Owner’s manual
Is a 16 or 18 inch chainsaw better?
For the Craftsman 358350600 gas chainsaw, an 18-inch setup is better when you regularly cut thicker limbs and firewood because it gives you more reach and cutting capacity; a 16-inch setup is better for lighter trimming because it’s typically easier to control and less tiring over a long session.
How to choose the right bar length
- Choose 16-inch if you mostly prune, limb, and cut smaller diameter wood.
- Choose 18-inch if you often buck firewood or cut larger limbs and small trees.
- Choose the shorter bar if you want better maneuverability in tight spaces.
- Choose the longer bar if you want fewer reposition cuts on larger logs.
- Match bar length to your comfort level; control matters as much as capacity.
Quick comparison
| Bar length | Best for | Tradeoffs |
|---|---|---|
| 16-inch | Pruning, limbing, lighter homeowner work | Less reach, more repositioning on larger wood |
| 18-inch | Firewood, larger limbs, small tree work | Typically heavier feel, can be harder to maneuver |
Safety and setup checks that matter either way
Before you cut, we recommend following the safety and maintenance basics in the 358350600 owner's manual. Pay special attention to chain control items.
- Wear proper protective gear (eye, hearing, gloves, chaps, boots).
- Keep bystanders at least 30 feet away.
- Check chain tension before use and after the first minute of operation.
- Confirm the chain brake stops the chain immediately when activated.
- Keep the chain out of dirt and sand to reduce kickback risk and premature wear.
Why it matters
Bar length affects how the saw handles, how many passes you need to finish a cut, and how easy it is to keep the chain stable and properly tensioned. A bar that matches your typical cutting diameter helps you work faster while staying in control.
Last updated: January 2026
Should I use 40 1 or 50 1 fuel for a chainsaw?
For the Craftsman chainsaw model 358350600, we use a 40:1 fuel mix (unleaded gasoline mixed with synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil). That equals 3.2 oz of oil per 1 gallon of gas, which is the ratio specified for this model in the 358350600 owner's manual.
Correct mix for model 358350600
Use this ratio every time you mix fuel:
- 40:1 gasoline-to-oil ratio
- 3.2 oz 2-cycle oil per 1 gallon unleaded gasoline
- Use synthetic 2-cycle air-cooled engine oil (not automotive oil, not marine/boat oil)
- Mix in an approved fuel container, then shake to fully blend
- Make only what you will use soon; fresh mix helps starting and performance
Quick mix chart
| Gasoline amount | 40:1 oil amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 3.2 oz | Standard full mix |
| 1/2 gallon | 1.6 oz | Good for small batches |
| 1 quart | 0.8 oz | Useful for test runs |
What happens if you run 50:1 in this saw?
A 50:1 mix has less oil than 40:1. In a saw designed for 40:1, that can reduce lubrication to the piston and cylinder and increase the chance of overheating and accelerated wear.
Why it matters
The fuel mix is the engine’s lubrication system on a 2-cycle chainsaw. Using the correct 40:1 ratio helps protect the cylinder, piston, crank bearings, and seals so the saw starts easier and lasts longer.
Related maintenance tip
This model is designed to use about one tank of bar oil per tank of fuel mix. Keeping the bar oil topped off helps prevent bar and chain damage; see the bar-and-chain oiling section in the 358350600 owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
How do I find the model number on my 358350600?
The model number is printed on the saw’s model tag; for this Craftsman chainsaw, it appears as 358.350600 in the documentation. Use the tag to confirm the exact number before ordering parts or looking up maintenance and safety instructions in the owner's manual.
Where to look on the chainsaw
We recommend checking these common model-tag locations on Craftsman gas chainsaws:
- On the starter housing (recoil starter side)
- Near the rear handle or trigger handle area
- On the crankcase or chassis near the bar mount
- On a label close to the fuel tank
- Occasionally on the underside of the saw body
What the model number looks like
On this model, the manual shows the model as 358.350600 (with a dot). When searching parts, it is often entered without the dot as 358350600.
| You might see it as | Use it for parts lookup as |
|---|---|
| 358.350600 | 358350600 |
| 358350600 | 358350600 |
Why it matters
Using the exact model number ensures the correct fit for key items like the bar and chain, fuel system parts, and ignition components. Even small model-number differences can change the correct carburetor kit, fuel line routing, or bar/chain compatibility.
Quick tips before you order parts
- Match the full model number exactly (all digits)
- If the tag is dirty, wipe it and use a flashlight to read stamped characters
- Keep the model number handy when selecting parts like a bar, chain, fuel line, or oil pump
Last updated: March 2026
