or matching the old chain’s gauge).
| Spec | What it controls | If it’s wrong, what happens |
|---|---|---|
| Pitch | Sprocket and chain match | Chain will not mesh with sprocket correctly |
| Gauge | Fit in bar groove | Chain binds or feels loose in the groove |
| Drive links | Overall chain length | Chain is too short or too long for the bar |
A chain that matches pitch, gauge, and drive link count cuts smoother, stays tensioned correctly, and reduces wear on the bar and sprocket. If you are replacing a worn drive system, pairing the correct chain with a fresh sprocket helps prevent skipping and premature stretch.
If your chain fit issues started after heavy use, inspect these wear items:
- Guide bar rails and bar groove
- Clutch drum and sprocket teeth
- Chain tensioner components
- Bar adjuster hardware
For sprocket-related wear on this model, see the drum sprocket 530048084. For additional parts lookups by model number, use Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
How do I find out what Craftsman chainsaw I have?
To identify which Craftsman chainsaw you have, find the model number on the saw’s ID label and match it to the parts listing. For this page, the model is Craftsman 358356331, so any label showing 358356331 confirms it.
On most Craftsman gas chainsaws, the ID label is on the saw body (not the bar). Check these common spots:
- Side of the engine housing (near the starter cover)
- Rear handle area (underside or back)
- Bottom of the crankcase or chassis
- Near the oil or fuel tank area (on the housing)
Model identification usually includes more than one number. Record everything exactly as printed.
- Model number (example: 358356331)
- Any additional type or product numbers on the same label
- Serial number (helpful for production variations)
- Bar length and chain info stamped on the bar (helps when buying cutting parts)
Use this table to confirm you are on the right parts list and to pick common wear items.
| What you’re checking | What it should show for this page | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Model number on label | 358356331 | Ensures diagrams and parts fit |
| Chain replacement | Chain 20BPX078G | Correct pitch and drive link setup |
| Guide bar replacement | Bar 200PXBK041 | Correct mount pattern and length |
| Fuel line issues | Line kit 530069216 | Fixes leaks, hard starting, fuel starvation |
Chainsaws often look similar across multiple Craftsman models, but small differences (fuel lines, clutch parts, bar mount, chain specs) change which parts fit. Matching the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong chain, bar, or fuel system parts.
If you want to search beyond this model, we recommend using your model number at Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Can I scrap a chainsaw?
Yes. We scrap a Craftsman chainsaw model 358356331 by separating recyclable metal from fuel and oil residues, then taking the metal components to a scrap or recycling facility that accepts mixed steel and aluminum.
- Drain the fuel tank into an approved gas container.
- Run the engine until it stalls to reduce fuel left in the carburetor.
- Empty the bar-and-chain oil tank; wipe up any spills.
- Remove the bar and chain; keep sharp edges covered for handling.
- Brush off heavy sawdust and oily buildup so the recycler can process it.
- Bag small hardware (nuts, washers, screws) so it does not get lost.
Most recyclers accept these as scrap metal once they are clean and separated.
| Item | Typical material | Scrap tip |
|---|---|---|
| Guide bar | Steel | Wipe off oil; keep with other ferrous metal |
| Saw chain | Steel | Coil and tie it so it cannot spring open |
| Clutch/drum area | Steel | Remove loose debris before drop-off |
If you are removing parts first, the bar and chain are common replacements for this model; examples include the bar 200PXBK041 and chain 20BPX078G.
Gas chainsaws hold flammable fuel and sticky bar oil; draining them prevents leaks in your vehicle and reduces fire risk at the recycling site. It also keeps oil from contaminating other recyclable materials.
If the saw is not worth repairing, we still often salvage usable items (bar, chain, drum sprocket, fuel line parts) and recycle the rest.
- Common “keep” candidates: drum sprocket 530048084, line kit 530069216
- Common “recycle” candidates: damaged bar, stretched chain, cracked housings
For replacement parts for model 358356331, order from the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What company makes Craftsman chainsaws?
Craftsman chainsaws are built by different manufacturers depending on the model number and production era. For the Craftsman 358356331 chainsaw, the most reliable way to identify the maker is by matching the model prefix and the exact replacement parts used on the saw; many 358-series Craftsman saws were produced by Poulan/AYP (an Electrolux/Husqvarna lineage).
We use a few practical identifiers that stay consistent even when branding changes:
- Model number prefix: Craftsman models starting with 358 are commonly associated with Poulan/AYP-built units.
- Parts cross-match: If your saw uses common Poulan/AYP-style parts (fuel line kits, sprockets, mounts), that supports the match.
- Decals and ID tags: Look for a small label on the starter housing or rear handle area with additional codes.
- Engine family clues: Carburetor and fuel system layouts often match a specific manufacturer family.
If you are servicing fuel delivery or drive components, these parts are commonly replaced on this model and can help confirm you are shopping the correct parts family:
- Line kit 530069216 (fuel line routing and sizes)
- Drum sprocket 530048084 (clutch drum and rim interface)
- Gasket kit 530069844 (carburetor diaphragm and gasket set)
| What you check | What it tells you | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Model starts with 358 | Likely Poulan/AYP-built | Sears used consistent source coding |
| Fuel line and carb kit style | Engine platform family | Helps avoid wrong carb/fuel parts |
| Clutch drum/sprocket design | Drive system family | Helps match bar/chain and sprocket |
Knowing who built the saw helps you choose compatible parts (fuel line, carburetor gaskets, clutch drum sprocket) and follow the right repair steps, especially for common issues like hard starting, rough running, or fuel leaks.
For troubleshooting and repair walk-throughs that apply to most gas chainsaws in this class, use:
- Tips for a hard to start chainsaw
- How to replace chainsaw fuel lines
- How to replace a chainsaw carburetor
If you need to order additional parts beyond what you see listed for model 358356331, we recommend searching by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are common chainsaw problems?
Common problems on the Craftsman 358356331 chainsaw include hard starting, rough running, stalling under load, chain not oiling, and poor cutting. In many cases, the root cause is basic maintenance (fuel quality, air flow, and chain condition) before a major repair is needed.
- Won’t start: stale fuel, flooded engine, fouled spark plug, clogged air filter, restricted muffler screen
- Runs rough or surges: dirty air filter, carburetor diaphragm/gasket issues, air leak in fuel lines
- Dies when you throttle: fuel delivery restriction, carburetor metering problem, clogged tank vent
- Chain won’t move: worn clutch drum/sprocket, chain brake engaged, chain too tight
- Chain won’t oil: empty oil tank, plugged oiler passages, oil tank vent issue
- Cuts slowly or pulls to one side: dull chain, uneven cutters, bar wear
- Start with fresh, properly mixed fuel and a clean air filter.
- Inspect the muffler outlet area for carbon buildup and restriction.
- Confirm the chain brake is fully released and the chain is correctly tensioned.
- Verify bar oil is flowing (you should see a light oil line when revving near clean cardboard).
- Check for cracked, loose, or soft fuel lines; use a correct replacement like the line kit 530069216 when lines are leaking or collapsing.
| Symptom | Part to inspect/replace | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Chain slips, won’t drive | Drum sprocket 530048084 | Transfers power from clutch to chain |
| Fuel leaks, hard start, surging | Line kit 530069216 | Fuel delivery and air leaks |
| Oil tank won’t vent properly | Fitting 530024475 | Helps prevent oil flow problems |
| Bar/chain cutting issues | Chain 20BPX078G and bar 200PXBK041 | Cutting speed, straightness, safety |
Most “carburetor problems” on a gas chainsaw start as airflow or fuel-delivery issues. Fixing the basics first prevents plug fouling, reduces overheating, and helps your Craftsman 358356331 cut safely and consistently.
For step-by-step troubleshooting, we also recommend our DIY resources like chainsaw care and troubleshooting tips and tips for a hard to start chainsaw. If you need to order parts beyond the list shown for this model, search by model number at Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
